Science Of Life

Author(s): U S Dugar
Publisher: U S Dugar

Page 40

Over 90% of gum and teeth problems begin between the teeth. Certain bacteria in the mouth live off the remains of foods, especially sugars and starches. In the absence of oxygen they produce lactic acid, which dissolves the calcium and phosphorous in the enamel. The numerous bacteria that flourish overrule the protecting power of mouth secretions and mucus membranes, which is available to them like other regions of the body. After meal snacks or sweet drinks like milk, coffee etc. at night at the diminished flow of saliva during sleep allows acids to strengthen their attack on the teeth. Food stuff like cakes, pastries and chocolate stimulate the production of mouth acid which rots tooth enamel and induces decay. Refined sugar is the worst offender.
Saliva is unable to penetrate through plaque, however, to neutralize the acid produced by the bacteria. This requires alkalizing and oxygenating the sulcus and teeth area once every 24 hours, which is more than just brushing the teeth. A toothbrush is not designed to clean anything more than 1-3 mm, which is a normal healthy gum condition. Wrong brushing technique is common cause of dental wear and tear. If tooth brushes are used after the bristles begin to lose their shape and curl outside, they may actually do more harm than good. Indigenous cleaning agents such as charcoal powder, common salt, charred rice husks and neem datuns are not as some believe superior to the tooth brush, but actually harmful.
Bleeding gums, pus pockets, foul breath and other characteristics of periodontal disease may have underlying heart disease or even cancer. Some forms of inflammatory rheumatism are thought to be caused
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