NEW SIMPLE DENTAL PROCEDURES to Limit Cavities You Can Do On Your Own

The problem many of us have as we get older is not having enough saliva in our mouth. Saliva is critical to battle plaque and acid in our  preventing bacteria and plague, and thereby more cavities. Many of us eat and drink acidic foods that contribute to the problem. I only learned this well in my sixth decade after having had radiation and lost part of my salivary glands seven implants later. It is important to have enough cavity-fighting saliva   in your mouth at all times.

The surfaces of our teeth constantly go through cycles of breakdown and repair. For over a century we have known that sugars and starches in our diets are converted to acids by the bacteria that live in our mouth. This acidic environment (low pH) favors the growth of more acid-producing bacteria. These acids can weaken the teeth. This is called demineralization.  Over time, teeth can become sensitive to cold, to sweets and tooth brushing. If the acid damage continues, the surface of the tooth collapses, and a cavity results.  This damage typically receives traditional surgical repair, such as a filling.

Our teeth and saliva have a naturally occurring maintenance system, but the fermentable carbohydrates (sugars) of a typical diet combined with acid-producing oral bacteria overwhelm our mouth’s natural repair capability, and dental decay is often the result. We must RE-MINERALIZE and you can do this, especially with the new, updated knowledge we are hearing about and learning from  dental organiztions like NEW ENAMEL (registerd)

Improving your teeth situation can be done on your own but will involve a bit of research and work.   

1. TEETH BRUSHING: For some people, over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste and fluoride rinses are effective in preventing tooth decay. For those with dry mouth (from radiation treatment or other reasons) use a toothpaste with xylitol  such as Sensodyne. Brush at the right times,   morning and before going to bed – and do not rinse your mouth for at least a half hour.
2.  Avoid acidic foods such as fruit juices and vinegar (see complete  list). If you do, try to balance them with alkaline foods (see list)
3.  To increase the flow of healthy saliva and modify bacterial activity  xylitol gums and mints are effective.   Ice Breakers Ice Cubes and Mentos^® Pure gum are   good examples of xylitol gum products. Spree and epic are others.

4.  For those with more advanced issues including dry mouth, below are other products (* for prescription products ask your dentist)

Colgate® PreviDent® Varnish, (x3)*

MI Paste™, (x1)*

Colgate® PreviDent® 5000 Toothpaste Dry Mouth, (x2)*

ACT® Dry Mouth Rinse – Sample, (x1)

Xylitol® Gum – Sample, (x3)

Colgate® PerioGard® Oral Rinse (CHX), (x1)*

There are also oral gels, and more over-the-counter products  made by Biotene and others for keeping your mouth moist.

 

NEW ENAMEL  (registered) is a new dental program (sponsored by UCSF) from which one can save  legwork  by managing and buying products online, such as those above .  

Your own dentist may also have many of these products.

 

Flossing is NOT The Key to Avoiding Cavities and Periodontal Disease