You’re brushing and flossing two or three times a day to maintain your beautiful smile. But a new high-fluoride toothpaste, combined with a dental massage technique, could give you better protection against cavities than ever before – up to four times as much protection as you have now…once the toothpaste is on the market in the United States.
Do You Need a Tooth Massage?
Want a massage? How about massaging high-fluoride toothpaste into your teeth and gums after lunch? “Rubbing [super-fluoridated] toothpaste onto your teeth increases the fluoride protection by 400%,” says Anna Nordström, dentist, PhD and researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
“This ‘massage’ method proved to be at least as effective as a third brushing in increasing the amount of fluoride in the mouth,” Nordström explains. “Rubbing the front of your teeth with toothpaste can be an easy way of giving your teeth a third ‘shot’ of fluoride during the day, after lunch for example. But this should not replace brushing with a fluoride toothpaste morning and evening — it’s an extra.”
Daily Use Brings Cavity Prevention
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is vital in combating tooth decay, and there is long-standing scientific evidence that daily use of fluoride toothpaste has a strong preventive effect on cavity development. However, the not-yet-available-in-the-USA, only-on-shelves-in-Sweden, high-fluoride toothpastes potentially offer even greater protection against cavities.
The Researchers’ Top Tips:
- Use fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day, after breakfast and before going to bed.
- If necessary, brush a third time or rub toothpaste on your teeth after your mid-day meal.
- If you have problems with cavities, choose a toothpaste with a higher fluoride content.
- Avoid rinsing toothpaste from your mouth with water.
Consult Your Houston Dentist for More Information
High-fluoride toothpastes and tooth and gum massage seem a promising new approach to daily dental care. But it’s important to realize that this approach isn’t for everyone. Before beginning a high-fluoride regimen, you should consult your dentist to make sure you are a good candidate. For instance, if you have any form of periodontal disease or your tooth enamel has eroded, those issues must be addressed prior to using high-fluoride toothpaste. Until the FDA approves the ultra-fluoride toothpaste in the States, brush, floss, and visit Dr. Calcagno for checkups every six months.
Arrange an appointment with Dr. Calgano by calling our 55902 Rochester dentist office at (507) 281-3659. We serve patients from Rochester, Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Farmington, and the surrounding communities.