CHEAPER ORAL HEALTH? 

When you last visited your dentist and the oral hygienist gave you the bill after cleaning your teeth, did you wonder why such simple services cost so much these days? Some dentists charge up to $100 to clean your teeth. Isn't there a more economical way?

When I saw the latest alternative option I bought it: a scientifically designed Japanese toothbrush (registered with Health and Welfare Canada) that contains a Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) metal rod that runs through a replaceable head and into the handle. What it claims to do at first seems like either magic or quackery. But apparently it works.

This metal, said to be a semiconductor, uses solar energy in a similar manner as a solar-powered calculator. As long as there is light and moisture it will work to its full capacity. Strangely enough the TiO2 rod never wears down or needs replacement (The brush heads should be replaced every four to six months).

According to the manufacturer plaque bacteria act on food, producing acid. This acid sometimes causes bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Although saliva normally neutralizes this action, when plaque builds up, it acts as a barrier, preventing the neutralization action of the saliva.

According to clinical studies, this type of toothbrush, known as Soladey-2, may stop such plaque build-up. Working in conjunction with human saliva, the brush controls and reduces bacteria responsible for plaque.

How is this accomplished? It is claimed that in conjunction with light, the titanium oxide rod releases negatively-charged (this is the good type) electrons or ions. The light can be natural, fluorescent or a standard light bulb. You face towards the light when brushing and keep your mouth open.

The negative electrons, as they blend with the saliva, attract positively charged hydrogen ions from the acid in the plaque. End result: acid is neutralized and plaque is reduced. Chemists recognize this as a photochemical reaction.

The operation produces no electric shock, the toothbrush doesn't vibrate and creates no unpleasant taste. Manufacturer claims that brushing produces a long-lasting, usually clean feeling after brushing. You don't even have to use toothpaste. I have been testing the Soladay-2 for the past two weeks and generally agree with the manufacturer's claims.

That's the technical half of this story. This innovation was brought to my attention by Vivian Bruchet and Shirley Adamus of North Vancouver who heard about this method, tracked down the Canadian distributor and decided it was time they became self-employed risktakers. So they then went into the business of selling such environmentally healthful, personally satisfying products as this Soladey-2 toothbrush. They also sell a natural crystal which acts as a deodorant without any chemicals, which has long been popular in Thailand. I haven't tried this yet, but I certainly admire the spirit and initiative of these two young entrepreneurs. The toothbrushes sell for $12.95; four replacement heads also sell for $12.95.

For more information: Vivian Bruchette or Shirley Adamus, 122 West 21st St., North Vancouver, BC V7M 1Y9. Phone: 604/984-6957.

In Alberta: Shirley Gamblin, Bentley. Phone: 403/748-2747.

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