Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • July 16, 2014 Emphasize oral hygiene throughout the year Anyone who has made a commitment to getting healthier should remember to include proper dental care in his or her plan. In addition to keeping a smile bright, good dental care can also affect other areas of the body. One of the keys to oral health is the use of fluoride to prevent dental caries. In fact, many health professionals will say that exposure to fluoride, whether through use of toothpaste or fluoridated water supplies, is probably the most effective cavity-pre- vention treatment available. Fluoride helps the teeth in a number of ways. Fluoride can promote tooth re-mineral- ization. This means it attracts other min- erals, particularly calcium, to the areas of the teeth where decay can form, helping to strengthen teeth. Fluoride also helps to make teeth more resistant to decay. New tooth mineral created when fluoride is present helps to make teeth harder, making it more difficult for acids and bacteria to penetrate the enamel of the teeth and cause damage. Another advantage is that fluoride helps to inhibit acid creation. Dental researchers have found that fluoride can inhibit bacteria living in the mouth. That is an important finding, as such bacteria can contribute to the formation of damage-causing acids that are notorious for wearing down tooth enamel, causing spots for more bacteria to congregate and form cavities. According to the American Dental Asso- ciation, individuals who find themselves prone to cavities, or whose dentists have deemed them at elevated risk for developing cavities, may benefit from fluoride applica- tion beyond the norm. This may include prescription fluoride applied directly to the teeth at home or procedures where dentists apply the fluoride in their offices. Recent clinical recommendations from a multi-disciplinary expert panel convened by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs sug- gest that topical fluoride, used in conjunc- tion with drinking optimally fluoridated water and using toothpaste with fluoride, can prevent tooth decay. These clinical rec- ommendations cover professionally applied and prescription-strength, home-use topical fluoride agents for cavity prevention. The panel concluded that additional research is needed, but recommended the following products for patients at elevated risk of developing cavities: professionally- applied 2.26 percent fluoride varnish or a 1.23 percent fluoride gel every three to six months; home-use prescription-strength 0.5 percent fluoride gel or paste or 0.09 percent fluoride mouth rinse for patients six years old or older; and a 2.26 percent profession- ally-applied fluoride varnish every three to six months for children younger than six years old. Application of additional fluoride should not replace daily oral hygiene habits. It is still vital to brush twice a day, floss daily, eat a balanced diet, and visit the dentist reg- ularly for checkups. The millions of bacteria that prolifer- ate inside of the mouth and contribute to dental caries also can affect other areas of the body. Evidence suggests the same bac- teria that can cause plaque and gum dis- ease may lead to cardiovascular problems. According to information from Harvard Medical School, several species of bacteria that cause periodontitis have been found in the atherosclerotic plaque in arteries in the heart and elsewhere. This plaque can lead to heart attack. Although research is ongoing, there is reason to believe that oral bacteria could also harm blood vessels or cause blood clots by releasing toxins that resemble proteins found in artery walls or the bloodstream. When the body’s immune system responds to these toxins, blood clots may form more easily. Some evidence also points to a corre- lation between inflammation in the mouth and inflammation in the body. When taking an inventory of one’s health, schedule a physical examination with a doctor, visit an optometrist or oph- thalmologist for an eye exam, and remember to visit the dentist for a cleaning, checkup, and a possible fluoride treatment to protect the mouth and body.