How often has your dentist told you to brush more, floss more? Most people feel frustrated when they get this speech from the dentist or hygienist. Although brushing after each meal is important, it is simply not enough to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Lack of hygiene and improper hygiene play a significant role in the development of gum disease. One study indicated that when individuals with healthy teeth and gums stopped trying to remove plaque, gum disease developed within ten to twenty-one days. If not thoroughly removed within twenty-four hours, byproducts of the bacteria irritate the gums and cause inflammation (gums become red, tender, and swollen).

Not only is plaque control important in the prevention of gum disease, it is also primary in the healing process after gum and bone surgery. Studies have shown that, all else being equal, if proper hygiene is maintained after gum surgery, healthy gums are maintained over the years. Poor oral hygiene results in the repeated need for surgery and the return of gum disease.

Effective plaque control refers to the specific measures needed to prevent plaque build-up. It appears that mechanical removal of plaque is the most reliable method of controlling and preventing its build-up. A toothbrush and floss are the fundamental tools required for this mechanical removal. Several useful adjuncts to brushing and flossing include water-irrigating devices, balsa-wood wedge toothpicks, and rubber-tip stimulators. Whatever device you use, proper technique is essential. (Refer to Oral Hygiene in Part Three for more detailed information regarding these individual devices.)

Even when daily hygiene is maintained, a professional cleaning every six months by the dentist or hygienist must be included in your dental regimen. If your daily hygiene is not adequate, you will develop a buildup of tartar (hardened plaque). In this case, the dentist or hygienist will use a special instrument called a cavitron to clean your teeth. This device uses high-frequency sound vibrations in water to break up and wash away the tartar. Your dentist may even recommend more frequent cleanings, depending on the condition of your gums and bone.

Toothpastes contain mostly flavoring agents, detergents, and abrasives. Other common ingredients are listed on the following page. Do not use toothpastes that contain sparkles or added sweeteners, including saccharin or other artificial sweeteners. These chemicals are absorbed through the tissues into the blood stream. Some toothpastes that claim to remove or retard tartar may actually cause tooth sensitivity due to the harsh chemicals they contain. Baking soda is excellent for use as a toothpaste.

From The Complete Book of Dental Remedies by Flora Parsa Stay, DDS , ©1996. Published by Avery Publishing, New York. For personal use only; neither the digital nor printed copy may be copied or sold. Reproduced by permission.