Oral Health is very serious business. Americans make approximately 500 million visits to a dentist every year and there are estimates to suggest that by the year 2000, Americans will spend $60 Billion dollars on oral health. That's healthy spending on only one area of the body.
Another estimate concerning oral health is that more than 17% of children between the ages of 2 and 4 already have cavities. Of them, 80% of the children from low income families will not have the problem(s) corrected. This situation leads to a future of pain, dysfunction (it is a fact that infected teeth cannot chew properly), and are unsightly. Appearance, unfortunately, is so important that an unsightly one will seriously hamper a growing childs ability to develop good social skills or other learning skills needed for future success and self esteem.
One of the best methods of solving the problem is to prevent it from starting. Some of the more effective methods of prevention are Fluoridation of the local water supply and regular dental examinations (prophylaxis). Three of the most common preventative methods (prophylaxis) are, periodic professional cleanings, the use of dental sealants, and education about proper oral cleansing methods.
Proper cleaning (brushing) of the teeth helps to remove plaque, calculus, and stains.Most people do not know, or understand the difference between plaque and calculus.
Plaque isa a soft, sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth. It combines with sugar and other carbohydrates to form acids that attack and erode enamel (the outer layer of the tooth structure) resulting in dental caries (cavities).
Calculus is a rough, unsightly deposit (or residue) of minerals in the saliva that combines with plaque on the tooth surface. The roughness enables more plaque to attach to the tooth's surface and makes the removal more and more difficult. Neither brushing nor flossing will get rid of calculus and only a dentist or dental hygienist can accomplish its remooval.
Plaque can lead to Gingivitis, a gum disease that, in its most severe form, can result in the loss of teeth. It is estimated that 75% of all adults over the age of 35 currently have, or have had in their past, gingivitis. Early intervention and treatment can abate the probllem and help avoid the more serious condition, periodontis, which causes receeding gums, detiorating bone tissue and the loosening and eventual loss of teeth.
A significant amount of plaque can form on the teeth in a 16 to 24 hour period, so twice daily brushing is very important. Brushing at night can proove to be significantly beneficial. It is also advisable to floss at least once daily as this tends to get rid of buildup between teeth. Excessive use of floss isn't necessary because of the soft consistance of plaque, and the brushing with a soft brush in combination makes the results highly effective.
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