Preface:
Gum disease and tooth decay are the major causes of tooth loss. Both result from bacterial infections and poor nutrition and are entirely preventable. This book gives a step-by-step approach for restoring teeth and healthy gums and maintaining them, with a major emphasis on prevention. Prevention is the only practical and cost-effective way to keep your teeth all your life.
This year, Americans will spend over $.97 billion on dental care (1) Sixty percent of all 15-year-olds and ninety percent of adults over age 35 will have some degree of progressive gum disease. Some 12 percent of American children will be receiving orthodontics to correct the effects of an under-formed dental arch. Tooth decay is still a major problem especially among less educated lower income groups. In 1986-1987, the average 17-year-old had over five decayed, missing, and filled teeth. And, contrary to popular belief, there is no scientific proof that fluoride can be credited with decreasing tooth decay.(2)
This book also deals in detail with three of the major controversies facing the dental consumer today: “silver” mercury fillings, non-surgical treatment for gum disease and fluoride.
An environmentalist viewpoint is emphasized through-out: materials used in dentistry should not, contribute to the proliferation of toxic chemicals in the environment – especially in the very intimate environment of your mouth.
