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Dentists reveal new tooth decay treatment

theguardian.com

11–20 of 202 posts

Re: Dentists reveal new tooth decay treatment

#11
post #9

I've often heard conspiracy theorists say that if dentists ever learned of a way to cure cavities more cheaply and without drilling, they'd suppress the information as it would endanger their business. I think this is insane, but can anyone offer a sound economic argument for why dentists would embrace the new technique instead of cartelling up to suppress it?

Why don't dentists recommend drinking more soda and eating more candy?

Re: Dentists reveal new tooth decay treatment

#12
post #9

I've often heard conspiracy theorists say that if dentists ever learned of a way to cure cavities more cheaply and without drilling, they'd suppress the information as it would endanger their business. I think this is insane, but can anyone offer a sound economic argument for why dentists would embrace the new technique instead of cartelling up to suppress it?

Because capitalism. Dentists are not a cabal but a loosely affiliated set of individuals. As soon as one local dentist start filling teeth pain-free with great long-lasting results, all the other dentists had better adapt or they will go out of business.

Re: Dentists reveal new tooth decay treatment

#14
In a few years I think we will look back on how today's dentists look after teeth with shock, similar to how we do now knowing that they used to treat depression with a frontal lobotomy.

"They used to DRILL your teeth? And if that didn't work they yanked them out of your jaw?"

It all seems so low tech.

Re: Dentists reveal new tooth decay treatment

#15
post #11
post #9

I've often heard conspiracy theorists say that if dentists ever learned of a way to cure cavities more cheaply and without drilling, they'd suppress the information as it would endanger their business. I think this is insane, but can anyone offer a sound economic argument for why dentists would embrace the new technique instead of cartelling up to suppress it?

Why don't dentists recommend drinking more soda and eating more candy?

I don't know, but if you find some, let me know so I can give them my money.

Re: Dentists reveal new tooth decay treatment

#16
post #2

> A two-step process first prepares the damaged area of enamel, then uses a tiny electric current to push minerals into the repair site. Does anyone know how long this process takes compared to the current solution?

Novamin is a great way to remineralize teeth. Similar to Recaldent (found in Trident Extra Strength.) It's basically a type of micro-glass that slowly remineralizes teeth with continued use.

GSK bought Sensodyne a couple years ago and removed it from all the US Sensodyne toothpastes. Only way to get it in the US is to order from overseas, or to get a prescription from a dentist.

As much as I don't like to be that "conspiracy guy" it's kind of convenient for them to buy the product, remove it from over-the-counter, mark it up, and allow insurance to pay for a prescription strength version..

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NovaMin

Re: Dentists reveal new tooth decay treatment

#17
post #2

> A two-step process first prepares the damaged area of enamel, then uses a tiny electric current to push minerals into the repair site. Does anyone know how long this process takes compared to the current solution?

From the FAQ[1]:

The conditioning step takes about four minutes to perform currently and, once optimized, the remineralization step will take about 20 minutes. The whole treatment will be comparable to the typical time scheduled for current drill and fill procedures.

[1] http://www.reminova.com/faqs

Re: Dentists reveal new tooth decay treatment

#18
post #11
post #9

I've often heard conspiracy theorists say that if dentists ever learned of a way to cure cavities more cheaply and without drilling, they'd suppress the information as it would endanger their business. I think this is insane, but can anyone offer a sound economic argument for why dentists would embrace the new technique instead of cartelling up to suppress it?

Why don't dentists recommend drinking more soda and eating more candy?

Because people don't need any encouraging to do those things. From a dentists point of view there's no scarcity of poor dental decisions, so they don't need to artificially try to create them.

Re: Dentists reveal new tooth decay treatment

#19
post #11
post #9

I've often heard conspiracy theorists say that if dentists ever learned of a way to cure cavities more cheaply and without drilling, they'd suppress the information as it would endanger their business. I think this is insane, but can anyone offer a sound economic argument for why dentists would embrace the new technique instead of cartelling up to suppress it?

Why don't dentists recommend drinking more soda and eating more candy?

They aren't outwardly evil. Put on a happy face and turn the screws where the customer can't see or control. Like all capitalist companies that want to maximize profit.

Re: Dentists reveal new tooth decay treatment

#20
post #2

> A two-step process first prepares the damaged area of enamel, then uses a tiny electric current to push minerals into the repair site. Does anyone know how long this process takes compared to the current solution?

Novamin is a great way to remineralize teeth. Similar to Recaldent (found in Trident Extra Strength.) It's basically a type of micro-glass that slowly remineralizes teeth with continued use. GSK bought Sensodyne a couple years ago and removed it from all the US Sensodyne toothpastes. Only way to get it in the US is to order from overseas, or to get a prescription from a dentist. As much as I don't like to be that "co…

Why'd GSK do that, I wonder?
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