Neuroscientist "Toothpaste Is Damaging Your Teeth" How To Take Care of Your Teeth.

Summary

This script discusses the true cause of cavities, which is not sugar but the bacteria Streptococcus mutans. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced pH in the mouth for remineralization, the benefits of xylitol, and the negative effects of alcohol, stimulants, and improper oral hygiene practices. It also highlights the role of fluoride in strengthening tooth enamel and the value of regular dental check-ups.

Takeaways

• 🦷 Cavity Formation: Cavities are not caused by specific foods or sugar alone, but by bacteria (strep mutans) that feed on sugar and produce acid, leading to demineralization of the teeth.
• 😷 Streptococcus Mutans: This bacteria is communicable and not innate, meaning it can be passed from person to person and is not present at birth.
• 🍯 Baking Soda Toothpaste: Baking soda and water can serve as an effective natural toothpaste, especially when commercial toothpaste is unavailable.
• 🌡 pH Balance: Maintaining the right pH balance in the mouth supports remineralization and prevents cavities by keeping the environment less acidic.
• 🍋 Acidic Foods: While acidic foods can contribute to a more acidic mouth environment, it's not just about avoiding them but managing the overall acidity over time.
• 🚫 Zero Carbohydrate Diet: A diet devoid of sugars and starches might reduce the opportunity for strep mutans to produce acid, but the bacteria can adapt to other food sources.
• 💧 Fluoride Benefits: Fluoride can replace some of the hydroxyapatite bonds in teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to acid attacks.
• 🍸 Alcohol and Stimulants: Both alcohol and stimulants can negatively affect oral health by disrupting the oral microbiome and increasing acidity in the mouth.
• 🚫 Avoid Mouth Breathing: Stimulants can cause mouth breathing, which dries out the mouth and shifts the oral environment from remineralization to demineralization.
• 🍽️ Intermittent Fasting: Taking breaks from eating and acidic beverages can help maintain a healthier oral pH, supporting tooth remineralization.
• 🪥 Proper Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly with a soft toothbrush and correct technique is crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing gum disease.

Q & A

What is the primary cause of cavities according to the script?

Cavities are primarily caused by bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mutans (strep mutans), which feeds on sugar and produces acid that demineralizes the tooth, creating cavities.

Is strep mutans a bacteria that we are born with?

No, strep mutans is not something you are born with; it is a communicable bacteria that can be passed from person to person.

What is a potential homemade toothpaste alternative mentioned in the script?

Baking soda and water is suggested as a pretty good toothpaste alternative if one chooses not to buy commercial toothpaste.

How does the pH balance of the mouth relate to tooth remineralization?

Maintaining a balanced pH in the mouth supports remineralization of teeth. An acidic environment can lead to demineralization, thus increasing the risk of cavities.

What is the role of fluoride in tooth health?

Fluoride can replace some of the hydroxyapatite bonds in teeth, making them super strong and helping to prevent demineralization and cavities.

Why are stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse considered harmful to oral health?

Stimulants can disrupt the oral microbiome and alter the pH of saliva, making the mouth more acidic and increasing the risk of cavities. They also encourage mouth breathing, which can dry out the mouth and further contribute to demineralization.

How does smoking affect oral health?

Smoking is detrimental to oral health because it disrupts the microbiome, alters the pH of saliva, and dries out the mouth, all of which contribute to a demineralization state that is harmful to teeth.

What is the significance of intermittent fasting in relation to oral health?

Intermittent fasting can create periods where the mouth is not exposed to food or acidic liquids, allowing for the production of saliva that supports remineralization and overall oral health.

What is the recommended brushing technique according to the script?

It is recommended to use a soft toothbrush and brush gently to avoid disrupting the gum interface. Brushing should be done regularly, ideally after every meal, to break up the biofilm layer and promote oral health.

Why is flossing important and how should it be done correctly?

Flossing is important to remove plaque between teeth and prevent gum disease. It should be done by gently gliding the floss down the side of the tooth, going slightly under the gum line, using a circular motion, and then lifting up from between the teeth.

What is unique about xylitol as a sweetener and how does it benefit oral health?

Xylitol is unique because when bacteria like strep mutans consume it, they cannot produce acid that demineralizes teeth. Additionally, xylitol can inhibit the growth and proliferation of strep mutans, reducing the risk of cavities.

Why are most mouthwashes considered harmful to oral health?

Most mouthwashes, especially those containing alcohol, can deplete components of the mucosal lining of the mouth and disrupt the healthy oral microbiome. It is recommended to use mouthwashes that are not alcohol-based and not strong antiseptic.

What is the recommended frequency for dental check-ups and why?

Dental check-ups are generally recommended twice a year. While they help with routine cleanings and identifying cavities, they do not remineralize teeth. The focus should be on daily oral health protocols to maintain teeth health.

Outlines

00:00

🦷 Understanding Cavity Formation and Prevention

This paragraph discusses the misconception that specific foods, including sugar, directly cause cavities. Instead, it emphasizes that cavities are formed by the action of bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans (strep mutans), which feeds on sugar and produces acid that demineralizes teeth. The speaker suggests that maintaining a balanced pH in the mouth through saliva is crucial for remineralization and preventing cavities. They also highlight the role of fluoride in strengthening tooth enamel and the negative impact of alcohol and stimulants on oral health. The paragraph concludes by advising against constant snacking or sipping acidic beverages to allow the mouth to maintain a healthy pH and support tooth remineralization.

05:01

🌟 Oral Hygiene Practices and the Benefits of Xylitol

The second paragraph focuses on the importance of proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and the use of a soft toothbrush to avoid damaging the gum line. It also discusses the benefits of xylitol, a low-calorie sweetener that not only prevents the production of acid by strep mutans but also kills the bacteria, thus reducing the risk of cavities. The speaker recommends using xylitol-based toothpaste and avoiding mouthwashes with alcohol, which can disrupt the oral microbiome. Additionally, the paragraph suggests intermittent fasting or gaps between meals as a way to allow the teeth to remineralize in a less acidic environment.

10:01

🏥 Dentist Visits and the Role of High Salt Rinses

The final paragraph addresses the common recommendation of visiting the dentist every six months for routine cleanings. While these cleanings can remove tartar and identify cavities, they do not aid in the remineralization of teeth. The speaker suggests that promoting daily oral health protocols is more beneficial. They also mention the use of a high salt solution as a dental rinse to support the growth of healthy mouth bacteria, but caution against swallowing it. The paragraph concludes by reiterating the importance of daily oral care over relying solely on dental visits.

Keywords

💡Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans, often abbreviated as strep mutans, is a type of bacteria that plays a significant role in tooth decay. It is not naturally present in the mouth but can be transmitted between individuals. These bacteria feed on sugars, producing acid as a byproduct, which leads to the demineralization of tooth enamel and the formation of cavities. The video emphasizes the importance of reducing strep mutans to maintain oral health.

💡Remineralization

Remineralization refers to the process by which minerals are redeposited in the enamel after being removed by acids. Maintaining a balanced pH in the mouth encourages remineralization, helping to repair and strengthen teeth. The video suggests that saliva can support this process, and certain practices, like avoiding acidic foods, can promote it.

💡Demineralization

Demineralization is the loss of minerals from the tooth enamel due to acid produced by bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, after they consume sugars. This process weakens the enamel and can lead to cavities. The video explains that maintaining a low-acid environment in the mouth is crucial to prevent demineralization and protect teeth.

💡pH balance

pH balance in the mouth refers to the level of acidity or alkalinity. A neutral or slightly alkaline pH is ideal for oral health as it supports remineralization and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. The video discusses how acidic foods and beverages can disrupt this balance, leading to increased risk of cavities and oral health issues.

💡Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral often added to dental products like toothpaste and drinking water. It helps strengthen tooth enamel by replacing hydroxyapatite bonds with stronger fluoride bonds, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. The video highlights fluoride's role in enhancing dental health, despite it not being an essential nutrient.

💡Hydroxyapatite

Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral in tooth enamel that provides structural strength. It consists of calcium, phosphate, and hydroxide ions. In the video, hydroxyapatite is mentioned as the primary component of enamel, and fluoride's role in strengthening enamel is discussed in relation to replacing hydroxyapatite bonds.

💡Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute. It is unique because, unlike regular sugar, it cannot be metabolized by Streptococcus mutans to produce acid. Instead, it inhibits the growth of these bacteria and can reduce their population in the mouth. The video suggests xylitol as a beneficial ingredient in oral care products for its ability to combat cavities.

💡Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where individuals cycle between periods of eating and fasting. The video suggests that intermittent fasting, or simply having long gaps between meals, can benefit oral health by reducing the time the mouth is exposed to food and acidic beverages, thereby promoting a healthier pH balance and supporting remineralization.

💡Oral microbiome

The oral microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms living in the mouth. A healthy oral microbiome helps protect against pathogens and supports overall oral health. The video discusses how certain substances, like alcohol and strong antiseptic mouthwashes, can disrupt the oral microbiome, potentially leading to negative effects on oral health.

💡Baking soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a mild abrasive and alkaline substance that can be used as an alternative toothpaste. It helps neutralize acids in the mouth and remove surface stains from teeth. The video suggests that baking soda is safe for enamel when used properly with a soft toothbrush, making it a cost-effective option for oral care.

Highlights

Cavities are not caused by specific foods or sugar alone but by bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mutans, that produce acid from sugar.

Strep mutans is a communicable bacteria that is not innate but acquired, and is common in most people.

Baking soda and water can serve as an effective toothpaste alternative.

Maintaining the pH balance in the mouth is crucial for supporting remineralization and preventing cavities.

Stimulants like Adderall can negatively impact oral health by altering saliva pH and promoting mouth breathing.

Alcohol disrupts the oral microbiome and can lead to a demineralization state in the mouth.

Intermittent fasting or gaps between meals can provide opportunities for teeth remineralization.

Proper brushing and flossing techniques are essential for maintaining oral health.

Xylitol is a unique sweetener that not only inhibits acid production by strep mutans but also kills the bacteria.

Most mouthwashes, especially those with alcohol, are detrimental to oral health due to their disruptive effects on the oral microbiome.

Baking soda is relatively safe for tooth enamel and can be used as a toothpaste substitute.

Hydrogen peroxide should not be used in the oral cavity due to its abrasiveness.

A high salt solution used as a rinse can promote a healthy oral environment for bacteria.

Dentist visits every six months are recommended for cleaning and cavity detection but not for remineralization.

Daily oral health protocols are more effective in remineralizing teeth than routine dental cleanings.

Brushing gums lightly can increase circulation and benefit tooth sensitivity.

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel by replacing hydroxyapatite bonds, making them more resistant to acid attack.

Transcripts

no specific food not even sugar causes

cavities strep mutans is not something

you're born with it's actually a

communicable bacteria it turns out that

baking soda and water is actually a

pretty good toothpaste if you're not

going to go buy a toothpaste let's talk

about how cavities form as I mentioned

before cavities are literally holes

they're fenestrations as the uh nerds

call them nerds like me if they make it

down to the Denton layer of the tooth

most likely do need to be drilled and

filled and presumably build all of our

goal is to try and keep our teeth in a

state of remineralization by keeping the

pH that is the relative acid alkaline

balance of the mouth such that the

saliva supports remineralization no

specific food not even sugar causes

cavities cavities are caused by bacteria

that feed on sugar that then produce

acid that burrows down through that

degrades that

demineralizes the tooth in this very

focal area that we call a cavity

bacteria while there are several of them

the major one is called streptococus

mutans or what I'll call strep mutans

for short strep mutans is not something

you're born with it's actually a

communicable bacteria that's right you

give it to one another most people in

the world have strep mutans or will get

strep mutans and it lives in the mouth

when there's sugar present it eats it

produces acid the acid produces cavities

taking teeth from a state of

remineralization to demineralization if

your mouth is already in a state that's

more demineralization mode it will

capitalize on that and it will cause

cavities much faster keep in mind that

acidity is bad for the mouth does that

mean that you should never consume a

lemon or drinking water with lemon in it

or carbonated drinks or anything that

has acidic flavor no does that mean that

if you were to have a zero carbohydrate

diet no sugars no starches Etc you would

reduce the opportunity for strep mutans

to consume sugar and release acid Maybe

however most people won't do that and

strep mutans is a very clever maybe even

diabolical bacteria and if you are on a

zeroc carbohydrate zero sugar diet

there's some evidence that strep mutans

will figure out ways to feed on other

components the key is to try and reduce

the amount of strp mutans and reduce the

amount of acid in the mouth those

minerals that form the crystals within

the enamel and some of the deeper layers

of your tooth those crystals form

through a specific type of bond and

those bonds are very strong they're not

indestructible but they're tough to pull

apart and the naturally occurring

mineral that's responsible for the

majority of these Bonds in the enamel

and teeth is called hydroxy appetite

fluoride is a substance that is not a

vitamin it's not a mineral it is not an

essential nutrient but can actually

replace some of the hydroxyapatite bonds

in teeth and actually make those bonds

hyper strong super physiologically

strong when we say alcohol is not good

for oral health and for tooth Health

what we're talking about about is the

disruption that alcohol creates to the

microbiome and the way that it Alters

the pH of your saliva and places the

mouth and the teeth into a

demineralization state the second thing

on the not good for us list for sake of

oral health are stimulants like adderal

viance Etc basically any drug that

increases epinephrine and norepinephrine

adrenaline and noradrenaline or the

other names for those are going to have

a negative effect on oral health why

would stimulants cause such disruption

in oral health well there really two

reasons there's a chemical reason and

there's a mechanical reason the chemical

reason is that stimulants change the pH

of your saliva making the mouth more

acidic which makes strep mutans and

other bacteria more capable of creating

cavities down into the teeth they take

your mouth and your teeth from that

remineralization state to that

demineralization demon mode demon mode

that's a way to remember it's bad demon

mode stimulants encourage mouth

breathing watch a meth addict or watch

somebody who's on a high dose of

stimulant and they tend to mouth breathe

because of the shifts in autonomic

nervous system function they tend to be

mouth breathers so it's the drying of

the mouth that also shifts the mouth

from that remineralization mode to

demineralization mode as long as you're

not speaking as long as you're not

eating try and breathe through your nose

if you're exercising and exercising

really hard like you're running really

hard fine mouth breath smoking

cigarettes and yes also cannabis and yes

vaping does this too it's so funny

anytime I talk about smoking being bad

people like well what about cannabis

then people ask what about vaping vaping

is not as bad as smoking right that's

what they say and the truth is that

vaping is terrible for your oral health

as well is it as bad as smoking probably

not but it's bad for a bunch of other

reasons after you eat anything it's a

good idea to try and clear as much of

that food product from your mouth and no

one's telling you not to eat acidic

Foods it's about limiting the amount of

time that the overall millu of the mouth

is

acidic having a stretch of time of maybe

2 4 6 hours or more where you're not

eating anything or ingesting anything

that's acidic in terms of liquids can be

very beneficial this is a vote in

support of so-called intermittent

fasting this is something that I

practice we have an amazing opportunity

during the day especially in the morning

and throughout the day to create a lot

of saliva that's the right pH to support

remineralization of the teeth provided

that there isn't a lot of food or acidic

liquids in the mouth at that time so at

least to my mind this is an interesting

opportunity to place intermittent

fasting which again or even just gaps

between meals not constantly snacking or

sipping on acidic beverages throughout

the day as an opportunity to create that

healthy milu during which the teeth can

remineralize and the overall oral health

can

improve the vast majority of dentists

out there all say the same thing you

need to brush you need to floss you need

to do it twice a day or more and you

need to do it correctly use a soft

toothbrush very vigorous brushing with

medium or hard bristles really disrupts

the interface between the teeth and the

gums in ways That's not healthy for the

gums and actually makes tenting of the

gums and those Pockets those recesses as

they're called far more likely to form

if you are regular with your brushing

and especially if you're brushing and

flossing regularly that a soft

toothbrush is going to be the best way

to break up that bofilm layer each and

every time and promote the best tooth

and overall oral health likewise if you

use an electric toothbrush it was

recommended that you not provide too

much pressure that you really try and

keep the tips of the bristles on the the

teeth and gums and yes it was also

suggested that people brush their gums

this is interesting for people out there

who have tooth sensitivity one of the

major suggestions from people in the

dental and periodontal field was to

actually brush your gums lightly to

increase circulation of blood and other

nutrients to the deeper portions of the

tooth that actually extend into the

bone you need to floss correctly you

can't just pull the floss down onto the

gum in between the tooth you need to

Glide down the side of the tooth get a

little bit underneath the gum and use a

circular motion and then lift up from

between the two teeth almost all of them

except for one felt that flossing is a

great idea for tooth health and that if

your gums bleed when you floss correctly

as I just described what correct

flossing is that your best strategy is

to floss at least twice a day between

all of your

teeth xylitol is a very low calorie

sweetener I can place it among the other

lowc calorie sweeteners like aspartame

sucros Stevia Etc but what's unique

about xylitol is that very much like

standard sugar or any kind of

carbohydrate sugar the bacteria

streptococus mutans loves to eat xylol

but when streptococus mutans eats

Xylitol cannot produce the acid that

normally would demineralize the teeth

and create cavities in addition to that

when streptococus mutans eats Xylitol it

kills streptococus mutans so what this

means is that if xylitol is present in

the oral cavity after a meal say in the

minutes and hours after a meal then any

strep mutans that happens to be there is

going to preferentially feed on the

Xylitol not other sugars and it won't be

able to release acid and because Xylitol

can actually inhibit the growth and that

is the proliferation of more strep

mutans we've got a twofer we've got a

situation where strep mutans can't

release acid to demineralize the teeth

and potentially cause cavities and the

total amount of strep mutans that can

grow that can proliferate in what are

called colonies literally the bacteria

colonizes on the teeth and that forming

that bofilm well then that can't happen

if you looking for the best toothpaste

cyol based check out the link in the

description most all mouthwashes

especially those containing alcohol are

terrible for oral health simply put they

deplete certain components of the

mucosal lining of the mouth and they

disrupt the healthy components of the

oral microbiome in addition there are

antiseptic mouthwashes some of which

contain alcohol some of which don't most

people however are using mouthwashes to

freshen their breath and to kill off

additional bacteria in the mouth that

they might believe they couldn't get

with brushing or flossing if you are

somebody who really wants to use a

mouthwash for that reason I encourage

you to try and find a mouthwash that is

not alcohol based and that is not a

strong antiseptic or that if it is an

antiseptic that it's not alcohol based

I talked to several dentists and they

told me that baking soda actually is

fairly low on the abrasiveness rating

scale it's actually considered quite

safe for the enamel of the teeth

especially if you're brushing with a

soft toothbrush and you're not like

really grinding the stuff against your

teeth it turns out that baking soda and

water is actually a pretty good

toothpaste if you're not going to go buy

a toothpaste it's pretty clear that

hydrogen peroxide unless there's a

specific medical recommendation to do so

is not something you want to introduce

to the oral cavity hydrogen peroxide is

just far too abrasive for the mouth

cavity it does seem that creating a high

salt solution okay so taking some salt

putting in water dissolving it and then

finding the point at which it won't

quite dissolve because the concentration

of sodium is just high enough and using

that as of course not something to

swallow but rather as a dental rinse so

putting your mouth and swishing it

around and then spitting it out and it's

going to taste very salty and then

taking a swig of water you know just

plain water and then swishing it around

and then and spitting it out that

actually provides a really nice milu for

the production of healthy mouth bacteria

but again I want to be very clear do not

do not swallow high salt concentration

fluid we're talking about a Swish and

then a spitting it

out every six months that's the general

recommendation this business of going to

the dentist twice a year makes sense

from the perspective of quote unquote

routine cleanings but everyone

acknowledged that those routine

cleanings while they can remove tarar

that's built up that would be very very

difficult for people to reverse or

eliminate at home and while they can

identify cavities and tell you how far a

cavity has developed into the tooth Etc

every one of those dentists agreed that

those routine cleanings are not actually

going to help remineralize your teeth

except to the extent that they remove

existing bacteria plaque and tartar and

so all of them said that they wish for

and that they really strive in their own

practices to promote more oral health

daily Protocols of the sort that we've

talked about today which I think is just

great it