After months of clinical testing at the Center for Breath Treatment we have introduced a new product designed to counter the effects that dry mouth (xerostomia) conditions have on halitosis, and also the effects caused by the acids produced from tooth decay causing bacteria. Over the many years of treating halitosis we have found that a xerostomia is the most common contributor to halitosis. Developed after 40 years of research on saliva chemistry at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in New York, BasicBites™ which is a sugar free chocolate flavored soft chew, helps maintain the proper acid-base (pH) levels that are that are necessary for good oral health and the prevention of bad breath conditions. When the oral cavity experiences a reduction in salivary flow the pH in the oral cavity becomes more acidic, and this increases the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and halitosis. The more acidic oral environment results in an overgrowth of the gram (-) anaerobic bacteria (halitosis causing bacteria) in the mouth. Gram (-) anaerobic bacteria are the bacteria responsible for producing the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that produce halitosis. Another benefit of BasicBites™ is its ability to neutralize the acidic effects commonly caused by “sports” or “power” drinks. These drinks are very acidic and are known to produce pitting in the teeth, especially in children.
The saliva-mimicking technology in BasicBites™ consists of two main ingredients – arginine bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. Arginine is an amino acid found in saliva and naturally present in many foods. When used twice a day, BasicBites™, will support the proper pH levels on the surfaces of the oral cavity. Keeping the pH of the surfaces of the teeth balanced is extremely important in preventing tooth decay. The bacteria responsible for dental decay produce acids that dissolve the enamel and produce what is commonly referred to as a cavity. BasicBites™ will produce a thin alkali coating that coats the teeth and other surfaces in the mouth and counters the acids being produced by these bacteria. By countering the acidic pH levels found in the mouth of people with xerostomia, BasicBites™ will reduce the overall levels of anaerobic bacteria which ultimately reduces the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) being produced. BasicBites™ will not increase salivary flow but rather deals with the effects caused by low salivary flow. To improve salivary flow see some of our saliva stimulating products on our web site. These products have been proven to be the best products for countering xerostomia. BasicBites™ also provides calcium to the diet, and studies show that many adults today have insufficient levels of calcium in the bodies and need to take calcium supplements, especially post-menopausal women. Each BasicBites™ has 20 calories.
About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley also holds a fellowship position with the International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI). Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.