a reply to:
JAGStorm
Diet is the major reason why third world countries may not have the dental decay that occurs in countries such as the USA, as refined sugars are
harder to come by. As mentioned, sugars are the main thing that cause cavities, as it leads to the production of acid by the plaque bacteria that
demineralizes the enamel, weakening it until a cavity is formed. Without the high sugar diet, the bacteria will not multiply as quickly either. If
you and others here have not had any cavities, despite not flossing much, I would believe it is due to a healthy diet low in sugars, good brushing
technique, and possibly genetic components that boost the anti-cavity properties of saliva and crevicular fluid (IgA and other immunoglobulins that
can fight bacteria). I can assure you, I have see hundreds of patients with no cavities on the fronts, tops, or backs of their teeth, but rampant
decay between the teeth, which is due to not flossing the plaque from these locations.
As far as different types of toothpastes go, any toothpaste with fluoride will be a "remineralizing" toothpaste. The fluoride helps to restrengthen
the enamel, and when incorporated into enamel as fluoroapatite, is now more resistant to future demineralization (the pH to cause demineralization is
4.5 for fluoroapatite as opposed to 5.5 for hydroxyapatite). Toothpastes that say "whitening" do not actually whiten teeth, and instead focus on
removing surface stains, such as those produced from smoking and coffee. Actual whitening of the enamel requires bleaching, which is all about time
of contact, so toothpaste is not in contact long enough to cause any whitening, even with peroxide. Studies show the most effective toothpastes to be
Crest Pro Health and Colgate Total. I used Jason's anticavity toothpaste, as it does not contain sulfates that have estrogenic properties in the body
and are also irritating to the mucosal tissue.
Probiotics are great, and I take them daily. The good bacteria help produce vitamin K, keep bad bacteria and yeast at bay, and support the immune
system. I highly recommended a good probiotic, as well as a multivitamin, since most diets are not sufficient to get the necessary daily nutrition.
Even if you get enough to prevent deficiencies, you won't be getting enough to get the benefits of higher dosages (vitamin C for immune support;
vitamin A and E for antioxidant power, skin, and brain health; vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium for bone strength, etc). I take a lot of herbs,
vitamins, minerals, mushroom extracts, and neurotrophics daily for overall health and energy.
When it comes to fluoride and mercury supplements, you are mistaken about the mercury, as this is a toxic metal, so is not supplemented. Mercury is
found in the metal restorative material called amalgam, and is very minimally release after they are placed in the mouth. I prefer tooth colored
restorative material myself for several reasons, but mercury exposure is not really one of them. The amalgam restorations should not be replaced
unless there is something wrong with them, so any dentist that tells you different only wants your money. You actually get much greater exposure to
mercury by the removal of amalgam restorations, as drilling on them produces heat and mercury gas, as well as particulate matter than will fall into
your mouth and be swallowed.
Fluoride supplements would only be beneficial for young children under 8 years old with high risk of cavities, as the enamel of their permanent teeth
is being formed prior to year 8, and fluoroapatite can be incorporated during this process. This is also why fluoride is added to water, and there is
the additional benefit of contact of the fluoridated water with the teeth to help with remineralization. Adult ingestion of fluoride is not really
beneficial, and is in fact bad because fluoride is a neurotoxin at high levels, and can also cause skeletal problems. For this reason, I do not
believe water should be fluoridated. This causes unnecessary exposure for adults and children not at high risk of cavities. Children at risk should
be treated on an individual basis with fluoride supplements and mouthrinses.
As far as root canal therapy not being necessary, this is completely false. When the pulp becomes irreversibly inflamed in a tooth, it can cause
severe pain, and the only way to fix this is by removal of the pulp. If the pulp dies and becomes infected with bacteria due to fractures, deep
cavities, or trauma, bone loss with occur below the roots as your body attempts to fight off the bacteria. The bacteria can get out the end of the
root and cause an abscess, resulting in facial swelling, severe pain to biting, and in rare instances, death (getting into the brain space, or fascial
spaces of the neck to inhibit breathing). With no blood flow into the tooth anymore, there is no way for your body to fight the bacteria, and
antibiotics only give short term release by effecting the bacteria outside the roots. Root canal therapy allows removal of the necrotic pulp tissue
within the tooth and disinfection of the canal space (killing of the bacteria inside the tooth), now allowing your body to heal itself and the lost
bone to regenerate. Without root canal therapy, the only other option is extraction.