Toothbrushes/toothpastes/mouthrinses - Page 5

[rainsmom]

Fluoride - still confused

Ive read thru the archives and Im still completely confused about what toothpaste to use for dd (22mos) Anyone else?

[khrisday]

At that age, water is fine. I didn't use any toothpaste til the kids were 3.

[sozobe]

I know it's confusing, rainsmom. I've done a lot of research, too, and it seems like a smidge of flouride is a good idea, just not a usual ("pea-sized") amount. Smilemomma has cited studies that show flouride being a significant factor in prevention of breastfed/ nightnursed children's development of cavities.

If your child doesn't have any dental problems, and you are brushing thoroughly, water may be enough. But flouride really does seem to be the "err-on-the-side-of-caution" choice, and I have yet to find a reputable study that shows significant dangers in using small amounts of flouride toothpaste.

[Dov]

The poll doesn't take into account the toothbrushes by Fuchs which use replaceable heads on a reuseable handle. We use those and ditch the bristles frequently as they wear out, each time we're ill, or every other month, whichever comes first. They're getting harder and harder to find which leads me to conclude that once again 'Merikaans don't seem to comprehend the basic concept that one need not chuck everything they use out when they're done with it.

[JavaJerri]

I can't vote but I'd have to say we change them ALOT. My 2 year old ds has a habit of grabbing them all and throwing them into the tub or dropping them in the toilet or somehow just making them disappear, never to be seen again. I buy big packs of them at Costco and probably replace somebodys every two weeks!

Jerri

[Smilemomma]

I agree with sozobe; there are also other posts on here (archives?) from other moms who have experience with fluoride/non-fluoride toothpastes.

There's also a toothpaste thread on the archives, rainsmom -- did you see it?

Hope this helps, I know how confusing it can be.

[boobykinmamma]

Gum and Tooth Tonic is Great Stuff!

Thanks so much, Smilemamma, for telling me about it. I went for my second perio maintainance yesterday, and my dentist also did a perio evaluation--my gums are improving! I've been using the Dental Herb Company's Gum and Tooth tonic for several months. I even ran out of it over a month ago and haven't had a chance to get more (dentist who sells it is 1.5 hours away), and I was a little late for my perio-maintainance, but my gums still improved! (I've been using Listerene).

[LdyBluNH@aol]

maybe the dentist would consider mailing you some? to save you 3 hrs road time

[Smilemomma]

Hurray! Congratulations, boobykinmama!

I agree, this stuff is really amazing. And to know that it is all natural, no chemicals or alcohol, is also great. Listerine is a good product, and the ONLY rinse available over the counter that kills mouth bacteria, but it's about 40% alcohol! Still a good adjunct.

And I have shipped this stuff and their toothpaste all over the country to my traveling patients, so it's a great idea!

[leafylady]

Enamel Saver® SLS-free Toothpaste- heard of it? use it?

Has anybody used this Enamel Saver toothpaste successfully to help ward off canker sores or periodontal disease or both?
http://www.just4teeth.com/product/en...namelsaver.htm

I'm curious about it because I get canker sores occasionally and have mysteriously receding gums that the dentist says does not seem to be associated with other signs of periodontal disease. He said it looks like receding gums that they see in smokers, but nobody in our home smokes.

Here is another possibility.
http://www.saveyoursmile.com/product...osyspaste.html

Any thoughts on these products? Are they legit or quackery?

[leafylady]

Thanks Smile Momma! You gave me a great evaluation of the ingredients of those products. Sometimes I don't even know where to start when trying to sort through all of the claims and reviews.

I've read the canker sore and gingivitis threads. I'm going to read about xylitol next. I didn't realize it even had a topic of its own.

I wish the Dental Herb Co. stuff was easier to find- can't order it online, can't call the company to find a dentist who carries it in the region, can't find a dentist in the area who carries it...

[BowenTherapist]

homemade tooth powder

omg !!! I just tried brushing with homemade tooth powder and my teeth feel like i just came out of the hygenists chair!!!

i saw a recipe on line and heard good stuff about salt and baking soda so i tried it... a little sea water tasting but hey in the middle of winter it's like i just got thru swimming
anyone else ever try this ?
Lisa

[LaLaLuna]

Never tried it, but I'm ready to after reading your post. Is it 50/50 Na and baking soda?

salt is pretty bacteriacidal so I bet it's good for your gums, too. post the recipe!

[Xenogenesis]

Yes, please do tell.

[BowenTherapist]

it's 3 tbs of baking soda and 1 tbs of salt. i also added this "fast dissloving" Calcium stuff(i bought it on night on a late night infomecial and when i tried it in water couldn't stomach the taste).

[BowenTherapist]

thanks for the advise .... i was going to ask that

[leafylady]

I was wondering.... If I am using a Sonicare, do I even need toothpaste? I could avoid the whole SLS thing if I didn't need the toothpaste. I've been doing a mini listerine swish before brushing with the Sonicare and it seems to provide enough lubrication. I do the full Listerine swish after the brushing, flossing, and rubber pickin' (hygienist recommended the rubber pick). My bedtime teeth routine has become a full blown procedure.: