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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.

Choosing Dental Health, Three Reasons Why It Is a Wise Choice for Care

Most of us think that taking care of our teeth is about having a great smile and avoiding the discomfort of a toothache. Although any dentist will say these are valid and important reasons for maintaining a good dental health program, there are three other equally strong reasons to consider.

First of all, dental health is part of your overall health. Second, choosing dental health is a wise investment of your time and financial resources. Third, your emotional well-being is influenced by how you think and feel about yourself. Your smile is a big part of your image of yourself. Let's examine each of these areas more thoroughly.

Your Physical Health

How easy it is to forget that our teeth, gums, and mouth are essential parts of our physical body. Periodontal disease, bone and gum loss, and infections all affect the overall picture of our physical health. The ability to chew our food well helps digestion and reduces stress on the gastrointestinal system.

Like any physical system, each part of the body plays a role in the overall health of the system; taking care of your teeth and gums is a part of an intentional plan for physical health. In collaboration with your dentist and dental team, you can create a plan for your dental health that will contribute to your overall health plan.

Dental Care - A Wise Investment

When treatment is necessary, the new dentistry is also an investment in your financial future. Proper treatment today prevents more costly complications and uncomfortable problems tomorrow. For those who seek to maintain their dental health for life, it is a wise investment to get the most value from the knowledge and skills your dentist and the new dentistry offers you.

Dental Hygiene - Emotional Well-Being

How you feel and think about yourself is an important part of your emotional well-being and a pleasant smile plays a big role in this. In addition, when you take an active role in caring for yourself, it also contributes to your overall sense of competence in managing your life and maintaining a positive lifestyle. The habit of dental health self-care and regular dental hygiene examinations reinforces taking positive steps for yourself in other areas of your life.

The new dentistry also can provide you with innovative and effective ways to create and maintain a pleasant smile that you feel good about. When it comes to feeling good about yourself and your smile, the new dentistry offers many exciting and effective options.

By Brian DesRoches, PhD

+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.