Triclosan - Good ? Bad ?

Written by Natural Resources Defense Councilwww.nrdc.org

Health Concerns

Animal studies have shown both of these chemicals can interfere with hormones critical for normal development and function of the brain and reproductive system. Triclosan has been associated with lower levels of thyroid hormone and testosterone, which could result in altered behavior, learning disabilities, or infertility. 

Furthermore, laboratory studies suggest that triclosan and triclocarban may be contributing to antibiotic resistance in bacteria known to cause human infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls antibiotic resistance one of the most pressing health issues facing the United States. Infections caused by bacteria with resistance to at least one antibiotic have been estimated to kill more than 60,000 hospitalized patients each year.

Environmental Concerns 

Most of these products get washed down the drain, where they enter our waterways and are then transported widely throughout the environment. Triclosan is one of the most frequently detected chemicals in streams across the U.S. and both triclosan and triclocarban are found in high concentrations in sediments and sewage sludge where they can persist for decades.
In the environment, antibacterial compounds could disrupt aquatic ecosystems and pose a potential risk to wildlife. Traces of triclosan have been found in earthworms from agricultural fields and Atlantic dolphins. In the lab, triclosan has been shown to interfere with development of tadpoles into frogs, a process that is dependent on thyroid hormone.

Exposure

These antibacterials are used in a number of household and personal-care products, including cosmetics, liquid hand soap, deodorant bar soap, sponges, toothpaste and cutting boards, as well as shoes, towels and clothes. They often appear on the product's list of ingredients.

Stay Safe

• Avoid anything labeled "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial" which contains triclosan or triclocarban, such as soaps, gels, cleansers, toothpaste, cosmetics and other personal care products.
• Avoid other "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial" items such as cutting boards, towels, yoga mats, shoes, clothing and bedding.
• Use regular soap and hot water to clean effectively. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when you don’t have access to running water.

OUR DENTAL OFFICE'S THOUGHTS

Written by Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. 

After some preliminary research and consultations, I would agree that Triclosan is an issue that needs attention but the impact that dental applications have are minimal. Compared to the widespread usage of "antibacterials" and "antimicrobials" in thousands of consumer products, the amount of public exposure to Colgate Total toothpaste is a proverbial drop in the bucket. Today, there is a widespread phobia about getting sick and industry has responded using Triclosan based products to satisfy that desire. 

From hand sanitizers to antimicrobial shoes, we are crippling the immune systems in our bodies while adversely affecting our environment through the runoff of these products. Common sense does show the possible impact of that on the production of antibiotic resistant bacteria which kill thousands each year. Now, from a dental perspective, Colgate Total is tremendously useful in specific cases that are determined by your treatment team. 

Remember that the dosages fed to these animals greatly exceeded what you are exposed to through tooth brushing. We find the value of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of Triclosan on the body can prevent issues that go beyond just periodontal disease, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes among others.

Truthfully, you probably would have to eat a tube of Total a day for quite awhile to build up what the rodents got in an injection. These studies look a little weak regarding the cancer link but my biggest concern lies in the environmental impact of this drug. My thought is Triclosan is valuable to the public is far fewer and more judicious applications.

Our next post .. Setting the record straight about Colgate Total toothpaste (Triclosan) written by Colgate.  After reading both you, along with your hygienist,  can decide what is best for you.

6 Habits That Help Prevent Tooth Decay

Kids aren't the only ones prone to tooth cavities, but you can take steps to lower your risk for tooth decay and other dental problems.

Just as healthy habits can help protect your body against disease, healthy dental habits can safeguard against tooth decay and help avert other dental problems as well.

Dental Problems: How Tooth Decay Happens

Tooth decay occurs from the buildup of plaque acids on your teeth. After eating a meal or snack, bacteria in your mouth start working (they’re especially fond of meals that contain carbohydrates and sugars) and break down leftover particles of food, which produces acids. The acids then combine with debris in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque. Plaque tends to deposit on molars and near the gum line of teeth.

Plaque acids build up quickly, within 20 minutes after eating, and can be destructive to your dental health. Plaque continues to harbor these acids and is the leading cause of periodontal disease, or gum disease. "When acids are left on the teeth, they demineralize the teeth," says Jolene R. Zirnheld, DMD, of the Louisville Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Louisville, Kentucky. In other words, acids make the enamel of the tooth weaker. If the weakened tooth continues to decay, then a hole, called a tooth cavity, will form. If a cavity is left untreated, the tooth decay will continue, and the cavity will enlarge. An abscess, or infection, may develop, and eventually, the tooth can be destroyed.

Six Healthy Habits for Healthy Teeth

Most people know that brushing and flossing are important to prevent dental problems, but Dr. Zirnheld says that today that's just not enough for healthy teeth. "In this age of soda, coffee, sports drinks, and bottled water, it is easy to develop cavities," explains Zirnheld. "Most people drink bottled or filtered water — which does not contain tooth-strengthening fluoride — sip on soda, or grab a latte without brushing after." All these habits can weaken teeth, and the sugar from beverages like soda, juice, and milk feed the bacteria in your mouth, allowing tooth decay to set in.

Here are six healthy habits to prevent tooth decay and promote healthy teeth:

1. Brush frequently. Once a day won't cut it: Every morning and every night is the minimum to maintain healthy teeth and prevent dental problems. It’s even better to continually get rid of food particles that lead to tooth decay throughout the day. "The key is to drink or eat your meals or snacks and then brush very soon after," says Zirnheld. "If that is not possible, rinse with water or chew a sugar-free gum to help reduce the plaque and lower the acidity of your mouth." You should also use toothpaste that contains fluoride, which strengthens teeth and protects them against decay.
2. Floss daily. Though brushing is important, it's not enough. Your toothbrush can't get into those deep nooks and crannies in between your teeth, but dental floss can. Flossing at least once per day is necessary to get rid of the food particles hiding between your teeth and any plaque that has already formed.
3. Get regular dental checkups. See your dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup twice each year to keep teeth clean and healthy. Your dentist may also take X-rays of your teeth to look for early signs of tooth decay.
4. Limit sugary foods and drinks. No sugarcoating here! All those sweets stick to your teeth and lead to decay when bacteria feed on them and form acids. If you’re going to enjoy a snack, be sure to swish with water or brush your teeth right after. Otherwise, the bacteria that enter to break down the food end up creating plaque, which can destroy your enamel and create dental problems.
5. Drink tap water. Though bottled water may seem convenient or healthier, it's lacking something very important for dental health: fluoride. Tap water from most municipal water systems has added fluoride, but bottled water doesn't contain enough to protect teeth.
6. Get a sealant. Sealants are used to coat and cover the teeth in the back of your mouth to prevent tooth decay. A plastic sealant (or coating) is applied, which helps prevent plaque buildup in those tough-to-reach places. Though usually applied to children's teeth, adults can get them, too.

Remember that cavities don’t just affect kids. Following these healthy habits throughout adulthood will help you protect your teeth from tooth decay.

Reference: Everyday Health By Diana Rodriguez

WHAT IS ZIPFIZZ?

WHAT IS ZIPFIZZ?

Zipfizz is a healthy energy mix, with only 10 calories, no sugar, and 2 net carbs. It contains 25 nutrients that give an energy boost usually in about 15 minutes. It is “the healthy alternative to energy drinks, sports drinks and coffee.” Zipfizz transforms water into a healthy, energizing performance drink.

  

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Most people tell us that about 15 minutes after trying Zipfizz they feel alert, energized, and refreshed . . . but without the jitters that you might get from ephedra, high levels of caffeine, or sugar.

WHAT’S IN IT?

Zipfizz contains 25 nutritional ingredients: 9 VITAMINS: vitamins C, E, all the Bs, and folate 8 MINERALS: potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, manganese, chromium, sodium ELECTROLYTES: magnesium, potassium AMINO ACIDS: arginine, taurine ANTIOXIDANTS: green tea extract, vitamins C and E THE 4 G’S: Grape seed extract, Ginger, Green tea and Ginseng

CAN I USE A HALF SERVING?

Yes. But at least the first time, we recommend you try a whole serving to see how it works with your body.

DOES IT HAVE CAFFEINE?

Yes. It has 100 mgs of caffeine from natural sources of green tea and Guarana. That’s about one-fourth the caffeine in a Tall Starbucks coffee (375 mg) and less than two Excedrin tablets (130 mg).

HOW IS IT SWEETENED?

Zipfizz contains no sugar. With only 10 calories, it is sweetened with Xylitol (pronounced “Zy-le-tall”) and Sucralose. Xylitol is a naturally occurring, low-calorie sugar substitute found in berries, fruits and birch bark. Many dentists recommend chewing Xylitol gum for good dental health. The average person produces 6-10 grams a day of Xylitol, it is a by- product of sugar metabolism.

HOW LONG DOES THE ZIPFIZZ ENERGY EFFECT LAST?

Everyone’s metabolism is different. Most people say the alertness from Zipfizz lasts from 4-6 hours. Since Zipfizz energy comes from nutrients instead of high levels of sugar and caffeine, there aren’t the spikes and crashes that people complain about from other energy and sports drinks.

 IS IT SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

Zipfizz does contain 100 mgs of caffeine from green tea and guarana. Most pediatricians do not recommend caffeine for children however it is up to parents to determine if Zipfizz is suitable for their children.

WHAT’S IN IT THAT GIVES YOU ENERGY?

There aren’t just one or two ingredients that are doing all the work. The science behind Zipfizz combines 25 different nutritional ingredients that work together in balance.

THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF VITAMIN B-12. IS THIS DANGEROUS?

Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin. With these types of vitamins the digestive tract absorbs what it needs and gets rid of any excess. B-12 injections, with higher levels than this, are a commonly used healthcare treatment and are even reimbursed by some health insurers.

IS THIS A DIET/WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCT?

Zipfizz is not specifically a weight loss product, but it is a great support product for many diet plans. When decreasing calories, people usually complain about feeling sluggish and tired, particularly in the afternoon. With only 10 calories, 0 sugar and 2 net carbs, Zipfizz is a great energizer that can help you stay on your diet plan.

HOW MANY ZIPFIZZ SHOULD I DRINK EACH DAY?

Zipfizz is not recommended to exceed three servings per day.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DRINK ZIPFIZZ?

It depends on your own energy needs. A lot of people drink Zipfizz instead of coffee. It’s great in the morning and as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Athletes like it before a workout because it helps them train harder, without adding the calories and sugars that other sports drinks contain. We’re also hearing from college students who drink Zipfizz during study hours because it keeps them alert and awake without the coffee jitters.

WILL IT KEEP ME UP ALL NIGHT?

We don’t recommend you drink Zipfizz in the evening, unless you’re planning to be up late.

I’M A DIABETIC. CAN I TAKE ZIPFIZZ?

Zipfizz contains no sugar. It is sweetened with Xylitol and Sucralose. We are a conservative company with a background in medical nutrition and respect the doctor- patient relationship. We recommend that if you have any special health condition you should talk to your doctor before trying Zipfizz, just as you should before making any change to your nutritional habits.

Should you try oil pulling? we explore the ancient technique to see if it’s all it’s cracked up to be

Maybe you've seen something about it on the Internet, or a friend of a friend swears by it—but you’re not 

sure exactly what it is. Oil pulling is a growing trend but it’s not exactly new. “This oral therapy is a type of Ayurvedic medicine [a traditional Indian system] that dates back 3,000 years,” says Jessica T. Emery, DMD,owner of Sugar Fix Dental Loft in  Chicago. “It involves swishing approximately one tablespoon of oil—typically coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil—in your mouth for about 20 minutes and then spitting it out.” And unlike some so-called natural home remedies, it’s not a practice that’s based on pseudo-science. Recent studies show that oil pulling reduces gingivitis, plaque, and microorganisms that cause bad breath. How? “Most microorganisms inhabiting the mouth consist of a single cell,” Emery says. “Cells are  covered with a lipid, or fatty, membrane, which is the cell’s skin. When these cells come into contact with oil, a fat, they naturally adhere to each other.” Want to give it a try? Follow these tips. 

Use coconut oil. While you can get the same bacteria-reducing benefits with sesame or sunflower oil, coconut oil has the added benefit of lauric acid, which is well known for it’s anti-microbial agents, Emery says, making it more effective. Also, a recent study found that coconut oil may help prevent tooth decay.

Start with just five minutes a day. Twenty minutes of swishing is a long time, and while the longer you pull, the more bacteria you’ll remove, five or 10 minutes will still offer some benefit. Also, if your jaw starts aching a few minutes in, slow down. “Don’t work too hard,” Emery says. “A gentle swishing, pushing, and sucking the oil through the teeth is all that’s required.”

Don’t swallow. “If you find it hard not to, you likely have too much oil in your mouth,” Emery says. “Spit it out and try again with a smaller amount.” Also, don’t spit it down the sink, as the oil could clog your pipes. Just discard the used oil into the nearest trash can.

Don’t skip brushing and flossing. “Oil pulling should never replace routine dental visits and traditional home oral care,” Emery says. “It doesn't reverse the effects of tooth decay, but it’s a great supplemental therapy.”

  

EXPERT TIP

Coconut and sunflower oil aren't the only oils with dental health

benefits. For irritated, inflamed gums, rub a little vitamin E oil directly

on the surface. It’s rich in antioxidants, easily absorbed, and helps

regenerate healthy gum tissue. 

Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.

Reference:  Colleen Oakley -  WebMD Magazine