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



Thanks to all of you that responded to our request for toothpaste packets.

We do not carry toothpaste in our packs, only floss and toothbrushes. We
brush without paste or powder and don't have a toothpaste smell for bears
and don't pollute by spitting.

We do like the packets in our resupply box so that we have fresh smelling
breath in town. Motels sometimes have toothpaste available but we don't
always stay at a full service motel.

By the way, I also like lots of extra toothbrushes in a resupply or bounce
box. The already used brush scrubs my very dirty feet and nails and then
gets tossed when I get a new brush.

Thanks,
Marcia
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric Graham" <ericgraham@fastmail.fm>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2003 9:01 PM
Subject: [pct-l] RE: [at-l] need help finding toothpaste supplies


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.

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