Dental defence

I still remember when we lived in Texas many years ago, our dentist asked Gohan for permission to take photos of his teeth, because he has never seen anyone's teeth so perfectly aligned and healthy without any dental work. So the photos were taken, and every time we walked into the dentist office, we would see Gohan's teeth smiling on the wall. Gohan's teeth were so strong that he uses them as tools albeit against our dentist's warnings. He uses his teeth to pop open soda caps, to crush ice cubes, and to open anything that he can not open with his hands. In fact, he would use his teeth first before he uses his hands. 

Dr. Windsor Wu, our dentist of 25 years, was shocked to see Gohan's four cavities

So when our dentist Dr. Wu told us that Gohan had four cavities, two of which were so deep that are at risk for root canal procedure, we were shocked. Gohan had only skipped one semi-annual dental cleaning in last August, when his health had suddenly spiraled downward. But he has not felt anything strange with his teeth. After discussion with Dr. Wu, we learn that the reason for his cavities were 1) lack of saliva which was caused by chemotherapy and the whole brain radiation, both of which damage the salivary glands. Evidently, Saliva has antimicrobial effects and is critical in oral hygiene. 2) food trapped in his teeth for an extended period of time and became an incubator for bacteria growth. He had lost some of his senses in his mouth due to his stroke in Dec. and couldn't feel the food residue in his mouth. I had to check his mouth periodically to make sure there was nothing left in his mouth before he naps or sleeps. So the four cavities were most likely developed after his stroke, three of which were on his left hand side, the side where the stroke impacted.

Gohan who had perfect teeth since youth, had developed deep cavities in mere few months

Thankfully we have a wonderful dentist who teaches us how to put up a dental defence with products and procedure that were designed for 'very high risk' patients. Now after every meal or snacks, Gohan follows a 5-steps regimen to reduce his risk for cavities, which include electrical brush, prescribed tooth paste with high percentage of fluoride, floss, gum brush, baking soda rinse and xylitol rinse and spray. The regiment takes three or four times longer than the common daily dental hygiene, therefore taking time away from his already precious waking hours. But I have no doubt that Gohan who is well known for his perseverance will do it diligently to regain his dental glory back!

The regimen to fight off cavities