UPDATE: Toothpaste

I realized that I left out some important information in my last email regarding toothbrush and toothpaste waste. The product I recommended (Bite toothpaste bits) does not contain fluoride and I know that some people want or need fluoride and some people prefer not to use it. I do think there is some value to using fluoride topically, but I am totally against it being put into our drinking water. If you want me to explain why, please email me and I will be happy to tell you what I’ve learned.

There are some people who probably need fluoride and other remineralizing agents. If you have a history of many cavities or if you have low saliva flow or dry mouth or are a frequent snacker or soda drinker then you definitely need a product that contains fluoride and nano-hydroxyapatite and xylitol. Nano-hydroxyapatite is an actual ingredient that makes up our enamel. The best product that I know of that contains nano-hydroxyapatite, fluoride and xylitol is from a company called CariFree and the product is CTx4 1100 or CTx4 5000. You can buy the 1100 version online at carifree.com. Unfortunately, it does not come in a sustainable package like Bits. It is a traditional tube and it comes in a gel form. We sell CTx4 5000 at my office, which is a prescription strength only available through a dentist. The CTx4 products do contain fluoride but they also contain nano-hydroxyapatite and xylitol. You might notice that the Bits toothpaste tabs also contain xylitiol. You’ve probably seen xylitol in gum (Trident) and in lozenge form (Spry). Xylitol is a natural sugar but it does not cause cavities like most sugars. Plaque bugs will ingest the xylitol but they cannot digest it so it helps reduce plaque and bacterial levels in the mouth. It is a great product and I think it has tremendous benefits for teeth.

Alas, it is my opinion that, in most humans, we likely wouldn’t get tooth decay if we didn’t consume refined sugars. I’ve been working on eliminating most sugars out of my diet and I would encourage you to do the same. It’s terrible for our teeth and our bodies. The worst combination is soda that contains sugar and acids. That combination is the absolute worst thing you can do to your teeth because it the acids lower the ph in the mouth and then the sugars attack the enamel. I’ve seen soda destroy teeth faster than anything and the worst scenario is when people sip on it over prolonged periods. I replaced soda in my diet with sparkling water and don’t miss it at all. Sports drinks like Gatorade are also acidic and sugary. I would encourage you to either eliminate soda and sports drinks from your diet altogether or only have them occasionally. Your body and teeth will thank you.

I will keep searching for products that contain fluoride, nano-hyrdroxyapatite and xylitol and also come in a recyclable container. Until then, try Bite bits or CTx4 1100 or 5000. As always, if you have any questions please email me at drcook@austincitydental.com and I will be happy to help.