How to Prevent Cavities Without Fluoride

Many people are choosing to maintain a dental health routine that doesn't include fluoride, after studies have linked its use to a wide array of ill health effects. To keep your mouth in good health and prevent cavities without fluoride, try this oral hygiene routine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Brush and floss at least twice daily. Brush your teeth between meals if possible, especially after eating sugar.

2. Choose a toothpaste that contains the following ingredients: casein, a natural protein found in milk that helps balance good and bad bacteria in the mouth; natural mint extract, which contains 25 percent peppermint oil and inhibits the growth of bacteria; Xylitol, a natural sweetener that's been found to actively aid in repairing minor cavities.

3. Adjust your diet. Consume plenty of calcium-rich foods such as low-fat dairy, and fruits and vegetables containing vitamins A and C. Limit sticky foods that can get stuck between your teeth, and all refined sugars. Drink more water and cut back on fruit juices and especially sodas, which can weaken your tooth enamel.

4. Chew sugarless gum (or gum sweetened with Xylitol) to keep saliva flowing through the mouth, which decreases acid and flushes out food particles.

5. Drink green and black teas. Studies have shown that frequent consumption of green tea and/or black tea reduces plaque build-up and suppresses cavity-causing bacteria. Drink the tea plain without the addition of sugar, milk or other sweeteners.

6. Keep your toothbrush clean. The bacteria Streptococcus mutans has been shown to be a main cause of cavities, and it grows within your toothbrush. Every few days, boil it with some salt water at a rolling boil for at least one minute. Replace your toothbrush once a month.

Resources

• For more information on the effects of fluoride on the body, see FluorideAlert.org.

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[2thdockate]

on 3/22/2009 Call me curious, but exactly what health problems have been linked to fluoride consumption at the standard 1ppm found in fluoridated water? Considering our body expels it from the kidneys in the same manner as sodium found in salt, and an overdose does not occur until at least 2 full tubes of .4% toothpaste have been consumed, are you sure that the "health risks" you worry about are worth putting millions of underprivelaged people in dentures by the time they are 50? Do you know how many health risks are actually clinically and statistically associated with infections of the teeth and gums? Have you heard of bacteremias or acute endocarditis? How does bacteria from the mouth get into the bloodstream? Through cavities that go all the way to the pulp of the teeth. Do you know what prevents these cavities from getting so deep? FLOURIDE

[Nekota]

on 12/22/2008 Tooth Chips - Soap for Teeth contain xylitol! They can be found at www.RoseOfSharonAcres.com

[KathrynR]

on 6/23/2008 This article is so much better than the main one, because Flouride IS NOT GOOD FOR THE REST OF YOUR BODY. It has been proven to be a factor in MANY health problems!