Regular use of fluoride toothpaste containing triclosan, an antibacterial agent, and a copolymer, which helps prevent the triclosan from being washed away by saliva, reduces plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding gums and slightly reduces tooth decay compared to fluoride toothpaste without those ingredients, finds a new review. 
Tooth decay and gingivitis are the main causes of tooth loss. Both are caused by plaque, the film of bacteria that builds up on teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis, a more serious gum disease that can cause pain and loose teeth. Researchers reviewed 30 published studies of toothpaste containing triclosan and copolymer.
Their analysis of the combined data found a 22 percent reduction in plaque, a 22 percent reduction in gingivitis, a 48 percent reduction in bleeding gums, and a 5 percent reduction in tooth decay (cavities) compared to toothpaste with fluoride alone. However, they did not find significant evidence that triclosan/copolymer toothpaste reduced the incidence of periodontitis more than toothpaste without the combination. No adverse reactions to triclosan or the copolymer were reported.
The American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance Program and Product Evaluations has independently reviewed data on the safety and effectiveness of triclosan/copolymer for reducing cavities, plaque and gingivitis. The council concluded that there were sufficient clinical studies that showed these kinds of toothpaste reduced the incidence of cavities and the presence of plaque and gingivitis.
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A: There are at least three main methods people use to have their teeth whitened. There are over-the-counter methods available in most pharmacies. There are methods that are done entirely within the dental office. Lastly, there are methods that involve having trays fitted by a dentist that are then worn at home. Over-the-counter methods are the least expensive. They do work to a certain extent but tend to take longer and their “one size fits all” feature doesn’t work for everyone. Methods that are done entirely within the dental office and those involving custom-made trays by the dentist that are then worn at home both are more likely to brighten teeth more quickly and effectively. We choose to fabricate trays in our office for one major reason. All bleaching eventually fades and then requires whitening again to regain that brighter smile. With “in-office only” methods, they need to be done entirely over at full fee and that fee is typically higher than the custom tray method. With the custom tray method, when whitening is needed again since you still have the trays, the only expense with subsequent treatments is to purchase the tubes of bleach. That cost is minimal compared to starting all over again. Many of our patients choose the start of a new year as the perfect time to whiten their teeth.
People with Alzheimer’s disease may need some help with basic grooming and dressing tasks, including taking care of their teeth and mouth. As a caregiver, you can help!
Brushing twice a day with an ADA certified fluoride toothpaste and flossing with dental floss or an interdental cleaner once a day is advised. Keep appointments with your dentist and hygienist for routine check-ups and teeth cleanings.
To perform the crown procedure, your dentist prepares the tooth and makes a molded impression or a digital scan of your teeth to send to a dental laboratory. A custom-made temporary crown is created during this visit to protect the tooth while the final restoration is being made in the dental laboratory. Once completed, the crown will be cemented or adhesively bonded at a second visit.
Dental crowns, also known as “caps,” preserve the functionality of damaged teeth. This common dental restoration may be used to protect a cracked tooth, restore functionality of a tooth with excessive decay or replace a pre-existing crown. It protects a weakened tooth with a custom-designed material.