Wednesday, October 17, 2007

The Oral Connection to True Health; My Thanks to Dr. Wentz and Ladd McNamara, M.D.

As a dental hygienist, I will be updating this BLOG on information that supports the connection between antioxidants and optimal health, particularly as it pertains to oral health. The connection is stronger than you might imagine. As mentioned in my opening article on my main blog http://debracasey.blogspot.com I touch on this subject. On this blog, I will provide medical evidence on these topics that hopefully will motivate you to take action to get on, and stay on a full range of pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplement program, not only for oral health, but for overall general health for a lifetime. A program that was introduced to me by Ladd McNamara, M.D.

Although I know oral health, Ladd McNamara, M.D. introduced me to a Natural Toothpaste. So, what better way to start off the subject of oral health than to, in turn, direct you to the use of a proper and healthy toothpaste? Many people are not aware that most toothpastes carry a warning, "poison if swallowed." Why are we putting something in our mouths that could be harmful to our health, and something that children under the age of 6 should not be using? I won't even get into the concerns about the toxic toothpastes from China, which have toxic heavy metals.

Be sure to read the next section about the concern over toothpastes in general, and how you should be using Natural Toothpaste, and how it is my recommendation to be using the Natural Toothpaste that our company provides, the one Dr. Ladd McNamara recommended to me and to his patients while practicing medicine.

As this BLOG develops, I will be bringing up studies that connect the use of antioxidants - gum, or periodontal health - and heart health, let alone overall general health. I hope you find it both educational and motivational enough to cause you to take action to take control of your health.

Thank you to Dr. Myron Wentz, the Man with the Vision of True Health, and to Ladd McNamara, M.D., our Team Leader who has passed along Dr. Wentz's vision to us and thousands of others.

Casey
San Diego, California



And, I thank Ladd McNamara, M.D. for setting me on this course of standing up and taking a voice for TRUE HEALTH on such a forum.

"Don't Swallow Your Toothpaste," I was told by Ladd McNamara, M.D.

Ever Wonder Why There Is a Poison Label Warning on YOUR Toothpaste? Or, Did You Even Know?

As a dental hygienist you would think that I would have been aware of the warning label on the back of a tube of toothpaste. However, it was Ladd McNamara, M.D. that pointed the warning label out to me one day when he was telling me about the importance of using the Natural Toothpaste that was developed by the Scientific Team that Dr. Wentz assembled. I was shocked. It even said, that children under the age of 6 should not use toothpaste. Well, what ARE they supposed to use? Dr. Ladd McNamara had the answer, or should I say, Dr. Myron Wentz had the answer, the Natural Toothpaste, of course!

As of April 7th, 1997, the United States FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has required that all fluoride toothpastes sold in the U.S. carry a poison warning on the label. The toothpaste label reads: "WARNING: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately."

Why the Need for a Warning?

One of the little-known facts about fluoride toothpaste, is that each tube of toothpaste - even those specifically marketed for children - contains enough fluoride to kill a child. As detailed below, most toothpastes, both adult and children’s toothpastes - with flavors ranging from bubble gum to watermelon - contain 143 milligrams (mg) of fluoride in each tube. This dose of fluoride is more than double the dose (60 mg) that could kill the average-weighing 2 year old child. It is also greater than the dose capable of killing all average weighing children under the age of 9.

Fortunately, however, toothpaste-induced fatalities have been rarely reported in the US. In a review of Poison Center Control reports between 1989 and 1994, 12,571 reports were found from people who had ingested excess toothpaste. Of these calls, 2 people - probably both children - experienced "major medical outcomes", defined as "signs or symptoms that are life-threatening or result in significant residual disability or disfigurement" (SOURCE: Shulman 1997).

Other problems with fluoride toothpaste:

As common sense might indicate, death is not the only concern with fluoride toothpaste. Other potential problems with fluoride toothpaste include:

Gastric Problems

Ingestion of fluoride has been documented to produce symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort at doses at least 15 to 20 times lower (0.2-0.3 mg/kg) than the doses which can kill (SOURCE: Gessner 1994; Akiniwa 1997). Thus, a 2 year old child may experience gastrointestinal ailments if they ingest a mere 2 to 3 percent of the bubble-gum flavored paste.

Between 1989 and 1994, over 628 people - mostly children - were treated at health care facilities after ingesting too much fluoride from their toothpaste. Gastrointestinal symptoms appear to be the most common problem reported (SOURCE: Shulman 1997).

Moreover, ingestion of fluoride toothpaste may damage the lining of the gastrointestinal tract - even in the absence of symptoms (e.g. nausea). This was revealed by a carefully conducted study on healthy adult volunteers which found that damage to the gastrointestinal wall occurred - in the absence of symptoms - after a single ingestion of just 3 mg of fluoride (SOURCE: Spak 1990).

Undoubtedly, some children will periodically ingest 3 mg of fluoride, or more, from toothpaste in single sittings, especially if they have access to the bubble-gum flavored varieties (which are still being heavily marketed for children).

Increasing Children's Daily Intake of Fluoride beyond Recommended Levels
Since young children do not have well-developed swallowing reflexes, they tend to swallow a large percentage of the toothpaste placed on their brush. In fact, one of the more consistent findings in the recent dental literature, is that some children - even children living in unfluoridated communities - ingest more fluoride from toothbrushing alone than is recommended as the total daily exposure. As noted by Dr. Steven Levy, of the University of Iowa:

"Virtually all authors have noted that some children could ingest more fluoride from dentrifice alone than is recommended as a total daily fluoride ingestion" (SOURCE: Levy 1999).

It is clear therefore that fluoride toothpaste represents a very important source of ingested fluoride for children. The use of fluoride toothpaste may thereby contribute to the various health risks (e.g. dental fluorosis, bone fractures, bone cancer, neurotoxicity) associated with systemic fluoride exposure.

Allergic Reactions

Among some “hpersensensitive” individuals, the use of fluoride toothpaste may produce canker sores and skin rashes in and around the mouth. The evidence pointing to this possibility is compelling, but has received scant attention from the dental community.

Periodontal Disease?

Another potential side effect of fluoride toothpaste has only recently come to light. Research conducted in the 1990s from the US pharmaceutical company Sepracor indicated that the levels of fluoride in toothpaste may be sufficient to cause or contribute to periodontal bone loss.

Sepracor's finding is serious because periodontal bone loss is the #1 cause of tooth loss among adults. According to the scientists at Sepracor who conducted the study:

"We have found that fluoride, in the concentration range in which it is employed for the prevention of dental caries, stimulates the production of prostaglandins and thereby exacerbates the inflammatory response in gingivitis and periodontitis.... Thus, the inclusion of fluoride in toothpastes and mouthwashes for the purpose of inhibiting the development of caries [cavities] may, at the same time, accelerate the process of chronic, destructive periodontitis."

Europe: Taking a More Cautious Approach than U.S.

As with water fluoridation, western Europe has taken a more precautionary approach with fluoride toothpaste than has so far been the case in the United States.

Due to concerns about children ingesting too much fluoride from toothpaste, many European countries are now utilizing children's toothpastes with significantly lower levels of fluoride (250 - 500 ppm) than adult brands (1,000 ppm+). In the US, meanwhile, the vast majority of children's toothpastes continue to have the same concentration of fluoride (1,000 ppm+) as adult toothpastes (1,000 ppm+).

Interestingly, "despite" the fact that the vast majority of western Europe does not fluoridate its water despite the fact that children's toothpaste with lower fluoride levels are more common, Europe’s tooth decay rates are as low - if not lower - than the tooth decay rates in the heavily fluoridated United States.

So, next time you grab your tube of toothpaste, look on the back for the warning label: “If more than used is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.”

We have a Natural Toothpaste that you can safely use; swallow if you wish, let alone your children can use, AND, it can help prevent dental caries (cavities), plaque, gingivitis, periodontitis, all without concern about bone resorption as with name brand toothpastes. It is the best solution for TRUE HEALTH.

In addition to being on a full range, quality brand of pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements, which is the area of Dr. Ladd McNamara, don’t forget why there is a warning on your toothpaste, and consider switching to the Natural Toothpaste that we have to offer.

Contact me today to get started. dcasey@usana.com

Please Check Out My Main Blog: http://debracasey.blogspot.com

Facts About the Natural Toothpaste

Dr. Wentz and his Scientific Team created a Natural Toothpaste! Although I had used an old favorite tooth paste with baking soda in it for years, Dr. Ladd McNamara, whom I had come to trust, encouraged me to look into the Natural Toothpaste that he uses.

Not only does it include baking soda to neutralize plaque acid, it is sweetened with xylitol, unlike other toothpastes. There are no artificial coloring, which is why it is not white, ...and contrary to popular belief the whiter the toothpaste DOES NOT mean the whiter your teeth will become! Although, it took some getting used to, I was glad to hear that Dr. Ladd McNamara felt the same. Now it's "normal" to use a toothpaste that's not artificially whitened.

Best of all, in the Natural Toothpaste is a foundation of advanced oral health ingredients not found in other toothpastes. Dr. Wentz and his team did it right. This toothpaste includes antioxidants; such as a unique formulation of vitamin C, combined with caffeine-free green tea extract that inhibit the enzyme that enables bacteria to stick to teeth and form plaque! This is one of the most important concepts that I could possible get across to you as a dental hygienist. If you were to pick up any pearl of wisdom it would be that it is important to inhibit the enzymes that lead to plaque build up through the powerful antioxidant action. Less plaque means less caries, or cavities.

And, in the segment above, not everyone will want fluoride treatment with every brushing, and fluoride was left out of this formulation. With the Natural Toothpaste you will be getting the best of everything for optimal oral health. Oral health is directly related to systemic health, including cardiac health.

I would encourage you to make the Natural Toothpaste a part of your daily regimen, just as Dr. Ladd McNamara, myself, and many members of our Team, as well as tens of thousands of people around the planet are doing.

Sometimes it's the simple things we do daily that add up to provide lifelong health!

(If you have not read my article on "ORAL HEALTH," and how Vitamins and Antioxidants are Associated with a Reduction in Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease, which in turn are linked to a reduction in heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, then, please go to my MAIN BLOG and read that article, as pharmaceutical grade, broad spectrum supplements should be used daily in addition to brushing at minimum twice a day: see http://debracasey.blogspot.com)


To Order Natural Toothpaste: Click here: http://customer.usana.com

Question: "DEAR CASEY"

If this section came up without the rest of my BLOG showing, please click here: http://trueoralhealth.blogspot.com

Eventually, this section will be moved under the "comment section" under the "Natural Toothpaste" section above. For now, it is shown here for ease of location:

I received this from Chris P. after an email went out on Dr. Ladd McNamara's Global Distribution List about the importance of USANA's Natural Toothpaste on my Blog.

Quoting Chris P.

"Hi Casey,

After checking out your blog, I am very interested to hear about your background in dentistry, and how you used it in your USANA business. I, am also a USANA associate, and am a true believer in the USANA supplements and what they have to offer. I take the Essentials religiously every morning, and know that they are helping me to obtain optimal health.

On a Dental note, I have had a past history of teeth issues, and unfortunately have had to go through a couple scaling with my periodontist; but as of right now I have been able to keep my teeth in good health over the past year or so. I have to attribute that to me being diligent about my hygiene, in addition to being cautious about what I eat and drink. In the past, I was using the USANA Natural Toothpaste, but soon found out that I was not receiving the adequate amount of fluoride necessary to keep my gums strong so I switched back to a tooth paste with a high amount of fluoride.

Recently I decided that it would probably be a good idea if I used the USANA toothpaste in supplementation to my regular toothpaste. Do you think that is a good idea? I also take the CoQ10, but unfortunately not as often as I should. I am interested to hear your your professional perspective as a dental hygientist and USANA associate.

Thanks,
Chris P.

Dear Chris,

Since you emailed me directly, I wasn't sure whether you wanted everyone on Dr. McNamara's Global List to know your identity or not, so I played it safe and just used your initial of your last name in answering your questions, and decided that others would benefit if I posted it on my BLOG.

As I mentioned on this BLOG I have been a dental hygienist for 25 years in both Texas and California. For years and prior to getting into USANA, my doctor (dentist) and I sent patients to the local health food store to purchase products that we believed protected against periodontal(gum) disease. Many studies have proven the correlation between intake of CoQ10, vitamin C, and magnesium for dental health. You may have Googled and read articles from Journal of Nutrition, Dental Hygiene Journal, and many more. In the last two years, I have been able to recommend USANA due to their high quality pharmaceutical product line.


Our office currently suggests fluoride rinses or pastes if a patient has a high numbers of caries (cavities), not necessarily periodontal problems alone. Periodontal issues are treated with the scaling you mentioned, and a myriad of dental tools for hygiene as well as rinses: chlorhexidine, diluted hydrogen peroxide, and a few other treatments.

For tooth enamel strengthening, I am using a new treatment called MI Paste. It has a mix of calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride. This is generally for weak enamel resulting in caries or sensitivity from root exposure. The bottom line, in my opinion, is that the fluoride toothpaste has not really been shown to be effective for gum (or periodontal) issues, although it may benefit the tooth structure. The scaling and other treatments are what's working.

From what my upline leader, Ladd McNamara, M.D. tells me (especially having spent nearly a decade on USANA's Medical Advsiory Board) is that USANA decided not to put fluoride in its toothpaste because some people wanted the option NOT to have fluoride (for the reasons mentioned in my section above). Others wanted to be able to augment it with fluoride treatment if they so desired. With the way that USANA provides their Natural Toothpaste, a person may choose to do either based upon how they work with their dentist.

In answer to your question about the USANA toothpaste, I think it is wise to use this Natural Toothpaste daily. Every doctor and hygienist naturally have their own opinions regarding the use of fluoride. We all try to keep up with the latest studies and share what we learned to be the best solutions to oral health. The beauty of science, whether it is about oral health or nutritional supplements, is that we are continually discovering answers to questions. I have given you the best answers to date. Ask a dozen dentists and you will get a dozen different answers, so I hope I have given you some reassurance and clarification.

Good luck!
Casey

Dr. Wentz's Book: A Mouth Full of Poison

Dr. Myron Wentz has written a book, "A Mouth Full of Poison," that I believe everyone should read. I realize that it is controversial, especially in the field of dentistry in which I work. I work with dentists who have varying views on the subject. The question I ask is, is it possible for dentists to be a bit behind in their views on this subject, or do they have all the answers? It may be worth knowing the other side of the story. However, be aware that your dentist may not agree.

This controversy reminds me of the same objections that Dr. Ladd McNamara faced as he voiced his concerns about statin drugs among his colleagues. Most physicians are prescribing statin drugs as the standard of care to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in hopes to reduce the risk of death from heart disease. Dr. Ladd McNamara takes a different approach. Based upon the medical research he has concluded that antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids do more to reduce the oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol and lipids, as well as lower homocysteine and inflammation to arterial walls, and therefore promote heart health than statin drugs ever have or ever could. This is all referenced in Dr. Ladd McNamara's book, The Cholesterol Conspiracy (http://cholesterolconspiracy.blogspot.com/), and be sure to read Dr. Myron Wentz's foreword on this book on the same blog. (See also Dr. Ladd McNamara's podcast site: www.cholesterolconspiracy.com)

One thing is always true, being the front end of the wave of knowledge and science is never easy. There is a quote that Dr. Ladd McNamara has in his revised edition of his book, The Cholesterol Conspiracy,

���All truth passes through three stages.
First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.���