My Dentist’s Secret To A Healthy Smile

When we have questions related to our teeth, our dentist can get to the root of the problem.

  All puns aside, last month I went to my dentist with questions about maintaining a healthy smile. My questions were based on the result of a recent medical test.  It revealed my chemical sensitivity to fluoride.  I was advised to avoid fluoride for the next 6 months.  Knowing that fluoride is commonly found in water and toothpaste, am I supposed to stop brushing my teeth?

Fluoride is a controversial mineral.  The CDC claims that it is proven to protect against tooth decay.  Other studies indicate fluoride is not an essential nutrient needed for health, and that it is a cumulative poison, resulting in osteoporosis and osteosclerosis.  Can something we do daily, such as brushing our teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, lead to these health problems?

Armed with my test results, I asked my dentist for a solution.  He suggested that I stop using dental products made with fluoride.  Instead, he recommended that I protect my teeth with dental products that contain Xylitol.  Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants. It does not break down like sugar, and it can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth.  It prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth, protecting the teeth from tooth decay. Many large-scale clinical studies have shown it to have long-lasting dental benefits.  Xylitol is my dentist’s secret to a healthy smile.

For the past month, I’ve switched to using Spry Dental Products.  So far, I’m very happy with the results.   Spry has a Dental Defense System® of toothpaste, floss, oral rinse, mints, a whitening kit, and chewing gum that contain Xylitol.  Some of their products–not all of them–are fluoride-free.  I particularly like the flouride-free peppermint toothpaste.

Our quest toward living a healthy, stylish life includes using innovative dental products to share a healthy smile with the world. As Mother Teresa once said, “Peace begins with a smile.”  A healthy and clinically proven alternative to fluoride may help all of us feel more at peace with our daily dental care.

What’s your secret to a healthy smile?  Please share your suggestions in the comments section.