HOW TO SAVE YOUR TEETH: The Preventive Approach

By far the best of the recent dental books--a jargon-free presentation of what to do for your teeth and how to do it. Marshall, an oft-quoted specialist on gum disease (peridontist), goes carefully and logically from the structure of the teeth to explanations of dental specialities, without leaving out those subjects dearest to our hearts--how to pay for all this and how to have a nice smile. Prevention is emphasized from the beginning. The three basics in thinking about oral health go back past infancy: diet (mother's during pregnancy, the infant's before and after the teeth enter the mouth); fluoride (exactly how much and how to get it); and oral hygiene. There are no gimmicks for proper hygiene, Marshall writes: brushing and flossing are the only routes; and use of ""disclosing solutions"" is recommended so you can see the plaque you're trying to remove. For the reader with problems, Marshall explains the more complicated dental treatments (implants, transplants) without neglecting the treatment of tooth pains and pain associated with dental procedures. Also bound to be gratefully received: the detailed advice on finding a good dentist and the answers to common questions from bad breath to gum disease. Finally, Marshall stresses the importance of overall fitness, and though his remarks on nutrition and exercise are brief, he does recommend his favorite sources. Perfectly clear and practical, a fine basic guide for dental care.