I had my three monthly check up today with the dentist. Now bearing in mind the last time I went was prior to diagnosis 3 months ago, my gums were in poor order, I had a cavity, my crowns were nearly falling off as I had no idea what or why this was happening. The dentist instructed on an aggressive dental regime that involves the following:
1. At bedtime put in Biotene Oral Gel - smear it right in the top corners by your gums on the top and bottom of your mouth - I do it close to the salivary glands and put lots on and go to sleep with it so it keeps moisturising slowly through the night with natural enzymes. This is of course after brushing.
2. Wake up in the morning and rinse my mouth with Biotene mouth wash.
3. After breakfast, floss and use an electric toothbrush (brush for 2 minutes so fluoride is absorbed into teeth) and use Colgate sensitive Enamel Protect (I have used this for years which could explain why I havent had too many issues considering). Rinse with Colgate dry mouth formula with extra fluoride - rinse for 1 minute.
4. After lunch or any snacks eaten, floss and brush with an ordinary toothbrush taking care to gently massage the gum margins, rinse with Biotene as it has the natural enzymes.
5. After tea - floss and brush using the the toothbrush and rinse with Biotene again.
6. After ANY food at all, immediately swish your mouth with water to dilute the enzymes/saliva in your mouth.
7. Bedtime - if you havent eaten since your last meal then you dont need to floss again but brush for 2 minutes with the electric brush and then rinse with the Colgate Dry Mouth.
8. Dental check up, scale and polish and full mouth xrays every 3 months.
Now, as you know my biggest fear is losing my teeth - I have lost the enamel on my top left back tooth by the salivary gland but the tooth remains strong, dentist reckons it is to do with the toothpaste I have used as to why it hasnt crumbled, it has been like that for years but I never knew why, it just felt like a pumice stone if you know what I mean.
Today I was pleasantly surprised that I had no cavities, he is going to xray me every 3 months and has said I am going to have to work hard to keep my teeth but so far he is impressed. He said he cannot emphasise how important it is for your teeth to drink vast amounts of water to neutralise the acid in your mouth and try and keep the PH at a certain level.
I am lucky, I still produce some saliva although my glands ache but I thought I would share the info with you because although I was and am scared, I am pleased because this regime he has made me follow must be working.
He didnt even charge me for today, what my insurance didnt cover, he bulk billed.
All I know is that it has worked for me, it may have only been 3 months but he said my teeth and gums have improved hugely. Yes it is a lot of work but so very worth it.
:-*
Yes getting on a good dental regime is on the most important things if you want to save your teeth. I pretty much do the samethings as you do but with different products. So far it has worked quite well. I had no cavities in two years and my gums have improved greatly. I think it is so worth doing.
Thanks for posting your program. Since I am having significant dryness and have not been to a dentist yet, I will follow your plan.
Excellent advice. Thank you for sharing. Glad for you also.
Luna