OZtensible —When Good Doctors Give Bad Advice

September 15, 2011 by bestedge

When Good Doctors Give Bad Advice.

os·ten·si·ble (adjective) – stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so

Dental Sealant - Do I Need It On My Teeth? Good Doctors Give Bad Advice

When Good Doctors Give Bad Advise: Recently, famous television host Dr. Oz, had a show about dental care and tooth whitening. I certainly don’t claim to be an expert on cardiothoracic surgery, so perhaps he should be cautious about doling out dental advice!

In one of the first segments, he mentions that eating raisins reduces plaque because it stimulates saliva. I have seen many children in my chair with cavities due to sticky, sugary raisins. Sure, they make for easy purse snacks that moms can give kids when they are out and about. But, we shouldn’t forget that raisins are concentrated sugar! Eating them will stimulate saliva, but all that sugar may also stimulate cavities.

His method to whiten teeth disturbs me more. He recommends a homemade slurry of lemon juice and baking soda, which is simply an acid mixed with an abrasive base. For those who may have had a few years since high school chemistry, pH concentration ranges from 0-14. Neutral is 7 (water), closer to zero is acidic and closer to 14 is alkaline (or basic). Coca-Cola has a pH of around 2, as does lemon juice. Acid from plaque is how we get cavities, so generally speaking, “Acid is bad.”

Baking soda is alkaline, or a base, so it will neutralize the acid if enough is used. However, the soda is very abrasive. While abrasives will remove plaque, they may also remove some of the enamel (the white part of the tooth), especially if the enamel has been softened from the acid.

Millions of dollars have been spent making sure tooth whitening products on the market are safe. By far, the quickest method is an in-office treatment like Zoom! Professional Whitening System. However, if the cost is prohibitive, it would be better in the long run to buy take home whitening system from your dentist or a home kit of Crest Whitestrips than make the lemon paste, and it would save your enamel at the same time.

Have any questions about dental care for yourself or your kids? Call (919) 651-8024 for Carolina Dental Arts of Morrisville NC.

Kathy Anders
Kathy Anders
2022-10-18
Excellent staff and love my dentist and the ladies in the office! Mrs. Patsy is my favorite and Liz is second. They are all good at what they do. Keeping my smile and my teeth looking their best! Awesome as always!
Marian Malone
Marian Malone
2022-10-10
Ashley who was my hygienist today did such a wonderful job on my teeth. I have gone in for cleanings before with other dentists in the area of Goldsboro and always come out with yellow teeth still.. I did not have any any kind of whitening done she just cleaned my teeth and I felt so good afterward .
Julian Edwards
Julian Edwards
2022-10-10
Awesome
Rodney Mealing Jr
Rodney Mealing Jr
2022-10-04
The Staff and service were great. From scheduling to dental work done, everything went easy. Felt relaxed, would recommend their services.
Tisse Martin (Tisse)
Tisse Martin (Tisse)
2022-09-29
Carolina Dental Arts staff & services are amazing. I called in as a new patient. They got me in and took care of my tooth the same day, with little waiting time. I was truly impressed. Thanks again CDA, see you guys soon ! 🤗
Janai Donyele
Janai Donyele
2022-09-29
My name is Sharonda. And I have been going to Carolina Dental for years, this is my family, whom I love so much. So kind very considerate, and patient. God bless everyone that works there. Love u guys.
Ellen Barlow
Ellen Barlow
2022-09-29
Friendly staff and Dr Taylor!! They really ease your anxiety!




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