
Effects of Tongue Scraping on Plaque, Gingivitis, and Cavities
Tongue scraping and tongue brushing have been practiced for centuries in many continents around the world, but do they do anything?
Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Emily
Not drinking enough water can result in a whole slew of health issues including dental cavities, urinary tract infections, constipation, and heart disease. The recommendation is 4-7 cups per day for women and 6-11 cups per day for men.
Green tea contains natural fluoride from the tea plant. This suggests that it may help prevent cavities. However, children should not drink green tea as their primary beverage. Drinking a few cups a day is fine, but too much can result in fluorosis (discoloration of the teeth).
Since raisins contain a lot of natural sugar, it has been thought that they cause cavities. However, when studied more closely, raisins were found to potentially reduce the risk of cavities. The formation of cavities depends on three factors: acid, adherence, and bacteria that makes up dental plaque. Raisins are not acidic and do not stick to the teeth as much as foods like chips, cookies, and crackers. Fresh fruit is best, as apples and bananas disappear almost immediately.
Phytates are found in beans, grains, nuts and seeds. People who eat a healthy plant-based diet consume twice the amount of phytates as omnivores. Phytates may protect against diabetes, dental cavities, coronary heart disease and a variety of cancers.
The information on this page has been compiled from the research presented in the videos listed. Sources for each video can be found by going to the video’s page and clicking on the Sources Cited tab.
Tongue scraping and tongue brushing have been practiced for centuries in many continents around the world, but do they do anything?
Both erythritol and xylitol are not just neutral, but beneficial for dental health. Which one wins out?
The sugar industry’s response to evidence implicating sweeteners in the obesity epidemic.
If sugar consumption is considered the one and only cause of cavities, how much is too much?
How the food industry responds to “health food faddists.”
One of the worst breakfast cereals will surprise you.
Oil pulling is put to the test head-to-head against chlorhexidine mouthwash for oral and dental health measures.
In this “best-of” compilation of his last four year-in-review presentations, Dr. Greger explains what we can do about the #1 cause of death and disability: our diet.
Dried fruit has long been thought to contribute to tooth decay, but what does the science say?
Based on the potential benefits of proper hydration such as reduced bladder cancer risk, how many cups of water should we strive to drink every day?