TOOTH TRUTHS

DANIELA ONGARO ASKS AN EXPERT ABOUT THE DENTAL HABITS THAT COULD BE DOING US MORE HARM THAN GOOD.

IS using cheap toothpaste risking your health? Does an electric toothbrush give a better clean?

Can cheese prevent tooth decay? Should kids brush before or after breakfast?

You might think you know the answers but knowing how to take good care of your family’s teeth should be a priority.

The latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report into the state of the nation’s oral health reveals half of all six- yearolds have decay in their baby teeth and one in two 12- year- olds has decay in their permanent teeth.

The Australian Dental Association’s Dr Peter Alldritt says our love of sugar is to blame for rising rates of decay — with many kids today eating snacks marketed as “healthy” including low- fat yoghurt, juice, fruit bars, flavoured milk, canned fruit and banana bread. “The major cause of decay is regular consumption of sugary foods and drinks so if we can limit those then we will win the battle against rising tooth decay,” he says.

Tooth decay is largely preventable but as health fund dentist Dr Lincoln Law explains some dental practices could be doing more harm than good:

NOT ALL TOOTHPASTES ARE EQUAL

There are dozens of toothpastes on the market with each claiming special qualities to fight plaque and gingivitis, combat sensitivity or whiten teeth. But the only ingredient you need to make sure it contains is fluoride, says Dr Law. “There are ‘ impostor’ toothpastes which can contain nasty chemicals so you want to make sure you are using one that has been approved for safety and effectiveness,” he says. Beware of cheap toothpastes sold in discount stores and check whether they are ADA approved and/ or meet Australian or international standards for safety and efficacy. Dr Alldritt agrees many of the “$ 2 toothpastes” don’t contain fluoride which is why they are so cheap, while many imported ones fail the abrasiveness test.

“Don’t use any paste that tastes gritty because you may as well be brushing with sandpaper and once you have brushed that precious enamel away it’s never going to grow back.” he says.

Find ADA approved products at: ada.org.au/OralHealth/sealofapp.aspx. The ingredients in toothpastes which can improve the condition of teeth are:

STANNOUS fluoride and triclosan help reduce gingivitis; pyrophosphates and zinc citrate help stop a build- up of calculus ( tartar);

WHITENING toothpastes contain abrasives to remove stains from the enamel layer, however excessive use can wear down the enamel, causing sensitivity and dullness;

SENSITIVITY toothpastes have salts and minerals such as arginine, potassium nitrate and strontium chloride which work to block the sensitivity sensations to the tooth nerve.

DON’T BRUSH STRAIGHT AFTER EATING

“This is especially if you’ve been eating acidic foods and drinks like vinegary salad dressings, fruit juices and soft drinks,” says Dr Law.

“Wait at least half an hour before brushing because acids soften the enamel so if you brush too quickly after eating you could literally be brushing the enamel away. This also applies after drinking wine or soft drinks.”

Law says kids should be brushing twice a day — before eating in the morning and before bed — preferably an hour after the last meal or drink of the day ( unless that drink is water).

IT’S ALL IN THE WAY YOU BRUSH

A high- quality electric toothbrush will efficiently clean your teeth but just as effective is using a regular soft brush, providing you use the correct technique and brush for at least two minutes, says Dr Law.

“Brush in a circular motion, at a 45- degree angle to the gum, remembering to always brush over the gums as well, which people tend to forget,” he says.

FLOSSING IS VITAL

Recent studies show interdental brushes are better at reducing gum inflammation than flossing with string but Dr Law says the results reflect better compliance: people simply like to use brushes more than string.

“It’s so important to remove plaque between the tooth spaces to help prevent conditions like gingivitis ( gum disease), periodontitis ( a much more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss) and tooth decay,” he says. “And you can’t do this by brushing alone.”

WASH YOUR MOUTH

A warm saltwater mouthwash is a great short- term treatment if you’ve had dental treatment. Salt is a natural disinfectant and helps to reduce inflammation but it’s not recommended for long- term use as it is acidic and can erode enamel. Any ADA- approved mouthwash is safe to use but if you’re worried about ones containing alcohol, there are many alcohol- free options, says Dr Law. Some contain antibacterial agents, such as chlorhexidine but use only for limited time as it can stain teeth.

DRINK WATER

It’s the natural way to quench thirst and is sugar and acid free. Most areas in Australia have fluoride added to the water supply, which helps harden and protect teeth in kids and adults.

SAY CHEESE

A small cube of cheese is a good way to end a meal — it’s the traditional French way to end lunch and dinner. “The protein in the cheese buffers acids in foods and those generated by plaque-producing bacteria,” says Dr Law. If cheese isn’t on the menu then chewing sugar- free gum is another good way to stimulate saliva to wash away food debris.

SEE THEM? CLEAN THEM!

“It’s vital you start looking after your kids’ teeth as soon as they appear,” says Dr Law.

“Milk ( baby) teeth hold the space in the jaw for the adult teeth to come through and if lost there may not be enough space resulting in the need for orthodontic treatment.”