Tooth Decay
Caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While caries might not endanger your life, they may negatively impact your quality of life.

When your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, with tooth decay resulting.

Sensitive Teeth
Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.

Gum Disease
Gum, or periodontal, disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. One indicator of gum disease is consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent the buildup of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.

Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.

Orthodontic Problems
A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions.

TEETHING
Brush entire mouth morning and night with a soft bristled infant brush to stimulate gums. (Especially where teeth are breaking through the gingivae and where future teeth will be erupting.)

Teething Aids

• Vitamin A-rich vegetables
• Vitamin D-rich eggs
• Plenty of chilled foods, yogurt to relieve discomfort
• Give lots of cool water daily
• Chew on cold, raw carrot sticks
• Use a teething ring that has been kept in the refrigerator

You may also use weak solutions of tea both internally and pat on with a soft cloth.

• Chamomile
• Red Raspberry
• Peppermint
• Fennel

COLD SORES AND FEVER BLISTERS
Body acid/alkaline balance is important. Add more cultured foods to your diet for prevention: yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, etc.

Avoid high arginine foods, such as coffee, peanut butter, nuts, seeds, corn, etc. Avoid red meats, caffeine, refined and fried foods, sugars and sweet fruits.

Eat a mineral-rich diet: plenty of salads, lots of raw and cooked vegetables and whole grains. Baked potatoes and steamed broccoli are especially good. Drink a fresh carrot juice once a week.

Tannins and bioflavonoids help, such as green tea and grape juice.

Apply aloe vera skin gel frequently and take aloe vera juice internally.

Other helpful hints:

• Apply Lysine/Licorice gel
• Ester C vitamins
• Zinc lozenges several times daily
• Take Lysine capsules daily
• Check toothpaste – it should be sodium-lauryl-sulfate free
• Get plenty of sleep and rest