Generally, the health of our teeth depend to a large extent on our diet and  
to a lesser but equally significant extent on genetics and regular 
maintenance.  The indigenous African diet consists of un-processed food and a significant 
 amount of roughage. This makes for strong gums and teeth if unsculpted. The  
cosmetics is not of as much interest to me as dental health. Sorry veneers,  
caps, etc. are not my thing. But mind you I have beautiful teeth. Just so you  
single ladies know.
 
Anyways the food of the new Africans and transplanted Africans consists of  a 
lot of processed foods, sugars, and not much roughage. This presents  
favourable conditions for bacterial growth between our teeth and gums and in  that 
ever so small pad on top of our molars especially the lower wisdom teeth.  If we 
do not maintain regular cleaning routines, bacteria and plaque can  
accumulate in these breeding grounds. 
 
We generally do not worry about our teeth until they develop an abcess or  
have a hole in them. By the way, most dentists have done away with metal  
fillings for composites or ceramics. So if you have a hole in your tooth and the  
dentist wishes to insert metal fillings in there, he very well could be from  
Gujarat. You are advised to seek dental work elsewhere.
 
Unsightly stains can come from cocoa (coffee), kolanuts, or nicotine among  
others. You must understand though that you do not schedule tooth cleaning  
because of these stains. Crest white strips or iWhite kit from Remedent  
(belgium) is adequate.
 
For stains, plaque, and other bacteria, use a spoonful of hydrogen  peroxide, 
mouthwash (listerine), and antibacterial soap in a cup of  water and brush 
twice daily - once before going to sleep and once when you  wake up. NOT FOR 
KIDS PLEASE. Some dentists suggest a water pick but at  $40.00 a pop, this may be 
out of the reach of many. The idea behind a water pick  is to apply the 
elixir described above with a comfortable pressure pick  between the gumline and 
the teeth. The sensation is exhilarating but brushing  will yield similar 
results.
 
I have come across another landscaping project that I'm sure you will  
appreciate. I will share that under separate cover.
 
Thank you one and all and happy chewing!
Masoud. MQJGDT. Al mutawakkil. No Sebutoo and no baking soda.  Please. 



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