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What causes TOOTH DECAY?

Best and Worst Foods for
Your Teeth
Oral Hygiene

TEETH, FOOD, &

HEALTH
EMILIO AGUINALDO COLLEGE- CAVITE
DENTISTRY

SCHOOL OF

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TEETH,
FOOD,
& HEALTH
THIS IS A STUDY OF HOW TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF
YOUR TEETH. THERE WILL BE POINTS OF WHAT IS
GOOD TO EAT AND WHAT HARMS THE TEETH.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY?

WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DECAY?
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
DECAY- A WORLDWIDE EPIDEMIC; PAINFUL,
COSTLY AND PREVENTABLE
EXCESS AMOUNT OF SURE CAN BE HARMFUL
TOP 9 FOODS THAT DAMAGES YOU TEETH
SUGAR SUBSTITUTES AND SUGAR-FREE
PRODUCTS
MYTH OR FACT: TOP TIPS FOR PERFECT TEETH
WHAT IS TOOTHPASTE MADE OF?
SUPPLEMENTS THAT MAKE YOU SMILE
HOW TO KEEP HEALTHY TEETH FOR LIFE

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WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY?

Tooth decay is damage that occurs when germs
(bacteria) in your mouth make acids that eat away at
a tooth. It can lead to a hol n the tooth, called
a cavity. If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain,
infection, and tooth loss.
A tooth has three layers.
-The hard outer layer is called enamel.
-The middle layer is called dentin.
-The center of the tooth is called the pulp. It contains
nerves and blood vessels.
The more layers that are affected by decay, the worse
the damage.

WHAT CAUSES TOOTH DECAY?

Bacteria and food can cause tooth decay. A clear,
sticky substance called plaque is always forming on
your teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria that
feed on the sugars in the food you eat.

As the bacteria feed, they make acids. The acids

attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after you eat.
Over time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, causing
tooth decay.
Things that make you more
likely
to have tooth decay include:
-Not brushing and
flossing your teeth regularly
and not seeing a
dentist for check-ups and
cleanings.
-Eating foods that
are high in sugar and other
carbohydrates, which
feed the bacteria in your
mouth.
-Not getting enough fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent
tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to acids
produced by plaque. Fluoride is added to most public
water supplies.
-Not having enough saliva. Saliva washes away food
and harmful sugars, so it helps protect your teeth
from decay. A dry mouth may be caused by a
condition such as xerostomia or Sjgren's
syndrome, by taking certain medicines, or by

Children, whose teeth are still growing, are more

likely than adults to have tooth decay. This is
because the minerals in new teeth are not very
strong and are easier for acids to eat away.
Even babies can be at risk for tooth decay. Babies
who are put to bed with a bottle can get "bottle
mouthe i
"tooth decay caused by the sugar in milk, formula,
or juice. Babies aren't born with decay-causing
bacteria in their mouths. But they can get bacteria
from adults who share spoons, forks, or other
utensils with them.

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breathing through your mouth. Older adults are more

likely to have a dry mouth.
-Having diabetes.
-Smoking, using spit (smokeless) tobacco, or
breathing second-hand smoke.

WHAT

ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Tooth decay usually doesn't cause symptoms until

you have a cavity or an infected tooth. When this
happens, you may have:
-A toothache, which is the most common symptom.
-Swelling in your gums near a sore tooth. This can be
a sign of severe tooth decay or an abscessed tooth.
-Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
-White, gray, brown, or black spots on your teeth.
If you have a toothache, see a dentist. Sometimes the
pain will go away for a while, but the tooth decay will
keep growing. If you don't get treatment, your
cavities could get worse and your tooth could die.

Oral diseases range from cavities to cancer; they

cause pain and disability for millions of Americans
each year. Even more disturbing almost all are
preventable.
Dental decay is a worldwide epidemic, especially
among young children. The disease begins early
tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S.
children ages 2 to 5 and half of those ages 12 to 15.
Low-income children are hardest hit: about half of
those ages 6 to 19 have had decay. In addition to pain
and other dysfunction, untreated cavities can cause
absence from school and other social interactions,
low weight and poor appearance problems that
may greatly reduce a child's capacity to succeed in
life.
Tooth decay is also a problem for U.S. adults,
affecting more than ninety percent over age forty. A
quarter of adults over age sixty have lost all of their
teeth primarily because of decay affecting selfesteem and contributing to nutrition problems by
limiting the types of foods that can be eaten.

Tooth decay is also a problem for U.S.

adults, affecting more than ninety percent
over age forty.

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DECAY A WORLD WIDE EPIDEMIC;

PAINFUL, COSTLY AND PREVENTABLE

Did you know that tooth decay is one of the

most common of all diseases, second only
to the common colds.

Excess amounts of sugar can be

harmful
Trans. by D.SERGELEN
Mongolian produced baked goods taste extremely
sweet, dont they? Mothers prefer beverages and
juices low in sugar for their children to avoid tooth
decay and some stores have small sections for
sugar-free food. But no one cares about sugar
content in baked goods.
The Deputy Minister of Health, J.Amarsanaa,
appealed to domestic producers to cut the sugar
content in beverages and sugar rich foods. If food
and beverage producing companies meet their social
responsibility and reduce sugar content in food for
childrens health and future, it will be contribute to
improving the health of children for the next 20 and
30 years, stressed the Deputy Minister of Health.

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There are 100 million people who have diabetes in

China and 80 million people in India. Mongolia is
close behind them.
Diabetes has increased two times in the few last
decades. Aside from producers being aware of their
social responsibility and cutting sugar content,
consumers have to make good choices in their food
purchases.
If people start hesitating to buy sugar rich food,
producers will change the ingredients of their food.
To make better choices, exact and accurate
information about sugar content must be put on
labels.
Researchers have concluded that changes in the
Mongolian lifestyle change have caused more tooth
decay. Mongolians had big, white, healthy teeth when
they used to consume dairy products in the summer
time.
Candy, biscuits, sodas, juices, vodka and wine
occupy most of the space in shops. But how many
shops sell dairy products?
The Deputy Minister of Health also warned Besides
children dental disease, Mongolians sugar rich foods
consumption will bring negative effects in next 20 to
40 years. If we wont take any prevention
measurements, our society will be covered to
diabetes, obesity, and metabolism diseases.
Mongolians know the three white poisons but why
are we still consuming them large amounts?

Compare the human bodys veins and arteries with

plumbing pipes. People say do not pour oil into pipes
or they will get clogged. But we pour fat and oil into
our bodies without any care. Consequently, the
greater consumption of fat and oil leads to
thickening of the walls of our arteries and increase
the risk of heart disease. High blood pressure among
youth is on the rise.
Food producers cant forget the advice of the Deputy
Minister of Health.
Specialist in Food, Nutrition, and Food Safety of the
Ministry of Health Dr. D.Ganzorig mentioned the
number of diseases related to excess sugar
consumption.
Over 90 percent of
Mongolian children
have tooth decay
and at least three to five
teeth of their teeth have
cavities.
The white poison
contributes to
diabetes and
gastrointestinal cancer
in
Mongolia and obesity, which has increased by 66
percent in the past seven years.
Some food producing companies add additives with
sugar to increase the flavor. We have regulations for
them but they usually say they use a sugar

Top 9 Foods That Damage Your

Teeth
What you eat matters
While these hard candies seem harmless, eat too many
and the constant exposure to sugar can be harmful to
your teeth. Hard candies also put your teeth at risk
because in addition to being full of sugar, they can also
trigger a dental emergency such as a broken or chipped
tooth. Better alternative? Chew sugarless gum that carries
the ADA Seal.

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substitute, but this is more poisonous than sugar,

added D.Ganzorig.
The specialist from the Ministry of Health explains
that sugar substitutes are a food additive. After a
while, sugar substitutes can negatively influence the
human body. Some sugar substitutes are prohibited
from consumption. Sugar is a substance that can be
addictive. Children like eating candies the same way
adults like coffee, yogurt and bread with sugar. The
producers know this and that is why they add sugar,
to make more sales.
Source: Udriin Shuudan

Ice i s for chilling, not chewing

Youd be surprised at how many people think ice is good
for their teeth. Its made of water, after all, and doesnt
contain any sugar or other additives. But chewing on hard
substances can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental
emergency and damage enamel. Advice: Break the habit
and enjoy water in its liquid form.

Watch your citrus intake

Watch your citrus intake The truth is that frequent
exposures to acidic foods can erode enamel, making teeth
more susceptible to decay over time. So even though a a
squeeze of lemon or lime can turn a simple glass of water
into a fun beverage, it's not always the best choice for
your mouth. Citric fruits and juices can also irritate mouth
sores. Make sure to drink plenty of plain water.

Who doesnt love the nice, satisfying crunch of a potato

chip? Unfortunately potato chips are filled with starch,

Not all coffee is

good for you
In their natural form, coffee and
tea can be healthy beverage
choices. Unfortunately too many
people cant resist adding sugar.
Caffeinated coffee and tea can
also dry out your mouth. Frequent
drinks of coffee and tea may also
stain your teeth. If you do
consume, make sure to drink
plenty of water and try to keep the
add-ons to a minimum.

Sticky foods are

your mouth's worst
nightmare

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which tends to get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to

indulge in snacks like these, take extra care when you
floss that day to remove all the food particles that can
lead to plaque build-up.

or trail mix often, make sure to rinse with water after and
to brush and floss carefully.

Eat for a healthy smile

by Amanda Gardner

Prevention is the best medicine for your smile. Although

fillings, crowns, and professional whitening can make your
teeth stronger and brighter, it's better (and cheaper!) to
avoid cavities and stains in the first place, by brushing,
flossing, andlast but not leasteating right. As the
following guide explains, the food we eat can have a big
impact on our teeth. Fortunately, foods like candy that
don't always play nice with our teeth are generally
harmless in moderation. "It's when we excessively use one
thing that [it] can become a problem," says Matthew
Messina, an Ohio-based dentist and spokesman for the
American Dental Association.

When it comes to picking healthy

snacks, many people put dried fruit at the top of the list.
But many dried fruits are sticky. Sticky foods can damage
your teeth since they tend to stay on the teeth longer than
other types of food. If you find yourself eating dried fruits

Beware of things that go

"crunch"
Who doesnt love the nice, satisfying crunch of a potato
chip? Unfortunately potato chips are filled with starch,

Swap out soda with water

When you eat sugary foods or sip
sugary drinks for long periods of
time, plaque bacteria use that sugar
to produce acids that attack your
enamel, the hard surface of your tooth.
Most carbonated soft drinks, including
diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad
for your teeth. Caffeinated beverages,
such as colas can also dry out your
mouth. If you do consume soft drinks, try
to drink alongside a cup of water.

Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol causes dehydration and dry mouth. People who
drink excessively may find their saliva flow is reduced
over time, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral
infections such as gum disease. Heavy alcohol use also
increases your risk for mouth cancer.
To prevent cavities and maintain good oral
health, your diet -- what you eat and how often
you eat -- are important factors. Changes in your
mouth start the minute you eat certain foods.

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which tends to get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to

indulge in snacks like these, take extra care when you
floss that day to remove all the food particles that can
lead to plaque build-up.

Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and

carbohydrates from the foods you eat to acids,
and it's the acids that begin to attack the
enamel on teeth, starting the decay process.
The more often you eat and snack, the more
frequently you are exposing your teeth to the
cycle of decay.

Mouth-Healthy Foods and Drinks

The best food choices for the health of your mouth
include cheeses, chicken or other meats, nuts, and
milk. These foods are thought to protect tooth
enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus
needed to remineralize teeth (a natural process by
which minerals are redeposited in tooth enamel after
being removed by acids). Other food choices include
firm/crunchy fruits (for example, apples and pears)
and vegetables. These foods have a high water
content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they
contain, and stimulate the flow of saliva (which helps
protect against decay by washing away food
particles and buffering acid). Acidic foods, such as
citrus fruits, tomatoes, and lemons, should be eaten
as part of a larger meal to minimize the acid from
them. Poor food choices include candy -- such as
lollipops, hard candies, and mints -- cookies, cakes,
pies, breads, muffins, potato chips, pretzels, french
fries, bananas, raisins, and other dried fruits. These
foods contain large amounts of sugar and/or can

Sugar Substitutes and Sugar-Free Products

Sugar substitutes are available that look and taste
like sugar; however, they are not digested the same
way as sugar, so they don't "feed" the bacteria in the
mouth and therefore don't produce decay-causing
acids. They include: erythritol, isomalt, sorbitol, and
mannitol. Other sugar substitutes that are available
in the U.S. include saccharin, advantame, aspartame
(marketed as Equal), acesulfame potassium
(marketed as Sunett), Neotame (marketed as
Newtame), and sucralose (marketed as Splenda).
Sugarless or sugar-free food sometimes simply
means that no sugar was added to the foods during
processing. However, this does not mean that the
foods do not contain other natural sweeteners, such
as honey, molasses, evaporated cane sugar,

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stick to teeth, providing a fuel source for bacteria. In

addition, cough drops should be used only when
necessary as they, like sugary candy, contribute to
tooth decay. The best beverage choices include
water (especially fluoridated water), milk, and
unsweetened tea. Limit your consumption of sugarcontaining drinks, including soft drinks, lemonade,
and coffee or tea with added sugar. Also, avoid daylong sipping of sugar-containing drinks -- day-long
sipping exposes your teeth to constant sugar and, in
turn, constant decay-causing acids.

fructose, barley malt, or rice

syrup.
These natural
sweeteners contain the
same number of
calories as sugar
and can be just as
harmful to teeth. To
determine if the
sugarless or sugarfree foods you buy
contain natural
sweeteners, examine the
ingredients label. Words that end in '-ose' (like
sucrose and fructose) usually indicate the presence
of a natural sweetener. On the label, look under
sugars or carbohydrates.

Healthy Foods: 10 Best Foods

for Strong Teeth and Bones

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Healthy Food # 1: Apples

Stephen Dsouza Dental Student
at Terna College says apple is a
natural toothbrush. It helps to
stimulate your gums, increases saliva
flow in the mouth and prevents
cavity buildup as it cleanses the
teeth surface. Plus they are loaded
with various vitamins and minerals.
Try eating a full apple after your dinner
to clear the interior part of teeth.

minute left overs from the teeth. The best way to

keep your teeth decay free is by drinking
sufficient amount of water after every food
intake.

Healthy Food # 4: Cheese

Cheese is very good choice to make your
teeth strong and healthy. Cheese also
contains casein, which helps in fortifying
your tooths surface. Hence, if you are prone to
cavity, start chewing a small piece of cheese to
prevent decay.

Healthy Food # 2: Celery

Celery is the best weapon you can use to keep
bacteria inside your mouth at bay. Celery is loaded
with various dental health benefits. As you chew
celery, it helps in producing more saliva in your
mouth which further prevents plaque production. Eat
a piece of celery, once a week if you want to brush
your teeth naturally.

Healthy Food # 5: Cocoa

Cocoa is actually good for your teeth. It is filled with
a substance which helps to reduce gum inflammation
and prevents tooth erosion and decay. So start
nibbling in a piece of dark chocolate, after a stressful
day at work to brighten up your mood and to prevent
tooth decay.

Healthy Food # 3: Water

Drink as much water as you can. Water helps to clean
your mouth as well as helps to clear toxins in your
body which can create tooth decay. Water helps to
produce saliva in your mouth which deposits
essential minerals into the teeth. It also keeps your
gums very well hydrated and washes away all the

Healthy Food # 6: Kiwi

Kiwi a great source of vitamin C. Proper amount of
vitamin c in the body helps in maintaining the
collagen network in your gums, prevents gum
infections, fastens healing and strengthens your gum
which further helps in preventing periodontal
disease.

Healthy Food # 8: Sugar-free gums

Pop in a sugar-free gum after meals, to prevent tooth
decay. The sugar alternative in these gums helps in
preventing attack by the bacteria which can degrade
tooth enamel. Plus, if you keep chewing your
chewing-gum for some time you are exercising as
well which will strengthen your jaw.
Healthy Food # 9: Sesame seeds
These tiny seeds are rich in calcium, which helps in
keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Besides,
sesame seeds dissolve the plaque which is formed
and builds tooth enamel.

Healthy Food # 10: Pears

Pears is fibrous in nature, it helps in producing
additional saliva in your mouth. It also has a larger

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Healthy Food # 7: Onions

Though you may be concerned about your stinky
breath after eating a raw onion, but the benefits it
offers are simply remarkable. Onions naturally
cleanses your body and mouth by eliminating
harmful bacteria. This action of kicking bacteria away
helps in preventing tooth decay.

acid neutralizing effect on tooth surfaces. Eat a pears

daily to keep your tooth surface strong and healthy.

Myth or fact: top tips for

perfect teeth
10 SEPTEMBER 2014With so many differring reports surrounding

dental hygiene, it can be hard to know which advice to follow to

achieve that perfect Hollywood smile, just like Cheryl
Fernandez-Versini's. From whiteningtoothpastes to flossing and
mouthwash, as well as the latest brightening and lightening
treatments, what really is the best way to look after our teeth?
Surprisingly, much of the hype surrounding dental hygiene is
actually a myth...
Dr Sameer Patel, Clinical Director at award-winning specialist
dental and orthodontic practiceElleven, distinguishes myth from
fact and thus establishes the 11 steps for a perfect oral hygiene
routine.

1. You should wait to brush your teeth until after breakfast.

MYTH!
FACT: You should brush your teeth as soon you wake up to brush
away the bacteria that has formed in your mouth overnight. Then
after you have eaten breakfast, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.
2. Rinse your mouth out with water after you have brushed
your teeth. MYTH!

3. You should brush your teeth as soon as you have finished

eating. MYTH!
FACT: You should wait for 30 40 minutes to allow saliva to
naturally neutralise the low PH in themouth caused
by food and drinks before brushing. If you brush straight away
the acid in the mouth gets brushed into the teeth and causes
erosion and loss of tooth enamel, making the teeth sensitive and
weaker over time.

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FACT: Do not rinse after you have brushed your teeth as this
washes away the fluoride in the toothpaste which is good for your
teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. Just spit out the excess
toothpaste.

manually, then you will see a

hygiene if you switch to an
6. You should change
every 6

difference in your oral

electric toothbrush.
your toothbrush
months. MYTH!

FACT: You need to

change your toothbrush
every
3 months. After 3
months
or so, the bristles start to
fray and will
not clean teeth or gums
adequately. The
bristles start to lose their effectiveness when trying to reach tricky
parts of the mouth.
7. A hard bristled toothbrush is best to clean away all the
food debris stuck between your teeth. MYTH!

4. You should brush your teeth after each meal, especially if

it is sugary. MYTH!
FACT: You should only brush your teeth two to three times a day.
Over-brushing may result in gum recession and wear of your
teeth. Try and brush after lunch if you can, waiting for 30 minutes
before you do so or rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.

5. Electric toothbrushes are better than a manual toothbrush.

MYTH!
FACT: Both electric and manual toothbrushes are fine to use on
your teeth, however you need to have the correct manual
technique if you opt for the latter. If your technique is not as good

FACT: You should never use a hard bristled toothbrush; always

use a medium-soft bristled toothbrush because it is far kinder to
your teeth. Using a hard bristled toothbrush will damage the
gums, root surface and protective tooth enamel.
8. You cannot keep your toothbrush in the bathroom as it is
unhygienic. MYTH!
FACT: It is fine to keep it in the bathroom, but it needs to be
covered with a toothbrush cover or kept in a drawer or cupboard
so it does not pick up unnecessary germs that will then end up in
your mouth.
9. Brushing alone, twice a day, is sufficient to keeping your
teeth clean. MYTH!
FACT: Brushing is very important but you need to floss your teeth
at least once a day, preferably at night to make sure that bits of

10. Flossing is good for your teeth and gums no matter how
you do it. MYTH!
FACT: Flossing is essential to your daily oral hygiene routine,
however there is a particular technique to flossing that you must
use to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Pass the floss gently
through the contact point between the teeth and then rub the floss
up and down the sides of each tooth and each side of the gingival
papillae (pink triangle of the gum between the teeth), pull the floss
out gently from the space under the gingival papilla or back
through the contact points. Never pull the floss backwards and
forwards on the gum as this will cause damage.
11. You must floss after brushing to get out any food left
behind in between your teeth. MYTH!
FACT: Floss before you brush to loosen any food debris, flossing
prior to brushing will act like a pre-wash for the teeth. Then brush
your teeth and spit the toothpaste out but dont rinse with water,
this will keep fluoride on the teeth and help prevent the build up of
plaque which can lead to cavities.

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food that may be stuck in your teeth are completely removed

before you go to sleep. The bacteria in your mouth multiplies
faster at night so your mouth needs to be as clean as possible
when you go to sleep to prevent dental problems building up
throughout the night.

If youre like millions of

consumers, your toothpaste is
soft, and when you brush, gives
you that minty fresh taste. But if
youve ever wondered what is in
toothpaste and what makes one
brand different from another,
youll find the answers in this article.
You'll find a variety of claims on toothpaste labels,
such as gum disease toothpaste, one that fights bad
breath, SLS free toothpaste, toothpaste for sensitive
teeth, hydrogen peroxide toothpaste, or natural
toothpaste. Toothpastes are typically made of certain
ingredients that make it the paste that it is. However,
there are many variations, with some more effective
than others.
In general, most toothpaste includes abrasives,
binders, foaming ingredient, humectants, detergents,
flavors, colors, preservatives, fluoride and water. The
following is a breakdown to help describe what these
ingredients are for.
Ingredients in Toothpaste:

What is toothpaste MADE of?

Written by Flora Stay, DDS

1. Water toothpaste contain between 2042 percent

water to help keep it from drying out.
2. Abrasives most brands contain at least 50
percent abrasives. This is one ingredient that helps

3. Fluorides most often found active ingredient in

toothpaste is fluoride. Toothpaste sold in the

United States has 1000 to 1100 parts per million
fluoride. Prescription toothpaste contains higher
levels. Seawater averages about 1.3 parts per
million (ppm). There are three types of fluoride
commonly used in toothpaste:
Sodium fluoride (NaF) is the most often type of
fluoride used in toothpaste
Stannous fluoride (SnF2) is also used. This type
may stain the tooth surface yellow or brown.
Monofluorophosphate (Na2PO3F)
Fluoride has been very controversial from its discovery
to help prevent tooth decay. Those for it are convinced
that it alone can help prevent tooth decay, while others
against fluoride maintain it has too many side effects
that outweigh the benefits. The best way to help prevent
tooth decay and have a healthy, happy smile is to eat
healthy nutritious foods and brush and floss daily. You
dont need fluoride as long as you maintain a healthy
lifestyle and clean your teeth and gums daily.
4. Surfactants typically sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is
used as the surfactant. This is a detergent that also acts
as the foaming agent in the toothpaste. It is a harsh
ingredient and it's better to find and use SLS free
toothpaste.

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your teeth get clean. Baking soda, calcium

carbonate, calcium phosphates, alumina, and silica
are examples of abrasives. High levels of abrasives
may not be a good thing, since they can harm your
teeth sensitive by weakening enamel. It's
preferable to use toothpaste with a gentle abrasive.
The right concentration of baking soda works best
to clean teeth of stains.

5. Antibacterial agents Triclosan is one of the

antibacterial medications used in toothpaste. Long-term
use of any antibacterial ingredient may cause more
problems than benefits by promoting antibiotic resistant
bacteria. These days many personal care products are
available and marketed as antibacterial. Toothpaste,
dish soap, deodorants, hand and body soaps are only a
few of them. According to the Center for Disease Control
(CDC), overloading the body with these types of
antimicrobial agents is what has lead to MRSA and other
dangerous bacteria that are resistant to any form of
antibiotics.
6. Flavors mint is the most common flavor along with
peppermint, spearmint and wintergreen. Natural
toothpaste brands often use more exotic flavors made
from anise, fennel, lavender, and other plants. These
types of essential oils may cause allergies and tissue
irritation. Just because its natural doesnt mean its
good for you.
7. Remineralization some toothpaste are formulated to
help strengthen enamel (outer surface of the tooth).
Calcium phosphate is typically the ingredient used.
8. Humectants humectants give toothpaste texture and
help to retain moisture to keep it from drying out.
Glycerin, sorbitol and water are common humectants.
Xylitol is the best type of humectant since it has multiple
benefits, including increasing the flow of saliva, which
helps prevent dry mouth, and also has been shown in
early reports to help prevent tooth decay.

Preservatives to help
prevent microorganisms
from growing in
toothpaste, certain
preservatives are added.
These
may include sodium benzoate, methyl paraben, and
ethyl paraben. Between the three common
preservatives, sodium benzoate is the safest. Some
natural toothpaste use citric acid. Too much citric
acid may cause side effects such as stomach
cramps,

Supplements That Make You Smile

10. diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

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9. Thickeners carrageenan, cellulose gum, guar gum

and xanthan gum are common thickening agents. For
those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity who want
to avoid gluten, xanthan gum is a safe alternative.
Irritation from this ingredient is
rare, with the most common
side effect being bloating or
gas. This would normally occur
by ingesting large quantities of
xanthan
gum, which would be much
higher than
what is usually used for
toothpaste. Those allergic to soy or corn
may
want to choose a different type of
thickening agent. If
inhaled
in powder form,
xanthan gum can
cause
respiratory distress.

11. Sweetenersto improve

the taste of toothpaste,
especially those
containing the horrible
taste of sodium lauryl
sulfate, such
sweeteners as
saccharin, stevia or
xylitol are added. The
best form is xylitol,
since it does have many benefits for a healthy
mouth, as stated earlier.
12. Coloring agents artificial dyes and coloring
agents are not uncommon in most commercial
toothpaste. Titanium dioxide may also be used to
make toothpaste white. Its best to avoid
toothpaste with artificial dyes and colorings.

Most people dont give much thought to what

toothpaste is made of. Toothpaste has come a long
way, from the cavemen using tree resin to ground
fish bones, pumice, and sand, to toothpaste, as we
know it today.
Dont be fooled by label claims, but read the
ingredients and decide for yourself which toothpaste
is best for you. Ultimately its the action of the
toothbrush that helps remove the plaque, that yucky
film that builds on the teeth and gums every day. But
choosing the perfect safe toothpaste with flavor that
you like can definitely put a smile on your face.

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Written by Flora Stay, DDS

Vitamins and minerals are essential for your body,

which of course, includes your teeth and gums. Oral
health disease may be prevented when vital nutrients
are not deficient in your body. That being said, its
not unusual to find consumers who misuse
supplements, believing that just by taking a
supplement or herb, they can cure tooth decay or
even systemic disease. However, there are benefits
to taking supplements for oral health.
CalciumSetting the Foundation
Calcium supplements are important for prevention of
osteoporosis, which has also been associated with
tooth loss. Calcium is needed for healthy bones,
teeth, and muscle contraction. It stands to reason
that calcium would help not only osteoporosis but
also preventing tooth loss through gum disease.
Pre and post-menopausal women are among those
that are at high risk for osteoporosis and gum
disease. Other situations that bring about gum
disease and could lead to tooth loss include smoking
or chewing tobacco, certain chronic illness such as
diabetes, stress, poor oral hygiene, and heredity.
Evidently, calcium is a good solution to help prevent

gum disease, even if you were born with not the best
dental genes.
You can get calcium from food or in supplement
form. Calcium rich foods include milk, yogurt, and
dark green vegetables. Women at risk of
osteoporosis should take a minimum of 1200 mg of
calcium per day.
What Type Of Calcium Should You Take?
There are several types of calcium that are sold in
supplement form. The type you take is important
since some dissolve and can be used by the body,
while others require extra stomach acid for
absorption, or may not be absorbed at all. The
different types of calcium include citrate, carbonate,
dolomite, coral, gluconate and lactate.
Calcium citrate is the best and easiest to absorb. You
can take it anytime including on an empty stomach
since it doesn't require high amounts of stomach
acid to dissolve. However, you may need more of it to
get enough elemental calcium.
Some prefer the natural form through dolomite.
However, you should know that this type can be
hazardous. A study published from University of
Alberta found it is insoluble in stomach acid and is
eliminated before it can be absorbed and used by the
body. Also, dolomite may contain toxic elements

Antioxidants for Oral Health

Antioxidants have specific actions and act to help
neutralize harmful free radicals. In 2005, researchers
at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry
determined that antioxidants were able to minimize
the harmful effects of free radicals released from
smoking, alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
Vitamins A, D, and E are the antioxidants that are
available and most commonly taken in supplement
form. Vitamin C is particularly important if you have
bleeding gums. It helps with collagen building, which
is a component of tissues. Ubiquinol or Coenzyme
Q10 is another powerful antioxidant that has promise
in preliminary studies towards heart health and
healthy gums.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and A are found in fresh
fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E is available in
vegetable oils. Coenzyme Q10 is made in our bodies,
however, supplementation has been found to be
important for especially heart health.
An Ounce a Day
To prevent tooth loss, brush with toothpaste that
contains xylitol and baking soda to help neutralize

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including lead. Coral calcium should be avoided.

Many health claims have been made about it, but not
established as fact.

acids in the mouth and take calcium supplements,

preferably the citrate form. Eat a balanced diet rich in
calcium and youll keep smiling with happy teeth. If
you are not able to eat nutritiously rich food, then
consider supp

Healthy teeth are not only a sign of how well we take

care of them, but also a companion for life. This is
why we should take care of our teeth on a daily
basis.

Life-long dental care begins while we are still

babies

The correct care begins with the first baby tooth. It

may seem to you to be a bit of an exaggeration to be
brushing baby teeth, but the truth is that the sooner the
babies get used to it, the more natural it will seem to
them later in life. Parents should remember that
preventive checks are recommended from the age of one
and baby teeth should be checked twice each year.
With the smallest babies, the first teeth are brushed with
a special brush attached to a finger. Approximately at the
age when the baby has 8 baby teeth (usually four at the
top and four at the bottom), roughly around 9 months
of their life, the first real brush is used. It should have
several qualities: it has to have the smallest brush head
possible, the fibers should be cut straight and soft. Some
brushes have protectors to make sure the parent does
not accidently slide the brush into the babys throat,
explains our stomatologists MDDr. Zdenk William Pelc.

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How to keep healthy teeth for life

When children are in kindergarten, they learn to brush

their teeth by themselves, ideally by imitating their
parents, who show them how they brush their teeth.
Toothpaste should not be used until the children learn to
correctly spit it out, alternatively using toothpastes that do
not include fluoride. It is important to help the children
clean their teeth if necessary ensuring that they clean
their teeth for at least two minutes this applies to
children prior to going to school, but also to small school
children (further cleaning by parents is recommended
until the age of eight or nine).

What about sweets and tooth decay (dental caries,

cavities) in children?

As far as sweets are concerned, it does not matter

whether a child eats one piece of chocolate or the entire
chocolate bar. If the child eats the chocolate within 15
minutes and then washes the mouth followed by
brushing the teeth, the teeth will remain healthy.
However, when consumption takes place throughout the
day, the pH of the mouth remains low. The saliva will be
unable to balance it out and the teeth will be prone to
decay explains CMCs MDDr. Zdenk William Pelc.

How to correctly brush the teeth between age 6 to

18

How to correctly brush teeth in adulthood

The rules are the same as with older children: adults

should brush their teeth twice a day with toothpaste,
possibly after each meal without toothpaste. They should
visit dentists regularly two times a year and undergo
dental hygiene if possible. It is also important to clean the
teeth with dental floss and interdental brushes every
evening. Eating habits may also need to be amended.
The rule of thumb here is as follows: the smaller the

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The brush fibers are not applied directly to the tooth, but
at a 45% angle. Half the fibers should be cleaning the
tooth and the other half the gum groove, massaging it at
the same time. With small children, we recommend
cleaning the teeth in a circular motion. With older children
and adults, we recommend a vibrating motion around the
gum followed by a smear motion with bottom teeth
from the pink to the white (upwards) and with the top
teeth from the pink to the white (downwards). Ideally,
each cleaning should take three minutes and should
be systematic for example beginning at the top-right
each time from the inside and continuing towards the left,
then from the front left, followed by doing the same
towards the right, etc. The teeth should be brushed in
the morning and night using toothpaste. Children
should use dental floss each night as well. Adults
however, should use both dental floss and interdental
brushes, possibly even brushing after each meal (without
toothpaste).

A good relationship with your

dentist is the foundation of
healthy teeth and gums.
When you visit your dentist
for cleanings and checkups,
the dentist can monitor any
changes and identify
symptoms of oral diseases in
their earliest stages. Its
easier to treat these
conditions before theyve
advanced.
Practicing healthy oral
hygiene will maintain your
smile along with visiting your
dentist regularly, and taking
care of your teeth and gums
between checkups. Clark
Dental Group would like to
ensure that you receive the
most out of your time with us
and that your teeth stay

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amount of carbohydrates (sugars) and sour foods, the

better for the teeth.

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lements.