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RECOMMENDED THINGS TO DO:
- Make regular visits to you dentist or hygenist. To make an in-office appointment with Dr. Frager, please complete the online appointment form.
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KEY INGREDIENTS
Sodium Bicarbonate/Silicon Dioxide
Short and long term studies have evaluated the use of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3, baking soda) as an adjunct to home plaque control and found, in addition to affirming its safety, that it can be as effective as conventional oral hygiene care in reducing plaque and gingivitis (4-9). In general, the investigators studied sodium bicarbonate in combination with hydrogen peroxide as advocated by the "Keyes Technique," which was promoted by Dr. Paul Keyes and colleagues in the late 1970's and early 1980's (10-17). The technique based on the rationale that specific bacteria cause periodontal disease, stressed use of the phase contrast microscope to monitor certain bacterial populations in the subgingival plaque.
Newbrun et al (18), in an in vitro study, examined the bactericidal action of the bicarbonate ion on periodontal pathogens and determined that selected pathogens were destroyed with 99% lethality within 30-120 minutes, and thus concluded that sodium bicarbonate does inhibit oral bacterial growth.
In the spring of 1996 Arnold and Uman (19), in an in-vivo study examined the effects of a bicarbonate and silicone dioxide oral dentifrice on gingivitis, bleeding, plaque, and pathogenic microflora. It was demonstrated that the bicarbonate and silicone dioxide combination had a significant and substantial bactericidal effect against the anaerobic pathogens that cause these conditions.
Cranberry Extract
Scientists from Tel Aviv University in Israel have published research in The Journal of the American Dental Association suggesting that chemicals in cranberries might make it more difficult for bacteria-causing plaque to stick to teeth - in much the same way cranberries might prevent bacteria from hitching to the bladder (20). In this study, tests were conducted to determine if cranberries had indeed a non-stick effect on the bacteria that are most commonly found in the oral cavity. It was reported that the bacteria did not join to form plaque. Researchers have found that a substance exists in the tart berry that helps bacteria from adhering to one another to form plaque. (21-23)
Xylitol
Clinical research has shown xylitol to be a valuable adjunctive modality in dental care. Clinical and field tests demonstrated dramatic reductions in new tooth decay, along with arrest and even some reversal of existing dental cavities, as well as inhibition of plaque formation and remineralization of tooth enamel.
- Inhibits plaque and dental cavities by 80%
- Retards demineralization of tooth enamel
- Antibacterial qualities
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