|
| |
Topical or local application of effective agents, such as a fluoride, is an
essential part of Teeth Disease Prevention. Self-applied over-the-counter (OTC)
products are available as dentifrices, mouthrinses, and chewing gum. They may be
applied by toothbrushing and rinsing.
Key Benefits
- Benefit 1 -- Prevention of dental caries
- Benefit 2 -- Remineralization of white spots under bacterial plaque in
the tooth enamel
- Benefit 3 -- Desensitization properties
Items for Consumption
Fluoride dentifrices are available as toothpastes. Fluoride mouthrinses
are a practical and effective means for self-application. It is better for
safety reason to use the seal of acceptance by the American Dental Association
(ADA) for any product containing fluoride.
- 1. Fluoride Dentifrice
- Fluoride dentifrice approved by the American Dental Association (ADA)
should be recommended for each patient as part of the complete preventive
program.
- 2. Fluoride Mouthrinse
- ADA approved mouthrinses with a fluoride preparation may have effect as
a general prevention of dental caries in young persons during the high-risk
(soccer/basketball players) preteen and adolescent years. The only
persons excluded from the practice of mouthrinsing are children under 6
years of age.
- 3. Effective Toothbrush
- Conforms to individual requirements in size, shape, and texture.
- Is easily and efficiently
manipulated.
- Is durable and inexpensive.
- Is readily cleaned and aerated.
- Has properties of flexibility,
softness, and diameter of the bristles, and of
strength, rigidity, and lightness of the handle.
- Has end-rounded filaments or
bristles.
- Is designed for utility,
efficiency, and cleanliness.
- 4. Chewing Gum with Recaldent
- Recaldent is a naturally occurring component of milk. When used as an
ingredient in oral care products, Recaldent promotes the mineralization of
the tooth enamel.
-
Guidelines and Instructions
- 1. Effective Method of Toothbrusing
- The Bass method is widely accepted as an effective method for bacterial
plaque removal adjacent to and directly beneath the gingival margin.
- A. Position the Brush
- Filaments. Direct the filaments up for maxillary, down for
mandibular teeth at a 45° angle.
- Gingival sulcus. Place the
brush with the filament tips directed straight into the gingival sulcus. The
filaments will be directed at approximately 45°
to the long axis of the tooth.
- B. Strokes
- Press Lightly Without Flexing
so the filament tips enter the gingival sulci and embrasures and cover the
gingival margin. Do not bend the filaments with excess pressure.
- Vibrate the Brush back and
forth with very short strokes without disengaging the tips of the filaments
from the sulci. Count at least 10 vibrations.
- C. Reposition the Brush
- Apply the brush
to the next group of two or three teeth. Take care to overlap placement.
- D. Repeat Stroke
- The entire stroke (steps A through
C) is repeated at each position around the maxillary and mandibular arches,
both facially and lingually.
- E. Position Brush for Lingual
and Palatal Anterior Surfaces
- Hold the brush the long narrow way
for the anterior components. The filaments are kept straight and directed
into the sulci.
-
- 2. Selection of Fluoride Dentifrice
- A. Place a small amount of dentifrice on the toothbrush
- Child. Use only a small amount, the size of a small pea and
explain that the child should not swallow excess amount of dentifrice.
- Toddler and other small children. About one-half the size of a
small pea should be spread along the brushing plane.
- Older children and adults. Use 1/2 inch or less.
- B. Spread dentifrice over the
teeth with a light touch of the brush
- C. Proceed with correct
brushing for sulcular removal of bacterial plaque
- D. Keep dentifrice
container out of reach of children
-
- 3. Patient Instructions for OTC Fluoride Mouthrinses
- A. Use aqueous solutions - not alcohol-based mouthrinses
- B. Alcohol content preparations is not advisable for children
- C. Alcohol-containing mouthrinses should never be recommended for
a recovering alcoholic person
- D. Bottle must have child-proof cap
- E. Label must indicate that the rinse is not to be swallowed
- F. Rinse daily with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) after brushing before retiring
- G. Swish between teeth with lips tightly closed for 60 seconds;
expectorate
4. Instructions for Use Chewing Gum
- A. Chewing gum with Recaldent four times a day for 15-20 minutes
to receive the maximum benefit.
- B. May cause an allergic
reaction to those who have a severe allergy to casein.
|
