The Value of Dental Care

Keeping up-to-date with dental health needs and the dental industry helps us to anticipate trends, make informed business decisions, and better serve our customers.  

The Value of Dental Care

• Dental-related illnesses result in 2.5 million lost workdays each year.
• Collectively, oral health conditions such as cavities, oral cancer, gum disease, and others, affect more Americans than any other grouping of health problems.
• Tooth decay is so common that 50% of first graders and 80% of 17 year olds are affected. For adults, researchers are exploring links between adult oral disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and pre-term, low birth weight babies.
• Just 23% of American 8 year olds have dental sealants to protect teeth from decay.
• Early detection of oral cancers increases survival rates. When detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 81%, versus 22% for advanced-stage detection.
• Every $1 spent on dental prevention saves $8 to $50 on restorative and emergency dental needs (American Dental Hygienist Association, 2001)
• Dental is among the top three benefits offered by employers. (NADP Purchaser Behavior Study, June 2005)

Source: Oral Health America, unless otherwise noted.

Dental Health Tips for All Ages

Infants and Children:

• Parents should wipe their newborn’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after each feeding to control the accumulation of plaque and to establish this ritual as part of a daily routine.
• Parents should begin brushing their child’s teeth as soon as they come in, with only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Ideally, flossing should begin when two adjacent teeth touch.
• Parents should take their young child with them to their next routine dentist appointment to reduce some of the child’s potential anxiety in the dental chair. The child will have a chance to get used to the sounds, smells and staff in the dental office, prior to his/her own dental visit.
• Children should visit the dentist no later than six months after the first tooth emerges, or before the child’s first birthday.
• Parents should not give an unattended or sleeping child a bottle with milk or juice; instead, the child’s bottle should be filled with water to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.
• It is important for all children to drink water that is fluoridated (well water and bottled or spring water do not have any fluoride). Most communities have fluoridated tap water, but if it is not available the dentist can recommend a dietary fluoride supplement dosage.

Teenagers:

• Teeth with braces are quite a challenge to keep clean. Have teenagers drink plenty of water at the end of meals to help flush away food particles that get trapped in the brackets and wires.
• Electric toothbrushes with a pointed bristle shape are very good for an adolescent wearing orthodontic hardware.
• Check your teenager's breath occasionally and report your findings to the orthodontist and general dentist.
• Rinsing with Listerine or another antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing may help with bacterial accumulation problems.

Adults:

• You should brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.
• Choose an ADA-accepted toothbrush that has polished bristles because they are less likely to injure gum tissue. Use a soft bristled toothbrush with a size and shape that allows you to reach all tooth surfaces.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become worn or frayed.
• Oral irrigators are used as an aid for people with braces or fixed partial dentures; they should not replace regular brushing or flossing.
• If you experience pain or sore muscles in the jaw joint area (in front of your ears) or even headaches, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep. Speak to your dentist about being fitted for a night guard, which will protect your teeth and the joint area.
• Gums should not bleed upon brushing. This is an indication of periodontal disease. Your dentist should do a thorough exam to evaluate the extent of the disease and prescribe an appropriate regimen.
• Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Fluoride mouth-rinses strengthen the teeth and can help prevent decay at all ages.
• Consume plenty of calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones.
• Avoid sticky sweets, such as taffies, toffees, soft candies and pastries. These types of foods stick to your teeth and feed decay-causing bacteria. When you do eat sweets, eat them after a meal. When candies are eaten alone, they are more likely to remain stuck between your teeth.
• Do eat crunchy foods that naturally clean the teeth (apples, carrots, and other raw vegetables) and foods with ample vitamin C, like citrus fruits and broccoli.
• Be aware that excessive amounts of coffee, tea, red wine and other beverages can stain your teeth.
• Don’t chew on ice, popcorn kernels, lollipops or other hard foods; doing so can crack or otherwise damage your teeth or restorations.
• If you can’t brush your teeth after eating, rinse your mouth with water.

• If you wear removable appliances, clean them after eating and rinse before replacing them in your mouth.