Posts Tagged ‘Fluoride’
How Can We Ensure Dental Health?
Good oral hygiene and the use of fluoride are now considered the main factors responsible for preventing tooth decay and promoting good oral health. The following tips are also important for keeping teeth caries-free.
* Start early care of the teeth, brushing children’s teeth with a fluoride toothpaste as they arise. Do not allow children to sleep while drinking from a bottle of milk, formula, juice or sugary drinks. These sweet liquids remain around the baby’s teeth for long periods of time and can lead to “baby bottle tooth decay.”
* Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste. And where possible, clean between teeth with floss or toothpicks once a day. Do not eat after cleaning teeth at bedtime as salivary flow decreases during sleep.
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Visit the dentist every 6 months for a review. And the dentist for advice before using aesthetic products (eg. Whitening teeth) that can damage the teeth.
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Do not eat or drink continuously. Allow time between eating occasions for saliva to neutralize acids and repair the teeth.
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People at high risk of tooth wear and erosion should take special precautions, such as:
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Reduce the frequency and contact with acidic foods and drinks.
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Avoid brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic foods, drinks, citrus fruits and juices. This allows time for remineralisation to occur.
The fluorinated mouthwashes and sugar-free gum can be useful after taking acidic foods and drinks as they encourage remineralisation.
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The sugar free gum are “friends” of the teeth and it helps increase saliva flow and clean the mouth of leftovers.
Good dental health is the responsibility of individuals, communities and governments although their relative importance varies. For example, in some European countries water fluoridation is not yet accepted in the public domain and therefore the responsibility of caries prevention depends on the individual.
Dentists play an important role in monitoring dental health and treatment or prevention of disease. Access to good dental care, including periodic reviews, is vital. For some people, especially the depressed socioeconomic groups, access to dentists may be limited. These groups are important objectives of the programs of dental health education. Schools also have an important role in educating children about the importance of good oral hygiene and diet.