The NobleDentist Blog

This is an article by Angelle Barbazon that appeared recently in The Clarion Ledger – Jackson, MS, USA.

You brushed your teeth and flossed them too. Did you swish with a mouth rinse? If not, maybe you should.

Although brushing and flossing are dental health protocol, the American Dental Association recommends going one step further and recently has stressed the importance of using association-accepted fluoride mouth rinses and antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes to maintain dental health.

“The current message about antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes and fluoride mouth rinses is just to let people know those are available,” said Clifford Whall, director of the association’s Seal of Acceptance Program.

The American Dental Association’s daily oral hygiene recommendations have not changed. People should still brush twice a day with an association-accepted fluoride toothpaste; clean between their teeth daily with an association-accepted floss or association-accepted interdental cleaner; eat a balanced diet; limit between-meal snacks and visit their dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations.

Fluoride mouth rinses are used to reduce and prevent tooth decay. Antimicrobial products reduce bacterial count and curb bacterial activity in plaque.

Dr. Laura Leigh Moody, general dentist at River Hills Family Dentistry in Jackson, said she usually recommends mouth rinse to people who may have gingivitis or other oral hygiene problems. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque along the gum line.

“If I’m happy with what I see, and they keep up their dental hygiene, I don’t usually mention using it,” she said.

Dental caries, also called cavities, and gum disease are the two most common dental afflictions caused by bacteria, according to Dr. Francis Serio, professor and chairman of the Department of Periodontics and Preventative Sciences at the University of Mississippi’s School of Dentistry.

“The collection of bacteria on teeth is called biofilm, so the key to preventing these dental diseases is to disrupt the biofilm on a daily basis,” he said.

Serio said people should answer two questions when determining the effectiveness of a mouth rinse: Does it reduce the amount of biofilm or plaque? And is there any clinical improvement in the teeth and gums?

Serio said people should use mouth rinse for 30 seconds for it to be effective.

Dr. Joe Young, pediatric dentist and president of the Mississippi Dental Association, said children should follow separate guidelines concerning dental health.

Young said parents should monitor flossing and brushing with children because of their “lack of dexterity to remove plaque.”

He said children younger than 6 years old should not use mouth rinses because they may not be able to control swallowing.

Serio said some studies suggest the bacteria that cause tooth decay is sometimes passed on genetically from the mother.

“Just because this happens doesn’t mean anyone is doomed to tooth decay,” he said.

“People may think cavities only impact children, but adults can get tooth decay, too,” said Maria Lopez Howell, consumer adviser for the American Dental Association. “Adults can get gingivitis. If allowed to progress, gingivitis can lead to advanced gum disease and that can lead to tooth loss.”

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states 27 percent of people age 65 and older experience complete tooth loss.

More than 100 American Dental Association consultants test dental products including floss, toothpastes, mouth rinses and toothbrushes.

The association also tests denture adherents, denture cleansers and artificial saliva. It grants a seal of approval to brand name and generic products that comply with a set of guidelines about the product’s safety, effectiveness, advertising and ingredients.

About 180 mouth rinses and 50 toothpastes are accepted by the association.

“If they have our seal, they’ve gone through a pretty rigorous process to get it,” Whall said.

Companies must reapply for the seal after about five years when it expires or if a product is altered.

In addition to brushing, flossing and using mouth rinses, Serio said people can drink fluoridated water and follow a healthy diet to minimize tooth decay.

“If people are educated and do what they’re supposed to do, they can live for a lifetime without cavities and gum disease,” he said.

Whall said people who regularly take care of their dental health should still visit the dentist for checkups every six months.

Mark Caraway of Jackson isn’t taking any chances with his dental health.

He uses an antimicrobial mouth rinse every other day, despite his dentist emphasizing flossing more than using mouth rinse.

Barrett Smith of Flowood said his dentist does not mention mouth rinse when they discuss his dental hygiene.

“I use it sometimes when I have it, but if I’m out, I won’t go out and buy it,” he said.