Childrens Teeth

For younger, still growing patients the key word in nutrition is calcium. Adequate calcium intake is an essential element in making growing children's teeth and bones strong. Adults too need calcium in their diet, but since they are fully-grown it is less critical. For both children and adults calcium in the diet ensures that your body does not try to compensate a diet deficient in calcium from other, less desirable sources.

Calcium ions are used on the cellular level as part of vital body functions. The body will actually take calcium from the bones if dietary sources are not sufficient. Because the teeth have a minor blood supply, the body does not remove calcium from the enamel of teeth as it does in skeletal bones. Instead, calcium levels in the teeth are depleted by acid produced by the bacteria in plaque and acidic foods we eat. By reducing the amount of calcium in a tooth's enamel the tooth is weakened and subject to decay.

To avoid calcium loss in your teeth, try to stay away from candies and sweets that feed the acid-producing bacteria. Also try to avoid acidic foods that raise the level of acid in the mouth. A healthy balanced diet and a regular program of oral hygiene will go far in maintaining a strong and healthy set of teeth and gums.

Electric Toothbrushes
Can't seem to get your kids to brush well enough? Then maybe it is time to consider a mechanical toothbrush. With the latest changes in technology have come some amazing and highly effective tools to clean your teeth and keep your smile healthy.

Most mechanical toothbrushes come with rotating or oscillating heads. The heads are self-powered and work much like a wax polisher works on the floor or your car. As the bristles are pressed against teeth and gums, the rapid, constant movement removes plague and food particles.

Another type of mechanical toothbrush incorporates sound waves: Sonic Toothbrushes. Sonic toothbrushes have a rotating head and bristles, but in addition emit sound waves. The sound waves create a vibration that helps, in conjunction with the bristles, to loosen and plague and particles. This is the same technology that your dentist uses in the office to help remove plague. As you can tell after a professional cleaning, sound waves can be very effective.

The next type of toothbrush is the Ionic Toothbrush. Ionic toothbrushes work by reversing the polarity of the teeth. Your teeth naturally have a negative ionic charge. Food particles naturally have a positive ionic charge. These opposite charges are attracted to each other causing food particles to stick to your teeth. Think of it as holding two opposite magnets near each other. They are literally "drawn" to each other and stick together quite strongly. The ionic toothbrush temporarily changes the tooth's negative ionic charge to a positive charge. Then, another part of the toothbrush is positively charged, attracting the plague and food particles away from the tooth. The bristles brush the loosened particles away.

Each type of mechanical toothbrush is highly effective at removing plague and keeping your teeth and gums clean. While there is an initial investment, the dental hygiene and health you maintain is priceless. For more information on mechanical toothbrushes, see the Teledyne, Braun, and Interplak web sites. While we make no recommendations, all three companies produce mechanical toothbrushes and have a good reputation.