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Preventive Dentistry

One of the simplest dental hygiene exercises you can do for yourself is something you've heard before and it bears repeating: floss.

Every 24 hours, bacteria contribute to a new batch of plaque. Brushing, no matter how well done, will not get all the "bugs," especially between teeth and where tooth meets gum tissue. Flossing before or after brushing should be a part of everyone's oral health care program. The kind of floss, waxed, unwaxed, tape, doesn't matter. Just choose the product you're comfortable with, and use it.

Maybe you never quite got the hang of flossing, or are a little out of practice. Here's a quick refresher course.

• Wrap about 18 inches of floss around your fingers; give yourself about five to six taut inches to work with. If the floss frays or builds up with debris, re-loop the floss and keep at it.
• Try starting on the upper molars, way in the back; they're most difficult to reach. Follow the curve of enamel on every surface you can, three to four passes each.
• Where teeth meet, you may have to gently pull the floss to the gum line. Avoid sawing motions as that may damage soft tissue.
• Proceed from the back teeth to the center front. Then repeat the process on the other side.
• Rinse, and there you are.

If you find all this tedious or feel you're "all thumbs," a floss threader can help. Your dental hygienist can show you how to handle one. Just ask for help.

And remember, any amount of time you spend on plaque removal is time well spent for better dental health. The more time the better. If you have more questions or for more information, just call your dentist.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Oral Cancer And Smokeless Tobacco

"Dip" ... quot;Chew" ... "Pinch" ... quot;Snuff" ... "Dirt" ... "Plug" ... all are different names for smokeless tobacco, a finely ground version of processed tobacco. No matter the name, smokeless tobacco is harmful and puts your health at risk. Chew on these facts:

• About 30,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in 1999.*
• More than 8,000 oral cancer patients will die this year.
• Tobacco products cause about 75% of oral cancers affecting the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, and parts of the nose and larynx.
• Nearly 30 cancer-causing substances have been found in smokeless tobacco.
• One can of smokeless tobacco a day delivers as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes!
• You have a 50% greater risk of developing oral cancer with long-term use of smokeless tobacco.

* Cancer Facts and Figures, American Cancer Society, 1999

Smokeless tobacco has been glorified over time by images of quot;macho" men performing feats of fame and prowess, whether as athletes, rodeo cowboys, or country music stars. In reality, many want to kick the habit, but nicotine is addictive. It's hard for them to quit.

In a survey of major league baseball players, more than a third reported they had mouth sores, white patches, or gum problems. Nearly 60% said they wanted to quit. The nicotine actually decreases performance, causing dizziness and slowed reaction time.

Smokeless tobacco causes problems for your oral health:

• White, leathery patches in your mouth or lips
• Painful sores that may be pre-cancerous or cancerous
• Yellow teeth and permanent tobacco-stained teeth
• Exposed tooth roots from receding gums, likely to cause decay, sensitive teeth and pain
• Cavities from the sugar added to the tobacco
• Bad breath
• Greater risk for developing oral cancer

Additionally, smokeless tobacco can affect your general health causing:

• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• A greater risk of heart attack
• Withdrawal symptoms ranging from headaches, moodiness, and problems concentrating when you try to quit
• Cancer that can be fatal

If you use smokeless tobacco, chew all these facts over. Choose to quit. Your health is serious business. Talk to your dentist about getting help to quit. Make the right choice -- it's for your body, your health, and maybe even your life.

By Thomas Warner, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.