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| That video has some accurate information, but there are quite a few exaggerations or misleading claims.
Dental caries (cavity) is a disease caused by fermentable carbohydrates. This is refined sugars from drinks, candy, food and also includes carbs from things like breakfast cereal and snack crackers. There are certain types of bacteria that are able to stick to and colonize on the surface of the teeth. Plaque is mainly bacteria. These bacteria live of the sugars and the waste product is acid. The acid gets concentrated where the plaque builds up and then essentially the tooth soaks in acid until the enamel dissolves. So, anyone who consumes less fermentable carbs should lower their dental caries rate. Plaque control reduces the bacteria loads on the tooth surfaces and therefore lowers the caries risk.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingival tissue (ie. gum tissue) that supports the teeth. The inflammation is caused by some local irritant -- like plaque, food debris, etc. Gingivitis is REVERSIBLE. If you remove the irritant, you will reduce the inflammation. Bleeding gingiva is one of the signs of gingivitis. Bleeding is NOT normal.
Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis -- this is where chronic inflammation leads to tissue destruction. Periodontitis is NOT REVERSIBLE. When the tissue is destroyed, the same tissue doesn't grow back. The inflammatory cells secrete stuff that leads to tissue destruction....then you get "pockets" which let the bacteria and irritants go even deeper.....the deeper the pocket, the harder it is go clean. Eventually, deep pockets get to the point where it's impossible to clean (more irritation) and the bacteria colony changes to some very nasty anaerobes, which are incredibly destructive. Changing your diet is going to be little benefit at this point.
I tell my patients to use whatever they need to do to keep their teeth clean....whatever kind of toothbrush, toothpaste (with fluoride and no charcoal) that they like will be more or less adequate. Plaque control is the fundamental step and someone with a $300 Sonicare toothbrush still has to put in some personal effort. Mouthwash doesn't remove plaque.
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Dental health
