Jett has had teeth for less than three months, but his teeth actually have black/brown on them. His diet supports healthy teeth and bones including fermented cod liver oil and mineral-rich meat broths. He already avoids white sugar, flour and potatoes. Breast milk at night does not give babies cavities.
So, after some research, (see below) my strategy for curing Jett's tooth decay is to use an ionic toothbrush and brush his teeth with the tooth gel below mixed with xylitol and possibly a drop of black walnut (but, may rarely cause lung constriction, which Jett doesn't need). Or, I may just mix them into a bit of vitamin E oil and use that to brush his teeth. I will swab a small amount of white oak bark on his teeth before he sleeps as well.
ProductsNature's Answer Black Walnut Green Hulls -- 1 fl oz
Dr Tungs Ionic Toothbrush System -- 1 Toothbrush
Dr Tungs Snap-On Toothbrush Sanitizer -- 2 Pack
Xlear Kid's Spry Tooth Gel with Xylitol -- 2 fl oz
Jarrow Formulas Xyli Pure® Xylitol -- 16 oz
Vitamin E
White Oak BarkDental Health That You Can Really Smile About
(Sunshine Sharing Vol. 14 No. 2)
We don't usually think of nutrition and lifestyle as having that much of an effect on our teeth. In fact, we are generally lead to believe that dental health is based completely on whether or not we properly clean our teeth and gums. But there is a strong connection.
Were you aware that eating sticky white bread (and other refined foods) provided food for several species of Strep bacteria in your mouth?
Were you aware that when these bacteria get out of hand (out of mouth), they infected your blood vessels, made your blood sticky, and contribute to heart disease?
Were you aware that eating multigrain bread (and other whole foods) provides minerals that were transferred to your teeth via an unstable acid created by your breath and saliva and that this naturally remineralizes tooth enamel?
Were you aware that Dr. Weston Price, DDS, did extensive research in the 1930s which suggests that mineral deficiencies are the real cause of tooth decay, not dental plaque?
Native peoples he examined had no dental caries, in spite of the fact that their mouths were often caked with plaque, because they had mineral-rich diets?
Were you aware that there is enough mercury in a single amalgam tooth filling to pollute, according to official standards, a 10-acre lake?
The commercials tell us that coming home from the dentist with "only two cavities" is good news. Is dental disease inevitable like most people think? If we can heal a bruise, cut and even a broken bone, why can't we heal teeth, or at least do a better job of preventing decay?
The commercials tell us that milk is needed for strong teeth.
But Joel Knapp, DDS, reported that eliminating homogenized milk from his son's diet was the final key to eliminating his development of new cavities. This same dentist says, "We've had a lot of cases of gum disease that had no plaque at all. We found out that the person wasn't eating enough, wasn't getting enough sleep, and was under a lot of stress. There's a lot of gingivitis among people taking exams in college and among people getting a divorce."
You'll hear about all of this and more! So, read on!
Research Reports
In a survey by the American Academy of Periodontology, most dentists specializing in the treatment of gum disease believe that a well-balanced diet, including certain supplements, improves the health of teeth and gums. 75% of periodontists recommend vitamin C to their patients to strengthen connective tissue in gums.
The American Academy of Periodontology
Gum disease maybe a more serious risk of heart disease and stroke than any other ~actor yet identified including hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender and age.
California Dental Association Journal Vol. 28, No. 3, March 2000
In a 12-week pilot study, bleeding due to perionditosis was reduced by an average of 85% using a vitamin, mineral, and amino acid supplement.
Matthias Rath, M.D., Health for the 21st Centurv, 2001
Natural Therapies for the Teeth and Gums
Herbal Packs and Rinses
An excellent way to use herbs to help dental problems, such as bleeding gums, toothaches, poor tooth enamel, gum infections and abscesses, is to apply them topically to teeth and gums using rinses and packs. Packs are made by moistening herb powders with a little water or Vitamin E to form a paste, which is placed against the affected area.
Tinctures or glycerites can also be applied topically by soaking a cotton ball in the solution and applying it to teeth or gums. Essential oils can be diluted in olive oil and applied directly to problem areas. Herbs can also be made into teas or decoctions and used as natural mouth washes or rinses. Tinctures and glycerites can be diluted and used in the same manner. The rinse is usually held in the mouth for up to several minutes and then spit out.
Echinacea provides a 1-2-3 punch for gum problems. Native Americans used it for dental problems including toothaches, sore gums, and "hollow teeth." Echinacea both stimulates the immune system and promotes wound healing. Some species of Echinacea contain a chemical that gives it a "tingly" taste that is a mild local anesthetic.
NSP's Ultimate Echinacea is a liquid prepared from the roots of three species for the best results.
Licorice root has been found to reduce plaque and the development of cavities. It has a direct anti bacterial action, stimulates immune system function, and also promotes tissue healing. It seems custom-made for gum health.
Other tissue healing herbs that have been used in this manner for tooth and gum problems include aloe vera, plantain, black walnut, white oak bark, and alfalfa.
Essential Oils
Many essential oils are directly antiseptic and will penetrate tissue to reach bacteria lodged in deeper areas. They are also "warming" and will encourage the flow of oxygen-carrying blood to improve the vitality of cells for improved self-protection and healing.
Clove Oil can be diluted with olive oil and applied topically to reduce pain in teething infants, dental abscesses, or after dental surgery. It is also disinfectant and antiseptic.
APS II with White Willow and Ultimate Echinacea can also be applied to abscesses to help relieve pain.
Diluted Tea Tree Oil is also used to stimulate circulation and fight infection.
Astringent Herbs for Bleeding Gums
Astringent herbs will help to tighten gums and make teeth more firm in their sockets. White Oak Bark (or fresh oak leaves) is a commonly used astringent for bleeding gums and tooth decay. It can be made into a decoction and used as a mouth rinse, or it can be used as a tooth powder for brushing. Leave the herbs in the mouth for several minutes before rinsing to allow them time to work.
Although most of us wouldn't be this brave, herbalist Matthew Wood has applied white oak bark topically to dental carries, and claims they have healed without having to have them drilled and filled. At the very least, this suggests that brushing with white oak bark powder might strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. (I am trying this with Jett by applying it to his teeth with a wet swab before he goes to sleep.)
Vitamin C for Gum Disease
The lack of vitamin C was a problem for long-distance sailors who would develop scurvy, including loose teeth. According to Robert Genco, D.D. S., Ph.D., chair of the Oral Biology Department at The State University of New York at Buffalo, "The relationship between vitamin C and periodontal disease is likely due to vitamin C's role in maintaining and repairing healthy connective tissue along with its antioxidant properties...
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disorder that increases tissue damage and loss. Since vitamin C is known as a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species, which form part of the body's antioxidant defense system, low levels of dietary vitamin C may compromise the body's ability to neutralize these tissue destructive oxidants."
Vitamin C is actually part of an entire family of related chemicals. The vividly-colored red and blue fruits are very rich in these flavonoid nutrients. Bilberry fruit and Hawthorn fruit are especially well-known to stabilize collagen, the connective material needed for strong tissues.
Enzymes and Coenzymes
Enzymes help vital chemical reactions in the body to happen more efficiently. And any time that the body is able to do a better job of putting proteins together and taking them apart, it will do a better job of healing. Supplemental proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes will improve almost every growth, maintenance and repair function.
High Potency Protease is a powerful source of these enzymes.
Minerals are needed in order for the body to make enzymes. For instance, minerals such as zinc and magnesium are each required for hundreds of enzymes.
Vitamins are "coenzymes." They are essential nutrients that are not manufactured by the body but are needed to work with enzymes to keep us functioning. The best way to assure that you are receiving adequate amounts of these is with a high quality multiple vitamin/mineral supplement such as Super Supplemental.
A Clean Mouth is a Happy Mouth
The Basic Principles of Protecting Your Teeth for the Long Term: Don't Feed The Bacteria that Decay Your Teeth.
The bacteria that causes most dental caries (tooth decay) is Streptococcus mutans. As it happens, S. mutans thrives on sugar and starches. Consider a pastry or typical piece of sandwich bread. These are not only highly refined so that they turn to sugars quickly, but they are pasty and easily pack into the spaces between teeth.
Of course, one could choose to eat foods with more fiber and complex carbohydrates. Next, they should make a habit of promptly brushing and flossing. Information on this is easy to find. And, don't forget to also clean your tongue when you're taking care of your teeth.
The bottom line here is that the less food for the bacteria in your mouth, the less damage they will do. And, as if that weren't enough, the sugar in modern sweetened sodas and other beverages can reduce immune system function by half for several hours.
The Immune System's Role in Controlling Decay
Immune system deficiencies will allow S. mutans bacteria to multiply more abundantly. On the other side of this situation, once persistent infections become established, such as with a buried abscess, they can overload and further degrade immune system function.
Herbs and formulas that support the immune system include Immune Stimulator, Olive Leaf Extract, Trigger Immune, and Echinacea/Golden Seal.
Silver Shield [Colloidal Silver] kills one-celled organisms, including a wide range of bacteria, within minutes of contact. It is often recommended for persistent low-grade infections. For a natural antiseptic mouth wash swish and hold a teaspoon of Silver Shield in your mouth for several minutes and then swallow what's left.
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that occurs in every cell.
It is an important part of cellular energy production. Although it is well known that Co Q10 supplementation increases the vitality of heart muscle tissue, the gums (which are made of very similar tissue) also benefit greatly from Co Q10.
Remineralization!
What if, instead of progressive, unstoppable tooth decay, teeth enamel could repair itself? Of course, it would not happen overnight. And, whatever the process, it would have to be strong enough to overcome the existing processes that are contributing to demineralization.
Demineralization is produced by strong, stable acids eating away at the crystal mineral matrix of the enamel of the teeth. These acids can come from acidic foods, but the acids produced by oral bacteria are a much more serious problem. These bacteria thrive when they are fed sugars and starches and when the immune system fails to keep them I under control.
To reverse the process, eat mineral-rich, unprocessed foods.
These interact with carbonic acid, a weak, unstable acid created by carbon dioxide in our breath and water in our saliva. Because it easily converts back to carbon dioxide and water, this acid easily leaves mineral deposits in the enamel.
For this process to work, the proper conditions must be created reliably: Minerals must be richly available in our foods. We must spend enough time chewing our food. The process must not be overwhelmed by acidic bacterial wastes or acidic beverages such as sodas or coffee.
Dr. John Christopher claimed that the mineral-rich herb alfalfa would help to rebuild tooth enamel if the bowel was clean. Many people have found that brushing with a mixture of white oak bark, black walnut bark and alfalfa leaf powders has helped to strengthen their tooth enamel and make their teeth more resistant to decay. These and other mineral-rich herbs can also be taken internally to help jaw bones and teeth repair themselves in cases of severe periodontal disease. I tried alfalfa leaf extract with Jett is it cause much stomach distress. He vomited several times and was in pain off and on for 48 hours!!
Ionic minerals are also very helpful for gums, bones and tooth enamel. They can be taken internally and also used as a mouth wash.
About Toothpaste...
Did you know that most modern toothpastes contain sugar?
Most also contain fluoride, a substance which has a very negative impact on our health.
For a healthier alternative try toothpastes that contains natural polishing agents, minerals, and herbs such as aloe vera, golden seal and Iceland moss for healing and tightening gum tissues. For extra help with gum and tooth problems, add a little extra black walnut powder.
What about Fluoride?
Fluorine is an unstable, highly reactive element. It aggressively binds to minerals to form "fluoride" salts. The forms of fluoride added to treated water will seek calcium phosphate in the body and react with it, becoming calcium fluoride.
Artificial fluoride has been called "the most exclusive bone seeking element in the body."
The result of this chemical reaction is a new chemical structure that truly is harder than the original. On the other hand, it is also more brittle.
Some scientific studies have indicated that fluoridated water does not affect tooth decay rates for permanent teeth. In one study, where decay rates for "baby teeth" was seen to be reduced by fluoridated water, the researchers concluded that the reduced number of cavities was actually because fluoride seemed to delay initial tooth eruption!
Additional documented effects of fluoride include skeletal fluorosis, (which includes abnormal calcium deposits), increased hip fractures, immune system inhibition, and increased risk of bone cancer.
Nature's Spring Reverse Osmosis water filter removes mineral salts including about 80% of fluorides.
By the way, green tea contains a small amount of natural fluorine that does strengthen tooth enamel.
What about Mercury?
Mercury has been used in modern dentistry (since the early 1800s) in an amalgam for filling dental cavities. There is growing concern that, although these fillings are relatively stable, they may release enough mercury into the body to cause health problems. Mercury is toxic. It can suppress immune system function. It is especially toxic to the central nervous system and can cause problems including mental instability, fatigue, weakness, and numbness. It may contribute to demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophitt lateral sclerosis (ALS). (A "myelin sheath" protects nerves and helps them to function efficiently.)
The nervous system is especially vulnerable to mercury toxicity while it is still developing.
An amalgam filling typically contains about half a gram of mercury. For comparison purposes, that is enough, under existing laws, to contaminate a 10-acre lake and require fish advisories.
There are now many safer alternatives to amalgam fillings. Be sure to ask your dentist about your options.
Heavy Metal Detox is an herbal formula that contains nutrients that bind heavy metals and remove them from the body. A high-fiber diet will also help carry away this and other excreted wastes.
Sources:
ABC+D Approach to Natural Healing Correspondence Course, Tree of Light Institute, 2002
Paul Bergner, Medical Herbalism 5(4):9, Dec. 1993
Mercury Heavy Metal Toxicity and Mercury in Dentistry, Nature's Field, Vol. 18 No 6, Nov/Dec 2002
Natural Health Notebook, Health Education Library Publications, 2001
Dominic Bosco, New Solutions to Old Problems, Prevention Magazine, October 1978
White Oak Bark
Overview
White oak bark, coming from the Quercus alba tree, originates in the eastern United States and is used primarily to treat symptoms such as diarrhea, poor digestion, hemorrhoids, inflammation, strep throat, ulcers, varicose veins, skin problems and nosebleeds. The substances in white oak bark that contain beneficial properties are tannins and quercetin, which work primarily in the immune system. White oak bark is also a source of dietary manganese, zinc and calcium, however, they are found only in small amounts.
Dosage Instructions
White oak bark is not a substance that has had much conclusive lab testing done on it. Wellness.com suggests that there has been no proven dosage to cure any ailment. However, experience with using white oak bark as a natural treatment has left some guidelines depending on the problem being treated. For digestion ailments, 1 oz. of the bark is combined with 1 quart of water and then boiled down to a pint to create a substance that is then ingested at no more than about a cup a day for up to three or four days. For a sore throat, the same recipe instructs you to gargle the substance in your throat rather than swallow it. Alternatively, oak bark is also made into a topical solution by mixing a finely ground powder with water and straining the solution. Topical use is not recommended beyond two to three weeks. There is no known safe dosage for children, and use for those under 18 is not recommended.
Safety Concerns
There are quite a few safety concerns with white oak bark. Although it is a natural substance, there are many possible cautionary steps to take. Those with an allergy to oak trees, tree pollen or peanuts are discouraged from using this botanical. Some instances of intestinal irritation, nausea and vomiting have been reported with high dose uses and continual use past the recommended time frame. Plants including white oak bark that contain equal to or more than 10 percent of tannins have caused tissue problems in the liver. Those with liver dysfunctions are not recommended to use white oak bark. Other conditions or symptoms that would indicate that white oak bark should be avoided include pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney problems, heart conditions. Also, avoid using white oak bark topically in an area where there is skin damage.
Drug Interactions
The active ingredients in oak bark include tannins and quercetin. According to Dr. Alan Gaby in his book, ''A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions,'' interactions associated with white oak bark can occur. Tannins may increase when drinking tea made from white oak bark is combined with sodium flouride being taken for dental purposes, however, more research is needed. The narcotic pain reliever known as codeine has a significant reaction with tannins, as it is not absorbed as well and would have less of its originally intended effect on a patient. Those taking codeine should avoid white oak bark. With regards to the quercetin content of white oak bark, there are some concerning interactions. Those taking cyclosporine, an immune system suppressant, should avoid taking oak bark supplements due to an animal study that was done with negative but ultimately inconclusive evidence. Physician supervision is recommended in that case. Those taking estradiol should avoid white oak bark since the quercetin has been seen to tamper with the body's ability to metabolize and assimilate the synthetic estrogenic qualities of this medication. Lastly, those taking felodipine for blood pressure or congestive heart failure should avoid taking oak bark, as it causes an adverse interaction that prevents the medication from working properly.
Vitamin and Mineral Interactions
White oak bark does contain some essential dietary minerals, such as manganese, calcium and zinc. While these minerals are very useful in the body, taking sudden doses of them along with ingesting white oak bark may create some imbalances in the body. Manganese is a mineral that is known to interact with oral contraceptives and a medication called ciprofloacin, which is prescribed for bacterial infections. Calcium is a tricky substance that interacts both positively and negatively with many drugs. The effects of calcium on drugs, however, depends largely on individual health status and the presence of other vitamins that calcium absorption is dependent on. Consult a physician for individual concerns with calcium in white oak bark. Zinc, much like calcium, is a substance that can have an effect on many different kinds of prescription medications and vitamin absorption issues. A physician must be consulted to determine individual concerns specific to your current health status.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/376317-the-side-effects-of-taking-white-oak-bark/#ixzz1QSBaa8nd
Black Walnut - Benefits and Side Effects
(Juglans nigra)
(Click on image to enlarge)
Health Benefits, Therapeutic Uses and Claims of Black Walnut
- Active ingredients in the black walnut hull include omega-3 fatty acids, sterols, tannins and iodine. Black walnut shells are very rich in vitamin C; and beta-carotene, B1, B2, and B6 are found in the leaves. The tannins in the walnut hull are antibacterial, anticancer, antidiarrheic, antihepatoxic, chelator, antihypertensive, antitumor, cancer preventive, antiulcer. Iodine is antiseptic and antibacterial. The bark and leaves of the black walnut are alterative, anodyne, astringent, blood tonic, detergent, emetic, laxative, pectoral and vermifuge.
- Black walnut is especially useful in the treatment of skin diseases such as herpes and eczema. Traditionally it is used as a natural remedy for acne, canker sores, psoriasis and other fungal infections. Externally it has been used for skin complaints such as jock itch, ringworm, athlete’s foot, blisters, scabbing pruritis, varicose ulcers, and even syphilis sores.
- The juice of the fruit husk may be applied externally as a treatment for ringworm, or applied as a poultice for inflammations.
- The oil from the ripe nuts is a traditional remedy for gangrene, leprosy and wounds.
- Black walnut is believed to be very beneficial as a remedy for poor digestion or diarrhea. It has been used as a natural laxative and is believed to be helpful for cleaning the intestinal tract..
- Black walnut is used in traditional herbal medicine to expel worms, parasites and harmful pathogens from the body. It is suggested that the natural tannins present in black walnut alters the pH of the intestine which may help in killing fungus, parasites and yeast, and expel worms and parasites.
- Studies have shown that black walnut may be useful in treating cell damage caused by liver injury due to exposure to certain environmental toxins such as carbon tetrachloride.
- The nuts of the black walnut are believed to aid in decreasing cholesterol levels and to improve overall heart health and function.
- The iodine in black walnut shells has antiseptic properties which can increase the immune system’s response time when fighting bacteria and infection.
- Some studies have shown that black walnut significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, and may be useful as a treatment for high blood pressure. It is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to heart health.
- The nuts of black walnut may be helpful as a natural control for diabetes, due to the Omega-3 fatty acids which lower the level of triglycerides (bad cholesterol) and increase the level of HDL (good cholesterol) which in turn may help in controlling the level of sugar in the blood.
- The presence of Omega-3 fatty acids in fruit of the black walnut can help reduce inflammation and promote the function of the lungs; this may give relief from asthma.
- The presence of juglone, omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols, polyphenols, carotenoids and melatonin in black walnut may have anti-tumor properties which may help in the treatment of cancer.
Dosage and Administration
Commercially available tablets or capsules contain usually around 500 mg - 1000 mg of powdered black walnut. The oral doses are generally taken three times a day but no longer than 6 weeks because of the high tannin content of black walnut. Otherwise the manufactures instructions should be followed carefully.
Side Effects and Possible Interactions of Black Walnut
In rare cases, black walnut may cause rashes, swollen skin, hives and skin irritation. Rarely, chest pain, tightness of the airways, and breathing difficulties have been associated with the use of black walnut. Black walnut is not advised for use during pregnancy or while breast feeding. It may interact with certain medications, so always inform your health care professional of any medications, vitamins or herbs that you are taking. Be sure to get your herbs and supplements from a reputable source to ensure you are getting a high quality product.
Alfalfa Leaf, (Medicago sativa)C/S & Powder
Properties and Uses: Alternative, nutritive, internal deodorant. Alfalfa aids in the assimilation of protein, fats and carbohydrates. It reduces blood cholesterol and arterial plaque deposits. It contains high amounts of chlorophyll which causes its deodorant qualities. Alfalfa is very high in trace minerals. Source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that decrease the incidence and severity of inflammation. It also contains the eight digestive enzymes and the eight essential amino acids of protein. It is very rich in Vitamin U, used for peptic ulcers. Also used as a blood thinner.
WARNING Consuming large quantities of Alfalfa saponins may cause breakdown of red blood cells, causing bloating in livestock. thus weight gain).
I tried alfalfa leaf extract with Jett, and, as mentioned above, it cause much stomach distress. He vomited several times and was in pain off and on for 48 hours!!
From a forum post (not mine):
Xylitol (not the mouth rinse). Buy the "packets"like sugar comes in.
Xylito is extracted from birch trees (wood grain alcohol) but you will think it is sugar (but it is not sugar! )"taste Great"too!
When I can't brush I even pour on tounge and crunch the granules up in between my teeth and swish the product throughly around and between my teeth for about three or four minutes then spit.
In the AM and PM simply pour the packet in palm of hand dip a "dry" tooth brush in the xylitol power and brush.
(no water needed)A flood of natural saliva will kick in and do the work!
Warning: Xylitol is safe for humans but is highly toxic to our pets. This has to do with their liver function.
No kidding I have found that xylitol will erase small cavitys and will stop a large cavity in it's tracks allowing the dental hole to actually fill itself naturally to a great extent and repair itself to a large degree in a very short time span.
I have also found any large decay that might be left behind stops growing immediately and becomes hard and useful for chewing again.
PS: You will also immediately notice a pinker tounge and fresher breath the very next morning you awake.
$60 bucks or so will currently buy a years supply of pure xylito in small paper packets (just like sugar on a restaurant table is packed. )
And for me $60 is cheaper than a dental bill and drill any day.
Stick with it because xylitol begins working day one by stripping (all) of the tarter away from teeth. Therefore the bacteria that feed on that tarter have no way to grow. This means there is no acid left behind on the tooth enamel which is what causes a cavity to form in the first place! (whitens too with out harming enamel)"
Tung's IONIC Toothbrush System
DrTung's IONIC toothbrush may be 'the most advanced toothbrush in the world'!
Unlike regular toothbrushes which try to force plaque off the teeth by friction, the IONIC brush makes the teeth let go of plaque, like turning off a magnet!
Plaque gets released even in hard to reach areas! It is clinically proven to be far more effective than a regular toothbrush and users report cleaner, whiter teeth and little or no plaque when visiting their dentist! It really works!
Actually, the whole object of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque, right? But a recent independent report showed that ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES - including SONICARE - do not remove significantly more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush! Yet the Ionic toothbrush has been clinically shown to remove 36% more plaque than a manual brush!
That's why over 5 million have been sold in Japan, Europe and the USA! Many health-conscious consumers prefer the Ionic toothbrush over an electric toothbrush: silent, small and ready-to-use anywhere it doesn't need a charger or adapter.
"As a periodontist I know what a plaque-free tooth should feel like. I have found that difficult to reach molar areas are much cleaner, and my mouth tastes so much better since using the Ionic toothbrush."
D.E. Van Scotter, DDS
Hot Springs, Arkansas
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