The Differences Between Tooth Decay Disease Germs and Gum Disease Germs
Hi everyone -- Dr. Edwards here talking in this issue about dental prevention:
If you know a few rules, formulas, truths, etc., you can develop effective systems to fight dental problems on your own.
For example, knowing tooth decay is a microbial disease and that sugar does not directly cause decay suddenly explains why people get decay despite avoiding sweets and sodas. It's because the decay germs prefer carbs, which can also be pasta, rice, potatoes, pretzels, fruits, -- almost any carbs -- except possibly pure fiber and the most complex carbs. Now you know another reason to add fiber to your diet -- it's not just for your gut.
BTW, there are a few sweets that actually fight decay, or at least don't feed the decay germs: erythritol, xylitol, monk fruit, stevia, glycine (amino acid), glycerin.
Everyone makes a big deal about avoiding SUGAR! But what do gum disease germs eat? -- mainly PROTEINS AND AMINO ACIDS! But gum disease germs mostly live deep down under your gums, far away from the food you eat. So how do they survive? They survive by eating YOU! That's right! Gum disease germs mainly eat YOU -- 24/7/365/Life!
Now you know why gum disease affects 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older, and 70.1% of adults 65 years and older! The germs have been attacking their gums nearly all day, every day, their whole life. Yet the standard home oral hygiene instructions are to take care of your teeth twice a day. Unfortunately, doing oral hygiene twice a day is only the bare minimum you can do for oral health. And you never get anywhere by doing the bare minimum.
For example, if you knew your eyes would become damaged within 15 minutes of exposure to sunlight, would you wear sunglasses only 2 minutes twice a day? Certainly not.
Case in point: We recently had a solar eclipse, and everyone was warned not to look at the SUN without wearing special sunglasses, even for a short time.
But has anyone warned you that your teeth are subject to decay within just two minutes of eating most carbohydrates! And the decay process lasts about an hour!
Folks, along with access to dental care, affordable dental care, and better insurance -- you mainly need knowledge!
So, here's some simple advice:
Tooth decay germs start microscopcally damaging teeth within 2 minutes after you begin to eat or drink foods containing carbohydrates (except fiber). The microscopic decay continues for nearly an hour after you stop eating/drinking because that's how long it takes your natural saliva flow to dilute and neutralize the microbial acids that are produced by tooth decay germs in your mouth.
Knowing this fact means that you can speed up the acid dilution and neutralization by simply rinsing your mouth with water while you are eating, and at least three times after you eat. You can also chew xylitol gum or use xylitol mints after meals, and between meals too. And while you're at it, you could use interdental soft brushes and picks, or flosspicks. Toothbrushing with toothpaste right after meals is actually discouraged because most toothpastes are abrasive and can damage your already acid-softened tooth surfaces. It's better to rinse and use soft brushes and picks and wait an hour for your teeth to become remineralized by your saliva before you brush with toothpaste.
For more ideas how to avoid dental problems on your own, click here for a free book.
