Is tooth decay prevention really possible? We believe it is by sticking to a diet that does not promote decay and by performing our home care procedures adequately. (Anyone reading this post who has been a patient in our office, knows that we give homework!)
Occasionally, however, we still come across situations where tooth decay rears its ugly head. Here are a few novel ways we sometimes recommend for dealing with this problem today.
- Increase the amount of arginine in your diet. This means eat more spinach, soy, seafood and nuts.
- Brush with baking soda or mix your preferred tooth paste with baking soda. This neutralizes the pH in the mouth making it less desirable for the bacteria that cause cavities.
- Use Nuvora products (www.nuvorainc.com). These lozenges contain Xylitol and baking soda and prevent the pH in the mouth from dropping to critical levels.
- Use a chlorhexidine mouth rinse for a few weeks to kill some of the bacteria. Then return to fluoride containing products.
- Try using Glylic lollipops (www.drjohns.com). Glylic is a compound from licorice root that has specific antibacterial properties against the germs causing tooth decay and periodontal disease.
- Chew Xylitol gum. Ice Breakers “Ice Cubes” gum has the highest concentration of xylitol. Chew 2 pieces of gum three times a day.
- Try using MI paste. This is the only product that changes plaque biology. We have it in the office and can show you how to properly use it.
- Get your saliva tested! There are several diagnostic tests now available at the office that can analyze your saliva for decay risk.
Call us if you think you may be at risk or have a history of tooth decay! And remember – do your Homework!
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