Healthy Mouth and a Healthier You

Natural Dental Products: Ask the Dentist

Dentist Steven E. Roth, DMD, answers your additional questions about natural dental products.

Question:

My daughter has extremely sensitive teeth to cold and hot temperatures. I heard that fluoride toothpaste can make this worse. What are her options?

Answer:

Fluoride toothpaste will desensitize, but the brushing technique may be an issue. Use a soft tooth brush, try desensitizing toothpaste, and brush using gentle circular strokes of the brush. That should alleviate the problem.

Question:

Can a toothpaste be "natural" and still have fluoride?

Answer:

There are many people in the "natural" camp that think fluoride is dangerous. This doesn't take into account how it is used. Fluoride prevents tooth decay, and used properly, is not a poison or a health risk.

Question:

I have constant bad breath no matter what I use for brushing and rinsing. Could I be deficient in a vitamin? What supplements should I take to help my breath?

Answer:

A normal, healthy diet and lifestyle should work. I would recommend beginning with a complete physical with your internist. Your doctor can rule out sinus or stomach problems. If those check out OK, have a complete dental exam.

Question:

Can I make my own toothpaste? What are the ingredients I need?

Answer:

It sounds like a lot of work and when you are all done, it may be damaging or ineffective to your teeth.

Question:

What does it mean when toothpaste has "tartar protection"? Do natural toothpastes have this?

Answer:

Tartar is hardened, mineralized, bacterial plaque that has not been removed from teeth. When tartar control toothpaste containing the soluble sodium pyrophosphate is applied to the teeth and gums, a chemical bonding process occurs. Any calcium phosphate which has not yet bonded to teeth is attracted to the sodium pyrophosphate. When the new compound mixes with water, it is completely dissolved. This means that the destructive calcium phosphate destined to form more tartar is instead removed with the rinse water. Tartar control toothpaste cannot dissolve tartar that has already bonded with the enamel, but it can stop future deposits from forming.

Question:

My husband uses tea tree oil toothpicks. Is there any harm to his teeth or gums with the pokey picks or the tea tree oil?

Answer:

Although there is no therapeutic reason to use tea tree oil, as long as he is gentle, I am sure there will be no harm.

Question:

I heard that fluoride can damage teeth. If so, what are the alternatives for toothpaste?

Answer:

Fluoride is not damaging to teeth. It hardens them and makes them resistant to decay. Fluoride in excess can cause some mild staining, but it is very rare.

Question:

I have constant dry mouth, especially when first waking up, due to my diabetes medication. Are there any natural products that can help?

Answer:

Dry mouth is a sign of diabetes. There are several salivary fluid replacement products available in the drugstore. Also, sugar-free lemon drops and drinking a lot of water are all helpful.

Question:

My front teeth feel gritty no matter what I do -- brush, floss and rinse. Would using something abrasive like salt or plain powered baking soda to brush help?

Answer:

It would help, but it could be dangerous. It sounds like it's time for a professional cleaning. Then begin a great oral hygiene program.

Question:

I heard that hydrogen peroxide is good for your teeth. Do I brush or gargle with it?

Answer:

Hydrogen peroxide used straight out of the bottle is extremely caustic. You may use a very gentle diluted mixture to clean teeth. There are also some products available that have hydrogen peroxide.

Question:

My neighbor said that letting my kids drink water with fluoride will cause dental fluorosis and ruin their teeth! What is that?

Answer:

Dental fluorosis is a change in the appearance of the tooth's enamel. These changes can vary from barely noticeable white spots in its mild forms, to staining and pitting in the more severe forms. Dental fluorosis only occurs when younger children consume too much fluoride from any source over long periods of time when teeth are developing under the gums.

Question:

I’ve seen tons of dental floss products -- dental floss picks, waxed, unwaxed, vegan, flavored, etc. What is the best and safest kind of floss for kids?

Answer:

I find that the waxed and "gliding" type flosses work best since they are easier to use, and fun for kids.

Question:

Instead of flossing, my child wants to use a toothpick. Is that a good alternative?

Answer:

Not really. They will probably traumatize their gum from too much picking. Also, the toothpick does not get through the dental contact, which is the biggest trouble spot.

Question:

Almost every tube of toothpaste I look at has sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in it. What is it? I heard it could be the reason I have canker sores.

Answer:

Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common chemical found in toothpaste, shampoo, and even some candy. It causes lathering and bubbles. Despite some information out there that it causes cancer, mouth sores, and other ills, the only proven side effects are irritated skin or gums from leaving the product on too long. Use common sense and follow directions, and do not swallow toothpaste.

Question:

My newborn is exclusively breastfed. What natural product can I use to make sure his gums are clean?

Answer:

A newborn has no teeth, so do not worry about cleaning their gums. Mom’s natural breast milk will protect them from infections.

Question:

Are there any natural, topical pain relievers for a toothache? I've heard that oil of clove can help.

Answer:

There are several natural oral topical pain-relief products available. They all act like anesthetics. Oil of clove is typically used as an analgesic in the treatment of a dry tooth socket after an extraction. The best bet is to have an exam by a dentist to determine the cause of the tooth pain.

Question:

My grandmother used to rub the cut surface of a strawberry on our teeth -- she said it keeps them strong and white. Is there any truth to that?

Answer:

Maybe. Strawberries are a natural astringent and contain vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which can be a whitener, but it is also a harmful erosive acid if overused. Brush and floss quickly after using it.

Question:

I have a painful spot on my gums and can’t get to the dentist for two days. Can I put an aspirin on it to stop the pain?

Answer:

Aspirin will burn the spot. Try Orajel, warm salt water rinses, or Orabase.

Thank you for joining us for Ask the Dentist. Be sure to check in on Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. ET when we'll discuss the best oral care products. Sign up if you'd like an email reminder the day before the event.