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 May is Older American's Month
The Oral Longevity Initiative is a program established by the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services. The ADA with a grant from GlaxoSmith Kline Consumer Healthcare have launched a program to address the special
needs of a mature population.
The initiative includes materials that explore the link between oral health and general health. Topics
include decay, dry mouth, oral cancer, dentures and implants. A free 45- minute DVD is availible at www.orallongevity.dad.org.
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NEWSLETTER—
Which Toothpaste To Choose?
The good news is that Americans have a wide variety
of toothpastes from which to choose. The bad news is that this vast array can be very confusing. In choosing any toothpaste,
be sure that it contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. Here are some tips to help you
select the best toothpaste for you. Also, talk with your dentist about which toothpaste would best meet your needs.
Tartar-Control Toothpaste
Tartar-control toothpaste prevents tartar, a hardened
plaque, from forming above the gum line, possibly by as much as 36 percent. These toothpastes do not remove tartar that has
already formed, which can only be done by a professional cleaning.
Abrasives
Abrasives help remove stains and plaque and polish
the teeth. All ADA-accepted toothpastes contain a mild abrasive that, along with your toothbrush, helps remove plaque. There
is no need to be concerned about abrasives wearing away enamel.
Desensitizing Toothpaste
Many people with receding gums have teeth that are
especially sensitive to temperature extremes, making it uncomfortable to ingest hot or cold drinks or foods. Desensitizing
toothpastes can help block this pain, though it may take four to six weeks before improvement is noticeable.
Baking Soda
Baking soda toothpastes have become popular in recent
years. While this ingredient can act as a mild abrasive, there is no scientific evidence that baking soda helps fight gum
disease. An advantage of baking soda as an ingredient is that if you like the taste or feel of these toothpastes, you are
likely to brush more often and thoroughly.
Hydrogen Peroxide
When hydrogen peroxide is found in toothpaste, it
is usually found in conjunction with baking soda. The concentrations of peroxide are not sufficient to bleach teeth, but the
bubbling action may improve the feel of the toothpaste in the mouth. Peroxide has not been shown to have a therapeutic effect
on gum disease.
This dental health column is brought to you by the American Dental Association
and your local dental society.
Please don't hesitate to call for directions.
(719) 634-7777
(719) 473-7441
E-mail: admin@familyteeth.com
February is National Children's Dental Health Month. The following
dental briefs are brought to you by your local dental society and the American Dental Association.
Taking the bottle out of baby tooth decay.
The term "baby bottle tooth decay" has long been used to describe
cavities from children often taking a bottle of milk or juice before or during sleep. Other factors may be at work, according
to Dr. Norman Tinanoff of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, in a presentation at the American Dental
Association's annual meeting in October. In one recent study, approximately 40% of children between 6 and 24 months were
put to bed with a bottle, but only a small percentage developed tooth decay. Researchers are taking a closer look at diet.
While fruit juices and formulas put infants at risk for tooth
decay, milk may not be as cavity-causing as once thought.
Also, infant malnourishment may contribute to poor development
of the tooth's enamel, putting these babies at higher risk when the mother passes on the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Research now shows that children as young as 11 months are getting infected with tooth decay bacteria, reinforcing the need
for children to see a dentist by their first birthday.
