Health Dental myths debunked, Rolfing
A dentist weighs in on the natural oral-care debate, debunking some of the zanier practices out there!
To coincide with Dental Health Week, we chatted to Dr Peter Alldritt from the Australian Dental Association on whether you really can keep your teeth pearly white and healthy when using natural dental care products.
Activated charcoal
Charcoal is a hot trend right now. It’s in everything from toothpaste to toothbrushes and even floss. The idea behind using charcoal in dental care is that it will bind with toxins in the mouth to help remove plaque and bacteria. Dr Alldritt
says there’s no strong evidence that it does your teeth any good. “Being an abrasive ingredient, charcoal also has the potential to wear away the enamel surface, which we know doesn’t grow back,” explains Dr Alldritt. “Abrasive materials make your teeth thinner, more sensitive and yellower.”
Coconut oil pulling
Devotees of this natural oil have tapped into the Ayurvedic practice of using it to detoxify their mouth. The method involves sucking the oil through your teeth every morning for 20 minutes to free your mouth of toxins. “There’s no research that has ever been done on oil pulling that says it can improve your health,” says Dr Alldritt.
“I find it fascinating, but how can I recommend d something that has no evidence to back up its claims?”
Mashed-upMashed strawberries
In an effort to whiten their teeth, Hollywood starlets are turning to mashed-up strawberries. While they have myriad nutritional benefits, this much-loved berry gets the dental expert’s thumbs down for whitening purposes.
“Strawberries are highly acidic,” says Dr Alldritt, “and acid is what dissolves your teeth’s enamel. In dentistry, when you do a filling, acid is used to destroy the tooth to make way for it. So why would you do that at home?”
Another dental no-no? The popular health trend of regularly drinking lemon-infused water. “I warn all my patients about drinking lemon water on a daily basis,” he says. “The acidity of lemon juice strips enamel off your teeth, so it’s best to avoid it.”
Natural toothpaste
Wasabi, blueberry,erry, sage and cinnamonn are ingredients you’llu’ll find in alternativetive toothpastes labelledbelled n natural or herbal… al… but yo you won’t find fluorideide li listed on these tubes.
“The biggest problem w with these toothpastes is a lack of fluoride. They w will freshen your breath b but they won’t protect against to tooth decay.”
Sunshine
This one gets the doctor’s thumbs up! “Adequate vitamin D exposure means your teeth are more able to absorb calcium and phosphate, which make your enamel and teeth stronger,” says Dr Alldritt.
“But you need to find the delicate balance between getting enough vitamin D and the risk of skin cancer.” Diet also comes into it. You can up your vitamin D levels by adding dairy, eggs and tuna to your diet.
Is fluoride all it’s cracked up to be?
BeforeB you omit fluoride from your dentald regimen, it’s important to understand what it is.
“Fluoride is a naturally oc occurring mineral found in soil, rocks, water, plants and animals,” explains Dr Alldritt. “It’s not a chemical that was invented by the Government.”
“When people take an antifluoride stance, what they’re subscribing to is a belief it has negative health effects,” says Dr Alldritt. “They think it’s causing bone problems, lower IQ, cancers, insomnia, stomach upsets, ingrown toenails, headaches… You name it, people blame fluoride for it!”
Recently released findings from Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council have concluded fluoride is safe and nd effective. Effective, ve, as in it lowers tooth decay, and d safe, as in it doesn’tsn’t have any proven adverse effects,” says Dr Alldritt.