Brushing our teeth is an exercise in self-care that most of us do at least twice a day but there is also something we seldom consider; the health of that toothbrush. It might shock you to realize that literally millions of microorganisms (bacteria) live on the bristles of your personal toothbrush. That comes down to millions of microscopic bugs that can potentially cause flu, colds and other illnesses.

Recent studies have confirmed that oral health is connected with overall healthfulness. For example, there is a strong correlation between heart disease, diabetes, premature delivery in pregnant women, and strokes; and gum disease. Researchers discovered there are upwards of 10 million bacteria live on the typical toothbrush and we know that tooth decay is also caused by the type of bacteria that can survive on toothbrushes.

Studies have proven that cold and flu viruses and even the viruses that cause fever blisters (Herpes Simplex I) can survive on toothbrushes for several days – infecting and re-infecting the unsuspecting owner of that toothbrush. Here are just a few viruses that thrive on toothbrushes and some of the problems they can cause:

• E. Coli: bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal pain and tenderness with no fever
• Influenza Virus: fever, cough, headache and fatigue, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea
• Staphylococci Bacteria: abscesses, boils, and skin infections
• Herpes Simplex I: can affect the mouth, face and skin and can be present in the body without symptoms, generally causes recurring and painful blisters (cold sores or fever blisters)
• Candida Albicans: mild nasal congestion, blisters in the mouth, sore throat or abdominal pain, and/or fatigue, dizziness and mood swings
• Coliform Bacteria: usually present along other disease-causing bacteria and organisms

Some researchers also discovered bio-film thriving on toothbrushes, which is living colonies of breeding bacteria, with estimated numbers as high as 100 million microorganisms existing on individual brushes.

Protecting Your Toothbrush

Surprisingly, it isn’t the bacteria from your mouth that contributes to the worst bacterial problems on a toothbrush, it’s the fact that most people store their toothbrush unprotected in the open, on
the bathroom counter top. By far, flushing the toilet is the worst culprit for germs found on most toothbrushes. Every time you flush the toilet invisible jets of water propels germs into the air, where they can land on toothbrushes.

Family toothbrushes stored side-by-side only compound the risk of sharing germs and viruses. Bacteria, molds, and fungi love moist environments provided by most bathrooms and they also love dark enclosed spaces, so storing toothbrushes in the medicine cabinet may not be as ideal as you might think.

While most dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every couple of months, most American’s aren’t likely to change their toothbrushes more than twice a year. Here are some steps you can take to keep your toothbrush germ free:

Storage: Store toothbrushes away from the toilet in a cool, dry place.

Rinse well: Wash off your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water every time you use it.

Dry it after use: Dry your toothbrush thoroughly between brushings and avoid using toothbrush covers, which can create a moist enclosed breeding ground for bacteria.

Store it upright. Store your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down.

Keep it to yourself: Never share a toothbrush and avoid storing it side-by-side in the same container with other people’s brushes.

Ultraviolet Light: Studies indicate that ultraviolet light can be effective in killing germs on toothbrushes and are able to kill many of the bacteria, yeasts, and viruses. A study conducted at New York University Medical Center on countertop ultraviolet toothbrush sanitizers found that this device eliminated up to 99.9 percent of bacteria tested on toothbrushes.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse: Cheaper than an ultraviolet device and a measure perhaps just as effective could be the practice of rinsing your toothbrush after each use with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is antibacterial, antifungal, kills mold and mildew and when used properly, it is non-toxic for humans, plants, household animals.

Best practice: keep it clean and keep on brushing

Now that you know how to keep your toothbrush truly clean and germ free as a way to protect yourself and your family from harmful bacteria, it is also important to choose a brush that will do the work of keeping your teeth clean without harming the delicate surface of the tooth or gums. Choose a brush with soft or medium bristles, as they are gentler on the gums and may actually clean better because they’re more flexible. Brush twice a day, at least two minutes each time and rinse your mouth after sugary or starchy snacks. Replace your toothbrush frequently. These practices combined with visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings will help to ensure that you have a lifelong healthy smile.

More than 40,000 root canals are performed every day in the United States affecting more than 25 million people annually.

What most people haven’t yet come to realize is that root canal procedures can lead to serious life threatening or chronic health issues including cancer and heart disease.

Chronic Disease Linked to Root Canals

Dr. Weston Price, a well-known dentist and researcher noted for extensive research conducted in the early part of the 20^th Century, was able to demonstrate that a high percentage of chronic degenerative diseases can and do originate from root canal therapy. The most frequent are heart and circulatory diseases. The next most common diseases were those of the joints, arthritis and rheumatism followed by diseases of the brain and nervous system.

In one of his studies, Dr. Price transferred diseases harbored by humans into rabbits, by implanting fragments of teeth from root-canals. He found that root canal fragments transplanted from a person, who had suffered a heart attack, when implanted into a rabbit, would cause a heart attack in the rabbit within only a few short weeks. The heart attack study was conducted with 100% effectiveness while other diseases were more than 80% transferable by following this same method.

Through Dr. Price’s research we now know that nearly every chronic degenerative disease has been linked with root canals, including:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Arthritis, joint, and rheumatic diseases
• Neurological diseases such as ALS
• Autoimmune diseases
• Various types of cancers
• Musculoskeletal diseases
• Irritable bowel diseases such as Crohn’s Disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Depression

People with healthy immune systems can generally ward off most bacteria that stray away from the infected tooth. But as the immune system weakens, over time or due to an accident or illness or other trauma, a person’s body may not be able to keep the infection from advancing. A weakened immune system will then allow bacteria to grow unchecked and migrate out into surrounding tissues and into the blood stream, where they are then transported various sensitive locations of the body such as an organ or gland or tissue.

The Breast Cancer Connection

More recently, Dr. Robert Jones, a researcher, discovered an extremely high correlation between root canals and breast cancer. His five-year study of 300 breast cancer cases indicated that 93 percent of women with breast cancer had root canals and seven percent had other dental issues. Interestingly enough, in most cases tumors manifest on the same side of the body as the root canal(s) or other dental restoration. Dr. Jones deems that toxins from the bacteria in an infected tooth or jawbone inhibit the body’s natural ability to suppress tumor development.

The Demon Bacteria

Since there is no foolproof way to clean out the narrow tubules of a dead tooth, it will eventually become an incubator for highly toxic anaerobic bacteria. It has been found that literally billions of bacteria live in and around root canals, where they generate some of the most toxic organic substances, 1,000 times more toxic than botulism toxin. As the bacteria mutate over time into more and more virulent forms, they eventually migrate from the root of the tooth into the bone where they cause infections, called cavitations. Inside these bone cavities the bacteria begin to produce the more highly toxic poisons – including mercaptans, thioethers and others.

Dr. Jones relates the presence of toxins in the cells to the onset of cancer. His study indicates that the toxins thwart the production of key proteins and, without these proteins; there is nothing to stop cells or clusters of cells from becoming cancerous. Studies conducted at North Carolina Institute of Technology (NCIT) using toxins from 900 extracted root canal teeth and over 4000 biopsies of infected bone, have demonstrated extreme inhibition of the production of these important proteins. Their studies have led researchers to believe some cases of cancer are the result of chronic exposure to these toxins.

Although the American Dental Association and the American Association of Endodontists reject the research indicating that the bacteria found in and around root canals can cause disease, we know that they base this misguided assumption on the idea that the bacteria in diseased teeth are the SAME as normal bacteria in your mouth—and nothing could be farther from the facts.

Bacteria Linked to Disease

Bacteria can be identified using DNA analysis, whether they’re dead or alive, by looking at their DNA signatures. The Toxic Element Research Foundation (TERF) used DNA analysis to examine root canal teeth, and they found bacterial contamination in 100% of the samples tested. They were able to identify more than 40 different species of anaerobic bacteria in each sample. In cavitations, 67 different bacteria were identified among the 85 samples tested, with 19 to 53 types of bacteria each individual sample. The bacteria found by similar tests conducted by independent laboratories reveal the following types:

• Acinetobacter baumanii – linked to Pneumonia and Periodontal disease
• Gemella morbillorum – linked to invasive endocarditis, Meningitis & Arthritis
• Klebsiella – linked to pneumonia Lung infections, infections of the Urinary Tract, biliary tract & Osteomyelitis & Meningitis
• Porphyromonas gingivalis – Protein metabolism, Biofilms, leads to Bone destruction and Premature labor
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa – linked to Central Nervous System disorders, Endocarditis, Brain abscesses & increase in liver enzymes, Prosthetic heart valve invasion
• Streptococcus mitis – found in Strep Throat, Scarlet fever and linked to heart failure –

And this is just a sample of the more common types of bacteria. The following bacteria found in root canals of the TERF study are also known to affect the heart, nerves, kidneys, brain, and sinus cavities. They include:

• Rhpumatir fpvpr
• Capnocytophagaochraceavi
• Fusobacteriumnucleatumvii
• Leptotrichiabuccalis
• Porphyromonasgingivalis ix

Bottom Line: Root Canals Create Toxic Bacteria

Up to 400 percent more bacteria are found in the surrounding tissues of the root canal tooth than in the tooth itself, indicating that the dead tooth works as an incubator for bacteria that feed on the periodontal ligament where they mutate, grow in number and eventually invade the bone surrounding the root canal.

If you have been told you need a root canal your best option is to get a second opinion. In some cases your holistic dental practitioner will be able to find an alternative to root canal treatment or extraction. If that is not possible, we can work with you to make sure that the root canal treatment is done in such a way as to minimize toxicity of the tooth for a longer period of time. However, surgical extraction using biological method is still the most complete way to rid the body of this problem.

References:

Root Canals Dangerous

http://nmtpractitioner.com/doc/article/2008/RootCanal.html

97% of Terminal Cancer Patients Previously Had This Dental Procedure… http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/02/18/dangers-of-root-canaled-teeth.aspx?e_cid=20120218_DNL_art_1

The Dental Connection to Chronic Illness

http://www.naturalhealinghouse.com/articles_dental-connection.php

This slideshow is an extended  version of  Zirconia implant placement in Compromised Bone released on 03/01/2012. More often than not and especially in emergency cases, patients are undecided about the method of tooth replacement they desire a the time of tooth removal. As a result extractions are done in a conventional manner and even with the greatest care bone defects can be  created during the process of extraction. The natural process of bone resorption during healing after extraction can also make things even more complicated.

Warning: This is a surgical slideshow with graphic depictions and images of a bone grafting procedure and ceramic dental implant placement.

Zirconia Implant in Defective Bone_Surgical Version from Sammy Noumbissi DDS MS on Vimeo.

 On Thursday and Friday August 02 and 03, 2012 we will host our second session of  Real TimeVisual Dental Education™ for 2012.  This will be a two-day zirconia implantology training and certification course. A total of twelve (12) C.E. credits will be awarded for both days. This course will feature the Z-Systems one-piece ceramic dental implants and will cover the areas of case selection, advanced clinical and radiographic diagnostics, site specific implant selection, guided surgery and one-piece zirconia implant temporization modalities.

This Real Time Visual Dental Education™ program will consist of over-the-shoulder hands-on surgical and prosthetic exercises and live surgical and prosthetic demonstrations on zirconia implants.  Participants to this course will be introduced to the InVivo implant planning software from Anatomage during the 3D implant placement planning session.  Each participant will practice implant placement on a stereolithographic model of a real patient along with a surgical guide generated specifically for that case.  Early registrants (before July 01, 2012) will be able to submit CT scan data of their own patient and therefore will be able to practice on a stereolithographic model of their own patient. All participants will keep the stereolithographic models and the surgical guides for future reference.

On Friday August 03, the second day of the course two real-time live surgical procedures  and a live implant restoration session of zirconia implants will be performed by Dr. Noumbissi on live  patients. Attendance for this course is limited to six dentists and will be held in our Silver Spring implant practice.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is designed to provide the clinician with the ability to confidently integrate one-piece zirconia dental implants in their practice.

This course will enable participants to:

• Understand the rationale behind the use of  Yttrium-Stabilized Zirconia as a dental implant material.
• Recognize indications for successful placement of zirconia dental implants.
• Identify the prosthetic need for implant site preparation and/or preservation.
• Proper and predictable selection of temporization techniques for one-piece zirconia implants.
• Utilize CBCT (cone Beam CT scan) and virtual implant planning software to increase case success.
• Appropriate selection of permanent restorative materials.

REGISTRATION

LODGING/LOCATION

CANCELLATION AND CHANGES

Pre-Surgery 3D Implant Planning

In today’s cosmetically conscious world practically everyone wants a whiter smile, and no one is immune to the countless advertisements touting over the counter teeth whiteners. So, what causes teeth to lose their luster in the first place? As it turns out, tobacco, coffee, tea, alcohol, food coloring and other additives, as well as natural aging are all culprits. In dentistry, tooth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that can provide patients with satisfyingly white smiles, but have you ever stopped to think about the chemicals that are involved in the whitening process?

A Historical Perspective

As long ago as ancient Egyptian and Roman times people were concerned about having a whiter smile, and they were diligent in recording their teeth whitening efforts. Records surviving from the Egyptian era show that people back then mixed a paste of pumice stone and vinegar counting on the abrasion from the pumice and acid of the vinegar to remove tooth stains. Somewhat unappetizingly, Romans found that urine – nature’s most perfect source of ammonia – helped to whiten teeth, a fact borne out in recent times that clearly demonstrate that diluted ammonia actually does have cleaning and brightening properties.

During the 17th and 18th centuries the pursuit of whiter teeth took a more barbaric turn when Europeans consulted their barbers, who ground down their teeth and then applied an acid solution to remove stains. Historical records show that Benjamin Franklin used a combination of honey and ground charcoal to clean his teeth and to keep them white – and ironically, today people are turning to activated charcoal to balance oral pH, to prevent cavities and kill harmful bacteria known to cause tooth decay and gingivitis. It is also being recognized as a fairly dynamic way to whiten teeth.

Over-the-counter Version of Whitening

Today the teeth whitening process can take hours, and during that time, teeth and gums soak in chemically based tooth whiteners — and as a result you may end up ingesting a plethora of toxins. Home whitening kits indicate that the product may irritate gums, and they point out the risk of using the bleaching agent incorrectly, but there is very little warning about the chemicals that you are absorbing into your system as you wait for your teeth to whiten. Toxic chemicals can leak from the trays containing the whitening gel onto surrounding areas inside the mouth, and an alarming amount can be swallowed. At the very least, bleaching agents can cause damage to the nerves of the teeth leading to heightened sensitivity.

Chemicals in Whiteners and Whitening Toothpaste

Over the counter teeth whitening kits and toothpaste are filled with potentially toxic chemicals that are potentially harmful to a person’s health and teeth, potentially causing acute tooth sensitivity and oral sores. The most common ingredient is hydrogen peroxide which is usually broken down by saliva, however studies show that at least 25 percent is swallowed, releasing free radicals into the body creating an assault on the immune system and potentially causing harm to sensitive organs and systems of the body.

Additional ingredients found in some whitening products along with their most potentially adverse characteristics can include:

• Coal tars: Severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, nausea, fatigue, lack of concentration, nervousness, increased risk of Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Found in bubble bath, hair dye, dandruff shampoo, toothpaste and foods.
• Fluorides: May contain lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Accumulates in body and contributes to bone disease. Potentially carcinogenic.
• Aspartame: Genetically Modified, synthetic sugar substitute. People report dizziness, headaches and even seizures. Scientists believe it can alter behavior due to altered brain function. Long term effects of this genetically modified organism on human health has not been studied or tested.
• Aluminum: Heavy concentrations may be linked to Alzheimer’s dementia. Aluminum is in many antiperspirants and prevalent in water supplies. Some processed foods contain dietary aluminum.
• Benzene: Inhalation of high levels can cause headaches, rapid heart rate, tremors, confusion, unconsciousness and death. Hodgkin’s and Lymphomas result from inhalation. Used in detergents, drugs, pesticides and adhesives.

Holistic Dental Whitening with Ozone

Today we recommend a safer, more holistic way to whiten teeth by employing Ozone Treatments. Ozone is generally applied in holistic and natural dentistry and used where it is needed to kill germs, bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is effective within minutes and leaves no side effects. The added benefit of ozone treatment is that it has a bleaching effect on the teeth, it’s safe and nothing toxic is ingested in the process.

Article Resources:

List of the More Widely Known Dangerous Ingredients in Body & Food Products http://www.purezing.com/living/toxins/living_toxins_dangerousingredients.html
Swallowing chemicals from teeth whiteners is common and very dangerous http://www.naturalnews.com/033959_teeth_whiteners_chemicals.html

As natural dentists, our goal is to treat the whole person through the use of safe, natural and pain free methods.

Our innovative approach to dental care focuses on the health and wellness of the mouth in relation to the whole body, including identifying and treating issues pertaining to allergies and autoimmune disorders. In addition to providing allergy testing, we are able to recommend a variety of natural and herbal products that can help support the immune system – helping to bring our patients to a greater state of overall wellness. Knowing what can cause an allergic reaction in our patients sets us apart from practices used in traditional dentistry.

Common Allergies

Dealing with itchy, swollen eyes combined with a persistent runny nose is something we commonly associate with a case of seasonal allergies, but for many people these symptoms and more also follow each time they visit the dentist. Allergic reactions in the dental office can be caused by normally innocuous materials or medications.

Allergic reactions to materials may include:

• Itchy, swollen eyes

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Asthma

• Hives

Masks, gloves and syringes in the dental office are typically made of latex; a natural rubber harvested from trees. For some people, prolonged exposure to latex dust from powered gloves is enough to trigger an allergic reaction. In addition, a small number of patients may also experience allergic reactions to local anesthetics used to numb the mouth and gums during dental procedure, but the materials used for fillings and repairs can be of even greater concern for patients with immune disorders or allergy issues.

Sensitive Patients Require More Care

Latex and local anesthetics are not the only materials that can stir up an allergic reaction, reactions can occur from many other chemicals and materials found in some dental materials or medications. Reactions to various metals or amalgams used in traditional dentistry can start out as an allergic reaction, which over time can create serious toxic effects on the body. Today we are finding an increasing amount of individuals that are allergic to and occasionally rejecting titanium dental implants, as well as being sensitive to the crowns that are placed over the implants. In addition to metals used in fillings and bridges, it is important to be aware that all dentists use a wide assortment of cements, anesthetics, bonding materials, temporary appliances, denture materials and more – and every one of these substances can potentially cause a negative reaction once placed in the sensitive environment of the mouth.

Fortunately for our patients, holistic dentists are constantly alert to the potential for compatibility issues with the materials used in our practices. We work hard to make sure that our patients are able to tolerate any substance introduced into the mouth.

Preventing Allergies before They Start

Where allergies to latex and some medications present a fairly temporary exposure, allergies from devices or materials set permanently into the mouth present a larger issue for sensitive patients. There simply is not any one combination of materials that are compatible for every person since every patient presents their own unique physiology. However, there are some materials that are recognized as better tolerated by more people than other materials. For example with regards to dental implants instead of titanium, we are  providing ceramic dental implants which are made of zirconia. People with weakened immune systems have a particularly difficult time finding substances that can be tolerated, but fortunately there are ways to test everyone for compatibility.

The most common types of tests used by holistic dental offices include:

• Clifford Materials Blood Test

• Electro-dermal Screening (EAV)

• Applied Kinesiology

A blood test will offer results that are based on true allergens. Specifically the Clifford Materials Test is a blood test that will determine if a blood serum sample will react to known dental materials. Although this test can provide valuable information about existing allergies, results may not be as comprehensive when it comes to testing for materials the patient has not yet been exposed to.

Applied kinesiology is based upon the activity of muscles and the relationship of muscle strength to health. This test is based on bio-feedback and will give strictly ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. Using applied kinesiology we are able to test both commonly used items and items that a person has never been exposed to, and by using the body’s biofeedback abilities, identify those items that weaken the individual.

Electro-dermal screening is performed by using a machine that tests dental materials according to their compatibility with the patient’s acupuncture meridian system. This test will allow us to determine more than just what materials are compatible, but which materials appear to be optimal for a particular patient. As with muscle testing, we can determine reactions to substances and elements the patient has never previously been exposed to.

Natural Dentistry Works to Keep You Safe

Unfortunately many people don’t realize that the substances and materials mainstream dentists use, but do not test for compatibility, may be causing some serious health issues in their patients. Many long-term problems can start out as something as innocuous as an allergic reaction at the time of placement. To compound the problem, there is much evidence pointing to a correlation between allergies and autoimmune disorders. In other words, if the source of the allergy is not pinpointed and avoided, then potentially the resulting reaction could manifest itself as an autoimmune disorder.

While allergies to latex and anesthesia might commonly prevent allergy prone patients from visiting the dentist, holistic dentists are unique in that we have the ability to prevent issues before they start. Once evaluated for compatibility patients are much more likely to have good results, and so much less likely to experience an allergic reasons. Patients can also do their part by completing the medical history form in detail, outlining known allergies and past reactions to specific materials and drugs. Together we will make sure your dental experience is safe, healthy and as pain-free as possible.

The biggest culprit in tooth decay today is sugars found in processed foods, candy, soft drinks, sweetened juices, and others foodstuff. Fructose, lactose, and glucose are all sugars that cause a rapid production of acid and the resulting destruction of teeth enamel, leading to tooth decay. The carbohydrates in sugars cause bacteria to grow rapidly, breaking down the body’s natural ability to resist attack. Research is indicating that even if you brush all of the offending sugars away from your teeth, just the simple act of eating these kinds of foods can increase the likelihood that your teeth will decay.

Understanding Cavities

Cavities are formed when bacteria feed upon food particles that cling to the teeth or become stuck in crevices or grooves on the surface of teeth. In particular, the bacteria that are responsible for cavities love carbohydrates. As they feed, the bacteria secrete acid that compromises the integrity of the enamel which normally helps to protect teeth. The rate of secretion depends upon the type of carbohydrate that the bacteria are feeding upon – in other words, some sugars are worse than others.

To compound the problem, research conducted on lab rats at Loma Linda University has indicated that there is a definite relationship between what kind of food we eat and our ability to maintain good oral health, regardless of how well we brush and floss. In that study Dr. Ralph Steinman injected rats with a glucose solution so that the sugars introduced into the system would avoid contact with the teeth entirely. He found that glucose levels reversed the normal flow of fluid in the dentin tubules, resulting in all of the test animals developing severe tooth decay.  Although animal studies may not be entirely applicable to the human situation, the results clearly point to a need to take a closer look at how nutrition can impact oral health.

The Bigger Picture on Cavity Prevention

Good oral health is not just about limiting sugar as a way to avoid cavities. It’s also about learning how key nutrients such as minerals, antioxidants and vitamins can support strong teeth, healthy gums and bone. One supplement that is showing good results at reducing the risk of cavities is vitamin D. Vitamin D induces the production of naturally occurring enzymes called cathelicidin and defensins in the mouth, enzymes that support available antibacterial properties in the saliva.  Together these emzymes create a powerful antimicrobial peptide or protein which attacks oral bacteria known to cause cavities and tooth decay.

To take it to the next level, vitamin D taken in combination with a calcium supplement is proving to be a powerful blend of supplements that can prevent cavities. Not only is vitamin D naturally produced by the body in response to sunlight, but it comes with no side effects (unlike fluoride) – particularly when activated naturally though exposures to sunlight and/or as long as proper dosages are followed when using supplements. Foods rich in vitamin D include: shiitake and button mushrooms, mackerel and salmon, herring, tuna, catfish and eggs – among others – while green leafy vegetables are a good source for calcium – and calcium we already know it is necessary for bone health.

Restoring Health to Teeth & Gums

It is possible to change the course of tooth decay and increase oral healthfulness by maintaining good oral hygiene, adopting a routine of good nutrition and taking supplements aimed at increasing the health of teeth and gums. With just a little effort, it is also possible to strengthen and restore the teeth to perfect health.

People tend to think that teeth are something other than living organs – which is what they actually are. Having an understanding that teeth are alive gives us a chance to rethink how we treat our teeth, and points to the role nutrition can have on teeth and gums. Teeth are nourished both through the bloodstream as it flows into the root to the tooth’s pulp chamber and from saliva and food as it passes through the mouth. Therefore, it is vitally important to nourish the whole body in a manner that allows the blood to be rich in all elements the teeth require to maintain optimal healthfulness.

A healthy diet and body helps to ensure that the saliva will be high in calcium and phosphate. Through this process the daily deterioration caused by chewing and eating acidic foods, commonly called ‘demineralisation’ will be reduced by constant remineralization via healthy saliva balanced in the proper pH range and naturally filled with the necessary and important minerals. In other words, in addition to healthy supply of minerals provided by the bloodstream to the pulp of the tooth — inside the mouth the quality of saliva is of crucial importance in the prevention of tooth cavities since it is this medium which bathes and carries nutrition to teeth.

Your Healthy Mouth

Recommended for healthy teeth: Calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables (for vitamins A and C), filtered water and tea

Not recommended for healthy teeth:  sticky foods that lodge between the teeth, snacking between meals, sweet drinks and snacks, acidic drinks

Natural dentistry has long believed that by maintaining a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise and using vitamin supplements a person can prevent, if not cure, tooth and gum disease. The best way to ensure that your teeth will be healthy for your whole life is to adopt a healthy eating plan, take supplements if you need to, and most importantly continue to practice good oral care and hygiene, which should include having your teeth professionally cleaned and seeing your dentist regularly.