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Oral Health and Fluoride

We've all heard the success story of fluoride, perhaps the most dramatic turnaround of a population's dental health in history. But we're finding the benefits of fluoride extend beyond decay prevention in our children. There's something in fluoride for adults, too.

As we get a little older, the gums tend to recede, exposing the tooth root. Since the root surface is dentin, rather than tough, protective enamel, the root becomes more susceptible to decay. Dentin is closer to nerves, too, so teeth can be sensitive to heat and cold.

Fluorides can help with your dental hygiene program. The numbers in a recent University of Iowa survey are impressive. At the end of a year-long study, adults aged 54 to 93 enjoyed 67% less decay on the root surfaces (and 41% less on tooth crowns) than non-fluoride users. We've seen the same kinds of success when it comes to gum problems with fluoride, there is less plaque, less tartar, and less bacteria all around to multiply into gum disease.

Gel-Kam

Many patients know Gel-Kam well.

Gel-Kam is a prescription stannous fluoride, much more effective than other fluoride compounds on the market.

Just after you visit your dental hygienist to have your teeth cleaned is a good time to introduce you to Gel-Kam. Right away it restores the fluoride lost during dental cleaning. At home, you apply Gel-Kam once daily, after your regular preventive dentistry regimen.

We're seeing good results with Gel-Kam. It's easy to use and it's safe - a low fluoride concentration that still works.

Your dentist is likely to recommend a home fluoride program if you're having recurrent caries, difficulty in keeping free of plaque and calculus, or gum recession.

+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.

Healthy Eating for Good Oral Health

What you eat affects your oral health destiny. You can dramatically impact your dental health by eating a well-balanced, healthful diet. Research has shown that poor nutrition jeopardizes our oral health which puts you at risk for a number of serious dental problems.

The Food Factor

Our food choices can make a big difference in two of the most common diseases today: tooth decay and gum disease. Certain foods, especially those containing sugar, are directly linked to increased levels of cavity-causing bacteria. Tooth decay results when acids from the bacteria attack the teeth forming cavities. While diet doesn't directly cause gum disease, a condition affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth, researchers believe the disease is more rapid and severe when poor nutrition is a factor. Gum disease is a serious problem, since it can lead to tooth loss if untreated.

Diet and Dental Health

The American Dietetic Association and the National Institutes of Health recommend eating a well-balanced diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables, a good variety of breads and cereals, dairy products, fish, chicken, dried beans and peas, and meat. Enjoying a variety of foods is the best way to get all the important nutrients needed for keeping healthy. Beware of fad diets that exclude entire food groups. This can cause nutritional deficiencies.

Snack Smart

Snacking is a favorite pastime, but certain snack choices promote tooth decay such as soft, sweet, sticky foods. Select nutritious snacks better for your teeth and general good oral health, especially colorful, juicy fresh fruits and crisp, crunchy vegetables. Choose your snacks based on any other dietary concerns, such as low cholesterol, low-fat, or low sodium diets. Dental cleaning should always follow snacking, whenever possible.

If you snack on crackers, cookies, or chips, it's better if you eat them in combination with other foods, such as cheese with crackers, rather than alone. This is because these foods when eaten alone tend to produce more bacteria in the mouth leading to tooth decay. Remember, each time you snack, oral bacteria is activated. Drink plenty of water to rinse away some of the disease-causing bacteria. If possible, brush your teeth after snacking.

Select from the wide variety of foods for healthful eating -- that are good for you and your oral health.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+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.