An effective vegan mouth rinse?

[Soynut]

For some reasons I can't explain I get cavities easily. I went to the dentist last week and she said I had cavities AGAIN!! I don't know what to do at this point. I brush 3-4 times a day and I floss daily - but to no avail it seems. *Sigh* I'm obsessed about my mouth hygiene these days. My husband, who is is more sloppy, never have any problems. I've had numerous root fillings, crowns, veneers, and cavity treatments...

My dentist wants me to use ACT (from Johnson & Johnson!), but I'm not into buying animal tested products, so this leaves me hanging. She's big on fluoride and thinks that's the solution to my reoccuring cavity problem. I'm not convinced. Do you have any good tips to share which does not involve animal tested products and fluoride?....

[1vegan]

3-4 times a day seems a bit much to me.

What kind of thoothpaste do you use?

[Soynut]

Lately I've used Nature's Gate and Eco Dent. These unfortunately contains sodium lauryl sulfate, which gives me mouth ulcers if used for a long period of time.

I brush after each meal or rinse with water.

[Gliondrach]

Tea is very good for oral health. It contains fluoride but not the kind that is in toothpaste or that is put into drinking water - I think. It can combat the bacteria that cause decay. But have it without sugar.

The first link quotes Andrew Weil MD as saying:

'I haven’t seen any evidence that white tea protects oral health any better than other types of tea, but studies at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry have shown that compounds in black tea can destroy or suppress growth and acid production of cavity-causing bacteria in dental plaque. Black tea also affects an enzyme responsible for converting sugars into the sticky material that plaque uses to adhere to teeth. Furthermore, upon exposure to black tea, the Illinois researchers learned that certain plaque bacteria lose their ability to adhere to others, thereby reducing the total amount of dental plaque that forms on teeth. They also found that rinsing with black tea for 30 seconds, five times in a row (in three-minute intervals), stops plaque bacteria from growing and producing the acid that breaks down teeth and causes cavities, although it might stain your teeth if you do this frequently (white tea is much less likely to cause this problem.) In addition, tea contains fluoride, which may further explain why it helps protect teeth.'

inpursuitoftea.com/Health_Benefits_of_Tea_s/33.htm
victorian-teas.com/htm/teahealth.htm

holymtn.com/tea/t-health.htm


And I translated this from Italian for you:

New Microbiol. 2006 Oct;29(4):293-302.

Differences in microbiological composition of saliva and dental plaque in subjects with different drinking habits.

Signoretto C, Burlacchini G, Bianchi F, Cavalleri G, Canepari P.
Dipartimento di Patologia, Sezione di Microbiologia, Strada Le Grazie, Italy.

'Several foods have been shown to contain natural components (especially polyphenols) which display anti-adhesive properties against Streptococcus mutans, the aetiological agent responsible for dental crown caries, as well as inhibition of glucosyltransferases, which are the S. mutans enzymes involved in the synthesis of an adherent, water-insoluble glucan from sucrose. Other studies have demonstrated an in vitro action on oral plaque biofilm formation and desorption. This study evaluated whether the activity displayed in vitro by food compounds could affect the microbiological composition of saliva and dental plaque of subjects with a diet rich in these foods, comparing the results with those obtained from subjects with a different diet. The foods considered were: coffee, barley coffee, tea and wine. A total of 93 subjects were recruited into the study. Six samples of both plaque and saliva were collected from each subject at roughly one-monthly intervals. Total bacteria, total streptococci, S. mutans and lactobacilli counts were determined by culture in both saliva and dental plaque. The highest bacterial titres were recorded for the control population, while each drinking habit subgroup showed counts roughly one log lower than the controls. These differences in bacterial counts proved statistically significant (P<0.05). As far as dental plaque was concerned, while total counts did not significantly vary per mg of plaque in the subjects belonging to the different drinking habit subgroups, a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed in those subjects drinking coffee, tea, barley coffee and wine when mutans streptococci and lactobacilli were evaluated. In several cases a more than one log decrease was observed. Plaque indices were also determined, and a significant (P<0.05) reduction in values was recorded in the subjects belonging the specific drinking habit subgroups compared to the control group. This study indicates that there is a correlation between consumption of specific foods and oral health in terms of reduced plaque deposition and lower counts of odontopathogens.'



I know that some people make their own mouthwashes from calendula and tea tree oil. Some add tea. In fact, a clinical trial was going on recently which contained these in a mouthwash, along with something else. The phase 1 trial didn't find any significant results. But their preparation was a pharmaceutical product, not the fresh herbs. That might have made a difference. I would suggest trying tea first before you use mouthwashes which might kill things that are needed for oral health. Tea has stood the test of time.

[Soynut]

THANKS, Gliondrach.:) Lot's of interesting info there. Maybe I should simply change my coffee habit to tea.... I guess this only applies to black tea and not the herbal variations.

[Bowwowmeow]

My grandparents drank black tea every day of their lives. My Pa's teeth were false, but my Gramma never had trouble, and never went to the dentist. Her teeth were fairly stained from it, though.

I don't know what advice to offer. I'm one of those folks whose dental hygeine habits leave a bit to be desired, and I have no problems. I do use Ipsadent mouth washes. There's one with and without hydrogen peroxide, and I use both. The formula was recommended by Edgar Cayce, of all people, who was a psychic. That's not why I like it, it just tastes good, it works, and its not tested on animals and has no animal ingredients (except I guess hydrogen peroxide is tested, I'm not sure).

Getting lots of cavities may be a body chemistry thing, though, rather than a dental hygiene thing, especially since you are so diligent. You might want to read about acid and alkaline foods, and include more of the alkaline producing foods in your diet. When there are too many dietary acids about to enter the bloodstream, it must rob the teeth and bones of minerals to neutralize this acid, if the minerals are not present in the food you eat. Dairy and flesh are the major culprits in an omnivorous diet, but grains and fruits also produce dietary acid. Its worth it to find a book on macrobiotics (ignore the advice to eat fish) or acid and alkaline foods, and read about it. It might help.

[Gliondrach]

Yes, just proper tea, camellia sinensis. Black, green or possibly white. What we call a nice cuppa char.

[paul]

How about swilling you mouth with salted water, just put some salt in a cup add boling water let it cool down and there you have it.

[Soynut]

How about swilling you mouth with salted water, just put some salt in a cup add boling water let it cool down and there you have it.

I do this EVERY night too!:updn:

[Soynut]

Bow, funny you should mention acid and alkaline - I just had 6 of my front teeth covered with veneers because some of them were worn due to acid erosion. They asked me if I've been a bulimic or if I have a habit of chewing on lemons. I can't throw up even when I'm sick and I can't stand eating sour lemons! I eat fruit, but not more than any other vegan. It's still a mystery, they were not able to determine why my teeth were in that condition. I also have problems with mouth ulcers.... maybe that fit into the picture somewhere too?... It must be a body chemistry thing... Thanks, this brings me closer to an answer, I think.:)

[1vegan]

maybe a weird question, but do you drink soft drinks?

or a lot of fruit juice?

Those can be acidic too :)

[Soynut]

maybe a weird question, but do you drink soft drinks?

or a lot of fruit juice?

I drink soda maybe a couple of times a year and I'm not big on juice either, especially not the over sweetened commercial ones... yuck! I do sometimes make smoothies which I make from a mix of frozen and fresh fruit, yum!

[paul]

I ve been thinking about this the last couple of days, maybe cut down on the brushing(brushing can be abrasive, so you could be waring down the enamel,) drink water with every meal then after eating swill you mouth out with plain old water.

and try what other people have said, drinking tea etc.

[Oracl]

It's still a mystery, they were not able to determine why my teeth were in that condition. I also have problems with mouth ulcers.... maybe that fit into the picture somewhere too?... It must be a body chemistry thing...
This is very interesting. :agree: You do sound as though you take very good care of your teeth so something else must be causing the problem. :rubchin:

[Phoenix]

Bi-carb soda tastes revolting :blecch: but combats plaque acids. You can use it instead of toothpaste or along with your regular toothpaste.

"Vicco" herbal toothpaste is vegan & incredibly healing on mouth ulcers! www.viccolabs.com

[Soynut]

Thanks, everyone.:) I wondered whatever Vicco is good or not, I've seen it in my co-op. You convinced me to give it a try.:agree: It looks like a TRUE herbal toothpaste unlike many fake "all natural" ones which contain all kinds of nasty chemicals.

[veggiesosage]

For UK viewers, Co-op do a mouth wash which they say is not tested on animals nor does it contain any animal ingredients. Its also verified by BUAV.

[soozthecat]

Bi-carb soda tastes revolting :blecch: but combats plaque acids. You can use it instead of toothpaste or along with your regular toothpaste.

"Vicco" herbal toothpaste is vegan & incredibly healing on mouth ulcers! www.viccolabs.com

I love Vicco!!! It tastes nice!! :D

[Phoenix]

I love Vicco!!! It tastes nice!! :D
Yes, the Vicco does taste good :agree: it's the bi-carb soda that tastes terrible!

[Jess]

Quick Tip; Dr. Ken's has an all natural anti-bacterial mouth wash. It contains Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Papaya, Citric Acid and Natural Mint. Since I started using this product, I have no more sensitive teeth or burning sensation in my mouth. I love the fact the product is not tested on animals, has no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners or any animal ingredients. You won't believe it but I didn't find it in a Vegan Store, I actually found it in Duane Reade. Who would've thought?:cheer:

[Bowwowmeow]

Hi Jess! :blinkwave: Welcome. :)

[thevegantwins]

Hi Jess! :wave:

You must be a New Yorker since only a true NYer knows Duane Reed! :D

[Oracl]

Hi Jess. :wave: Welcome to the forum! :)

[Gliondrach]

Study shows Aloe Vera soothes pain and fights cavities

July 17, 7:42 PM

Kathleen Blanchard RN

A new study shows that aloe vera gel in tooth gel can soothe pain and fight cavities. The findings, published in the May/June 2009 issue of General Dentistry, show that aloe vera tooth gel was as effective, and even outperformed some other commercial toothpaste when it comes to controlling mouth bacteria.

The gel extracted from the plant can soothe burns, help heal cuts, and nourish the skin. Recently it has been added to tooth gels, but whether aloe vera promotes dental health has been a subject of debate.

The new study shows that aloe vera can destroy disease causing bacteria in the mouth, while offering an alternative for individuals with sensitive teeth and gums. The research compared the effect of the tooth gel to other commercial brands.

According to co-author Dilip George, MDS, aloe vera gel for toothpaste "must not be treated with excessive heat or filtered during the manufacturing process, as this destroys or reduces the effects of certain essential compounds, such as enzymes and polysaccharides." Gels certified by the International Aloe Science Council, Inc., certified for purity and quality, are recommended.

Aloe vera reduces inflammation because it contains anthraquinones, an organic substance that naturally occurs in rhubarb, aloe, and senna. The chemical has a laxative effect, and is used to manufacture dyes. Anthraquinones are used in Chinese herbal medicine, and produce an anti-inflammatory effect. Anthraquinones from rhubarb have also been studied for their anti-cancer effects. (1, 2)

AGD spokesperson Eric Shapria, MS, DDS, MAGD, MA says, "Thankfully, consumers with sensitive teeth or gums have a number of choices when it comes to their oral health, and aloe vera is one of them.” Not only is aloe vera in tooth gel soothing, but it can prevent cavities and promote dental health. Recent studies show that mouth bacteria can produce inflammation that also promotes systemic disease.

examiner.com/x-14041-Charlotte-Health-and-Happiness-Examiner~y2009m7d17-Study-shows-Aloe-Vera-soothes-pain-and-fights-cavities


Here are some tips for healthy teeth, mainly from Rea ders' Dig est.

The bacteria that cause cavities can be spread from mother to baby through saliva. If you have poor dental health and you taste your baby's food and then pop the same spoon into his mouth, you're putting him at risk.
-- Mark Helpin, DMD, pediatric dentist, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I have to extract a lot of baby teeth that are abscessed or heavily decayed. Parents think there's no reason to pay attention to baby teeth because they fall out. But when a tooth comes out prematurely, other teeth crowd in to fill up the space. Without the right treatment, it turns into a mess.
-- Paul Hettinger, DMD,general dentist, Orlando, Florida

I call soda pop the liquid chain saw. It cuts through teeth. And it's not just the sugar -- it's the acid.
-- Chris Kammer, DDS

Free Advice
If you want to reduce the bad bacteria in your mouth, you should be all over xylitol [a sugar substitute found in chewing gum]. It changes the chemistry of your mouth. Six or seven pieces of xylitol gum every day will help keep cavities away.
-- Chris Kammer, DDS

With any kind of mouth piercing, there's a huge risk of infection if it's not done in a really sterile environment. I've seen cases where we've had to cut out pieces of the tongue because the infection was so rampant. Even when things go well, virtually everyone I see with a tongue piercing has chipped front teeth. Don't pierce your tongue.
-- Jay Grossman, DDS, cosmetic dentist, Brentwood, California

Your Teeth Can Alert Us to Disease
Misaligned teeth can cause migraine headaches. If we can align the teeth and fix the bite, the pain often goes away.
-- Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS, general dentist, San Francisco, California

One of the first signs of diabetes is bleeding gums. I started taking blood samples from all my patients with bleeding gums and bone loss around the teeth and discovered that many of them were diabetic or prediabetic.
-- Ron Schefdore, DMD

If you bleach your teeth too often, it can thin the enamel. Your teeth can end up almost translucent.
-- Jennifer Jablow, DDS

Some dentists will say you need a deep cleaning because they can charge your insurance company more for that than for a standard cleaning. But unless an exam shows you have a lot of tartar on your roots or other specific signs of disease, you probably don't need it.
-- Careen Young, DDS

rd.com/living-healthy/50-dentist-secrets-ddms-share-hygiene-advice-on-teeth-gums-and-more/article141615-2.html



Don't Get the Deep Cleaning When You Only Need the Regular Kind
Some dentists will say you need a deep cleaning because they can charge your insurance company more for that than for a standard cleaning. But unless an exam shows you have a lot of tartar on your roots or other specific signs of disease, you probably don't need it.

Here's how you know: When they stick the scraper in your mouth and start calling out numbers, if those numbers are mostly threes or below, you can get a regular cleaning. If those numbers are fours, fives or above, then you need the deep cleaning.

abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/Story?id=8051627&page=2



Also from the RD site, but a different page:

1. The sugar factor. Sucrose, most familiar to us as granulated sugar, is the leading cause of tooth decay, but it is far from the only culprit. Although sugary foods, including cookies, candies, and sodas, are major offenders, starchy foods (such as breads and cereals) also play an important part in tooth decay. When starches mix with amylase, an enzyme in saliva, the result is an acid bath that erodes the enamel and makes teeth more susceptible to decay. If starchy foods linger in the mouth, the acid bath is prolonged, and the potential for damage is all the greater.

Be careful when eating dried fruits. Dried fruits can have an adverse effect on teeth, because they are high in sugar and cling to the teeth. Even unsweetened fruit juices can contribute to tooth decay -- they are acidic and contain relatively high levels of simple sugars.

Fresh fruits, especially apples, are better choices. Fresh fruit, although both sweet and acidic, is much less likely to cause a problem, because chewing stimulates the saliva flow. Saliva decreases mouth acidity and washes away food particles. Apples, for example, have been called nature's toothbrush because they stimulate the gums, increase saliva flow and reduce the build-up of cavity-causing bacteria. A chronically dry mouth also contributes to decay. Saliva flow slows during sleep; going to bed without brushing the teeth is especially harmful. Certain drugs, including those used for high blood pressure, also cut down saliva flow.

rd.com/living-healthy/3-surprising-ways-to-keep-your-teeth-healthy/article19045.html

[Soynut]

My mouth have actually been healthy for the last couple of years. I don't know what changed but something did...:confused: I had my wisdoms teeth removed, but that has nothing to do with cavities in the rest of my mouth or has it?...

[Katie_Anne]

Your problem sounds very similar to a problem that my uncle had. He started getting cavities, and no matter how much he brushed and rinsed, his teeth eventually started to rot and had to be pulled out. It had something to do with his saliva, the chemistry of it changed and started eating away at his teeth. I know that doesn't sound very hopeful, but it's been twenty years since my uncle had his teeth pulled, so by now they may have come up with some sort of a treatment if that is the problem with your teeth.

[Bowwowmeow]

Saliva will go acidic if people don't include foods that contain enough alkalizing minerals to counteract the acidifying minerals in the foods they eat. Though vegan diets can be rich in alkalizing minerals, they can also be rich in acidifying ones. Foods like grains, beans, and nuts yield acid forming minerals after digestion, and if you aren't eating enough fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens, which are rich in alkalizing minerals, your system will get acidic enough to become a danger to your bones as well as your teeth.

You can get pH strips from your health food store, or order them online, if you are curious about the pH of your saliva.

[Gliondrach]

THIS FOUND THAT A CONSTITUENT OF GREEN TEA IS EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING ACID PRODUCTION IN DENTAL PLAQUE. IT WAS AN ISOLATED INGREDIENT FROM TEA - SO THEY WILL BE ABLE TO SELL IT AS A PILL. BUT GREEN TEA CONTAINS IT.

Caries Research. 2006;40(3):265-70.

Inhibition of acid production in dental plaque bacteria by green tea catechins.

Hirasawa M, Takada K, Otake S.

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Matsudo, Japan.

The inhibition of acid production from dental plaque and mutans streptococci by epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), one of the green tea catechins, was examined. The effect of EGCg solution on dental plaque pH was investigated. Subjects rinsed their mouths with 2 mg/ml EGCg solution and then, after 30-min interval, rinsed their mouths with 10% sucrose. Plaque samples were collected at appropriate times and the pH was measured. The pH values of plaque samples from 15 volunteers were significantly higher after treatment with catechin than after treatment with water. EGCg inhibited pH fall when cariogenic bacteria grown in medium with or without sucrose were incubated with sugar. In medium without sucrose, cultured cells were killed time-dependently by EGCg treatment. However, EGCg did not kill cells cultured in medium containing sucrose. Also, EGCg did not kill oral streptococci adhering to a saliva-coated hydroxyapatite disk. EGCg and epicatechin gallate inhibited lactate dehydrogenase activity much more efficiently than epigallocatechin, epicatechin, catechin or gallocatechin. These results suggest that EGCg is effective in reducing acid production in dental plaque and mutans streptococci. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

PMID: 16707877

=======================

Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Tandheelkunde. 2004 Mar;111(3):80-4.

[Influence of teas with fruit aroma and ice teas on pH and buffer capacity of saliva]
[Article in Dutch]

van Nieuw Amerongen A, van den Keijbus PA, Veerman EC.

Afdeling Tandheelkundige Basiswetenschappen, sectie Orale Biochemie van het Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA).

A number of teas with fruit aroma and ice teas has been tested on erosivity. The teas with a fruit taste have at their drinking temperature (45 degrees C) a pH between 6.2 to 7.4. Even teas with a citron or citrus flavour are neutral. The most acidic tea tested has a mango-peach-taste, but contains no buffer system. After mixing 1 ml of total saliva up to 10 ml tea or by rinsing the oral cavity with tea the pH of oral fluid was hardly lowered (minimum 6.3). In contrast, ice teas are rather acidic (pH < 4) and have a strong buffer capacity. Rinsing the oral cavity with 5 ml ice tea resulted in a decrease of the pH of the oral fluid to 4.1-4.9. However, within 2 minutes the pH in the oral fluid was already increased to 5.9-7.1 and after 5 minutes to 6.3-7.1. In other words, the teas with fruit aroma, based on organic taste components do not have an erosive potential. On the other hand, ice teas decrease the pH of the oral fluid drastically to a level that they become erosive. Therefore, from a dental point of view, teas with only a taste of fruit can be advised to replace drinking of soft drinks, but ice teas not.

PMID: 15058242

=====================
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007 Jan;61(1):3-18. Epub 2006 Jul 19.

Black tea--helpful or harmful? A review of the evidence.

Gardner EJ, Ruxton CH, Leeds AR.

Nurtition Communications, Front Lebanon, Cupar, UK.

OBJECTIVE: To consider whether consumption of black tea has a positive or negative impact on health. DESIGN: Databases were searched for relevant epidemiological and clinical studies published between 1990 and 2004. RESULTS: Clear evidence was found for coronary heart disease (CHD), where an intake of > or = 3 cups per day related to risk reduction. The mechanism could involve the antioxidant action of tea polyphenols. While experimental models have suggested that flavonoids attenuated cancer risk, epidemiological studies failed to demonstrate a clear effect for tea, although there is moderate evidence for a slightly positive or no effect of black tea consumption on colorectal cancer. Studies on cancer were limited by sample sizes and insufficient control of confounders. There is moderate evidence suggestive of a positive effect of black tea consumption on bone mineral density although studies were few. There is little evidence to support the effect of tea on dental plaque inhibition but evidence to support the contribution of tea to fluoride intakes and thus theoretical protection against caries. There was no credible evidence that black tea (in amounts typically consumed) was harmful. Normal hydration was consistent with tea consumption when the caffeine content was < 250 mg per cup. A moderate caffeine intake from tea appeared to improve mental performance, although sample sizes were small. There was no evidence that iron status could be harmed by tea drinking unless populations were already at risk from anaemia. CONCLUSIONS: There was sufficient evidence to show risk reduction for CHD at intakes of > or = 3 cups per day and for improved antioxidant status at intakes of one to six cups per day. A maximum intake of eight cups per day would minimise any risk relating to excess caffeine consumption. Black tea generally had a positive effect on health.

PMID: 16855537

===================

Journal of the American Dental Association. 2009 Sep;140(9):1137-43.

The effect of salivary factors on dental erosion in various age groups and tooth surfaces.

Piangprach T, Hengtrakool C, Kukiattrakoon B, Kedjarune-Leggat U.

Section of Dental Public Health, Nonthai Hospital, Nakorn Ratchasima, Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Saliva, tooth experiences and tooth position may be associated with dental erosion. To identify factors that may provide a potential protective effect against erosion, the authors compared salivary factors and behavioral aspects in participants in three age groups. Materials and METHODS: The authors evaluated 79 volunteer participants in three age groups: 16 through 20 years, 26 through 30 years and 46 through 50 years. They classified all teeth as having no erosion, having erosion involving only enamel or having erosion involving dentin on at least one surface. They collected saliva from each participant and determined pH, flow rate, buffering capacity, urea, total protein and volume required to neutralize orange juice. RESULTS: Unstimulated salivary buffering capacity and urea concentration in salivary samples of participants aged 16 through 20 years with no erosion (facial/buccal surface) were significantly greater than those in the group with enamel erosion (P < .05). In participants aged 26 through 30 years (occlusal surface), the stimulated salivary flow rate was higher in the group with enamel erosion than in the group with dentin erosion (P < .05). In the group aged 46 through 50 years (lingual and palatal surfaces), only stimulated salivary total protein was significantly higher in the group with enamel erosion (P < .05). In groups aged 16 through 20 years and 46 through 50 years, erosion appeared to be related to a preference for sour (acidic) tastes (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Saliva protects enamel and dentin from erosion. Its effectiveness in this role depends partly on salivary factors and may differ according to a person's age and to the severity and site of erosion. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Salivary factors including flow rate, urea, buffering capacity and neutralization capability help prevent dental erosion. The protective level of saliva varies by age and tooth experiences.

PMID: 19723947
========

THIS FOUND THAT ASTHMATIC CHILDREN CAN HAVE HIGHER RATES OF TOOTH EROSION THAN THOSE WITHOUT ASTHMA.

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. 2002 May;12(3):189-200.

Is there a relationship between asthma and dental erosion? A case control study.

Al-Dlaigan YH, Shaw L, Smith AJ.

Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, Unit of Oral Biology, The University of Birmingham Dental School, St Chads, Queensway, Birmingham B4 6NN, UK.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were firstly to assess and compare the prevalence of dental erosion and dietary intake between three groups of children; children with asthma, those with significant tooth erosion but with no history of asthma, and children with no history of asthma or other medical problems. Secondly, to discover whether there was a relationship between medical history and dietary practises of these children and the levels of dental erosion. Thirdly, to measure and compare their salivary flow rates, pH and buffering capacity. METHODS: The study consisted of 3 groups of children aged 11-18 years attending Birmingham Dental Hospital: 20 children with asthma requiring long-term medication, 20 children referred with dental erosion, and 20 children in the age and sex matched control group. Tooth wear was recorded using a modification of the tooth wear index (TWI) of Smith and Knight. Data on the medical and dietary history were obtained from a self-reported questionnaire supplemented by a structured interview. The salivary samples were collected under standard methods for measurements. RESULTS: Fifty percent of the children in the control group had low erosion and 50% moderate erosion. However, high levels were recorded in 35% of children in the asthma group and 65% in the erosion group. There appeared to be no overall differences in diet between the groups. There was an association between dental erosion and the consumption of soft drinks, carbonated beverages and fresh fruits in all the three groups. More variables related to erosion were found in the erosion and asthma groups. A comparison between the three groups showed no significant differences in unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates, or pH and buffering capacity. CONCLUSION: There were significant differences in the prevalence of erosion between the three groups, children with asthma having a higher prevalence than the control group. Although there was a relationship between the levels of erosion and some medical history and acidic dietary components, these did not explain the higher levels in asthmatic children. Further investigation is required into the factors affecting the increased prevalence of erosion in children with asthma.

PMID: 12028311

[Gliondrach]

Oil pulling has been used in India for centuries and is part of ayurvedic medicine. There haven't been any studies into the practice until recently. And then only a few.

Effect of Oil Pulling on Plaque and Gingivitis

Oil pulling is an age-old process mentioned in Charaka Samhita and Sushratha’s Arthashastra. This study was conducted to assess the effect of oil pulling on Plaque and Gingivitis.

Objectives: (1) To assess the effect of oil pulling on plaque and gingivitis. (2) To monitor its safety on oral soft and hard tissues.

Methodology: 10 subjects performed Oil Pulling along with their other oral hygiene measures for 45 days, using Refined Sunflower Oil. Their Plaque and gingival scores were assessed periodocally by modified PHP and Gingival indices. The results were subjected to t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results: The reduction in plaque and gingival scores from baseline to 45 days were 0.81+-_0.41 (p<0.01) and 0.39+_0.17 (p<0.01) respectively. The differences were found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion: Oil pulling is having dental benefits. Hence this holds a chance to be added to other oral hygiene measures.

The effect of oil-pulling on the reduction of total count of bacteria

African Journal of Microbiology Research Vol.(2) pp.063-066, March, 2008

Effect of oil-pulling on dental caries causing bacteria

The results of our study have shown the antibacterial effect of sesame oil on total bacteria. The reduction of total count of bacteria ranged from 10 to 33.4%. The average reduction of total count of bacteria was 20% after 40 days of oil-pulling (Table 1). Therefore, the sesame oil is found to be effective in reducing bacterial growth and adhesion. Toxins and bacteria from the body might be expelled through the tongue and trapped in the oil and removed from the body.

Effect of oil pulling on the susceptibility of a host to dental caries

There is a remarkable reduction in the susceptibility of a host to dental caries. 50% of the case study persons were converted from marked dental caries susceptibility to slight dental caries susceptibility. 50% of the case study persons were converted from marked dental caries susceptibility to moderate dental caries susceptibility
(Table 2).

The links to the PDFs containing the studies are on Wickedpaedia in the article on oil pulling.

There are also beneficial bacteria in the mouth and they will be affected by oil pulling. But it is probably more important to get rid of the bad ones that can do damage.

Some of our natural bacteria, if they get out of control and the immune system is weak, can cause terrible conditions. See post 52 on this page:
http://www.thesaucyvegan.com/showthread.php?t=773&highlight=Africa&page=4

[Bowwowmeow]

According to this man (http://www.metaefficient.com/book-reviews/human-wildlife.html) only ten percent of our cells are human. The rest are bacteria, fungi, and other things not for the faint of heart to consider. :p

I've never heard of oil pulling.

[Blueshark]

salt and water