Keep on Smiling--Healthy Teeth and Gums

We all know that we should brush our teeth and floss twice a day and go to the dentist at least twice a year, but why? What do all the brushing, flossing, and those visits to the dentist's office do for us anyway? I remember, when I was a little kid, my dad would go ballistic if I skipped brushing my teeth and snuck into bed. Now I look back upon it and realize that my dad just cared about me, keeping my teeth in good shape, and developing good habits.

The answer to the above questions is very simple. According to the American Dental Association, the best way to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and losing your teeth is to brush, floss, and see your dentist at least twice a year.

I know that makes sense, but I was really curious about what happens to your teeth and gums if you don't do those three things. I was also curious to know what plaque and tartar were, which we hear and read so much about in TV commercials and magazine ads. So, I did some research, and here's what I discovered.

Basically, a covering of bacteria, called plaque, is all over your teeth. After eating food, the plaque lets out acids that damage tooth enamel. If this happens enough, the enamel starts to wear away, which leads to cavities. If you are not careful about removing plaque with daily brushing and flossing, then that plaque will harden into tartar, also referred to as calculus (no, not the math). Having tartar on the gum and below the gum line is not good. The gum tissue will become swollen and bleed, then you have gingivitis, which is the onset of gum disease. Also, when tartar or calculus reaches the bone at the base of your teeth, the bone begins to disintegrate, and that's how some people, even in their 20s (which, by the way, is right around the corner for us) lose their teeth.

By now, it should be pretty clear that having plaque and tartar is not good. So, what do we need to do to avoid these two? The American Dental Association recommends:

-Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
-Cleaning between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner
-Eating a balanced diet and limiting between meals and snacks
-Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams
-Asking your dentist about dental sealants, which are protective plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay often starts (I have these on my teeth)

So, follow these steps (so my dad won't come to your house and go ballistic on you, too); and remember--keep on smiling!