Dental Hygiene

OCTOBER IS DENTAL HYGIENE MONTH!
Our office suggests sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol, especially to cavity-prone patients.  Chewing sugar-free gum has been shown to reduce cavities and plaque. 
Check out the articles below on how to keep your mouth healthy beyond flossing and brushing daily. 
From the ADHA website http://www.adha.org/ndhm/index.html –

Brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day remains a critical component to maintaining a healthy smile.  Studies have shown that brushing for two minutes is perhaps the single most important step an individual can take to reduce plaque build-up and the risk of plaque-associated diseases, such as cavities and gingivitis. 

Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach — under the gumline and between your teeth. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended.
Let’s face it, getting into a routine of regular flossing is probably the greatest home care challenge for our patients. Studies have revealed that only 16% of 961 periodontal patients followed over an eight-year period, complied with the recommended maintenance schedules. The results of these studies are an excellent example of how different our perceived ideal can be from clinical reality. Any product or technique that can demonstrably make flossing easier will be more likely to make it actually happen! There are many different types of floss (besides waxed or unwaxed) with different thicknesses, filaments, and coatings. They are available at most dental trade shows; try them in your own mouth. If a patient is resistant to flossing, find out why. Explore probable causes of the problem, and suggest several products that might help.
For proper flossing instructions, please click here. 

Rinsing your mouth each day with an antimicrobial mouth rinse is another important step in preventing the gum disease known as gingivitis.  Speak with your dental hygienist for more information on which mouth rinse is right for you. 

Chewing sugar-free gum after eating is clinically proven to be an important part of good oral health. It stimulates the most important natural defense against tooth decay – saliva – which, in turn, helps fight cavities, neutralize plaque acids, remineralize enamel to strengthen teeth, and wash away food particles.
Research from around the world has now shown conclusively that chewing sugar-free gum has many oral health benefits. When chewing is incorporated into the daily oral healthcare routine, especially after eating and drinking, it positively affects oral health.
Many people don’t know about the scientific evidence supporting the use of sugar-free gum. Here are the hard facts.

Another great article on sugar-free gum and caries prevention from the ADHA website…
http://www.adha.org/downloads/Sugarfree_Chewing_Gums_and_Caries.pdf