Evening star., 1955-11-13
Continued from page "
FIuoride: Approved

irrefuabe evidence that trace Of uoride in the drink
ing water used during the time teeth are being formed
VIII reduce the amount Of dental decay by approximately
half Some communities have for years been using
water supply which contains uoride, either naturally
occurring added to the water In those communities
dental decay IS much less prevalent.
Despite some claims to the contrary, am convinced
that this procedure is harmless II has been approved
desirable and safe BY the American Dental Association,
American Medical Association, American Public Health
Association and many. many others. Water iuoridation
can now be recommended without question.
Those First 10 Minutes
Keeping your teeth clean basic step in preventing
decay Use any dcncc your dentist approves and eet
him to show you and especially your children = how
to clean teeth properly The time Of brushing also
important Teeth should be cleaned Immediately after
meals and snacks. Most decay. have eaTned starts
in the first 10 minutes after eating If you can't brush
your teeth. rinsing out your mouth IS helpful
In the adult dental decay usually becomes less active
but in this age group the individual faces the threat Of loss
Of teeth because supporting tissues may become affected
Like dental CARES this condition called 'pyorhea" by
the patient. and perodonta disease BY the dentist is
complicated process with no causatiye factor.
Malaligned teeth. jammng Of food between teeth and
loss Of teeth contribute pyonhea Probably the
cause IS uncIeanliness in the mouth: poor oral
hygiene makes Il possible for tartar calculus to be
tOTnne0. ms IS rough Caicfe0 deposit on the teeth
which initates surrounding tissues
If you bite into apple piece of toast and notice
that the gums bleeding little yon should dentist
Il may be that il IS very early Of pyonhea which
the dentist can treat very satisfactorily before much damage
IS dcne. one waits several years the may become
untreatable.
In periodontal disease good nutrition also important
II Is desirable to select foods which provide exercise for
the muscles Of mastcation and function for the teeth
Such foods carrots. apples celery and Iestnce help
keep the mouth ciean- And daily massage Of the gums
with your toothbrush and finger IS helpful.
The chIldss First Visit
One good way Of limiting dental disease Is TO see dentist
often. study BY the Bureau Of Economic Research and
Statistics Of the American Dental Association showed that
individuals who have their dentist IN than
three years likely require complete artificial
teeth than those who make regular visits Your children
should make their first visit when their baby teeth are in
at the aee Of three The preservation Of these first
teeth s vital to healthy crop Of permanent teeth.
Preventive dentistry IS not limited reduction Of tooth
decay and pyoca In many cases IS possible to guide
incoming teeth prevent the need for orthodonc treat
later. The correction Of bad habits such chewing
fne1 nails, opening bobby pins with teeth etc. pre-
vent development Of dental defects which later would
require treatment Local iitatons, which might cause
cancer can be removed life be saved By detecting
cancer in its early stages.
Most pcOple today know that early treatment stitch
in time pays, but We dentists hope everyone win learn
ounce Of prevention better than pound Of cure.