Show f r ini R HAPPINESS If j i is is a Healthy Mouth i NATIONAL CHILDRENS CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH WEEK I understand a report has been Is Issued Is sued ab about ut abrasive toothpastes Does this mean that the toothpaste I am using may actually be harmful THE REPORT you cited was published last year by the American Dental Association As which rated all major dentifrices dent denti frices on an ascending scale of abra abra- When the report was issued the theADA theADA theADA ADA pointed out that some dentifrices may be harmful to a particular individuals individual's duals dual's teeth Some individuals require a amore amore amore more abrasive dentifrice for others only a low-abrasive low dentifrice is safe The study also pointed up the fact that many of the so-called so brightener toothpastes tes were actually rather low in abrasives abra However all toothpastes contain some abrasives Highly abrasive dentifrices can be harmful to people who have receding gums with exposed tooth roots Cemen Cemen- turn tum is the material covering the root and while similar to enamel is much softer and more likely to be affected by abrasive materials DENTAL PATIENTS who have had teeth restored with materials such as plastics or acrylics may also be advised to 0 use less abrasive toothpastes These materials may be harmed by some of of the heavier abrasives The ADA also warned that the compulsive tooth brusher brush brush- er someone who brushes vigorously several times S a day for long periods may damage the enamel with a high high-ab dentifrice The best person to give you advice on whether to toothpaste tooth use a high abrasive abrasive paste is your family dentist How lIow safe are the electric toothbrushes toothbrush es and water jets Im I'm considering buying buy buy- ing each of these items for my family The American Dental Association evaluates evaluates eval these devices for safety and ef Currently the Association has recognized 13 powered toothbrushes as safe and effective It points out put that powered toothbrushes are arc especially recommended recommended re re- re commended for children and physically handicapped persons who have d difficulty in using manual brushes THE WATER irrigators are also o evaluated evaluated eval eval- by the Association Six have been classified as safe and effective as adjuncts ad to regular and dental den tal care If used properly these devices can remove debris from reach hard places such as between the teeth You can check with your family dentist den test or the Association in Chicago to find out which brushes and irrigators have been accepted |