Natural ways to take care of your teeth

Tea, vegetables and even cheese and chocolate (woo hoo!) can help

Most of us would go to the doctor if we had a silver-dollar-size infection on our foot. Now picture that infection in your mouth. That's gum disease.

The ailment has been linked to everything from heart disease to premature birth, and it could have a more profound effect on our overall health than anyone ever suspected. "The mouth is connected to the rest of the body," said Chicago dentist Taf Paulson, stating what should be obvious, but often isn't to both dentists and physicians.

(Tribune illustration by Hugo Espinoza)

Paulson, who uses a holistic, whole-body treatment approach, stresses preventive care. And one of her favorite motivational tools is a phase contrast microscope, which allows people to watch nasty bacteria squirming around on their own teeth.

"When patients see a bacterial infection underneath their gums, they have a better understanding of how it can affect their whole body," she said.

Here are a few holistic tricks of the trade:

iFLOSS FIRST. If you floss before brushing, you'll be able to remove the debris stirred up by flossing. But if you're among the 95 percent of Americans who don't floss correctly, try a specially designed plastic tooth pick, or an interdental cleaner, which is easier to hold and use.

BRUSH YOUR MOUTH. There's more bacteria on the tongue and roof of your mouth than on the teeth, said Westmont dentist Ron Schefdore. Brushing twice a day is ideal because bacteria multiply every 12 hours.

BE BRITISH. Rinsing with black tea reduces plaque formation and the production of acids that cause tooth decay, according to research headed by Christine Wu, a professor and director of caries research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Another ingredient in black tea, tannin (also found in grapes and certain herbs), has been shown to fight bacteria that cause decay. Of course, black tea will stain your pearly whites, so if that's of concern, try green tea.

FESS UP. Tell your dentist about every medication you're taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and herbal drugs, because they could interact with dental treatments.

CHEW SUGARLESS GUM. Chewing any food stimulates saliva production -- which helps neutralize acids. But chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay, according to the ADA. Don't like gum? Salsa or jalapeno peppers also make your mouth water.

BRUSH FOR A SONG. Turn on your radio or iPod and stick with it for the entire length of a song, says June Lee, spokeswoman for the Academy of General Dentistry.

C IF IT HELPS. About 1,000 mg per day of vitamin C helps kill the type of bacteria that causes gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, said Chicago dentist Robert Brandstatter.

WAIT 30 MINUTES. Don't brush right away after eating citrus foods or drinks, because the citric acid in the fruit can temporarily weaken tooth enamel and leave the teeth vulnerable to erosion caused by brushing, according to "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child."

DISCOVER CHEWING FOODS. Eating crunchy vegetables can wipe away plaque and stimulate the gums, said Dr. Diane Meyer of Fairview Medical Center in Downers Grove.

EAT RAISINS. You may have heard that raisins cause cavities, but Wu's team found that compounds called phytochemicals found in raisins fight bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities and gum disease.

SNACK ON CHEESE OR CHOCOLATE. Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss and American have been shown to protect against cavities, especially if eaten at the end of a meal, says Chicago dentist Taf Paulson, who also is a big fan of pure dark chocolate. Some research has shown that the fat in chocolate might ward off damage from the sugar.

For more:

Read "Holistic dentists offer alternative treatments."

Read "Ten ways to wreck your teeth"

And for another reason to take care of your teeth, read "Lead in Dental Work" an investigative report by the folks at WBNS-TV in Columubs Ohio. The lead (found in crowns, for example,) seems to be coming from labs in foreign countries, but U.S. labs also may be involved, according to WBNS. Unfortunately, consumers often don't know where their dental work comes is produced.

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