P. aeruginosa is quite concerning because it has the ability to grow in distilled water due to its simple metabolic requirements.

P. aeruginosa has now replaced Staphylococcus aureus as the primary cause of nosocomial (disease originating in a hospital) infections.  This is due to several factors including use of antibiotics inappropriately and P. aeruginosas’ ability to acquire antibiotic resistance genes easily.  

P. aeruginosa has been implicated in ocular infections due to increased use of extended-wear contact lenses.  It has also been associated with open root canals, removal of impacted molars, oral surgery in the soft tissue and bones.  In patients with advances periodontitis, P. aeruginosa has been isolated from pockets where previous therapy included antibiotics.  

All this is to say, visit your dentist bi-annually for your check-ups and professional cleaning.  In addition, maintain a thorough at-home oral hygiene routine which should include brushing twice a day for at least 2.5 minutes, flossing, and rinses with mouthwash.  

-Chapter 13 Pseudomonadaceae, Oral Microbiology & Immunology-

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The study, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said almost 40% percent of children between the ages of 3 and 6 used far more toothpaste than advised by oral healthcare professionals.  For children as young as 3 months to 8 years of age, ingesting an unhealthy amount of fluoridated toothpaste can cause fluorosis, a discoloration/malformation of their teeth.

The C.D.C. and American Dental Association advised parents/caretakers of children in that age range to administer no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, 

The C.D.C.’s survey of nearly 1,700 children in that age bracket discovered that approximately 38 percent of them used more than the recommended amount of toothpaste.  In addition, an inordinate concentration of fluoride in drinking water can also contribute to dental fluorosis, the dental association says on its website.

Children under the age of 3 should be using even less toothpaste (a grain-sized amount of toothpaste), according to the guidelines.  Toddlers are more at risk to fluorosis and their ability to spit less developed therefore increasing their chances of swallowing toothpaste says the C.D.C.

The takeaway message of this study is that parents should not only dispense a minimal amount of toothpaste during their children’s oral hygiene activities but to monitor their children during said activities.  This way they ensure proper oral hygiene habits and prevent any possible adverse development to their children’s teeth.   

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The oral cavity has the ability to neutralize the adverse effects of caries causing bacteria via the pH buffering capabilities of saliva; however, with the elevated sugar content of today’s diet (soda, cookies, cakes etc) this buffering system can get overwhelmed.  For this reason adequate (at least 2 minutes per session) and frequent (at least twice per day) oral hygiene sessions are of utmost importance.  

A soft bristled toothbrush should be utilized for the oral hygiene session.  Teeth should be brushed in a circular and gentle motion with which all teeth are cleaned.  A pea sized amount of toothpaste should be used for children 6 years or older, a rice grain amount for children 3 to 6 years of age, and a pin point amount for those below the age of 3.

Flossing is another important aspect of the oral hygiene session especially for those children with “Hollywood smiles.”  Hollywood smiles are smiles in which all the teeth contact.  In these kinds of dentition, a toothbrush will not be able to get in between the teeth and those areas end up neglected.  Flossing helps keep the areas in between teeth clean and free of plaque harboring bacteria.  To floss properly, watch a youtube video or visit your local dentist for proper instructions.  To surmise floss in an up and down motion with the floss in contact with the tooth or teeth bordering the space in which the floss is in.  

Activity sheets and other resources are available at your local dentist or from the ADA website (ada.org/en/public-programs/nationalchildrens-dental-health-month).

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Although other risk factors such as family history, age, ethnicity, gender etc are beyond one’s control there are other risks that one can control such as maintaining a healthy mouth since evidence is accumulating linking the health of one’s oral cavity to one’s systemic health.  

Published by letswinpc.org

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