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Beaumaris Dental Health Care, Your Oral Health GuideDr Mike Williams of Beaumaris Dental Health Care on Anglesey writes for the Anglesey Informer on the significant benefits of fluoride toothpaste in dental decay prevention.
Learn how you can help yourself and your children achieve a better lifestyle by following the Beaumaris Dental Health Care way.
After diet the use of fluoride toothpaste over the years has resulted in a dramatic reduction in holes appearing in people’s teeth (dental decay).
Please follow the simple dietary rule that states that simple sugars and starches be kept to a minimum and ensure your diet is rich in fruit and vegetables.
There is one message I would emphasise to people of all above the age of 4 years old, is to ensure you use a fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1400 parts per million (ppm).
You will find this written on the side of every tube of toothpaste admittedly often in small print! I recently bought 20 different tubes of toothpaste at the supermarket and was shocked to find the wide variation in fluoride content between the various brands.
Some ‘famous’ brands had as little as 400ppm fluoride content and scientific evidence advises us that up to an 80% reduction in dental decay will only occur if the fluoride content is at least 1400ppm.
The adult molars and incisors start appearing around 6 years of age, but guidance suggests that from the 4 years old the switch is useful.
This is a good time to switch, but be advised most adult toothpastes have flavourings to suit adults and this can be initially quite strong for children. My suggestion to parents is take them shopping with you and let them choose a few brands to try.
Keep up to date with the latest news stories and events announcements now with our FREE Anglesey Today Newsletter. Just subscribe here using this very simple form. It's as easy as 1-2-3! So when does tooth decay occur? To understand this two key words are used-plaque and bacteria. Even if you clean your teeth properly within 24 hours an invisible film appears on your teeth, which contains bacteria.
When the bacteria in the plaque reacts with dietary sugars acid is produced which eats into the tooth to produce a hole.
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste not only physically removes the plaque and bacteria but the fluoride strengthens the tooth tissue and can in early cases help the tooth to heal.
Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine such as Corsodyl, are the gold standard in research, but beware of staining in long term use!
Take a quick ‘swig’ of mouthwash after brushing and brush again with the mouthwash in your mouth for one minute. Listerine suggests this will further reduce plaque by up to a further staggering 57%!
We recommend the use Mouth and Gum rinse which is a natural herbal mouthwash. This compares well with chlorohexidine in research trials and avoids staining, and if swallowed will not be harmful due to its natural components. Golden rules for decay prevention:
Next article will be on gum disease and how to avoid it! Dr Mike Williams
Beaumaris Dental Health Care
01248 811041
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