Cavity Alert - Does Toothpaste Really Stop Tooth Decay?
5 October 2006The Freakonomics Blog, which is sort of just an ecclectic blog about economics, game theory, and other random things the authors post about, has a post on a conversation with a dentist about increasing rates of tooth decay among the middle-aged. He says that most of the toothpaste claims about stopping cavities and whitening teeth are false, and that those expensive brands don’t really do much of anything for you. He recommends a product called GlyOxide. From looking around, there are at least some other dentists who think the same thing - this one in Canada has a detailed page on what you should and shouldn’t pay for in a toothpaste. He thinks you’re wasting money on those $10 whitening toothpastes, which don’t really do anything - and may even be harming your teeth.
Another cavity risk the dentist from Freakonomics warned about was drymouth, which is a side effect of many of the newer medications people are on for various health problems. Because it’s kind of minor, people don’t worry about it - but less saliva means more bacteria and more cavities. Then you’ve got to pay for a dental visit (not to mention deal with the discomfort).
This is all the kind of stuff I would ask your own dentist what to do about rather than trusting the Internet - but it’s good to be aware of it so that you know to ask the questions.
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