Periodontal disease, manifested by gum shrinkage, is the main cause of tooth loss after the age of 40 and is principally due to accumulation of plaque on the roots of the teeth, the U.S. Pharmacist fl0#9:23) reports. Plaque is a sticky, soft material composed of bacteria trapped within a gel-like mixture of mucus, broken-down cells, and debris from food. Left undisturbed, it gradually builds up and hardens, irritating and displacing the gums so that they shrink back from the teeth. Ultimately, this results in cavities, loosening and loss of teeth.

Apart from brushing after meals and using dental floss, procedures that cannot reach all of the bacteria that form plaque, most of us do nothing more to prevent plaque buildup than visiting our dentists for a tooth cleaning session about once a year.

Plaque formation can be much more effectively prevented if, in addition to doing all of the above, one uses a mouthwash containing chemicals such as cetylpyridinium and alcohol that inhibit growth of plaque-producing bacteria. One should rinse the mouth with about two tablespoonfuls of the liquid twice a day for about 30 seconds, swishing it around between the teeth before spitting it out. After rinsing, do not eat or drink for 30 minutes. Mouthwash is most effective when used immediately after brushing and, if used regularly, reduces plaque formation by about 70 percent.

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Tags: General health

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