Dental hygiene is key to whole-body health

Keeping teeth and gums clean is an important part of overall health.

Kayla Anderson, a registered dental hygienist at St. Joseph’s Community Dental Clinic, recommends seeing a dentist every six months for regular cleanings.

“We recommend brushing at least two times a day and flossing once a day,” she said.

Brushes with soft or very soft brushes are recommended because hard brushes can do more damage, she said. Toothpaste and mouthwash should be accepted by the American Dental Association.

Someone who isn’t diligent about brushing and doesn’t go to the dentist regularly could develop serious dental problems, Anderson said.

“You’re at more risk for developing diseases which require more expensive treatment in the future,” she said. “Maintaining dental health is a lot cheaper and saves time.”

St. Joseph’s Community Dental Clinic is doing some outreach at schools to get kids in the habit of brushing and flossing at an early age.

Feb. 3 is “Give Kids a Smile” day.

One dentist, two hygienists and assistants will head to Nevis School Feb. 3 to give oral hygiene instruction, an exam and fluoride treatments to students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Last year, they saw 65 students.

The program is no cost to parents or children.

A number of classes are also being held at Frank White Education Center. Students are told the important points about brushing and what can happen if a tooth becomes decayed.

At the end of February, St. Joseph’s will work with Park Rapids kindergarten through third graders.

“We go over not eating candy and sugars and show them how much sugar is in pop and sports drink,” Anderson said.

Fifth graders will learn about the damage of tobacco to teeth and gums.

The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an inter-dental cleaner. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove the sticky film on teeth called plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
• Antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes reduce the bacterial count and stop bacterial activity in dental plaque, which can cause gingivitis, an early reversible form of periodontal (gum) disease.

ADA accepted antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes have substantiated these claims by demonstrating significant reductions in plaque and gingivitis. Fluoride mouth rinses help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Clinical studies have demonstrated that use of a fluoride mouth rinse and fluoride toothpaste can provide extra protection against tooth decay over that provided by fluoride toothpaste alone. Fluoride mouth rinse is not recommended for children age six or younger because they may swallow the rinse.

Consumers should always check the manufacturer’s label for precautions and age recommendations and talk with their dentist about the use of fluoride mouth rinse.

Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. The ADA seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.