middot; Use fluoride toothpaste. There are many special toothpastes on the market, including tartar control and total care toothpastes. middot; Look for the BDHF accredited products, which are clinically proven to meet any claims made on the packaging. middot; Do not have foods and drinks containing sugar between meals. Sugar is most harmful to teeth if eaten or drunk often. Older people are often prescribed medicines and tablets which can cause a dry mouth as a side effect.

Parents should take their children to the dentist regularly, beginning with the eruption of the first tooth. Then, the dentist can recommend a specific program of brushing, flossing, and other treatments for parents to supervise and teach to their children. These home treatments, when added to regular dental visits and a balanced diet, will help give your child a lifetime of healthy habits.

Fluoride works by making the outer layer of teeth (called tooth enamel) stronger. When the outer layer is strong, teeth are less likely to get cavities.

Tooth decay is a bacterial process that is fueled primarily by simple sugars. Tooth decay can usually be prevented by regular thorough brushing, flossing and the use of fluoride and dental sealants. Simple sugars can be found in things such as candy, gum and pop. The general rule is: 'the stickier it is, the worse it is."

Brush twice a day for at least 3 minutes each time and floss daily. If you're not sure whether you're brushing or flossing properly, your dentist or dental hygienist can show you the best techniques. Always brush with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Daily mouth rinses containing fluoride are also recommended. Use a toothbrush with soft, polished bristles, as these are less likely to irritate or injure gum tissue.

Yes. All of these conditions have their foundation in chronic levels of systemic inflammation (internally in the body). Researchers suggest that, similar to a snowball or domino effect, suffering from one of the above conditions predisposes you for the others. Armed with the tools (Dr.

Baby bottle tooth decay is a pattern of rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing. It happens when a child goes to sleep while breast-feeding and/or bottle-feeding. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle. Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday.

Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle. At-will nighttime breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begins to erupt. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. When juice is offered, it should be in a cup.

Never allow a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, juice or other sweetened liquids. Clean and massage the baby's gums to help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething. Wrap a moistened gauze square or washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums and gingival tissues. This should be done after every feeding. Plaque removal activities should begin upon eruption of the first baby tooth. When brushing a child's teeth, use a soft toothbrush and water.

The main cause of tooth decay is not the amount of sugar in the diet, but how often it is eaten or drunk. The more often your child has sugary foods or drinks, the more likely they are to have decay. It is therefore important to keep sugary foods to mealtimes only. If you want to give your child a snack, try to stick to cheese, vegetables and fruit, but not dried fruit. It is also worth remembering that some processed baby foods contain quite a lot of sugar.

The following answer is from the IFIC, International Food Information Council Foundation, 1100 Connecticut Avenue, N. W. Suite 430, Washington, DC 20036. (reference in bibliography, Part 8)] Tooth decay is the result of many factors, including heredity and the make-up and flow of saliva. Sugars and other carbohydrates such as starchy foods also play a part. Cavities occur when bacteria in dental plaque break down starches and sugars to form acids that destroy tooth enamel, dentine and /cementum.

Fluoride is provided mainly through drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwash, supplements (chewable tablets or drops), and other materials such as gels and rinses that may be applied during your visit to the dentist.

Regular dental office visits. Here, you will experience a thorough soft tissue (gums, cheeks, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth) examination. Also, your dentist will examine your teeth, paying close attention to all existing dental work. Finally, you will be provided with a cleaning that is an integral part of preventative treatment. Home care and maintenance. A good preventative plan includes proper brushing. How you brush, the toothpaste you use and how often you brush are keys to success.