Dr Ehrlich's Cavity Healing Program
Dr Ehrlich's Cavity Healing Program
You have been selected for this program as you have many early cavities that have been progressing. The program has been shown to stop these cavities from growing, and can actually start to heal them. We prefer to heal rather than repair small cavities, and so do our patients. If you can follow this program, you can save yourself a lot of dental work now and many more replacements throughout your life.
Steps in the program:
- Diet: It is critical to reduce the frequency of sugar in your diet. The presence of many small lesions indicates that you are consuming sugar more frequently than your individual immunity can handle. Your teeth can handle 1-2 exposures of sugar per day, but not 5-10. Quantity isn't the issue; it's the frequency and duration of sugar exposure in desserts, dried fruits, granola bars, candies, cookies, soft drinks, juices, iced teas, sports drinks etc. Sticky things like dried fruit, gummy candy and granola bars can get trapped and slow-release sugar, which is the worst kind of exposure.
Reduce sugar in general, cluster sugary snacks or drinks together at mealtimes, get sticky bits out after, and snack on foods without sugar. Cheese, crackers, sandwiches, veggies, popcorn, nuts and fruits are all examples of ideal snacks. Even chips and pretzels are OK for your teeth occasionally.
- Tooth Brushing: It's important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, as it is the main source of fluoride to protect your teeth. Toothpaste with fluoride needs to be on your teeth for 3-4 minutes for maximum effect. I recommend swishing with yourtoothpaste after brushing (or anti-cavity rinse- see below) for a few minutes while doing other personal hygiene.
Anti-acid tooth pastes and powders are now available. These can be effective without fluoride. They are especially effective if applied with a Sonic brush. One example is Common Sense Tooth Powder which contains Baking Soda, Xylitol, and Calcium Phosphate. It’s even possible to make this up yourself.
- Clean Between- The early cavities form between the teeth, where many people rarely clean. Floss if possible, or use Soft Picks daily. It's especially important never to allow anything sweet and sticky to remain jammed between your teeth for hours. You can also dip Soft Pics in anti-acid tooth powder or paste for even better protection.
- Rinse: Use Carifree anti-cavity mouth rinse twice daily, for 3-4 minutes at a time. This changes the entire environment of the mouth so bad bacteria cannot grow and good normal bacteria can take over. Continue this until the decay has stopped- you may need to get refills. It contains Baking Soda, Xylitol and Fluoride.
Many commercial rinses are way too acidic and can make decay worse.
- Chew Anti-cavity gum: Chew Xylitol gum after any meals, snacks or drinks with sugar. Xylitol is one of the safest artificial sweeteners that not only does not cause decay but can actually reduce decay if you chew 3 pieces a day. These include Xylichew, Spry, and PUR. Be careful though- these are bad for dogs and cats.
If you don't chew gum, Xylitol mints like Spry, PUR and Theramints can help reduce decay as well.
- Use MI Paste- This fluoride-free paste contains calcium and phosphorus derived from milk products which strengthen your teeth. Apply between the teeth with a Soft-Pick before bed, or on other areas with a Q-tip, and leave on overnight. It can be safely swallowed.
- Take Vitamin D3 and K2 Vitamin D3 and K2 deficiency has been linked to high cavity rates.
Most of us in Canada are deficient in Vitamin D from October to April. You can get your levels tested by your MD. If you are low, we recommend 1000-2000IU Vitamin D3, as well as 30-60mcg Vitamin K2 daily, ideally in drops. You can re-test to see if it is sufficient.
- Professional Fluoride Varnish- We can apply a professional-strength fluoride every 3 months in a quick and inexpensive visit for patients at risk. We spot-treat the areas in need.
This program needs to be maintained long term; it’s not a quick fix but it works!
Good luck and good health!
Dr. Richard Ehrlich and all the team at Elm Tree Dental.