Difference between revisions of "Dental caries"
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| − | Due to mainly vegan [[food]] the risk of '''dental caries''' is something the settlers have to consider. This disease is closely related to a bacterium called ''streptococcus mutans'', | + | Due to mainly vegan [[food]] the risk of '''dental caries''' is something the settlers have to consider. This disease is closely related to a bacterium called ''streptococcus mutans'', which feeds on [[carbohydrate]]s. There are several ways to keep the teeth healthy. The most simple is a special diet that makes the bacteria unhappy, that is, prevents them to metabolize and reproduce. Other methods involve cleaning the teeth mechanically and treating them with some chemicals. |
==Fluoride== | ==Fluoride== | ||
| − | Fluoride for dental precaution may be imported from [[Earth]]. An [[autonomous colony]] may not be able to produce fluoride on their own. Concentrated fluoride from Earth may be mixed with Martian minerals and other substances to produce toothpaste. | + | Fluoride for dental precaution may be imported from [[Earth]]. An [[autonomous colony]] may not be able to produce fluoride on their own. Concentrated fluoride from Earth may be mixed with Martian minerals and other substances to produce toothpaste. When a colony has sufficient industrial development it will be able to manufacture dental fluoride. The necessary chemical elements are on Mars. |
==Xylitol== | ==Xylitol== | ||
Revision as of 22:50, 18 January 2013
Due to mainly vegan food the risk of dental caries is something the settlers have to consider. This disease is closely related to a bacterium called streptococcus mutans, which feeds on carbohydrates. There are several ways to keep the teeth healthy. The most simple is a special diet that makes the bacteria unhappy, that is, prevents them to metabolize and reproduce. Other methods involve cleaning the teeth mechanically and treating them with some chemicals.
Fluoride
Fluoride for dental precaution may be imported from Earth. An autonomous colony may not be able to produce fluoride on their own. Concentrated fluoride from Earth may be mixed with Martian minerals and other substances to produce toothpaste. When a colony has sufficient industrial development it will be able to manufacture dental fluoride. The necessary chemical elements are on Mars.
Xylitol
Cauliflower, plums and some other plants contain Xylitol, which may help to prevent dental caries. Xylitol can be chemically made from maize.
- Pure xylitol can be applied directly after each meal.
- The meals can be composed to be rich in carbohydrates at first, then clean the teeth mechanically, then have a dessert' of low carb and xylitol rich food.
