Wednesday, March 2, 2016 | Liv Livingwell Living ingwella-z | 5
PRESENTED BY LIVINGWELL A-Z AND
THE ARIZONA DENTAL ASSOCIATION
BRUSH UP, ARIZONA!
Everything you need to know about caring for and protecting your teeth By Meghann Finn Sepulveda
W
e all want the perfect smile. By taking a few preventative steps to care for your teeth, you can not only achieve a beautiful smile but also prevent cavities and decay and ensure good oral and overall health. The Arizona Dental Association recommends regular dental checkups and a consistent brushing and flossing regimen to remove plaque and harmful bacteria so you can keep your mouth healthy. Schedule routine dental visits A visit to the dentist’s office is an investment in yourself. These twice yearly recommended visits are important to professionally clean teeth, remove plaque and check for cavities and any signs of tooth decay, gum disease or oral cancer. A visit to the dentist is also an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any pain, problems or other concerns. “The great thing about dental care is that it focuses on prevention,” said Dr. Brian Powley, president of the Arizona Dental Association. “Patients who see the dentist on a regular basis receive X-rays, cleanings and other important screenings to avoid the need for future treatment such as root canals, dental crowns or costly implants.” While the recommended number of annual visits to the dentist may vary per individual, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stress that it is important for adults to see a dentist on a regular basis to care for and maintain the overall health of the teeth and mouth. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the most frequent causes of tooth loss, according to the CDC. People with a higher risk of dental disease, such as smokers, pregnant women, diabetics and those with a weakened immune system, may need to see the dentist more frequently. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children go to the dentist by age one or within six months after the first tooth erupts. Arizona Dental Association dentists also suggest eating a healthy, balanced diet and eliminating sugary food and drinks, such as soda and hard candy, because sugars bind with the bacteria in the mouth to create acids that cause decay. Parents should also be aware that children should not be put to bed with bottles filled with juice or milk.
This can lead to rampant decay and an infection known as “baby bottle caries.” “Parents may also not be aware that bacteria can easily transmit from parent to a child. Never clean off a pacifier that has fallen to the ground by placing it in your own mouth, and avoid sharing utensils at the table,” Powley said. “Baby teeth are important to your child’s development. Although they will eventually fall out, they serve an important role to maintaining the space for the development of permanent teeth.” Children should also get routine applications of topical fluoride, to protect the teeth from the acids that cause tooth decay. Sealants are also recommended for permanent teeth. Children with untreated tooth decay can experience pain and develop infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning, according to the CDC. In fact, toothaches are the leading reason for school absences. Oral health is inseparable from overall health and well-being.
IMPLANT STUDY
Practice good oral hygiene To prevent oral health disease, the Arizona Dental Association recommends people brush their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride to help strengthen teeth. In 2012, approximately 58 percent of Arizona’s population on community water received fluoridated water, which keeps teeth strong, reduces cavities and prevents tooth decay. Flossing daily helps remove food particles that a toothbrush cannot reach and eliminates bacteria. The CDC recommends people should avoid tobacco in any form, which increases the risk for periodontal disease, oral and throat cancers, and oral fungal infection. More than one-third of all cancer patients also develop complications that affect the mouth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Therefore, it is important that cancer patients
are engaged with their dentist when undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Regardless of whether proper oral hygiene has been achieved, it’s never too late to see a dentist for treatment. “Don’t be fearful or ashamed,” Powley said. “A dentist can get your smile back so you can be happy and healthy again.”
Did you know that not all dentists are members of the American Dental Association (ADA)? Furthermore, nearly 3 out of 4 patients said that knowing that a dentist was a member of the trusted ADA would influence whom they selected. Find your local ADA dentist here in Arizona at azda.org/findadentist.
“Patients who see the dentist on a regular basis receive X-rays, cleanings and other important screenings to avoid the need for future treatment such as root canals, dental crowns or costly implants.” — Dr. Brian Powley, President, Arizona Dental Association *FIRST TWENTY CALLERS MAY QUALIFY FOR ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS.
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