Aloe Vera - It's Not Just for Your Skin

Staying in tune with the summer heat, we're all aware of the soothing effects of Aloe vera for our sunburns. We might even use it for the occasional cut or two. However, this medicinal plant has gradually become a popular, useful "tooth gel". Patients are turning to Aloe vera to cleanse and soothe their gums. But the real kicker is that Aloe vera can fight cavities!

Based upon peer-reviewed articles from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), when compared to two leading toothpastes, Aloe vera gel has been shown to be just as or more effective in controlling cavities¹.

In addition to its sugar-bug-fighting powers, Aloe vera is a very effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory (due to the anthraquinones within the plant) which means that its the ideal alternative for individuals with sensitive gums and/or teeth.

Sample of Aloe Vera Tooth Gel

But before you run out to your local store and stock up on Aloe vera for your oral care, make sure that the Aloe vera used is stabilized (that is, not excessively heat treated). The heat destroys the "healing" components of the plant and therefore would be of little benefit to you and your family. To help you out, there is an International Aloe Science Council that helps you pick out quality, certified products.

As always, make sure to consult with your dentist prior to changing your oral care routine.

And as a quick reminder, this Sunday, August 1st is Neighbors in Health hosted by United Way of Wine Country. See last entry for more information. Would love to see you there!

Best,

Dr. Lynda Tran

¹ George, D., Bhat, S., Antony, B. Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of aloe vera tooth gel and two popular commercial toothpastes: An in vitro study. General Dentistry May/June 2009. Pg. 238-241.

Neighbors in Health

Awesome event coming up this Sunday hosted by United Way of Wine Country. Neighbors in Health provides a day of free health care for uninsured children in communities in and surrounding Santa Rosa. Last year, more than 400 children participated in Neighbors in Health. Children receive medical care which includes getting their immunizations, check-ups, dental exams/screenings and lots of health education. There'll even be jump houses! Here are the details:

• When: Sunday, August 1st 
• Where: Kaiser Permanente (401 Bicentennial Way, Santa Rosa)
• Why: For the kids, of course!

If you are free this Sunday, please consider volunteering. You can find out more here. I'll be there from 11am to 5pm in the Dental Area. Come by and say "hi"!

Hope to see you there,
Dr. Lynda Tran

Fabulously Fashionable Fontanella

Just wanted to post about a wonderful event coming up at Fontanella Family Winery. 10-30% of proceeds go to Aldea (an organization dedicated towards providing child welfare services and mental health care). Space is limited, so please contact Stacey to RSVP.

Cheers, 

Dr. Lynda Tran

Mr. Sun, Please Shine Down on Me!

We’re in the midst of summer and what’s hotter than Vitamin D? While I would always urge everyone to use high-SPF sunscreen and to judiciously expose themselves to the sun, there are tons of teeth-related benefits to upping your Vitamin D. Let’s explore.

It’s been well established that there is a strong link between periodontal disease (aka gum disease) and Vitamin D. The details of this link are still a mystery, but we know that lack of Vitamin D = greater risk of gum disease. The link lies within the bones. As you may already know,  your teeth are being held in by bone. When there is a deficient amount of Vitamin D, the genes that express gum disease are activated, causing the bones to be come weak and teeth to become loose.

In addition to Vitamin D’s control of these gum-disease-expressing genes, BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine has shown that Vitamin D has an anti-inflammatory effect. Basically, Vitamin D helps reduce the inflammation in your gums which would have (if not stopped) led to gum disease.
On top of all the great benefits for your gums, Vitamin D also keeps your teeth strong by reducing the risk of cavities. In the event that an individual who severely lacks Vitamin D (e.g. rickets), there is an overwhelming increase in cavities (see AAP Article).

Beyond the scope of the mouth, lack of Vitamin D has also been linked to heart disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and a multitude of cancers.

Despite the title of this article, there are three main ways you can beef up your Vitamin D.

1. Foods – Mainly, seafoods (e.g. salmon, mackerel, tuna, and cod liver oil) which also contain awesome good-for-your-heart omega-3 fatty acids) and fortified foods such as milk.
2. Supplements – Reliable source of Vitamin D. Make sure that you choose a supplement made with the D3 form (aka cholecalciferol).
3. Sun – Granted, not the most reliable or safe way of achieving your Vitamin D intake but the next time you’re out in the sun, you can smile at the fact that you’re helping your teeth and gums out!

Disclaimer: Before changing your eating habits or supplement intake, please consult with a dentist or physician. And, please, do limit your exposure to the sun.

Best,

Dr. Lynda Tran