Something to Chew On: Keeping Those Pearlies Healthy

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Tinanoff also notes that there is "good evidence" that chewing gum with xylitol (a type of sugar) actually reduces caries in children's teeth.

And there are other, more fanciful ideas in the hopper.

Peter Milgrom, DDS, of the University of Washington, referred to new electric toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes that come with timers and beep if not opened every day. And there's also the thought of making toothpaste tubes that send email to your dentist if it is not opened often enough.

Back to Earth -- How about treating those cavities?

It's still primarily "drill and fill," a basic treatment model that hasn't changed in 100 years, says Amid Ismail, BDS, of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Science may bring further advances, however.

"Some of our more basic research is looking at how we could even take extensively diseased teeth and apply biomimetic materials -- materials that mimic biology -- and be able to regenerate tooth structure," Kleinman says.

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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!

Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!

SOURCES:

American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010

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