Antibacterial Agent Improves the Effectiveness of Toothpaste

A new review published in The Cochrane Library found that patients who regularly used fluoride toothpaste containing the antibacterial agent, triclosan and a copolymer saw a noticeable reduction in the presence of plaque and gingivitis as well as bleeding gums and tooth decay. The study compared the use of toothpaste containing fluoride only with the use of a triclosan/copolymer toothpaste. While further research is needed, the ADA is not surprised by the findings. For the full article, click here.   

AAPD LAUNCHES DENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT CHILDHOOD DENTAL DECAY

In order to bring awareness to the epidemic proportions of tooth decay in young children, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has developed an educational campaign that highlights the severity of childhood dental decay. The campaign aims to teach parents the importance of dental hygiene and educate them on the new developments and techniques in infant and toddler dental care. One recommendation urges parents to take their children in for a dental exam as soon as they turn one. For the full article, please click here.

American Dental Association Encourages Use of Fluoride Toothpaste on Infants

The American Dental Association (ADA) recently updated their guidelines for using fluoride toothpaste on children. Previously, the ADA had recommended that parents use only water when brushing their infant’s baby teeth. Once the child reached the age of two, parents could begin using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Now, however, the ADA has changed that recommendation, saying that a parent should begin brushing with fluoride toothpaste as soon as their baby’s first tooth becomes visible. For the full article, please click here.

We May Not Have Needed Another Reason to Love Chocolate, But Now We Have One

Crest recently launched a new line of unusually flavored toothpastes to bring a little excitement back into dental hygiene. Crest's most recent flavor to their Crest Be line of toothpastes is called Mint Chocolate Trek. To see our blog about the new toothpaste from Crest, click here.

Rohnert Park Dentist’s Homemade Toothpaste Recipe

Your favorite Rohnert Park Dentist has found a safe alternative to the common toothpastes! Did you know that there are simple recipes you can make at home?

Once you realize how easy it is to make DIY toothpaste you will never again spend a fortune on the store-bought brands.

The Keeper Of The Home shared some amazing tips that inspired us. Baking  soda alone will definitely go to work for your pearly whites. To amplify the results, team it up with sea salt. This is a gentle yet abrasive clean. Another option is to use a mineral powder such as calcium and/or magnesium. Don't hesitate to add hydrogen peroxide to the powder right before use or rinse with hydrogen peroxide for added benefit.

Adding coconut oil to the recipe will form a paste, and antibacterial properties. Essential oils will add flavor. Your recipe can be as simple as coconut oil, baking soda, a dash of salt, and essential oil.

Recently I have been completely inspired by the benefits of  xylitol and have now come to realize that it is the best way to help combat the saltiness. Xylitol, according to research, does appear to be safe and effective for cavity prevention. I also recently added trace mineral drops to my paste. I use these to add minerals back into our reverse osmosis filtered water when making water kefir and I thought it would be a great addition to our toothpaste as well.

Homemade Toothpaste

2 Tbsp. coconut oil

2 Tbps. baking soda

2 Tbsp. calcium magnesium powder

2 Tbps. xylitol or green stevia powder

2 tsp. real sea salt

20 drops essential oil (I use peppermint.)

10 drops trace minerals

Simply read, the recipe is just: equal parts coconut oil, baking soda, calcium/magnesium powder, xylitol with a dash of salt, a few drops trace minerals, and essential oils to taste.

Another easy to make, yet effective recipe was found by DIY Natural and also includes a complete savings breakdown for our cost conscious clientele.

INGREDIENTS

• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 4 tsp fine sea salt (optional – gives paste extra scrubbing power, but is okay to leave out if the taste is too salty)
• 1 – 2 tsp peppermint extract or 10-15 drops peppermint essential oil (or add your favorite flavor – spearmint, orange, etc.)
• water (add to desired consistency)

COST BREAKDOWN & SAVINGS

Here is the breakdown in cost analysis for 5.33oz of this homemade toothpaste:

• baking soda @ 16oz = $1.00 | 2/3 cup is 5.33oz which = $0.33
• fine sea salt @ 22oz = $2.00 | 4tsp is .66oz which = $0.06
• peppermint extract @ 1oz = $3.00 | 2tsp is .33oz which = $1.04 | Better yet, use 1tsp is .17oz which = $0.52

(**note** you can use as much or as little peppermint or other flavor as you wish, add the flavoring little by little until you reach an amount you enjoy.)

Tom’s of Maine Spearmint Gel® costs an average of $5.00 for a 5.2oz tube.  Based on the calculations above the same amount of the homemade toothpaste will cost  between $0.91 and $1.43 for 5.33oz, depending on how much flavoring is used.

The cost savings will be between $4.09 – $3.57 per tube!

Since you are on a roll saving money, come visit our Rohnert Park Dentist Office for a free teeth whitening with any dental exam! Call today to schedule your visit!

(707) 200-1191