News
August 2005 - Prevention of Tooth Decay - Benefits of Recaldent
Recent television coverage has highlighted the benefits of chewing Recaldent chewing gum in preventing and reversing very early carious lesions (tooth decay). Recaldent is rich in calcium, phosphates and fluoride in a balance that re-mineralises tooth enamel hence repairing the tooth before the lesion is so large that a conventional restoration (filling) is required. Of course nowadays mercury free restorations are the norm, which are made of tooth coloured composite resin that bonds to the tooth. With the advent of Recaldent and tooth mouse in the near future all decays will be detected early enough to make conventional fillings (even tooth coloured ones) obsolete.
Tooth mouse is a paste form of the same ingredients as Recaldent but is applied to the vulnerable parts of a clean tooth and left there usually at bedtime to re-mineralise tooth tissue. This is particularly effective in older patients that are vulnerable to tooth root caries, at risk patients like diabetics and is wonderful in reducing tooth sensitivity during bleaching (tooth whitening).
Poor Oral Hygiene links to Heart Disease
and Cancer
There is evidence to support that there is a direct
link between poor oral hygiene and heart disease
and cancer. This is because of chronic low-grade
infections in the mouth overloading the immune
system thus putting the person at greater risk
of heart disease and some cancers (See Time Magazine
February 23, 2004).
Good oral hygiene has many benefits beyond clean
teeth and fresh breath and is achieved in two
equally important ways.
Firstly professional care in the way of thorough
examination and the removal of calculus, plaque,
dental decay and restoration of the dentition
to good function is essential.
Secondly homecare comprising brushing, flossing
and a good diet will ensure that you have healthy
teeth for life and the added benefit of reduced
risk to heart disease and cancer.
