"Don't let your daughter play the clarinet, it will make her teeth stick out." There may be some truth to this old wives' tale, but only "some" truth. A recent study indicated that students who played wind instruments (including those with brass mouthpieces) for as little as half an hour a day showed more evidence of tooth movement than their percussionist peers.

However, depending on the condition of a child's bite before taking up an instrument, tooth movement may not be a bad thing.

For instance, if a clarinet player had lower teeth that stuck out, practicing on theinstrument might push them in over time.

Most importantly, children need to see a dentist regularly so any problems or changes in the bite can be noted and tracked. If a referral to an orthodontist is necessary, it can be made.

How playing an instrument affects teeth is less important than the need to be alert to bite problems - whether they're natural or caused by outside forces. Once a problem is discovered, proper steps can be taken to correct it for a more effective bite and more beautiful smile.

Mouthwashes and rinses have a reputation for fighting germs and bad breath. Unfortunately, most of them don't really fight germs, and those that do are only somewhat effective. Let's look at the different types of washes and rinses on the market.

COSMETIC RINSES
These products do help remove food debris and freshen breath; however, by masking bad breath, they may cause you to overlook this symptom of periodontal disease. That pleasant taste will last for a short time only, and the bacteria that cause gum disease will still be at work. Untreated, this will eventually result in tooth loss.

THERAPEUTIC RINSES
A step up from cosmetic products, these washes have ingredients that act against backteria in the mouth. They include anti-cavity rinses (which contain fluoride) and anti-plaque/anti-gingivitis rinses (designed to battle bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease). These have proven to be somewhat effective when used in conjunction with good brushing and flossing techniques.

A RINSE FOR YOU?
If you feel you need a rinse in addition to your normal homecare routine, talk to us about it. We can help you assess your needs and decide what rinse might be most beneficial for you. In some situations, a prescription rinse might be recommended.

*expectorate (ik-spek-te-rat) To eject from the mouth (spit).