ORAL HYGIENE
PLEASE NOTE: All the research papers on this Web have been written by Sue Visser and will be forming part of a book she is writing. Although you are welcome to read them, you will have to ask for permission to publish or lecture about any part of her original work. You would be held responsible for any errors they might contain. (There are often important updates that have to be included ).
Tooth decay below the gum line is the major cause of tooth loss today.
Although the use of fluoride is justified as a means of strengthening tooth enamel, it is harmful to the living tissues that attach the tooth to the jawbone. Collagen tissue is destroyed by fluoride and this results in a receding gum line, exposing the sensitive area of the tooth that is not protected by tooth enamel. This delicate type of bone is not dependent on fluoride for it’s strength. Tooth decay in this region is a serious threat to oral hygiene as fluoride preparations destroy and weaken the periodontal tissue that usually surrounds it. Gum infections aggravate the problem as bacteria grows in the weak, infected tissue.
According to recent studies, people with periodontal disease have double the risk of heart disease, as bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing deadly clots. Furthermore, the uncontrolled use and consumption of fluoride depletes your levels of antioxidant vitamins such as Vitamin C and vitamin E, thus increasing the risk. As soon as vitamin E levels are lowered, more plaque accumulates on teeth and has to be surgically removed. Studies have shown that when adequate quantities of antioxidant vitamins are consumed, the growth of plaque diminishes and the gums become firm and healthy again.
The most successful results were reported from patients who had changed from using fluoride toothpaste to more natural products made from minerals and herbal extracts. Mineral and vitamin supplements not only improved their teeth and gums, but also made a difference to their general health and well-being. Calcium and magnesium deficiencies result in loose teeth. The first sign of osteoporosis is seen in a weak jawbone with tooth recession.
A lack of Vitamin C causes bleeding and spongy, infected gums. This is a sign of scurvy. Is it logical to only supplement with fluoride? No known cases of fluoride deficiencies have ever been reported but evidence of fluoride poisoning is mounting. Fluoride is abundant in our food and drink. Even three cups of tea a day provide over 1mg of fluoride, which is the safe, recommended dose for humans. Exceeding this dose becomes harmful as fluoride accumulates in the body. Up to 5 mg of sodium fluoride can be absorbed or swallowed from toothpaste and mouthwashes every day. Drinking two litres of fluoridated water adds another 2 mg to the lethal dose. There is enough fluoride in a tube of toothpaste to kill a small child, yet our health regulations do not insist on providing any warnings.
It comes as no surprise that so many people are suffering from infected gums and are losing their teeth, despite the popular drive to prevent tooth decay with fluoride. A good diet with plenty of natural foods containing adequate fibre to chew will help the teeth and gums to return to normal.
Sticky, sugary and starchy foods interfere with the salivary pH. They cause plaque to accumulate and we are encouraged to brush our teeth to get rid of this residue. If an alkaline toothpaste is used, the saliva cannot function normally for a long time and very soon the teeth feel sticky and furry again. Why do we clean our teeth at night but when we wake up in the morning, they feel dirty and slimy again? How do we solve this problem? Saliva is the best mouthwash in the world. When it flows freely around the teeth at a pH of close to 6,5 it helps to maintain an ideal homeostasis in your mouth.
When you wake up after brushing with a neutral toothpaste with a pH of 7 for a few days, the first thing you will notice is the way your teeth feel. After a few months, you will notice that plaque or calculus deposits disappear and you no longer need to have them removed. Healthy saliva is your best oral hygienist! The best tooth supplements are vitamins and minerals and the best tooth cleaners do not even have to be toothpaste and toothbrushes!
Ideally, we should take a cue from the Indians who make their own toothbrushes from the roots of giant fig trees. This bark has a natural antiseptic and astringent action. The Zulu people used to chew sugar cane: other Africans scrub their teeth with wood ash. Chinese people pick their teeth clean with little sticks and even chewing gum can help to remove food particles and promote the natural flow of saliva. We all know that traditional old- fashioned diets did not contain copious amounts of sugar and refined starches. Dental problems increase in direct proportion to the consumption of sweets and junk foods in any society that moves away from natural, raw nutritious foods.
IS THERE A SAFE, NATURAL WAY TO ACHIEVE HEALTHY TEETH AND GUMS ?
Good, natural wholesome food and an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals help to promote the growth and maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. NATURE FRESH TOOTHPASTE is a natural, non-toxic herbal toothpaste that is pH balanced to 7(neutral). This encourages saliva to function optimally and maintain a perfect oral homeostasis. Minerals and herbal extracts help to clean the teeth, tone and strengthen gums and freshen the breath.
NATURE FRESH HERBAL TOOTHPASTE
With Tea Tree oil, mint and aniseed, for general family use NATURE FRESH MINERAL TOOTH POLISH: A gentle yet effective stain remover with sea salt, bicarb and silica for strong white teeth and healthy gums. Tea tree and Peppermint to freshen and disinfect the mouth. No bleach.
NATURE FRESH ALOE GUM THERAPY TOOTHPASTE
With Aloe Ferox gel and bitters to soothe and disinfect swollen, bleeding spongy gums. Vitamin C and zinc help to tone and strengthen weakened peridontal tissue.
NATURE FRESH JUNIOR TOOTHPASTE
A mild and fruity toothpaste. Aniseed helps to soothe baby’s gums during teething. It is safe to swallow or keep in the mouth after tooth extractions. It does not contain any mint.
Definitely no toxins, no bleaches or corrosive chemicals. This toothpaste contains calcium, magnesium, zinc and silica which are important for tooth enamel. Vitamin C and B 6 are added to keep the collagen tissue healthy.
Tea Tree oil and zinc are natural disinfectants and peppermint oil freshens the breath. Aniseed oil keeps the mouth moist and promotes a healthy flow of saliva that can be maintained at a normal pH as the toothpaste is kept to a neutral pH of 7. Natural cellulose and glycerine are used for emulsifying. The foaming agent is sodium laurel ethyl sulphate (derived from palm kernels). Aloe Ferox bitters and leaf gel are used to soothe and disinfect gums. All NATURE FRESH toothpastes are safe to swallow and are environmentally friendly. They do not affect recycled water, as they are free from harmful fluoride and other toxic chemicals.
NATURE FRESH HERBAL TOOTH POLISH
For gently removing stains on teeth from food, coffee, etc. Contains Tea Tree Oil, mint, zinc, silica, baking soda and vitamin C. Contains no bleach; only has gentle abrasives.