Ionic Toothbrush

It is my experience that when you enter the world of alternative health ideas, modalities and options, you have to expect a lot of scepticism. I'm used to eye rolling and flat out arguments. I've stopped really trying to justify, explain or worst of all, convince anyone. Now I only offer suggestions and information when asked and on this blog! But every once and awhile, something works so well, and the evidence seems so clear that I allow a little bit of gloating.  Hence today's story.

It feels like I'm a "regular" at the dentists' office.  I noticed when they re-modeled. I admire the changing artwork.  I notice when haircuts change. I know how the kids are growing and who has moved away. So we were all surprised when the records showed I hadn't had a check-up in 6 years!!  It seems I have done a lot of sitting in the waiting room, dropping off, or picking up. Meanwhile, my own teeth have been allowed to go un-checked, uncleaned,and  un-x-rayed. 

So today was the day.  I'm pretty sure everyone in the office was sizing me up for dentures.  Six years! Scandalous.  I had to explain a number of times that I hadn't been away, or sick, or boycotting- I just didn't realize it. I was braced for the dental hygiene lecture in "long version".  The one about not brushing enough, or the right way. It includes the explanation of why regular check-ups are so important, and heaven forbid the one about flossing! Apparently, flossing the night before doesn't count when it's been 6 years! I'm not condoning my irresponsibility. I'm not suggesting it's right to avoid dental check-ups. I'm just telling the story.

And the story makes me smile brightly.  Because... the x-rays revealed no cavities.  Not even that "little one we are going to watch" cavity. Despite the goggles and the heavy duty equipment there wasn't much plague build up. No "scaling" whatever that is - required. No one told me I hadn't been brushing right. No one even mentioned the floss. They kept looking in disbelief, but there you have it- a perfect check up. Hmmm.. Scandalous!

So I thought I'd mention what I have been doing because it would seem I'm doing something right?  For the past 6 plus years, I have been using an ionic toothbrush. Today's picture shows one.  I got the picture off the Soladay website http://www.soladey.com/.

If you go to the website, this is what you will find as a description:

"The Soladey ionic brush has a light-activated titanium dioxide rod (semiconductor) inside the handle. When exposed to any light source (a fluorescent bathroom light, a plain light bulb or sunlight), the photo-sensitive titanium rod inside the Soladey ionic brush converts light into negatively-charged ions (electrons). The rod releases these ions, which blend with saliva to attract positive (hydrogen) ions from the acid in the dental plaque on your teeth.

The acid is then neutralized and plaque is disintegrated – a scientific approach to a cleaner and healthier mouth! Toothpaste is not required as water (saliva) is the acting ingredient – oral hygiene now becomes not only natural, but also economical!"

I'm not really sure how I came across the ionic toothbrush. It was just one of those things that I thought I'd try and it felt right.  I stopped using toothpaste the day I got the brush. I wasn't really trying to avoid toothpaste, although a lot of people do because of the multiple ingredients in most brands. Some people believe toothpaste, in itself, is harmful. I just found when I used this toothbrush I didn't need toothpaste and I like the fact that I have one less thing to buy! My teeth feel really clean when I use the toothbrush and in all other respects (include mouth odor) I just don't notice a difference. Every once in awhile I soak the brush part of the toothbrush (it comes off and you replace it every couple of months) in colloidal silver http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.ca/2010/11/colloidal-silver-for-colds-flu.html

I have only one disagreement with the information on the website.  They claim one of the benefits of the toothbrush is that it's easy to carry in your purse or backpack.  That's true. But do NOT leave it in your purse or backpack if you intend to go through airport security.  I spent a long time in one particular airport explaining my toothbrush really was a toothbrush, taking it apart to reveal the rod was not some sort of knife or device, and demonstrating it's use as a toothbrush!! Was a tough presentation.

Today, the hygienist didn't seem as interested or impressed with my toothbrush story as the security guards (yes plural) were at the airport. Since I started using different things I've got pretty used to hearing that rather than alternatives actually working, if I've got positive responses, it must be due to genetics, or sheer luck.  Most commonly I get a version of, "If you had to work as hard and endure as much stress as the rest of us  do, you'd be sick (or have cavities) too".  Hmm... Perhaps that's true.

I scheduled another appointment in a year's time, but I left the free toothbrush, and sample toothpaste on the counter. I've got my own thanks. I'm still smiling!