Holistic (Biological) Dentistry, Part 3

Preventive Care. "The main reason for going to the dentist regularly is prevention--prevention of tooth decay, gum disease, and other disorders that put the health of your teeth and mouth (and even your whole body) at risk," says Dr. Nelson Mari L. Gaba.

Here are more dental tips from Dr. Gaba:

• Brushing and flossing the teeth properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once everyday will keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• Brushing the teeth regularly and properly is also the single best way to remove harmful plaque--a thin, sticky film of bacteria found in the teeth.
• Sugar and starches are harmful to teeth and gums. Starchy foods left on teeth may turn to cavity-causing sugar if not properly brushed clean. Sugar, turning into damaging acids, destroys the teeth and gums.

Technique for Brushing Teeth. There is more than one technique of brushing. Deciding which technique is most appropriate depends largely on your teeth position and gum condition. Your dentist can determine which brushing technique is most appropriate for your mouth.

Generally, most dentists recommend a circular technique for brushing. This includes brushing only a small group of teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth. However, a circular or elliptical motion using a back and forth motion may cause the following: a receded gum surface; an exposed and tender root surface; a wearing down of the gum line.

Instead, dentists recommend the following method:

• Place the toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle.
• Gently brush only a small group of teeth at a time (on a circular or elliptical motion) until the entire mouth is covered.

A toothbrush head should be small--about 1 inch by 1/2 inch--and should have a handle suitable for firm grasping. The bristles of the brush should be soft nylon and rounded at th ends. This helps ensure that the brush bristles are reaching the spaces between the teeth and the surface. Avoid brushes that are too abrasive as they can wear down the tooth enamel. Thus, medium and hard bristles are not recommended.

How Often to Brush. Brushing is recommended twice a day for at least three to four minutes each time instead of brushing quickly five or more times throughout the day.

Dentists advise brushing your teeth during the day while at work, school, or play. Keeping a toothbrush handy--in your desk or backpack--increases the chance that you will brush during the day.

Brushing with toothpaste helps to accomplish the following: removes plaque; resists decay; cleans and polishes teeth; removes teeth stains; freshens breath.

But which type of toothpaste is best? Dr. Gaba recommends fluoride-free toothpaste readily available in various health stores.

(For more information, visit www.yourholisticdentist.com)