From the Guidelines
Dental health is essential for overall well-being and requires regular care, with fluoride being a crucial component in preventing and controlling dental caries, as emphasized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. To maintain good dental health, several practices are recommended:
- Brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste containing 1000-1500 ppm fluoride, using a soft-bristled brush, and brushing for two minutes each time.
- Flossing once daily to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and under the gumline.
- Visiting a dentist for check-ups every six months for professional cleaning and early detection of potential issues. When experiencing tooth pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (400mg every 6 hours) or acetaminophen (500mg every 6 hours) can provide temporary relief until a dentist is seen 1. For minor gum inflammation, rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) several times daily can help reduce swelling and kill bacteria. Limiting sugary foods and beverages is crucial as sugar feeds bacteria that produce acid, which damages tooth enamel and leads to cavities, with certain populations being at increased risk for dental caries, including those with low socioeconomic status or low levels of parental education 1. Drinking water after meals helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, and regular dental visits allow for professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup that home care cannot address, and early detection of potential issues before they become serious problems requiring extensive treatment.
From the Research
Dental Health Studies
- The frequency and timing of tooth brushing are crucial for maintaining oral health, with studies suggesting that tooth brushing once per day is sufficient to prevent caries and periodontal diseases 2.
- However, most dentists recommend tooth brushing twice daily to improve plaque control, and this has been shown to be effective in numerous studies 2.
- The use of fluoride toothpaste is also essential for preventing dental caries, with higher concentrations of fluoride associated with increased caries control 3, 4, 5.
- Fluoride varnish has also been shown to be effective in preventing dental caries, with professional application 2-4 times a year recommended for both primary and permanent teeth 6.
Tooth Brushing Frequency and Timing
- There is no clear evidence on the optimal time-point of tooth brushing, but brushing after meals may be recommendable to eliminate food impaction and shorten the duration of sucrose impact 2.
- Tooth brushing twice daily is recommended by most dentists to improve plaque control, but the frequency and timing of tooth brushing may need to be individualized for patients with specific oral health needs 2.
Fluoride Toothpaste Concentration
- Higher concentrations of fluoride in toothpaste are associated with increased caries control, but also increase the risk of fluorosis in developing teeth 3, 4, 5.
- The choice of fluoride toothpaste concentration for young children should be balanced against the risk of fluorosis, with concentrations of 1000 ppm and above shown to be effective in preventing caries 3, 4, 5.
Fluoride Varnish
- Fluoride varnish has been shown to be effective in preventing dental caries, with professional application 2-4 times a year recommended for both primary and permanent teeth 6.
- The implementation of fluoride varnish application may be influenced by factors such as Medicaid eligibility, relationships with dentists/community centers, and strong cooperation and communication between physicians and support staff 6.