YOUR HEALTH

More teeth cleaning fallout

As mentioned a while back, it is no longer recommended that teeth be brushed more than twice a day as the friction weakens tooth enamel.  Hence the new enamel renewing toothpastes.

We have also been told to cut back on toothpaste.   Forget the TV ads showing a one inch strip of toothpaste covering the  entire brush tips. The advice for some time has been to only apply a pea-size amount as the chemicals -- and even fluoride -- can be harmful when used in 'excess'.

Now the third part of the healthy teeth triangle has been undermined.

Recently, an investigation of flossing has determined there are no scientific studies whatsoever proving flossing helps to remove decay causing bacteria.  

In fact, as noted by columnist Margaret Wente (G&M, Aug. 6, F7), British dentists do not advocate flossing whatsoever nor do they do so themselves; it is a U.S. and Canadian mania only.

So what do I do and suggest-- as I have a tendency to weak enamel and calculus/tartar/plaque build up? 

       1.  Brush just at wake up and before bed.

2. Use mouthwash at other times to fight bacteria -- or on a rare occasion swish the mouth and teeth and gums with a shot of whiskey or vodka. 

3. Use dental floss picks.  They can be used anytime and anywhere to rid food stuck between teeth and in the gaps = super toothpicks. 

4. Chew sugar free gum -- a lot 

5. Have a dentist check your teeth and do a professional tooth scaling at least once every 6 months. I go every 4 months.

7. AVOID whitening toothpastes unless the active ingredient is mild baking soda as with Arm and Hammer. 

So keep on smiling and follow the Golden Rule: EVERYTHING IN MODERATION.