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Many of us are familiar with the artificial sweeteners called Equal and Splenda. These are commonly used in diet soda and added to coffee or tea. These items are approved and regulated by the FDA. Another common artificial sweetener is Xylitol which is often found in sugarless gum. Although this sweetener is safe for humans including pregnant women in can be deadly if consumed by dogs.

Equal contains aspartame and Splenda contains sucralose. Aspartame has potential and real toxicities. It is now being classified as a neurotoxin which causes severe adverse reactions. Splenda, a better option because it is not a chemical, is stable under heat and can be used for baking but it is a processed sweetener. 

Stevia also commonly known as sweetleaf or sugarleaf is a natural non-toxic calorie free sweetener. Stevia is an herb that is 300 times sweeter then sugar. It also has several medicinal uses; for example as a digestive aid, can be used in wound healing and to treat high blood pressure. Stevia is safer to consume then aspartame; although not FDA approved it is approved by the American Herbal Products Association because is considered a dietary supplement.

Many of my patient’s ask me which type of toothpaste is the best.  There are so many different kinds on the market, so how do you know which one to choose? In our office, we recommend that our patient’s use Colgate Total. Colgate Total has the American Dental Association seal of approval, and it’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Colgate Total has the antibacterial agent Triclosan, which has been proven effective in reducing plaque germs for up to twelve hours. Colgate Total helps prevent tarter buildup, fight gum disease (gingivitis), minimize cavities, and reduce bad breath. We also offer Crest ProHealth, toothpaste & mouthwash, but if staining occurs we recomend that you stop using these products. The studies have shown 82% reduction in decay using this product and the staining is simply a reaction with certain people's saliva.For patient’s who require toothpaste with more fluoride, we recommend Prevident 5000 Booster, which is a prescription strength toothpaste that you can’t buy over the counter. Prevident 5000 Booster contains five times the amount of fluoride as regular toothpaste, and greatly reduces the risk of decay, prevents recurrent decay, remineralizes decalcifying areas, and also help with sensitivity.  Prevident 5000 Booster is especially beneficial in helping to prevent recurrent decay around existing crowns and bridgework. Proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at least twice a day using a soft bristled toothbrush, and flossing at least once a day in conjunction with a healthy balanced diet, will help you maintain your teeth and gums.