How Fluoride Works To Prevent Tooth Decay

A  report in the journal Langumir, of the American Chemical Society, gives evidence of how fluoride in drinking water, toothpastes, mouthrinses, and other oral care products prevents tooth decay.  Fluoride penetrates a thin layer to harden the enamel on the tooth surface.  In addition, it also works by impacting the adhesion force of bacteria that stick to the teeth and produce the acid that causes cavities.  By reducing the ability of decay-causing bacteria to stick on teeth, it is easier to wash away the bacteria by saliva, brushing and other activities.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

TBI: Tooth Brush Instructions

Toothbrushing is such an ingrained habit, few people think twice about it.  But, as with any habit, you can get sloppy, and that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.  There is enough written in the dental literature to point out common toothbrushing mistakes and how to correct them:  

• Not using the right brush:  Richard Price, DMD, consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, says consider the size of your mouth--the brush shouldn't be too big to fit in all areas of your mouth without strain, and should have a comfortable handle.  Many brushes have padded handles that facilitate brushing at the right angle.  While electrical or manual is an individual preference, the "brusher" and technique is better than the brush.  
• Not picking the right bristle:  angled or straight bristles are just as good, but bristles that are too stiff can aggravate gums and have greater potential for creating tooth abrasion.  Soft-bristled brushes are effective in removing plaque.  "Natural" bristles (made from animal hair or boar bristle) are not recommended.  
• Not brushing often enough or long enough:  at lease twice a day is recommended, for at least two minutes.  The evidence in the literature shows tooth protection is greatly increased when that becomes three times a day, for at least three minutes.  That's why some electric toothbrushes have built in timers.  
• Brushing too often or too hard:  excessive brushing could expose the root of the tooth or the gum tissues to irritation.  Brushing vigorously can also erode tooth enamel.  

It's amazing that just a few minutes per day, well spent, can keep your mouth healthy and, in turn, treat your whole body right. 


Source:  webmd.com


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

The Magic of Xylitol and Healthy Teeth

Xylitol Gum 

Xylitol is a non-sugar sweetener that tastes much like refined sugar.  Did you know that it has health benefits?  It has been shown that habitual use of xylitol, instead of sugar, is associated with a significant reduction in tooth decay, and actually helps teeth get stronger through remineralization.  Tooth decay results when (decay producing) mouth bacteria process sugar into a sticky acidic film (plaque) on tooth surfaces.  Xylitol is processed very poorly, producing little acid or plaque.  This decreases decay rates as well as promotes colonization of less virulent strains of bacteria that can ferment xylitol.  

Transmissible Bacterial Disease

Tooth decay is an infectious, transmissible bacterial disease.  Most children acquire the bacteria (predominantly Streptococcus Mutans) from their mothers or caregivers by salivary contact during the emergence of the primary teeth between the ages of 6 to 30 months.  This is the "discrete window of infectivity."  After the initial colonization of S. Mutans, the successful establishment of other bacteria on the tooth surfaces is impaired.  It has been demonstrated that a reduction of S. Mutans in the saliva of mothers has resulted in the delayed acquisition of S. Mutans in their children.  Remarkably, studies have shown that the habitual chewing of xylitol gum by mothers can decrease the tooth decay rates in their children by preventing the transmission of S. Mutans.  There are benefits for children who chew gum.  

Xylitol Gum Decrease Tooth Decay

Research has found chewing xylitol gum decreases decay rates significantly up to at least 5 years after xylitol therapy has been discontinued.  Children who chew xylitol gum have demonstrated significantly lower decay rates and also a significant number of decay reversals, suggesting that tooth remineralization has occurred.  Xylitol candies work just as well as xylitol gum.  Xylitol gum can be gotten from your dentist.  Xylitol is found in sugar free Trident, sugar free Ice Breakers, sugar free Mentos and sugar free Orbit gum. 


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Sealants Prevent Decay At All Ages

Causes of Tooth Decay 

In the United States, approximately 41% of children have decay in their baby teeth, and 42% ages 6-19 have decay in permanent teeth.  Decay on the chewing surfaces of molars (primary and permanent) represent the vast majority of cavities and chewing surfaces of teeth are the place where pit and fissure sealants are the easiest to apply and the most effective.

Sealants Reduce Tooth Decay

Decay reductions of up to 90% have been reported with the use of pit and fissure sealants when recall appointments and maintenance were included.  Sealants are more effective than just the application of topical fluoride.  They can halt the progression of incipient decay lesions. Pit and fissure sealants can be placed on permanent teeth of patients at-risk for decay, independent of the age of the patient.

Source: Dr. Fiona Collins, www.dentallearning.net

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309