Encourage all patients to brush their teeth daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste and to use dental floss each day. Encourage individuals who have a history of frequent caries to reduce their intake of foods containing refined sugars and to avoid sugary between-meal snacks. Such patients may also benefit from use of a fluoridecontaining mouth rinse. Encourage individuals who engage in sports that have the potential for oral and dental trauma to use appropriate protective equipment, including headgear and mouth guards. Urge all patients to wear safety belts while in motor vehicles and helmets while riding bicycles and motorcycles.
Transient bacteremia is common during dental procedures, including cleaning.
Think Before You Chew. Fluoride to Protect the Teeth of Adults. What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer . A Guide for Health Care Providers . To order this and other publications, contact the FDA Office of Consumer Affairs.