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by MedExpert on November 6th, 2007

MedExpert

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How do you prevent tooth decay?

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Answers. 3 helpful answers below.

  • by Don Gorgeous George on July 4th, 2009

    Don Gorgeous George

    Stay away from refined sugars, brush your teeth and use mouthwash twice a day, and floss at least once a day.

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  • by Kirsta on July 4th, 2009

    Kirsta

    I taught clinical dental hygiene. I'm only recommending products that have a great track record, I have no other reason. Get a Sonicare. Learn how to use it correctly (call the company-it is different than reg brushing). Use the timer so you brush LONG enough. Make a system to start on the upper right outside and end with the lower right inside. Brush your tongue and the roof (gently) of your mouth. Replace dental items that are worn-you'll be WASTING your time. If you have any removable appliances clean them at the same time (the needed clamps on removable partials are germ traps for the teeth they hook onto). Use something between teeth-floss, inter dental wedges or picks, narrow cylindrical inter dental brush (In the shower we wash 4 sides-do this to your teeth as well). The point is to use what works best for your mouth 1x/day between teeth, and 2-3x day to brush. Gum made with Xylitol (Xylifresh) inhibits the growth of bacteria quite effectively if done for 5 minutes 3x/day (Health Food section in stores). Smoking dries out the mouth and puts deposits that attract germs as does mouth breathing from tooth misalignment or allergies, or snoring(again, mouth breathing. Simple starches are as bad as sugar as the enzymes in the mouth break it into sugar (i.e. popcorn, bread, potato chips). Sticky sweets and dried fruits cling to the teeth. The oftener you eat, the more opportunity there is for the bugs to grow. Rinse your mouth well after eating and take gum with you to chew after a meal. We are not born with the bacteria that causes tooth decay. If your mouth became populated as an infant by "mean" germs(very prolific and high acid formation), you will have more trouble. But with a low bacterial count, you'll be the best you can be. To learn what it takes to get the teeth clean, try one of the vegetable dyes with a q-tip, and "paint the teeth, especially at the gumline inside and out. Rinse well and spit. The dark areas are germs. Brush till the dark is all gone. Check mouth with a plastic dental mirror (available in larger stores) in the back and insides. If caught early enough, plastic sealants can be placed in tooth grooves and pits to smooth them out and prevent germs from forming in a crevasses that the brush CANNOT reach. And sometimes the molars do erupt with inadequate mineralization in the grooves and "grow in" decayed. And, yes there will be a test =D K, (R.D.H.

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  • by MedExpert on November 6th, 2007

    MedExpert

    It is easier and less expensive to prevent tooth decay than to treat it. The four major prevention strategies include: proper oral hygiene; fluoride; sealants; and attention to diet.

    Source: The Gale Group. Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed.";

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