Brushing, Flossing Keep Dentist at Bay
Dentists can be so cruel. Now we’re not referring to pain, though goodness knows the shots, awkward positions and drilling can be unpleasant. Instead we’re talking about psychological distress brought on by guilt. Dentists’ offices often sport wall posters declaring, “You don’t have to brush all your teeth--just the ones you want to keep.”
It seems that no matter how much you brush or floss, the dentist always finds more plaque to scrape away. And if you should get a cavity or need root canal work, you’ll often be made to feel that it’s somehow your fault for poor dental hygiene.
In defense of dental professionals, though, lots of folks don’t do such a hot job of cleaning their teeth. Less than 20% of the population flosses every day. Many people do not know how to brush correctly. It is still true that keeping teeth clean is the best defense against gum disease.
Americans love fast and easy solutions to tough problems. So makers of mouthwashes and toothpastes supply us with products touted to banish plaque and tartar with the implied promise that they will prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Mouthwash is nothing new. Five thousand years ago, Chinese healers had a mouthwash for gum disease, but it wouldn’t excite much interest nowadays: They used urine.
The modern equivalent comes in fancy bottles and bright colors, ranging from foul-tasting to sweet or spicy. Only one (Peridex) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as effective against plaque and gingivitis, however, and it is available only by prescription.
The only over-the-counter mouthwash that has earned the American Dental Assn.’s seal of acceptance is the old standby, Listerine. At this point, the FDA has not approved Listerine for fighting plaque and gingivitis. The agency has even written the manufacturer warning it against making unauthorized claims of effectiveness against plaque.
Local gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup responds well to Peridex; unfortunately, there is a trade-off. This prescription oral rinse can stain teeth and interfere with taste. In addition, it may actually increase deposits of tartar (calcified plaque that has hardened onto the teeth).
Although advertisements for tartar-control toothpastes surround us at every turn, dental experts now believe that tartar is less serious than previously thought. According to an article in the Journal of the American Dental Assn. (January, 1988), anti-tartar toothpastes make your teeth look better but don’t reduce the risk of gum disease any more than ordinary paste.
Although the manufacturers would like to imply that one brand of toothbrush or dental floss is better than another, there isn’t much difference. A new toothbrush works better than one that is worn out, but for both brushes and floss, the key is proper and regular use.
Ask your hygienist to check your technique the next time you go in for a checkup, and find out how long you should brush. Most people spend less than a minute a day, so get a timer for your bathroom. It’s not fast or glamorous, but conscientious tooth cleaning is the best way to fend off tooth decay and gum disease.