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Back 2 Nature Toothpaste

This is a fluoride-free toothpaste formula, with no artificial flavours or colours, and no nasty toxins like SLS. The safe natural ingredients work to clean and brighten your teeth, giving your whole family healthy smiles to be proud of. A dash of grapefruit and clove oils have been added, to care for your gums and add a pleasant taste. Back 2 Nature toothpaste will soon be a favourite fixture at your family’s bathroom sink!

Click on the link to experience a great new toothpaste taste.

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Pure Smile Environmental Bamboo toothbrush

This 100% natural, biodegradable toothbrush is made from bamboo wood. The brush will break down harmlessly after use, unlike ordinary plastic toothbrushes. The special charcoal-infused bristles provide a gentle but thorough cleaning, with detoxing benefits. 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOOTHPASTE

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Have you ever given a thought to how the humble toothpaste came to be?
For the sake of weekend unwinding, I will make today's Blogpost a history lesson for you to mull over.




Toothpaste, floss and toothbrushes have been a staple in most people's hygiene routine since the 1950's. But that's only 60 years ago.
Then what did people do to keep their teeth clean thousands of years ago? The answer will make you greatful that you use mint-flavoured toothpaste.

Around 5000BC, Egyptians started using a paste to clean their teeth. This was before tooth brushes were even invented.
Ancient toothpastes were used to treat some of the same concerns that we have today – keeping teeth and gums clean, whitening teeth and freshening breath. The ingredients of ancient toothpastes were however very different and varied. Ingredients used included a powder of ox hooves' ashes and burnt eggshells, that was combined with pumice. The Greeks and Romans favored more abrasiveness and their toothpaste ingredients included crushed bones and oyster shells. The Romans added more flavoring to help with bad breath, as well as powdered charcoal and bark. The Chinese used a wide variety of substances in toothpastes over time that have included ginseng, herbal mints and salt.

 In 1824, a dentist named Peabody was the first person to add soap to toothpaste, followed by John Harris in the 1850s who added chalk as an ingredient. Colgate mass-produced the first toothpaste in a jar. Dr. Washington Sheffield, an American dentist, thought it was unsanitary for multiple people to dip their toothbrushes into one jar of toothpaste. So in 1892, he developed the first toothpaste in a collapsible tube getting his inspiration from paint tubes used by artists. Four years later, Colgate developed a dental cream that was packaged in collapsible tubes. After World War II, advancements in synthetic detergents allowed manufacturers to replace the soap used in toothpaste with emulsifying agents that worked better. One of these agents is a chemical compound named, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. SLS is a foaming agent that can also be found in products like hair shampoo. And remains of SLS are still found in many types of toothpaste today. By the 1960s, fluoride became standard in toothpaste.
During much of the middle and later decades of the 20th century, the most significant change in toothpaste was the development of medicated products intended to remedy diseases and/or conditions of the teeth and/or gums. A relatively new ingredient called Triclosan provides another level of protection against cavities, plaque, gum disease and bad breath.
The current trend, which started to emerge at the start of the 21st century, is the demand for toothpastes that whiten the teeth and give them an iridescent shine. And by 1987, the first whitening toothpaste was invented.
 No matter what type of toothpaste you use today, it’s important to be consistent in brushing your teeth.

What does toothpaste actually do?

Most toothpaste contain abrasive ingredients that help scrub away stains and plaque on your teeth. The abrasives have to be harsh on plaque but gentle on your teeth so it does not damage your enamel. This ingredient also helps to polish your teeth so they look fresh and clean after you brush your teeth.


Does brushing without toothpaste work?

Some dentists recommend the practice of "dry brushing" to their patients.
This is how it's done:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes, using a toothbrush without toothpaste.
• Use the brushing technique your oral hygienist recommends (circular or up & down along the gumline).
• Make sure to hit the tough spots where plaque builds up, such as behind the bottom teeth.
• Use a dab of toothpaste at the end to get the fresh breath and the benefit from fluoride. The trick here is to simply put the pea-sized amount on your tongue and swish.

And American dental researcher, Thomas C. Abrahamsen, advocated the "dry brushing" technique. His rationale behind this, is that the friction from brushing rids the teeth of plaque; and not necessarily the toothpaste.

A lot of dental professionals have tried it out first, before prescribing the method to their patients.
I have done it myself a few times and it does work.
So I would recommend it to my Oral Hygiene patients, provided they don't stop using toothpaste altogether.

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KIDDIES' TOOTHPASTE

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Today's Blog is about a topic that doesn't get a lot of discussion. Children's toothpaste.
This question came to me from a reader who has a problem with her children swallowing their toothpaste.

She says: "My children are two and three years old. I've noticed that the children's toothpaste says 'Do not swallow' but they do. Is this bad for them?"

Another mother wanted me to discuss whether the 'kiddie's toothpaste brands are worth the money.

Toothpaste manufacturers have long marketed toothpaste aimed at children. These toothpastes have a lower concentration of fluoride than adult toothpaste. A low dose of fluoride over a long period of time, affects the enamel formation of the teeth in a positive way. Spitting out toothpaste help to maintain this positive effect of low dose fluoride.
When the children swallows the toothpaste, it gives them a 'spike' or high concentration of fluoride in their blood supply. The increased fluoride level in the blood can then disrupt the cells that are forming the adult teeth.
And it can also cause stomach upset.

The best advice I can give is to get the toothpaste that is age appropriate for the children. Follow the directions given on the pack. And teach them how to spit. Make this part of the lesson when teaching them how to brush their teeth.

Children's toothpaste do meet the guidelines on the appropriate flouride content.
Another justification is that children sometimes find the taste of mint toothpaste too strong and prefer other flavours.
Sometimes children can be resistant to having their teeth brushed. The brands make toothbrushing fun and make children more willing to take part. They do this by using cartoon characters on the packaging and advertising. 

The one drawback to buying children's toothpaste, is that you may pay considerably more than for  adult toothpaste.


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DENTAL FLUOROSIS

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FLUOROSIS OVERVIEW

The risk of putting your child on fluoride tablets, is first and foremost an overexposure to fluoride.
And that is essentially what fluorosis is.
While the permanent teeth are forming, the excess fluoride gets taken up by the tooth enamel. And after eruption, the teeth may appear mildly discoloured. There may be lacy white markings that only dentists can detect.

The below picture shows the fluorosis condition in it's mild form.

 

 

However, there are also a moderate and severe form of the condition. With moderate fluorosis, all the surfaces of the teeth are mottled and teeth may be ground down and brown stains frequently "disfigure" the teeth. Severe fluorosis is characterized by brown discolouration that are widespread, pitting, and teeth often present a corroded-looking appearance. Although fluorosis is not a disease, its effects can be psychologically distressing and difficult to treat.

People with fluorosis are relatively resistant to dental caires, but it may present a cosmetic concern.

 

 

FLUOROSIS CAUSES

 

A major cause of fluorosis is the inappropriate use of fluoride-containing dental products such as toothpaste and mouthrinses. Sometimes, children enjoy the taste of fluoridated toothpaste so much that they swallow it instead of spitting it out.  

 

But there are other causes of fluorosis. For example, taking a higher-than-prescribed amount of a fluoride supplement during early childhood can cause it. So can taking a fluoride supplement when fluoridated drinking water or fluoride-fortified fruit juices and soft drinks already provide the right amount.

 

FLUOROSIS TREATMENTS

 

In many cases, fluorosis is so mild that no treatment is needed. Or it may only affect the back teeth where it can't be seen. the appearance of teeth affected by moderate-to-severe fluorosis can be significantly improved by a variety of techniques. Most of them are aimed at masking the stains.

 

 

Such techniques may include:

• Tooth whitening and other procedures to remove surface stains; note that bleaching teeth may temporarily worsen the appearance of fluorosis.
• Bonding, which coats the tooth with a hard resin that bonds to the enamel
• Crowns
• Veneers, which are custom-made shells that cover the front of the teeth to improve their appearance; these are used in cases of severe fluorosis.
• MI Paste, a calcium phosphate product that is sometimes combined with methods like micro-abrasion to minimize tooth discolouration. 

FLUOROSIS PREVENTION

Parental vigilance is the key to preventing fluorosis.
Once you know how much fluoride your child is getting from drinking water and other sources such as fruit juices and soft drinks, you can work with your dentist to decide whether or not your child should have a fluoride supplement. At home, keep all fluoride-containing products such as toothpaste, mouthrinses and supplements out of the reach of young children.

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FLOURIDE TABLETS FOR KIDS

  

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The Peadiatric Dentistry Blogpost, drew a lot of interest.

And once again it is my Mommy panel who had a flurry of questions. So one mother wanted to know: "Should my child be taking fluoride tablets or not?"

 

FLUORIDE

 

I wrote a post on Fluoride two months ago. But here is a recap.

Fluoride is the ingredient in toothpaste that strengthens teeth and prevents cavities from forming. It is also a mineral that occurs in some natural water sources and certain foods, such as fish, salt and milk. So Fluoride plays an important role in healthy tooth development and cavity prevention.

 

Fluoride combats tooth decay in two ways:

 

1. It is incorporated into the structure of developing teeth when it is ingested.
2. It protects teeth when it comes in contact with the surface of the teeth.

 

KIDS FLUORIDE NEEDS

 

So how much fluoride do kids' need?

In general, kids under the age of 6 months do not need fluoride supplements. If you live in non-fluoridated area, your doctor or dentist may prescribe fluoride drops, tablets or vitamins after your baby is 6 months old. The dosage depends on how much fluoride naturally occurs in the water and your child's age. Only kids living in non-fluoridated areas or those who drink only non-fluoridated water should receive supplements.

 

Fluoride in SA

South Africa’s water supplies are not fluoridated. In Cape Town, the levels of fluoride in the water are much lower than the optimal level required to prevent the formation of cavities.
In such cases where fluoride levels in the drinking water are low, fluoride supplements can be of value. These supplements are an effective way of reducing the incidence of cavities in children who are at high risk.

In Cape Town, the recommended dosages would be as follows:

• 0 to 6 months: none


• 6 months to 3 years: 0.25mg


• 3 to 6 years: 0.5mg


• 6 to 12 years: 1 mg

Zymafluor: 4 drops = 1 tablet = 0.25mg
Listerfluor: 5 drops = 0.25mg
It is better for the child to suck or chew the tablet instead of swallowing it. In young children, however, the tablet should be finely crushed and dissolved in water. The longer the tablet is in contact with the teeth, the more beneficial the effect.

Fluoride drops would be the better option in very young children, as they are unable to chew or swallow tablets. There is always a possibility of overdosage  with these supplements and with this there is a risk of developing fluorosis of the permanent teeth. Parental supervision is therefore assential.



CONCLUSION

My personal opinion on this whole question is that fluoride supplement should ideally be prescribed to children who are at a high risk of tooth getting decay. And only if the primary drinking water has a low fluoride concentration. The decision to prescribe supplements is based on the child's individual need. I would advise mother's to consult a dentist first, before giving their children fluoride supplements.
I'm sure this article have been of some help. Don't forget to fill out a comment or any other questions you may have in the space below.

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PEADIATRIC DENTISTRY

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After coming to grips with the last post on teething (excuse the pun); here is a question from the Mommy panel.
"Why did my dentist suggest that I take my 3year old to a peadiatric dentist?"

While a General Dentist will help a child receive the necessary dental care, it will not be as beneficial or specific as a Peadiatric Dentist. One major difference between a General and Peadiatric Dentist is that a Peadiatric Dentist goes through specialized training to treat dental issues within infants, children and patients in their early teens. 

Peadiatric Dentistry deals with the oral health of children from infancy to the teen years.
Peadiatric Dentists have the qualifications and experience to care for a child's teeth, mouth and gums throughout the various stages of childhood.


EDUCATION

Peadiatric Dentists have completed at least:

• Five years of dental school;
• One year of community service;
• An additional year of postgraduate training in dentistry for infants, children, teenagers and children with special needs;
• An additional year in a postgraduate residency program, which may result in a certificate or master's degree in Peadiatric Dentistry.

TYPES OF TREATMENT PROVIDED BY PEADIATRIC DENTISTS

Peadiatric dentists provide comprehensive oralcare that includes the following:

• Infant oral health exams, which include risk assessment for caries in mother and child
• Preventive dental care including cleaning and fluoride treatments, as well as nutrition and diet recommendations
• Habit counseling (for example, pacifier use and thumb sucking)
• Early assessment and treatment for straightening teeth and correcting an improper bite (orthodontics)
• Repair of tooth cavities or defects
• Diagnosis of oral conditions associated with diseases such as diabetes, congenital heart defect, asthma, hay fever, and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder
• Management of gum diseases and conditions including ulcers, short frenulae, mucoceles, and pediatric periodontal disease
• Care for dental injuries (for example, fractured, displaced, or knocked-out teeth)

THE BEST ORAL HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN

Children are not just small adults. They are not always able to be patient and cooperative during a dental exam. Pediatric dentists know how to examine and treat children in ways that make them comfortable. In addition, pediatric dentists use specially designed equipment in offices that are arranged and decorated with children in mind.

When your Peadiatrician suggests that your child receives a dental exam, try to find a Peadiatric Dentist in your vicinity.

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TEETHING

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When do babies start teething?

This is a question I often hear.
Most babies sprout the first tooth when they're between 4 and 7 months old. An early developer may get the first tooth as early as 3 months, while it may take a late bloomer until the end of the first year. Even longer.




Baby teething is a rite of passage for every little one and involves the movement of teeth in and through the gums. Therefore, it's no surprise that it can be very painful for them, and in turn, stressful for the parents. To help you out, I have compiled a quick guide of what to expect from a little teether. Not all babies have all the teething symptoms, but see if you can recognise any of these.....

TEETHING SYMPTOMS

• Excessive drooling
• Biting more than usual -on anything from plastic spoons, to toys, to Mommy's breast
• Fussier than usual -especially at night
• Disturbances in sleep patterns
• Fever, rashes, cough and diarrhoea
• Decreased appetite
• Pulling on ears, rubbing of chin and cheeks
• Loss of appetite

So clearly not a fun time for everybody involved in this growth process. 
But in the meantime, we don't have to be victims. There are some great things we can do to comfort the baby who is teething.

TEETHING REMEDIES

•  Rub a clean finger gently but firmly over your baby's sore gums to ease the pain temporarily
• Give your baby something to chew on, like a firm rubber teething ring
• Silicone teething rings are a safe choice. But they must be made of silicone, rather than latex or plastic.
• Wooden teethers can be used as an alternative to silicone and rubber. What works for one baby may not be right for the next.
• Amber teething necklaces. The idea is that baby’s body heat triggers the baltic amber to release an oil that contains succinic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory. Whether it works is still up for debate.
• Babies who are old enough for solids, may get some relief from eating cold foods, such as yoghurt or apple sauce. 
• Babies who can chew on finger foods, can start to gnaw on hard, unsweetened teething biscuits. Just keep an eye on them and be mindful of choking. 

Is it safe to give pain medication?
Some doctors may want to describe infant's ibuprofen or acetaminophen (for babies 6 months and older).
However, before giving any pain reliever to a child younger than 2, ask about correct dosages. And be very certain about allergies and potential side-effects.

*Unsafe pain relievers to give to a baby: 

• Aspirin   -can cause Reye's syndrome; a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.
• Homeopathic teething gels and tablets   -too little research has been done about potential side-effects of these remedies. 
• Benzocaine     -found in topical gels and medications. 

Some little ones breeze through teething, but most are not that lucky.  
And for many parents the signs of teething can be rather confusing. It may be challenging  to wrap their heads around what to do and how to get through this milestone development.
If you are such a parent, I hope this article is of help to you and your baby.

If you enjoyed reading this post, leave a comment, suggestion or question in the space below. 

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DENTAL CARE FOR YOUR PETS..

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The past weeks has been all about toothbrushing and how to maintain good oral hygiene. This topic is fascinating to a lot of people in my circle of friends. I have found myself having to field a lot of questions during our weekly meetings. At church, over lunch, at the gym, etc..
Especially the mothers in my friend circle, have approached me for advice on their children's oral hygiene. 

But this past week, an unusual topic cropped up with my Wednesday, Supper Club meeting.
A lot of the guests have cats and dogs. And they introduced this subject of how to care for the teeth of their domestic pets. When I get questions like these; I will most often refer to a veterinarian; because that is their speciality. 
However, I am told that a visit to the Vet can be very expensive. So I will attempt to help as best I can with tips on homecare.


Pet Dental Care 

I consulted a Veterinarian who assured me that taking care of a pet's teeth is as important as looking after our own teeth.
They are also prone to developing gum infections and disease from plaque bacteria.
This can be a serious issue as they grow older. Bacteria and toxins attack the tooth, bone, gum and connective tissue around the tooth, which can lead to serious infection and the tooth falling out.
So taking care of your pets teeth will not only lead to a healthier pet, but also help you avoid expensive dental bills.

And remember, dogs can have bad breath for a variety of health reasons so don't' dismiss a foul smell as plain old "doggy breath".



Tell-tale sign of problems

Any dental problems can be picked-up during the Vet's check-up, but here are some things to look out for:

• Yellow and brown tartar deposits on the gum line;
• Difficulty eating;
• Swollen and bleeding gums;
• Bad breath 

TOOTHBRUSHING


So how to take care of your dog's teeth? Well, in much the same way as you take care of your own; regular brushing, a good diet and the occasional check-up. Brushing will be easier if you begin while they are still young, although a dog of any age will eventually get used to it.
Don't use toothpaste designed for people, dogs become distressed by the foam and it might upset their stomachs. There are pastes specially designed for pets that are safer and they will like the taste much better.
Depending on the size of your dog's teeth and mouth you may be able to use a regular toothbrush. There are however, specially designed brushes that fit on your finger to make brushing easier. Ask your vet what he or she would recommend.

TIPS FOR MAKING IT EASIER

To get your dog or cat used to having their teeth brushed; start with plenty of reassurance to calm him down. Let him have a tiny taste of the toothpaste then gently massage hit teeth to get him used to the sensation.
He might not like it at first, but be patient, you'll get there in the end.

Brush in a circular motion, paying particular attention to where the tooth meets the gum. Then, when you're almost finished, brush vertically towards the inside of his mouth to clear any plaque you've dislodged.
You should brush your dog's teeth at least once a week but once a day is best.

ALTERNATIVES TO TOOTHBRUSHING


There are specially formulated dog foods and dog treats that can reduce tartar and avoid the onset of periodontal disease.
This is the simplest way of making sure your dog gets some form of 'brushing' each day.
Talk to your vet to see if they have a particular food or method they prefer. Remember though, that keeping your dog's teeth in good condition is essential for his overall health.

 CONCLUSIONS

Caring for your pet's teeth can prevent other health problems, saving you tons of money over the long term.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian - they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. 

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOOTHBRUSHES -Part 3

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Today's third instalment of the different types of toothbrushes will cover the other types of toothbrushes on the market. Part 1 and Part 2 explained the electrical and manual toothbrush; but there are more specialized toothbrushes that dentists recommend to their patients. 

As a complement to the regular toothbrush, there are special devices to make cleaning easier. 

INTERDENTAL BRUSHES

An interdental brush is a small brush specially designed for cleaning between your teeth, where a regular toothbrush does not reach. It can also be used by people with spaces between to clean those interdental spaces. In addition to your regular daily toothbrushing, using an interdental brush every day, is an easy and efficient method to keep your gums and teeth fresh and healthy. Cleaning with an interdental brush prevents gum inflammation, cavities and bad breath.

The brush resembles a tiny bottle brush.  All interdental brushes have a plastic coated wire and comes in differing sizes.

IMPLANT BRUSHES

Patients who have dental implants, thorough oral hygiene is necessary to prevent disease and inflammation around the implants. Implant brushes will help to clean around implanted teeth. 

The implant brush has an extra narrow head for easy cleaning of implants from the outside.

This slim brush head reaches even very narrow areas. 

An angled neck makes it easier to clean the implant abutments from the inside.

Soft, end-rounded filaments ensure a gentle clean.

DENTURE BRUSHES

Specially designed for people with dentures. These brushes are used  to clean dentures thoroughly and quickly. 

The brush has a thicker handle that is contoured for easy gripping; while cleaning and brushing dentures. It is a double-headed brush fro better and more thorough cleaning.

The bristles are made of a very high-quality, durable nylon to ensure longevity and effectiveness. Denture brush bristles will normally be harder than the average, medium toothbrush used by non-denture wearers. 

KIDDIES TOOTHBRUSHES

Parents are encouraged to start brushing their child's teeth as soon as the first tooth has erupted. The best way to introduce oral hygiene is to make it seem like fun. Some children love it from the start, while others will put up resistance. 

Kiddies toothbrushes also come in all kinds of fun designs and sizes. 

Here are some of the things to pay attention to when taking your child toothbrush shopping:

• Children's toothbrushes should always have soft bristles; because it's all they need to properly clean their teeth.
• Cartoon characters and great colours are one of the best things to exploit, when trying to get children to try new things.
• So of these toothbrushes have big, fat handles for an easy grip. However, those handles may prove to be too much for some children to hold. So a thinner handle that fit comfortably in their hands might work best.

Very often a child's first toothbrush will be a finger toothbrush.  Finger toothbrushes look like small finger puppets that you can put on the end of a finger. They are extra soft, looks and feels like a toy that they get to play with. It work best for babies and children with only a few teeth. The parent should be the one to begin brushing their teeth with the finger puppet, and then let them take over when they become comfortable. 

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