How can I maintain my smile in this economy?

I was asked this question at a birthday gathering while the debt ceiling was being determined by our government. In this economy, people, including our patients, have all shared the same concerns: How can we save and conserve our finances? In terms of dental care, here are a few penny pinching tidbits. 

• FLOSS! 
  

I cannot emphasize this enough. Flossing is a mechanical means of removing food that becomes trapped in between our teeth. Traditional toothbrush bristles are thick and unable to clean in tight spaces. Leaving food behind these areas will act as a nutrient source for the bacteria that can cause caries (cavities). When bacteria is allowed to feed, by nature, it has to create waste. It is their acidic waste products  that leads to tooth decay. Flossing and maintaining ones oral hygiene deprives the bacteria of a nutrient source and thus decreasing the cycle of waste production and chances of decay formation. 

• Use an anticavity toothpaste. 

Fluoride has been proven to harden our teeth much better than calcium. It can be found in many toothpastes and mouth rinses. Harder teeth and remineralized enamel results in fewer cavities. 

• Eat more complex carbohydrates and eat fewer simple carbohydrates.

This is a dietary advise that I give all patients. Aside from the general health benefits, consuming more complex carbohydrates makes it harder for bacteria that reside in our mouth to break down any nutrients in their environment. When breakdown of carbohydrates becomes harder, it decreases the amount of waste produced, thus decreasing the chances of caries. 

• Drink water instead of sport drinks, juice, or other high fructose beverages.

Decreasing or eliminating the intake of drinks with high sugar levels will decrease the risk of caries. Increasing the intake of water further decreases our chances of getting caries. Water acts as a buffer to decrease the acidity level in our mouth, helping to prevent the acid erosion of our teeth. 



In maintaining your oral hygiene and following this dietary advice, you can avoid costly dental problems. If you currently have cavities, addressing them now will prevent them from growing into larger and costly treatment. Allowing a cavity to grow larger leads to root canals and worst yet extractions. The treatment necessary to address these advanced issues leads to higher expense. Maintaining your oral hygiene and regular check ups can decrease your overall expense in the long run.