Posted by mattdds on September 27, 2003, at 12:59:05
In reply to non flouridated toothpaste » tealady, posted by joebob on September 27, 2003, at 11:28:05
Hi there,
Periodontal disease is actually very well understood. It's also a pretty simple problem. One thing dental researchers are quite certain of is that *plaque* is by far the largest etiologic factor in around 95% of periodontal diseases.
It is caused by an immunologic response to plaque - which contains bacteria, that release endotoxins. The result is destruction of the periodontal ligaments and bone loss from chronic inflammation.
If you are arguing that periodontal disease is caused by fluoride, this is just not supported by any reliable evidence. Again, it is *very* clear that plaque is the culprit. Loeb's studies on Swedish dental students have pretty much proven this to be the case.
It's really very simple, remove the plaque and tartar, maintain oral hygiene and the inflammation and periodontal disease will be arrested. It's really a pretty simple disease with a very simple and reliable cure. If there is true bone loss and periodontal ligament destruction with pocketing - toothbrushing alone will not arrest it. A procedure called scaling and root planing (or periodontal surgery) that removes subgingival calculus and plaque is indicated.
The endotoxins from the bacteria in plaque cause periodontal disease and bone loss - not fluoride! This is one thing that is virtually undisputed in dentistry.
Thanks,
Matt
P.s. I've never heard of true periodontitis (with bone and attachment loss) resolving without scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery. If a toothpaste and mechanical removal (brushing)solved your problems, it is very unlikely you had periodontitis to begin with. Most likely you had gingivitis - much different as it doesn't involve bone loss and ligament destruction with resultant pocketing. Periodontitis is associated with deep pockets which cannot be accessed with a toothbrush.
poster:mattdds
thread:263511
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030923/msgs/263740.html