February has always been Dental Health month. I just learned it is now also Pet's Dental Health Month. Yesterday I had my photo taken working on Mrs. T's Tall Teeth (Yes, they learn their alphabet now with blow up dolls and, well, we already know who "T" is). So, with my first grade teacher patient in the office, I started to think: What does a kid need to know about dental health? And here is the short answer: plaque, boring old plaque.

"Plaque" is the word that sends every dental patient into a vague stupor in which they just stare at the far wall and then fall asleep. I know what they are thinking: "Oh, here it comes again, bacterial plaque, floss; now she's going to get out the pictures of cavities and red sick gums, da da...."

So, this year, in honor of Dental Health month, I have decided to take the contrarian view. I am now putting together the last pieces of www.dentaldecay.com and I am thinking of including an essay addressing the need that some people seem to have to live dangerously dentally. It will be called something like "How to Be Sure You Will Use All Your Dental Benefits." My hygienists helped me with the list at lunch yesterday.

Here's the list:
1. Always go to bed with food in your mouth. Gumdrops are best;
2. Start carrying Altoids, or Life Savers, in your purse or pocket. Pop one in your mouth at regular intervals (Don't bother with the sugarless ones);
3. Do not invest in an electric toothbrush (They are just a gimmick);
4. Forget floss altogether (it just gets stuck);
5. Tell your dentist you want to skip x-rays - again (If no one knows those between teeth cavities are there, what's the problem);
6. Don't make a dental appointment until a tooth caves in or you are up all night with a throbbing ache. Wait for a weekend if possible to call the dentist.
7. If you have a chronically dry mouth, sip soda at frequent intervals.  Keep a can on your bed table.
8. If your dentist gives you a script for chlorhexidine mouthwash,  don't bother filling it.

But, seriously, honestly, I am going to tell you the absolute truth here: Plaque matters. It is filled with squiggling live bacteria. Those bacterial colonies secrete acid that dissolves the helpless tooth away. It also can go on to cause a chronic gum infection and inflammation  (think pus and bleeding). Plaque harbors decay and gum disease-causing bacteria and it's really gotta go. That's my Dental Health message and it's the best message I can give you. Happy Dental Health month!

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Please remember that dental information written by me on these sites is not all-inclusive and it may or may not apply to your situation and you need to call your own dentist.  A dentist needs to see the tooth, take and x-ray, etc. to diagnose and treat.   I cannot respond to email inquiries or phone calls.  Thanks for visiting!