One of the things that really 'burns me up' is the tremendous amount of money spent on health care stuff, particularly when what is being sold is of little value to your health. Like toothpaste.

I suppose I might be a 'tad' sensitive about this because I am a dentist, but millions and millions of dollars are spent each year on toothpastes, the majority of which are nothing more than sweet, flavored, 15 minute breath fresheners.

Sure, if you advertise enough, you can get people to buy almost anything. But let me give you some advice that will save you some money, but more importantly, bring you better oral health.

WHY BOTHER WITH TOOTHPASTE AT ALL?

Modern toothpastes do polish teeth and provide some whitening. If you drink water without fluoride, most toothpastes contain fluoride which, all other issues aside, helps to cut the rate of cavities- although there are better ways to do this.

For me, the only reason to use a toothpaste is to lower the amount of acids in the mouth. Why? It is the acid that eats through the enamel of your teeth and gives you cavities. It is the acid that provides the perfect environment for gum disease (gingivitis and pyorrhea) to thrive.

So if you understand what I'm saying, you'll realize that one of the simplest things you can do to head off both cavities and pyorrhea is to start cutting down on things that create acids in your mouth. Anything with sugar. Like candy, gum, soda pop, cough drops or breath mints.

THE NEXT EASY THING TO DO

Start using baking soda (without hydrogen peroxide) instead of regular toothpaste. Baking soda makes the mouth and saliva more alkaline, the opposite of acidy.

To get the most out of this, mix 6 parts baking soda to 1 part Real Salt or Sea Salt. Baking soda you can get anywhere. The sea salt is available at any good health food store. A 1 pound bag should cost you less than a dollar. I usually pay around 50 cents for a bag and give it to my patients for nothing.

Place the baking soda and sea salt in a blender and mix for 30 seconds, then put the powdered mixture in a container.

To use instead of toothpaste, take a little of the powder out of your storage container and put into the palm of your hand. Wet the bristles of your toothbrush, shake off the excess water, and dab the bristles into the powder in your hand. Brush as you would normally, then just rinse out your mouth.

To use in helping to treat or control gum disease, try this: Wet the tip of your index finger and place a SMALL amount of the salt and soda mixture on your gums. Spit out the excess.

After 15 minutes, rinse your mouth with water and spit out. This mixture is incredibly effective at killing the germs and parasites that cause plaque- the 'gunk' that hardens on your teeth and provides a breeding area for the germs that cause most dental disease.

THE STANDARD WARNING

If you have high blood pressure, or are on a restricted diet, check with your doctor about the sea salt thing. If you are at all worried, simply use this as toothpaste and forget the part about keeping it in your mouth for 15 minutes.

You'll notice and incredible difference after using this program. You'll see for yourself how your gums will improve- because they are fewer harmful germs in your mouth. And healthy gums mean less dental decay, a healthier body and fewer dental bills.