Tooth Troubles: A look at fluoride, and natural cavity protection.

A reader suggested we discuss the use of fluoride (or, rather, not using it!) and ways to prevent and possibly eliminate cavities.  I consulted my “Crunchy Mamas” group for some input.  I was given a lot of suggestions, many I hadn’t even heard of!

Regarding fluoride, Anne, who has worked for a pediatric dentist, shares, “Fluoride is needed, but not until the child can correctly brush and spit, clearing their mouth of additional toothpaste. Unfortunately, the child products for toothpaste taste good to children, which causes them to want to eat or swallow the toothpaste. Until then they need to use fluoride free toothpaste. If a child receives too much fluoride, permanent spotting of their adult teeth, called fluorosis, is very common. Other minor risks are possible, including upset stomach.”

I had all the fluoride treatments as a child, and still use fluoridated toothpaste with no ill effects; the city I grew up in, and still live in today, does not fluoridate their water.  My four-and-a-half year old also uses fluoridated toothpaste, and has for about two years.  However, I refuse to give him the fluoride drops that his dentist prescribed and will never advocate for the use of them.  “I’ll just give him a half a dose than what I normally prescribe, since I know you’re uncomfortable with it,” he said to me.  Oh ok, so then I’d just be giving him a little more of an unnecessary chemical, not a lot more…um, thanks?  Now, you won’t often hear me saying positive things about the FDA (because they are a little too cozy with the drug companies, in my opinion), but I’ll note that the FDA has never approved any fluoride product as being safe for ingestion, nor has it listed fluoride as effective.  AND, oddly enough, the same organization that endorses fluoride for the rest of the population (the ADA) says that fluoride is NOT safe for children under one year of age.  Ironic, then, how nursery water is specially fluoridated, and packaged and marketed for mixing infant formula.  Also, shouldn’t this fact be stated by pediatricians to parents who formula feed?  Mine never said such a thing to me (my first son was supplemented with formula), not to mention maybe a disclaimer on my water bill with this warning, as it is as pertinent as any other substance containing a potentially harmful ingredient for my infant!  *hmph!*

If you’re not sure what the hype about fluoride is, check out the Fluoride Action Network.

As far as reversing an already formed cavity, I have yet to find a solution.  I have heard of some natural remedies for stopping further decay and preventing future decay.  They are:

Whole foods diets – “Many Native American societies never had tooth decay until they were introduced to sugared, preservitized foods,” Kiri says.   Therese adds, “Here is a link to the book ‘Nutrition and Physical Degeneration’, where you can click on the pictures of people from around the world who have perfectly straight teeth with no cavities and most of them don't even brush their teeth. Their nutrient-dense diets built their nice teeth.”  A whole foods diet is made up of unprocessed, unrefined grains, beans, nuts/seeds, fruits, vegetables, dairy foods, etc.   Besides the benefits to our teeth, and entire body, eating raw foods eliminates the other questionable additives in our food and their possible adverse effects; like BPA-coatings in canned foods, food colorings, and the like.

Neem – This is a widely-used medicinal herb in many countries and is a strong, natural analgesic.  There are neem oils, neem bark, and neem leaves, all beneficial.  Researchers have found that neem (especially bark) provides the positive effects of fluoride toothpaste, without the chemicals.

Erythritol and Xylitol –  These are sugar alcohols found naturally in fermented foods and fruits.  They are often found in gum, foods labeled as “diet” foods, and are often hidden in foods containing mixed ingredients.  These foods generally go against the whole foods diet I was preaching above, but erythritol and xylitol are pricey and harder to find on their own.   They don’t affect blood sugar levels, so foods containing them are often suggested for diabetic individuals.  If consumed in large quantities or in sensitive individuals, xylitol (and sometimes erythritol) may cause stomach upset and/or digestive issues.  Because of their molecular construction, the decay causing bacteria cannot break them down like they can sugar.  For dental use, you can find xylitol and erythritol gums, toothpastes, lozenges, and rinses.

As I always say, do what your mommy gut says to do for your children and family!   I just want to make sure I am spreading information and awareness of CHOICE!  Do your homework, don’t let your doctor (or dentist!) do it for you! ;)

Sources:

http://www.fluoridealert.org

http://www.fluoridealert.org/50-reasons.htm

http://www.discoverneem.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythritol

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol