Caring for Your Pearly Whites: Page Two

Toothpaste

Well, you can't say the dental-product companies aren't trying their hardest to make toothpaste fun and functional. The current crop of choices includes pastes geared to give a cinnamon rush (scratch-and-sniff label on the box to smell before buying), to make teeth "white, shiny and healthy," to control plaque and to smack down tartar (aged plaque).

There are even pastes that ensure organic-food fans don't violate their dietary preferences, even with a non-ingestible product. Kiss My Face, for example, offers a product with "certified organic aloe vera." Only you know how important organic toothpaste is to you.

What about the products with more medical claims, such as tartar reduction. How important are these qualities?

Ask your dentist or dental hygienist. Do you have a problem with significant tartar buildup? If you're thinking, heck, why not throw it all in: Get a paste that reduces tartar and plaque, whitens, brightens and does your taxes while it's at it -- think again. Less could be more: Do you wash with an anti-dandruff shampoo if flakes aren't a problem for you?

Still, it couldn't hurt, could it? Some dental products potentially could. Whitening toothpaste, for example, may be too harsh or abrasive for your enamel. Always look for the American Dental Association's seal of acceptance on a product, and follow your dentist's directions regarding the type of paste best for your mouth.

Flossing

Now, what's the problem we seem to have with flossing? Don't look over your shoulder; statistically, chances are you're one of those who needs to hear this: According to a recent national survey sponsored by McNeil-PPC Inc., only 24 percent of U.S. households use dental floss.

As you might have guessed, the choices of floss and the devices for easing its use have multiplied. There are now "advanced technology" flosses with a "low coefficient of friction," those that come in premeasured "servings" and even a gentle battery-powered version called the Hummingbird. Can this get any easier?

For those who prefer a mechanical aid, there is the Reach Access plastic hand-held flosser (for kids, there's something called Wild Flossers, with plastic dinosaurs securing the floss).

In case there's still some confusion as to why it's important to do this dental deed, Saland spells it out: "It displaces the food between teeth -- and the plaque between teeth."

Both Saland and Pollowitz say it's very important to keep oral bacteria down -- because the same germs go through your system, affecting heart health and more.

Flossing is one thing you can do "that increases your life expectancy the most," says Pollowitz. It's no exaggeration to say that periodontal disease, which flossing fights, can be a real killer.

For its similar benefits, Pollowitz is favorable toward "the good, quality antibacterial mouthwashes, such as Listerine" when used in conjunction with other dental aids.

"Unfortunately," he adds, too many people use the mouthwash "instead of flossing and instead of brushing as long as they should."

Teeth whitening

Basically, there are three kinds of teeth-bleaching options: professionally done in-office; done at-home, but dentist-dispensed; and over-the-counter preparations.

In-office is priciest, roughly costing $300 to $1,000. But as Blumenthal points out, "The dentist can give you a much bigger bang for the buck."

What determines how dramatic the results? The strength of the peroxide solution used (strongest in-office) and the length of time it stays on the teeth (far less time is generally needed in-office, because of the increased efficacy of the preparation).

Dentist-dispensed at-home regimens cost less -- approximately $300 to $500-plus -- but will generally take longer and lack the doctor's watchful eye during the proceedings.

Over-the-counter options are by far the cheapest (some brands less than $20), but will generally give the least-dramatic results -- and it's probably just you, the box and a toll-free help line.

Even so, the do-it-yourself whiteners -- whether strips, liquids or gels -- are enormously popular.

Crest Whitestrips, launched in 2001, with $200 million in revenue after just one year, continue to enjoy tremendous word-of-mouth and brisk sales.

What is the ADA's take on this blizzard of whiting out? For the record: "The ADA recommends that if you choose to use a bleaching product you should only do so after consultation with a dentist."

By the way, don't be too certain that most dentists will advise in favor of their offerings and against the cheaper store-bought products.

"I tell patients to try Crest Whitestrips first, and see if it works for them," says Saland, who offers one of the dentist-dispensed at-home bleaching systems. "If it does, there's a difference of $300."

Whatever method you choose, among the factors you should be aware of is that such dental work as crowns and fillings do not bleach; staining you already have may be problematic and that sensitivity, which should be only temporary, may result.

A final thought: If you've done all due diligence, in terms of oral care, and you still have dental problems, don't beat yourself up for it: Genetics also play a role in whether you have "good" teeth or "bad" teeth.

As Saland puts it: "Choose your parents well!"

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