[pct-l] RE: [at-l] need help finding toothpaste supplies

[ericgraham@xxxxxxxxxxx (Eric Graham)]

Ken,

As to all your efforts looking for sample sized toothpaste packets - maybe
you shouldn't be wasting your time.

My knowledge on this subject comes from talking to my mom, a dental
hygienist. Most (if not all) of your cleaning is going to come from proper
brushing and flossing, not the toothpaste you use. Brushing without
toothpaste won't leave your mouth with that temporary fresh, mint-like
taste, but your teeth will still feel smooth and clean.

Despite the fact that many claims that toothpaste companies make as far as
their ability to clean and whiten are exaggerated, it is still a means for
delivering fluoride. Although fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, some have
questioned how good it is for people in other ways.

You might ask how you are supposed to get fluoride if you don't carry
toothpaste? You probably don't need it. With proper diet and brushing, your
teeth should be just fine without it. What makes fluoride important is the
huge amount of sugar we consume (especially Americans). Not only does it
wreak havoc in your mouth, it is incredibly bad for body in other ways.

As a hygienist my mom has learned that the biggest factor in tooth decay is
diet. Children that consume soda on a regular basis generally have many
cavities. Not only does the sugar in soda affect your teeth, but also the
citric acid. The phosphoric acid in soda is also bad for your bones.

Anyways, stay away from soda, hard candy, and other forms of refined sugar
and you will have a healthy mouth (and body). Fluoride may be more important
for very old people who have more root exposure or decreased saliva
production, but for most healthy mouths a few months on the trail without
toothpaste won't hurt a bit. Remember your good brushing techniques, leave
your toothpaste at home, and if you are a weight weenie you can jump for joy
because you have dropped an ounce off your back. You would be much better
off substituting that toothpaste for floss if you don't already carry it.