Dental Cavities
Cavities are holes that damage the structure of teeth. Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but affect any person. It is the most important cause of tooth loss in younger people. Bacteria are normally present in the mouth. The bacteria convert all foods – especially sugar and starch – into acids. Bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the teeth. It is the most prominent on the back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth mineralizes into tartar. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis and ultimately periodontitis.
Plaque begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes after eating (the time when most bacterial activity occurs). If this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large inside the tooth and destroy the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth. If left untreated, a tooth abscess develops. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes loss of tooth.
Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than nonsticky foods because they remain on surface of teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth.
Symptoms
- Toothache — particularly after sweet, hot or cold foods and drinks
- Visible pits or holes in the teeth
Signs and tests
Most cavities are discovered in the early stages during routine checkups. The surface of the tooth may be soft when probed with a sharp instrument. Pain may not be present until the advanced stages of tooth decay. Dental X-rays may show some cavities before they are visible to the eye.
Role of Noni
Noni has a broad range of health benefits for various diseases and complaints.
Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme and its role in inflammation : Pain, redness, heat and swelling, which are the markers of inflammation follow the release of prostaglandins. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) reduce prostaglandins by blocking an enzyme which helps to produce them, called cyclooxygenase (COX). There are actually two COX enzymes in the body. They are COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is called the good COX enzyme, while COX-2 has earned the unflattering name as the bad enzyme. COX1 is easily identifiable and is important in regulating cell function. COX2, on the other hand, is generally undetectable in most tissues, but increases to high levels during acute inflammation. The COX2 enzyme is largely responsible for causing pain and inflammation. Injury, disease, and trauma cause COX2 enzyme to produce prostaglandins which cause pain and inflammation. In contrast to the COX-2 enzyme, COX-1 enzyme is responsible for protecting the body’s stomach lining and kidneys. COX-2 is the key player in inflammation and pain. NSAIDs decrease the body’s production of both enzymes, thereby decreasing inflammation while at the same time causing harm to the stomach and its lining. The ideal situation would be to find a substance that inhibited only COX-2, but did not significantly affect COX-1.
Noni in pain and inflammatory condition : Noni is a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Researchers found that Noni was a selective inhibitor of COX-2 enzyme. In addition, the Noni did no damage to the COX1 enzyme. Another reason for Noni’s pain fighting qualities stem from several of its constituents. Noni contains Scopoletin, which has anti inflammatory effects. Scopoletin is needed in the body for smooth joint movement. It also produces anti-histamine effects. Apply Noni inside the cavities also.
Recommended Dosage
Divine Noni Concentrate
5ml morning and 5ml evening for 3 days. Then
10ml morning and 10ml evening for next 3 days. Then
15ml morning and 15ml evening for next 8 months.
