Be Offensive about Cavities by Douglas Urban, DDS

Dentists are taught the skills to repair, extract and/or replace teeth afflicted with cavities. It seems like dentists are always one step behind the forces that cause decay. I have been a dentist for a long time and have recommended brushing twice daily, watch sugar intake, and to visit your dentist on a regular basis to detect any decay. Current research suggests this may not be adequate for a lot of us.

Research shows that dental decay is a chronic disease and that it is a result of individual behavioral patterns. We know of 32 types of bacteria that cause cavities. These bacteria thrive when the mouth saliva is acidic or at a low pH level. Behavioral effects range from how sugar is consumed, how effective we brush, how medications alter the mouth, how we respond to bacteria and how we utilize proper home remedies.

Recently, I had the privilege to listen to Dr. Brian Novy’s presentation on seeking out and destroying decay. Dr. Novy has a very nice way (it was a soft hammer) of debunking conventional methods of fighting decay.

Let’s look at his approach to fighting decay. If you are not suffering from new cavities at your dental checkups this approach may not apply. Everyone else should keep reading.

Diet low in sugary foods is still a wise choice. Foods rich in arginine (soy, spinach, seafood, and nuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, almonds, barley, cashews, etc) help neutralize certain acid forming bacteria. The “bad” (decay causing) bacteria is acid tolerant and will produce new bacteria that produce acid.

Brush with baking soda. If the taste is unpleasant add a little dollop of toothpaste to the brush and dip it into baking soda. Baking soda will promote a more neutral saliva pH that will select against bad bacteria.

Gum chewers start using Ice Breakers Ice Cubes by Hershey or Trident Xtra Care. Chew 6 pieces a day until the sweetness is gone. The sweetness is xylitol that is not metabolized by decay causing bacteria.

Glylic is isolated from licorice root and it has antimicrobial effects on bad bacteria. These lollipops can be found on www.drjohns.com.

There are other products that your dentist should be able to supply to you if your decay rate is through the roof. Our efforts are to help all children and adults become decay free and prevent the devastation that ruins a good set of teeth.

For answers to your dental questions, contact
Douglas Urban, D.D.S.
Cerritos, CA 90703
562 924-1523
DrDouglasUrban.com