Save money -- fight tooth decay

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Michelle A. Snapp
  • 355th Dental Squadron
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  In today's world, everyone is wondering how they can save some money. Well, what if you could save hundreds of dollars with a few simple and quick daily steps? It's possible! Protecting you and your family against tooth decay is all you have to do.

Tooth decay is probably one of the most common chronic diseases in the world and can cost hundreds of dollars to fix. Luckily, there are many tools to help you prevent the disease and its cost.

First, the most important question: What is tooth decay and how does it happen? Tooth decay is a disease that causes your teeth to dissolve, and it can affect anyone. For tooth decay to start there has to be two ingredients: dental plaque and sugars. Plaque is the bacterial colony found in your mouth that attaches to your teeth. This plaque uses any sugar substance that we ingest (the same sugar that's in soda, candy, juice and sports drinks) as a food source. The bacteria in the plaque convert the sugars into an acid, which demineralizes your tooth. Hence, tooth decay.

Armed with the knowledge of how dental cavities are caused, it's just a matter of keeping those bacterial colonies to a minimum to minimize acid formation.

The American Dental Association makes the following recommendations for the prevention of tooth decay:

1) Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
2) Clean between teeth daily with floss
3) Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks
4) Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams
5) Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay often starts

Beside these great recommendations, here are a few other pointers that can help you fight off cavities and keep your bank accounts full:

1) Limit consumption of soft drinks and sugary snacks
2) After snacks, rinse your mouth out with water if you don't have a toothbrush available
3) Leave a toothbrush and floss at work
4) Chew sugar-free gum to help promote saliva flow (saliva helps neutralize acid formation)
5) Chew gum with Xylitol (studies have shown that Xylitol helps prevent cavities)
6) Use a fluoride mouth rinse before bedtime

If you have any questions or concerns about your teeth, please contact the dental squadron at 228-2652.