Brush Up on Basic Tooth Care

Some health problems can’t be prevented, but many others--with good habits--can be reduced or avoided completely. A perfect example is found in our mouths.

We all get one set of permanent teeth, but what happens to these teeth as we age depends in large part on the care we give them through the years.

The idea is simple: The more you brush and floss, the less likely you are to get cavities and gum disease. And the fewer cavities and gum problems you have, the better your chance of skipping hours in the dentist’s chair. You’re also less likely to develop adult dental problems, such as the need for crowns, dentures and gum surgery (all of which can involve lots of time, money and pain). By taking care of your teeth now, you improve the chances of keeping a healthy smile as you grow.

Cavities are caused by a combination of factors, such as diet, how long the food is in contact with the teeth and brushing habits, says Dr. Richard Udin, chairman of pediatric dentistry at USC.

When we eat, the bacteria in the mouth turns the sugar in food into acid. Because sweets such as cookies and candy have the most sugar, it’s especially important to limit how much of them we eat. But starchy foods too, such as breads and pasta, are also sources of sugar.

“Over a period of time, the acid will eat away at the tooth enamel,” Udin says.

Once the acid works it way through the enamel, the tooth begins to decay. A dentist must remove the decay with a drill and replace it with a filling. Left untreated, a cavity can cause serious damage to the tooth.

By brushing your teeth as soon as possible after eating, you remove the acid before it has a chance to cause decay. Ideally, you should brush after all meals and snacks. (When this isn’t possible, at least rinse your mouth out with water.) Kids should floss once a day to remove plaque between the teeth and under the gums. It’s also important to visit the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and exam.

These days, dentists often recommend that kids get dental sealants, a plastic coating that protects the biting surfaces of the teeth, where most cavities develop.

Udin also suggests that kids use a fluoride rinse for children. (Swish the rinse around, then spit it out without swallowing any.)

Fluoride toothpastes also are recommended. You just need a tiny amount, and, again, rinse well and don’t swallow it.

These good habits will give you a happier mouth, whether you’re a kid, teenager or adult.

As Udin points out: “You can get cavities at any age.”

* Kids and other readers can e-mail Emily Dwass at emilydwass@yahoo.com.

* Kid Health, which has been published monthly for the last three years, will no longer appear in Health.