Dental Tribune Middle East & Africa

Dental Tribune Middle East & Africa Edition | May - June 2013 T he healthy living industry has blossomed into a fashionable, must-have trend in the 21st Century. Going green, natural, or eco-friendly, however you refer to it, the so-called “organic” buzz runs through everything we see and touch; from the food we eat to the clothes we wear. Even the cars we drive have transformed from “gas guzzlers” to cool, cost-efficient, environmentally-friendly ‘hybrids’. From the moment we wake up in the morning to when we retire to bed at night, many of us constantly use products that are fragranced, fluoridated, flavoured and contain refined sugars or artificial colourings; and exposed to hundreds of household chemicals. However, society has become more aware of the potential damage the consistent use of such products can cause their bodies and are consequently more educated on the products they choose to purchase. Over recent years, this awareness has increased exponentially and in the past decade, sales of organic foods have grown almost 20 percent annually and nearly two-thirds of Americans bought organic foods and beverages in 2005 despite higher costs (1). In comparison, sales of conventional foods are growing by around 2-3 percent each year. This booming, billion-dollar, healthy living industry is proof that lifestyle choices are changing and people are increasingly using and consuming natural products. Health companies and activists in this market continue to promote and educate the public that making a more informed choice can have a direct impact on overall health in the long-term. Therefore as a trusted dental professional, you should be aware of the effective, natural oral care products available and what benefits they can offer. Nature’s solution to whitening teeth Taste, brand, price and the ability to combat common dental problems such as staining or bad breath are all common factors when patients choose a toothpaste brand, but few look beyond the attractive packaging and delve more deeply into the ingredients that constitute the toothpaste itself. Most toothpastes contain similar ingredients, but as brands develop products to combat common dental problems, additional ingredients such as fluorides, abrasives, desensitising agents, antiplaque agents and antitartar ingredients are being added to formulas to perform specific functions. In addition, detergents, preservatives, humectants, thickeners, flavouring and colouring agents, and sweeteners can all be found in toothpaste. With increasing consumer awareness of the many different ingredients and chemicals being consumed every day, it is unsurprising that many are turning to a more natural solution when it comes to their oral care. Those looking for an organic, fluoride-free solution can now gravitate to the option of “natural” toothpastes that contain gentler ingredients. Those who have concerns about Fluoride will appreciate the benefits of the “new generation”... Beverly Hills Formula Natural Whitening Expert toothpaste is one such toothpaste. Using the purest ingredients, including aloe vera and green tea, this new natural formula ensures the freshest solution when restoring teeth to their natural white colour. In addition, this toothpaste contains no artificial colours and has a great minty flavour to freshen bad breath, making it nature’s solution to whitening teeth! whiter teeth, they don’t have to choose between effectiveness, safety, and natural ingredients. This “green” toothpaste, offers a natural, teeth whitening solution that results in a healthier, whiter smile, in only 1 minute! Free from fluoride Fluoride levels found in toothpaste has often been a subject of debate across the globe despite its ability to help strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. The primary concern is that if swallowed in large amounts fluoride can be highly toxic, with children being most at risk. Standard toothpastes should contain 1,350 to 1,500ppmF (parts per million Fluoride). One of the more common ingredients developed to keeping the enamel strong and healthy includes the fluoride Sodium Monofluorophosphate, which has been proven to protect tooth enamel from plaque attack, and Calcium Glycerophosphate, a natural component found in the human body used to prevent cavities through enzymatic cleansing and promoting the remineralisation of tooth enamel. Those who have concerns about Fluoride will appreciate the benefits of the “new generation” nonfluoride agent Xylitol. This humectant, which provides the toothpastes with its texture and helps it retain its moisture, is effective in reducing plaque whilst enhancing the remineralisation of teeth. This “family-friendly” solution is tolerated by diabetics, helps with halitosis (dry mouth) and isn’t harmful if accidently swallowed. Consuming this tooth-friendly sugar substitute can help in the fight against tooth decay, targeting the mutans streptococci, the primary bacteria responsible for dental caries. Xylitol formulated toothpaste is just one way of helping you achieve the required daily dose but there are many chewing gums, sweets and lozenges available on the market containing this ingredient, an ideal method of protecting children against tooth decay. Similar effects can be found with the antibacterial chemical triclosan, which is incorporated into toothpaste to reduce the growth of plaque and inhibit gingivitis. According to the study distributed by the Academy of General Dentistry, toothpaste that contains triclosan/copolymer is considered more effective than regular fluoride toothpastes at killing bacteria to prevent cavities, out-performing fluoride Aloe Vera, a 100% natural product, is extremely popular for a number of health issues. Its unique preventive properties offer a natural soothing gel to control bacteria and cavities whilst reducing the inflammation of gums for those suffering from gum disease and mouth ulcers. It also leaves behind a smooth taste and fresh breath feeling after brushing. Bad breath (halitosis) is a common problem that affects most adults at some point during their lives, and for up to a quarter of adults, on a more regular basis (2). In fact, it is estimated to be the third most frequent reason for seeking dental aid following tooth decay and periodontal disease (3). Studies from Pace University, New York, have shown Green Tea to be effective at eliminating bad breath, inhibiting bacterial growth by 30% and helping to remove plaque build-up; two prime causes of bad breath. The protective properties of Green Tea are due to the presence of anti-oxidant polyphenols, and when used in toothpaste and mouthwash these help eliminate the bacteria that cause bad breath and dental caries and fight off oral viruses. Gentle but effective solution Removing over 91% of stains removed over a 5-minute period, Beverly Hills Formula Natural Whitening Expert toothpaste demonstrates that your patients can now restore their teeth to a natural, white colour, quickly and effectively. Results from a study conducted last year at a UK Dental School and Hospital proved that Beverly Hills Formula Natural Whitening Expert toothpaste is more effective at removing stains when compared with other leading brands of whitening toothpastes and toothpolishes (4). Patients who regularly use highly abrasive toothpastes can damage their teeth and gums, and as the tooth enamel wears away the dentin becomes more visible and teeth become more yellow in appearance. Teeth can also become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. However your patients can be rest-assured that Beverly Hills Formula Natural Whitening Expert toothpaste offers a gentle stain-removing solution. It is proven to be less abrasive than other leading brands of both whitening and regular toothpastes. During a separate abrasive analysis, Beverly Hills Formula Natural Whitening Expert toothpaste scored 99 on the RDA (relative dentin abrasivity) table, whilst some leading competitors have levels as high as 138 (5). From these results it’s evident that if your patients choose to go natural but want only toothpastes (6). Using fluoride-free toothpaste, such as Beverly Hills Formula Natural Whitening Expert toothpaste, offers peace-of-mind and has consequently become a popular choice for those in search of safe and effective oral care products. Ultimately, natural toothpastes offer safer ingredients helping maximise oral health benefits without exposing the body to the dangers of harsh acids and abrasive chemicals found in some leading oral care products. Beyond the attractive packaging Going “green” has never been more fashionable than it is today. If patients enquire about what natural oral healthcare products are available, suggest they look at what’s actually inside the products they are already using, looking beyond the brand and into the ingredients to understand the effects they’re having on their health. In doing so, patients can be certain that they choose products that offer a natural solution without compromising on effectiveness. References (1) Naturally Savvy distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc (2009). Why Choose Natural and Organic Products? iHaveNet. com. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from http:// www.ihavenet.com/Why-Choose-Natural- and-Organic-Products.html. (2) Bad breath (halitosis) (2005). Retrieved June 20, 2012, from http://www.netdoctor. co.uk/diseases/facts/badbreath.htm. (3) Loesche, WJ; Kazor, C (2002). “Microbiology and treatment of halitosis”. Periodontology 2000 28: 256–79. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0757.2002.280111. (4) Stain Removal Data 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2013, from http://www. beverlyhillsformula.com/stain-removal- data-2012/. (5) Toothpaste Abrasivity Analysis July 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2013, from http:// www.beverlyhillsformula.com/toothpaste- abrasivity-analysis-july-2012/. (6) Academy of General Dentistry (2010, April 13). Toothpaste with triclosan/ copolymer kills harmful germs, study finds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 5, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2010/04/100413121334.htm. Going “eau natural” Contact Information Visit www.beverlyhillsformula.com, call +353 1842 6611 or email info@beverlyhillsformula.com 18 oral HyGiene

Dental Tribune Middle East & Africa

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