Anyone NOT brush their teeth or their childrens? - Page 2

[mamajama]

Originally Posted by bluebirdmama1

I am gone for the day and come back to some very interesting posts. I am not against brushing your teeth, but I just wonder that if we eat well, if brushing and flossing like crazy is really the most important. I have quit flossing unless I eat popcorn and it gets wedged around my teeth, and I have noticed the gums grow longer between my teeth. I still brush especially if I go out, but as for bad breath and morning breath, I don't have it any more since changing my diet to a traditional one. My breath is sweet now.

And lets not act like we are shocked when we hear about people not always brushing their teeth. Like my husband hasn't flossed for over 10 years, and forgets to brush constantly. He has perfect teeth and gums. I hear many people talk about their one sibling that barely brushed and have great teeth. 3 of my 9 siblings were in that case and they are the ones that never have had cavities. Totally unfair. But they were also the ones that would beg to eat the skin off the chicken and would never eat the buns (white flour) and only eat the burger. I thought they were just gross as a kid, but here I am with old filings from childhood and they are still flaunting their pearly whites.

I think that the gums growing longer could well be inflammation. I imagine your gums must bleed a fair bit when you do floss them.

Not everyone is prone to cavities. That's always been the way no matter what diet people consume over the centuries. People in pre0historic times also didn't live past say, age 30 or so. Most people need dentures etc. in their senior years so it is not surprising that many human remains form long ago still have full sets of teeth in their skulls.

I don't know, it's everyone's business how they treat their own bodies but I don't see what the harm is in eating well and also keeping clean.

[J's Mombee]

My step father used to laugh at us when my sister and I brushed our teeth twice a day... He used to say that toothpaste was a "tenderizer & moisturizer." I always thought he was crazy, and I figured he brushed his teeth secretly...

... until (in his 40s) he had no teeth at all. He has a complete set of dentures, and I still remember the day that he was afraid to eat anything but very soft foods.

Maybe his teeth would have fallen out anyway, but I will always connect his refusal to brush to his current dental condition.

[JaneSmith1010]

The dentist told me 'if you are not going to brush that is fine, but you have to floss'--I have had this confirmed in other instances. Flossing is what keeps your teeth and gums healthy (aside from diet), although I really appreciate it when people brush with whatever they prefer. I know a very strictly TF diet will keep the teeth free of dental caries,and I respect that. However, I know very few people who are that strict about it. I have a special aversion to situations where people have poor dental hygiene regardless of thier dietary practices. You CAN see and smell the results of not flossing. DH is a great offender. He never flosses and barely brushes. Unfortunately he is a religious junk-food eater.

So, do what you want I say----but don't make us all suffer.

[sisteeesmama]

I don post very much and I don't want to break any internet etiquette rules, so I am going to try to reign in my disdain at some of the comments made on this thread.
I guess I always expect more of MDC mamas.
I find it hard to believe that throughout time people brushed and flossed their teeth. When I lived in Africa people used these cinnamon flavored sticks to clean their teeth and you have not seen more dazzling-ly white smiles. Even into old age. How do you reason that away? They loved them some Coca-cola, too.
I do brush my teeth but I do not use paste and do not floss unless I feel really gunked up and then I am very careful not to push to far or in any way injure my gums because that is easy to do with floss and delicate gum tissue.

On my daughter I do use a paste made by weleda, but just the size of a grain of rice and just as an extra measure since she does have cavities.


I don't hav any answers, I just can't believe how closed minded the responses have been to this subject.

[ccohenou]

Originally Posted by bluebirdmama1

She does have a yellow build up around her teeth, but I have scraped it away to see what is underneath, and it is strong and white. So I leave it.

So anyone NOT brush their teeth?

:Puke

People and animals throughout time and space have removed the stinky yellow buildup from their teeth. Use a boar's hair brush and plain water. Use a stick. Whatever makes you feel good. But clean your kid's teeth.

[Poddi]

As far as I know, if your teeth are good quality and you're healthy, they are pretty resistant to decay. If they're gonna fall out due to gum disease, it's usually the back teeth that's lost first. I'm not sure which African countries you're talking about, if they do clean their teeth using sticks, that's probably equivalent to brushing and flossing. I seem to remember life expectancy in many African countries seem to be in the 40s and 50s. They got much bigger problems to worry about than dental hygiene.

OK, I do know someone who didn't brush teeth as a kid - my mom. She didn't brush teeth until college and didn't learn about flossing until her 50s. She has beautiful white teeth with no cavity ever. But then she also naturally dislikes anything sweet and loves cooking from scratch, never eats any junk food, eats 10 servings of fresh fruits and veggies a day, exercise regularly and drinks only water and tea. She has already lost 4 molars due to gum disease. When she smiles you see her beautiful front teeth, you don't see the missing ones in the back.

I'd say no matter how good or how horrible your teeth naturally are, keeping them clean is important, not necessarily brushing with toothpaste, but some effective way of cleaning them (like those little scrapers) can only help.

[Novella]

Originally Posted by bluebirdmama1

I hear all about brushing teeth and stories non stop, but I was wondering if there is anyone out there that doesn't brush their teeth regularly. After changing to a traditional diet, I have much stronger teeth and no cavities and I dont brush my teeth regularly. I sometimes eat an apple to freshen my breath or to clean them before bed, and I give them to my daughter too. My daughter is 2 and has cavity free teeth and we hardly brush her teeth, just if she does get a hold of junk food during the day.

So anyone NOT brush their teeth?

I have heard others discuss the (self-professed) abysmal dental hygiene habits they practiced for years - decades - as children and young adults, with little ill-effect. In a few cases, these people are now in their 40s and 60s and have no serious dental problems. On the other hand, I know people who watch their foods and brush and floss meticulously, only to be very frustrated by lots of cavities and lots of gum problems.

I'm surprised that some of the responses on this thread have been so absolute, like modern dental care is some sort of holy grail.

It appears to me, that you can great teeth or really bad teeth and that at either of these extremes, your daily dental care makes little difference (for better or worse). I've seen examples of this among adult siblings, also.

[ccohenou]

Cleaning off your teeth is not even "modern dental care." It's basic hygiene.

[punkrockmomma]

Originally Posted by Novella

I have heard others discuss the (self-professed) abysmal dental hygiene habits they practiced for years - decades - as children and young adults, with little ill-effect. In a few cases, these people are now in their 40s and 60s and have no serious dental problems. On the other hand, I know people who watch their foods and brush and floss meticulously, only to be very frustrated by lots of cavities and lots of gum problems.

I'm surprised that some of the responses on this thread have been so absolute, like modern dental care is some sort of holy grail.

It appears to me, that you can great teeth or really bad teeth and that at either of these extremes, your daily dental care makes little difference (for better or worse). I've seen examples of this among adult siblings, also.

:
I think when it comes right down to it, it's all about genetics. I personally don't trust big agencies who tell us how we should do things. I mean look at how long the American Dental Association said that the silver fillings were ok, even though they knew that they were poisonous because the mercury in them leeches out into our bodies. They've known this for over a 150 years, and they still put them in our mouths. And then there is the whole farse with fluoride in our drinking water and how it's actually a poison, and a by product of making aluminum, and is not quite as poisonous as arsenic and more poisonous then lead ( I'm having a brain fart about the lead, but anyway the point is is that it's REALLY bad for us), and it makes your teeth softer on top of it. Also, I just read a thread there a women took her child to the dentist and was told he had 10 cavities, went and got a 2nd opinion and it turned out he only had 1 cavity!!! I think people need to stop being judgmental and actually listen to why some people might do things differently then we do, including brushing. They also need to question authority a little bit more and not trust the "professionals" opinion at face value.
We personally brush in our house because dp and I don't have the best teeth, so we all brush our teeth. Maybe if dp and I didn't have bad teeth I wouldn't be as worried about it, I can't honestly say. None of us floss though, and dp and I have always hated flossing.
People through history have not always brushed and flossed and had good teeth, yes they didn't live as long as we do now and I do believe that that is why we see so many older people with dentures. Our teeth aren't meant to last that long. So, I don't have any answers. Ultimately it comes down to what is right for your family. I also think it is rude when people are judgmental of peoples educated decisions that don't go along w/mainstream thought!!!

[LittleBlessings]

Originally Posted by nichole

I say eat healthy and brush!

I agree

[Maeve]

Originally Posted by punkrockmomma

:
I think when it comes right down to it, it's all about genetics. I personally don't trust big agencies who tell us how we should do things. I mean look at how long the American Dental Association said that the silver fillings were ok, even though they knew that they were poisonous because the mercury in them leeches out into our bodies. They've known this for over a 150 years, and they still put them in our mouths. And then there is the whole farse with fluoride in our drinking water and how it's actually a poison, and a by product of making aluminum, and is not quite as poisonous as arsenic and more poisonous then lead ( I'm having a brain fart about the lead, but anyway the point is is that it's REALLY bad for us), and it makes your teeth softer on top of it. Also, I just read a thread there a women took her child to the dentist and was told he had 10 cavities, went and got a 2nd opinion and it turned out he only had 1 cavity!!! I think people need to stop being judgmental and actually listen to why some people might do things differently then we do, including brushing. They also need to question authority a little bit more and not trust the "professionals" opinion at face value.
We personally brush in our house because dp and I don't have the best teeth, so we all brush our teeth. Maybe if dp and I didn't have bad teeth I wouldn't be as worried about it, I can't honestly say. None of us floss though, and dp and I have always hated flossing.
People through history have not always brushed and flossed and had good teeth, yes they didn't live as long as we do now and I do believe that that is why we see so many older people with dentures. Our teeth aren't meant to last that long. So, I don't have any answers. Ultimately it comes down to what is right for your family. I also think it is rude when people are judgmental of peoples educated decisions that don't go along w/mainstream thought!!!

I'm sorry, but that's funny. Most people here couldn't be accused of going with "mainstream thought", for both good and bad reasons. But I have yet to hear any good reasons for not brushing, where there are many for. There are also many many negatives of poor dental hygiene (possible tooth loss, possible heart problems, etc etc), but what are the health issues or drawbacks (other than a few minutes out of your day) of brushing? There are good toothpastes out there, as well as toothbrushes.
I just really don't get this, unless this is a "I'm crunchier than you thing". (and this is not being snarky at all, I'm just really really confused by this)

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

: I admit my thoughts are colored on this issue by the fact that I am having MAJOR dental issues right now due to not taking good care of my teeth. Possibly I could have avoided it all had I brushed more All the years that I did brush religiously I never had problems but after having my dd I got very lax and now my teeth are paying the price.

[Liquesce]

Originally Posted by sisteeesmama

I don post very much and I don't want to break any internet etiquette rules, so I am going to try to reign in my disdain at some of the comments made on this thread.
I guess I always expect more of MDC mamas.
I find it hard to believe that throughout time people brushed and flossed their teeth. When I lived in Africa people used these cinnamon flavored sticks to clean their teeth and you have not seen more dazzling-ly white smiles. Even into old age. How do you reason that away? They loved them some Coca-cola, too.

Um. Like miswak? One chews, soaks, or otherwise softens the end, and cleans their teeth. Similar to brushing, if not in exact motion. Personally I prefer them to a toothbrush. They tend to be traditionally cut from trees which naturally contain compounds similar to quite a few which are synthetically added to toothpaste. The Arabian tradition, much spread throughout Africa and Asia, and going back literally thousands of years, is to carry one with you and to use it several times or throughout the day.

I'm not sure why using a product which physically cleans teeth and has natural cleansing, whitening, cavity protection, etc, etc, etc, properties repeatedly throughout the day should even need to be explained away as an example of people not brushing their teeth and still maintaining a good dental appearance. It strikes me as a particularly bad example -- sure there's no Tom's of Maine involved, but really.

This thread is very strange to me.

[mamajama]

Originally Posted by Liquesce

Um. Like miswak? One chews, soaks, or otherwise softens the end, and cleans their teeth. Similar to brushing, if not in exact motion. Personally I prefer them to a toothbrush. They tend to be traditionally cut from trees which naturally contain compounds similar to quite a few which are synthetically added to toothpaste. The Arabian tradition, much spread throughout Africa and Asia, and going back literally thousands of years, is to carry one with you and to use it several times or throughout the day.

I'm not sure why using a product which physically cleans teeth and has natural cleansing, whitening, cavity protection, etc, etc, etc, properties repeatedly throughout the day should even need to be explained away as an example of people not brushing their teeth and still maintaining a good dental appearance. It strikes me as a particularly bad example -- sure there's no Tom's of Maine involved, but really.

This thread is very strange to me.

I agree. It seems like sort of a non issue. But I would be really interested in hearing some true benefits to not ever cleaning one's teeth. I can see why someone may not want to use plastic brushes or chemically toothpaste. But as far as I know, every society has developed some sort of tooth cleaning protocol.

So far I've only seen Ruthla touch on possible benefits with these two points:

Well, it's certainly EASIER not to brush, and in the case of toddlers and children, it eliminates one source of power struggles (which can have negative consequences on the whole child, regardless of its impact on oral health.)

Not very viable IMO to neglect a child's oral hygene because it's easier.

and then she mentioned toothpaste ingredients but also of course that it's easy to avoid ones we don't like.

I'm confused and curious!

[D_McG]

Even from a cosmetic perspective. Why would you want your kids walking around with yellow gunk on their teeth? I worked with a guy like that and it was completely disgusting.

[Koalamom]

I started the thread hoping to find prospectives on the importance of dental hygiene. Some say the idea of not brushing is gross, but others are open to the idea of not being as tedious with brushing and/or flossing.

As for the children issue, I consider it not very natural to brush after breastfeeding, and I wonder how other natural foods are different on the teeth. Let me ask you if you brush your 2 yr olds teeth after falling to sleep nursing? I personally don't. But how different is it if your child would eat an apple before bed. Or a glass of raw goats milk?

One reason that I am questioning flossing is because I noticed the gums getting pushed higher even how careful I floss, and then I in turn have to floss more and somehow became dependent on it.

I don't doubt that traditional people cared for their teeth, but did they use those cinnamon sticks twice a day, and floss every night?

But on another note is that since we have eaten so poorly over time and have evolved to tighter or crooked teeth, perhaps we have pinned ourselves in HAVING to floss.

I am not by anyway against brushing and flossing, or ignore my daughters hygiene. But I am always never fully satisfied with anything and am always seeking for more answers.

[Snapdragon]

I personally think, from personal experience, that it is not worth it to risk not brushing and flossing!

The reprecaussions of not cleaning one's teeth are horrible. Teeth problems can take over one's well being. Some people get extra lucky and don't encounter problems. Butwhy wouldn't you brush and floss every day? It is only a few minutes that could make a big change in your future.

[D_McG]

Originally Posted by bluebirdmama1

As for the children issue, I consider it not very natural to brush after breastfeeding, and I wonder how other natural foods are different on the teeth. Let me ask you if you brush your 2 yr olds teeth after falling to sleep nursing? I personally don't. But how different is it if your child would eat an apple before bed. Or a glass of raw goats milk?

Breastfeeding does not affect teeth health (some say..) because of the nursing mechanism. The milk does not pass over the teeth. It has nothing to do with it being a 'natural' substance. Breastmilk in a bottle will cause cavities as much as the next substance.

You use your teeth to eat food.

[VisionQuest]

Our dentist says that you only need to brush the teeth that you want to keep.

It only takes a couple of minutes to brush and floss which may prevent diseases and more problems down the road.

[dinahx]

I see the point here. Honestly I haven't brused DS's teeth as much as I should, I've never developed a great technique and I think brushing them with glycerine is an exercise in futility (because glycerine prevents remineralization). However, I can't afford tooth soap yet, which is what I feel we should be brushing with.

I have often thought though, that all that scraping at the dentists office is what damages teeth and leads to cavaties!