MI Paste – by Kevin M. Boehm, DDS
Freshen Your Breath With Nature’s Help – by Dr Andie T Pearson, DMD, CCST
Flossing Is More Important Than You Think – by Kevin M. Boehm, DDS
Brides, What To Know About Teeth Whitening Before Lightening Your Pearly Whites – by Raymond G Hatland, DDS
Don’t Rush Your Brush – by Dr Andie T Pearson, DMD

I suppose the most intelligent way to discuss our topic begins with the origins of teeth and what they’re made from to understand MI Paste and its usefulness better. Teeth, as well as bones, begin with the basic building blocks of woven masses of collagen and intracellular and extracellular matrices. In response to genetic expression the fetus forms the bones and teeth throughout growth and development by depositing minerals, especially calcium and phosphorous, into the developing structures. The particular construction of the skeleton and teeth once developed is indeed quite strong, capable of great load bearing, and is fracture resistant as well. The hydroxy apatite crystalline structure that forms the basic anatomy of the teeth and bones derives all of its great properties by the addition of calcium and phosphorous.

Where does MI Paste fit into this equation? Teeth require adequate calcium and phosphorous to remain healthy. During the decay process the common bacteria in the mouth that cause dental caries create acidic waste products from their growth and reproduction. The acid essentially pulls the mineral content – calcium and phosphorous—out of normally healthy teeth thereby creating decalcified areas. If these decalcified areas are not given the raw materials or minerals needed to remineralize the affected tooth structure, decay or cavities result. MI Paste and/or Soothe Rx are the perfect solution for this particular problem. Both of these products provide the needed minerals, especially calcium and phosphorous, that teeth require for remineralization to occur.

Both MI Paste and Soothe Rx are brands of topically applied pastes useful in decay prevention as well as restoring incipient or very early enamel caries back to healthy enamel and are available to consumers. They can be applied as a tooth paste on your favorite toothbrush and then expectorated, or applied as a desensitizing agent. If utilized as a desensitizer, brush and floss the teeth first, then apply MI Paste to any affected areas (perhaps with a Q-tip) and leave until the saliva dissolves it away naturally.

Obviously almost everyone would find this helpful, however, some groups may have particular interest in MI Paste’s benefits. These would include individuals that have a high risk for decay, individuals with sensitive teeth, individuals on medications that produce dry mouth side effects, individuals with a lot of existing dental work, and orthodontic patients who need to reduce decalcification around brackets for starters.

MI Paste and/or Soothe Rx are not sold in retail stores, but are available through dental offices as well as a few websites such as dentist.net, Smile Warehouse, and Healthy Beauty Village. These two products do their best to put back exactly what’s needed without the risk of potential toxicities to some other common dentifrices, and MI Paste comes in a variety of flavors. Check the ingredients list of these products just in case of sensitivity to propylene glycol, saccharin, or others if they have been a problem for you in the past.

Bad breath can come from several sources and sometimes the hardest part of the battle is finding the source. The source can range from a medical problem to something as simple as your diet. I will review possible sources along with just a few of the natural resources available to correct the problem.


Stomach or GI problems
Medical issues associated with IBS, Chrohn’s, reflux or stomach flu can create bad breath. The mouth is part of the digestive system and plays a large part in digestion, just as the mouth is affected by the digestive system. Some of the ways you can reduce or eliminate the bad breath problem would be to make sure you are eating a PH balanced diet. A more alkaline diet will reduce inflammation and flair ups. Brushing with baking soda on a regular basis can help reduce GI acid transferred to the mouth. To get to a more systemic result you will need to use an alkalizing agent you ingest. One source would be Dr. Young’s Biocarb-bal or Alkaline boosters (Dr. Robert O. Young); this creates a more Ph balanced system as a whole. Also, make sure that you are drinking enough water and you can even add fresh lemon juice to further Ph balance your body.


Pharmaceuticals
Various medicines can also change your body’s Ph or just create dry mouth syndrome. You may want to evaluate the medicine you are using and see if it’s possible to change to a different one or see if there are alternative therapies. If at this time, a change in medication or therapies is not possible, there are some small things you can do to at least reduce the bad breath. You can use essential oils as a mouth wash. The combinations of tea tree oil, peppermint, and lemon oil have been shown to reduce the level of sulfur in the mouth. If you are using homeopathic therapy and can’t use peppermint, then just stick with the tea tree and citrus oils. This will still reduce the sulfur levels. Avoid the use of regular mouthwashes that contain alcohol which increases the level of sulfur.


Other Causes
Other causes of dry mouth may include diabetes, colds, postnasal drip, allergies or sinus infections. These can all be helped with the use of essential oils and an increase of water intake with fresh lemon juice added. If you have been diagnosed with a bacteria based sinus infection, you can also take the homeopathic treatment pyrogenium 30c or sinus Ilium to eliminate the sinus infection. The Neti Pot is also a great way to clear and clean the sinuses whether from infection, cold or allergies. For seasonal allergy problems, there are a great combination of remedies for outdoor, indoor, mold and animal dander allergies by the company BioAllers. Until you can see the results of the homeopathic treatments, the use of myrrh and cinnamon bark oil are great for both the breath and irritated gums.


Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Bacteria that causes loss of bone and tissue along with the necrotic tissue can cause the bad odor from your mouth. Decayed and broken down teeth also have odor causing bacteria and most likely the same bacterial causing the gum disease are present. The key here is to repair the decayed teeth and eliminate the bacteria involved in gum disease. The decay part is pretty straight forward and the gum disease has a few options for technique of removal. If you are in the first phase of gum disease, it may be enough to get a good thorough cleaning and start using baking soda with essential oils to both freshen the breath and kill the bacteria causing bad breath and infection. The combinations of oils are as simple as peppermint or spearmint or you can mix any combination of those with lemon oil, tea tree, or rosemary. Another tasty and effective combination is cinnamon bark and myrrh with the addition of lemon or ginger, if you like. I like to add ginger to the oil mix. This helps create better circulation and blood flow in the gums and mouth. If you are having a great deal of sensitivity from hot/cold due to tooth decay and/or recessed gums or exposed roots, the use of clove oil will also kill the infection, help with the bad breath and reduce tooth sensitivity. If you are a little further along in the gum disease process, your best friend would be a water pik. This will remove debris from between the teeth and under/around the gums. With the use of essential oils you can create even further efficiency in killing the bacteria at the gum line and below.

Patients often love to ask rhetorical questions like,”Do I have to floss?”. The answer is , of course, but over the past 10-15 years a huge amount of research has brought systemic reasons for its importance to light. The obvious oral reasons are flossing helps reduce decay between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach, and it also reduces the risk of gum disease and the subsequent infections and tooth loss it often brings.


What is lesser known is what the lack of flossing does to harm your immune system. There are a large number of gum disease producing bacteria that hide in the spaces below the gumline that can enter the blood vessels in diseased areas of the gums. The cardiovascular implications at this time include increased risk of heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, and possible heart valve/ heart muscle damage. In addition, other systemic complications include increased risk of Type II adult onset diabetes, thyroid problems, brain infections, and kidney infections.


To avoid such health risks simply take about 12 inches of floss, wrap it around a couple fingers of your choice, and in an up/down sliding motion floss all the sides of the teeth: being careful to go under the gumline to break up the bacteria colonis’ hiding places. Once you get good at doing so, it only takes about 1-2 minutes to floss well. And just remember the next time you floss you not only help save your teeth, but you may also save your life in the same process!

It’s not too late for June brides to do a little beautifying of their smiles by whitening their teeth. Whitening has become a very popular process and, when done professionally, it is painless, quick and predictable.


With all the pictures that will be taken at the wedding that will immortalize this special event, whitening of the bride and groom’s teeth is something that will increase their confidence in how well they will project a radiant and healthy appearance.


The procedure of teeth whitening in the dental office takes about one hour. The dentist will use a special whitening gel that is carefully placed on all the visible surfaces of the teeth. There is a protective barrier placed at the gum line of the teeth to prevent the gel from touching the gums and areas of the teeth that could become hypersensitive. Most gels are activated by a special ultraviolet light that is focused on the gel covered teeth. Also, the lips and cheeks are protected by lip retractors. The actual time using the light may only be 30 to 40 minutes.


There can be a change from 6 to 13 shades lighter which can be very dramatic and pleasing. For the most dramatic results, whitening should be done close to the time of the wedding, that is, no sooner than one month before.
The negatives are few. One has to stay relatively motionless while the whitening is being done. The cost can vary from $300 to $600 depending on technique and the dentist’s fees. Laser whitening is usually more expensive. There is no known harm to the teeth. Even if there is a little sensitivity, it usually ends very quickly. It is also a good idea to have your dentist check for any tooth decay before bleaching is initiated.


There are home whitening products available at a much lower cost but they are not as reliable or effective because the strength of the whitening agent is significantly weaker. Make sure that you are decay free as these bleaching gel stimulate caries dentin.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics 62 percent of adults only go to the dentist once a year. This makes finding the right toothbrush and brushing with the right technique all that more important. toothbrush selection and brushing technique may sound simple and easy but failing to follow proper guidelines may lead to an unhealthy mouth.


The only consistent step in the toothbrush selection process is that everyone should use a soft or extra-soft toothbrush. There are many issues to consider when choosing the right toothbrush including dental anatomy, arch shape, crowding and the possibility of existing or past periodontal disease.


Brushing technique is key to preventing periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, and avoiding harmful, destructive brushing. One of the most common causes of gum recession is brushing too harshly. Brushing should never be done up and down or back and forth. Circular brushing strokes are most effective and keep gums healthy.


Follow these tips for choosing the right toothbrush:
• Stay Away from Fray – As a standard, toothbrushes should be changed every 3 months. However, if a toothbrush starts to look frayed, replace it – regardless of the time frame.
• Electronic Isn’t Always Better – If using good brushing technique, a manual toothbrush is best because there is more control over angle, placement and pressure.
• Size Wise – Always choose a toothbrush that is age and size appropriate. Anything too big or small won’t get the job done.