Modern Dentistry in Wilmington, DE

Does dental home care end with brushing and flossing?

While brushing and flossing are essential to good home care, I advise my patients to add a third component, namely using a dental rinse. In particular, I recommend ACT Dental Rinse because it does not contain alcohol like other dental rinses, which can cause dry gums and other tissues in your mouth. Dry mouth encourages the formation of bacteria, which can eventually cause decay. 

Oral Care for Babies?

Absolutely! Current research shows that new parents should be proactive in maintaining oral care in their children – even if they don’t have any teeth yet! A study out of the University of Illinois confirmed that bacteria associated with cavities in young children was present in infant saliva.

"The soft tissues in the mouth appear to serve as reservoirs for potential pathogens prior to tooth eruption," according to lead researcher Kelly Swanson. For this reason, parents should minimize snacks and drinks with fermentable sugar and wipe the gums of babies without teeth. This practice is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as an effective way for parents to prevent future cavities.

A fluoride rinse, such as the ACT brand, will help to guard against gum disease, preserve the integrity of existing dental work, guard against the formation of dental caries, and help to strengthen your existing enamel. Many other brands of dental rinse contain alcohol. One of the problems with this is that it the alcohol actually dries out the tissues in the mouth and makes them more susceptible to bacteria. In fact, if you have a condition that causes dry mouth or you are a woman experiencing dry mouth as a condition of hormonal changes in menopause, there is an ACT Dry Mouth rinse that specifically addresses these conditions.

I also like the ACT dispenser for children, as it controls the amount that will come out of the container, preventing a child from using too much.

Using a dental fluoride rinse will also strengthen existing enamel, which is essential in preserving the integrity of your tooth structure.

The ADA states that when you combine brushing and flossing with a bacteria-fighting mouth rise, you can reduce the bacteria found in dental plaque and help prevent gum disease. Additionally, the routine use of fluoride mouth rinses has been shown to reduce and prevent dental decay. Look for dental rinses that do not contain alcohol. Since children under the age of 6 are prone to swallowing the rinse, it should not be used in children until they are capable of rinsing followed by spitting afterward and understanding that they should not swallow the rinse.