Dental Caries -2
2. Rinsing. If possible, the mouth should be rinsed after each meal and before bedtime. Commercial mouthwashes mask the odor for a brief time; their germicidal effect lasts only about an hour.
3. Toothpaste. The value of toothpaste increases if it contains fluoride.
4. Fluoride. It has been proven that fluorine combines with the calcium in the tooth, making it a much harder substance and thus slowing down the action of the bacteria. Fluorine works best when it is part of the drinking water, but in some communities this is not available. Fluorine in a toothpaste or in a mouth rinse or taken internally in the form of a pill can be substituted. Fluorine can cut down tooth decay by half, and for children who are prone to caries this chemical is vital; overuse, however, can mottle the teeth.
5. Dental floss. The unwaxed kind is best, easier to get between the teeth where the toothbrush is not effective. Floss should be gently inserted and worked in all directions with care not to irritate the delicate gums.
6. Other inter-dental cleaning agents. Triangular, soft wooden picks to massage the gums and brush away food particles are helpful. Some dentists recommend the water pic, which thrusts streams of water under pressure between the teeth. It should not be turned on too high, for it can harm the gums.
7. Sugar. Avoid sugar as much as possible. Sugar is a prime cause of caries. A good point to remember is that sugar is added to many processed foods, even foods not considered sweet. It is not so much the amount of sugar consumed but the frequency of putting this substance in the mouth that is significant.
8. Children’s teeth. All children should have their teeth examined every six months, for only a dentist can detect the making of a new cavity.
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