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Preventing cavities using natural methods

As a child I had a mouth completely full of mercury-filled amalgams and a serious problem with cavities. I sure wish my parents would have known the information which appears on this page and applied it.

While brushing and flossing are key to preventing cavities and gum disease, avoiding the sugars and wide variety of processed junk foods that make up the bulk of America's typical diet, is also a major factor in dental health.

Soda and sugar-filled juice increase cavities in children

A 2001 Centers from Disease Control (CDC)-sponsored screening (1) of 3rd grade children attending 26 New Hampshire public schools found that 52% had tooth decay, or dental caries, and about 22% had untreated cavities.

Children are heavy consumers of soda, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A study (2) of about 3,200 Americans 9 to 29 years old conducted between 1971 and 1974 showed a direct connection between soft drinks and cavities.

Studies (3) clearly show that consuming soda and powdered juices increases children's risk of cavities. Dentists also report that tooth decay is higher in soda-drinking children despite ingesting recommended fluoride.

But sugar is not the only ingredient in soft drinks which causes cavities. The acids in soda are also known to disolve tooth enamel in ways which can lead to cavities.

In my opinion, there is absolutely no justification for drinking soda. Sugar and aspartame are deadly to your health and will gradually affect your well being. Better stick to pure water.

Unhealthy lifestyles responsible for poor dental health in adults

Smoking, infrequency of dental visits and lack of brushing and flossing are usually the main contributors to tooth loss and decay in adults. Studies (4) show that smoking causes tooth loss and decay by hindering blood flow to the gums.

We would all be well-advised to take a proactive approach to dental care and maintain regular brushing and flossing habits, as a preventative measure to tooth and gum disease. It's also obviously a good idea to quit smoking.

My favorite source for affordable dental plans is dentalplans.com.

(1) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report March 29, 2002;51:258-260

(2) Washington Post February 27, 2001; Page HE10

(3) Pediatrics September, 2003;112(3):e184-e191

(4) Journal of Dental Research July 2004;83(7):562-6

disclaimer: Throughout this website, statements are made pertaining to the properties and/or functions of food and/or nutritional products. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and these materials and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

© 2005 by Marc Leduc