Medical Reports: Miracle Mints

WSVN -- For a lot of people, just the sound of a dentist's drill is enough to strike fear, and many of us will try almost anything to avoid a seat in the dentist's chair.

Brushing and flossing are still staples in the fight against cavities, but now there's a new weapon in our arsenal: bacteria-filled mints.

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hillman, Oragenics: "We're using good bacteria to fight bad bacteria."

This little mint tablet is designed to prevent tooth decay and fight bad breath by using what's called probiotics.

Dr. Hillman: "EvoraPlus works by combining three different naturally occurring types of bacteria that are found in everybody's mouth."

Dr. Jeffrey Hillman has been developing the product for about 30 years. He says two of the bacteria fight gum disease. They also happen to whiten your teeth.

Dr. Hillman: "The two strains that are responsible for promoting good gum health do so by producing small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which is a bleaching agent."

The third strain promotes good tooth health.

Dr. Hillman: "And it does that by competing with and inhibiting the bacteria that cause tooth decay."

That same bacteria also kills off other bacteria that causes bad breath.

Craig Waldinger says he's skipping some of his dental visits thanks to the mints.

Craig Waldinger: "I think it will keep me from going to the dentist as often."

And this miracle mint gives you more than pearly whites. Susan David has been using it for about three months.

Susan David: "I can't explain it, except for that it's like you just walked out of the dentist's office."

Here's how it works: After brushing your teeth, simply pop a mint, swish it around your mouth and let it dissolve. Do this two times a day, and, they say, the results show up quickly.

Dr. Hillman: "You will see results in terms of fresher breath and whiter teeth within a month."

One local dentist thinks this all-in-one formula may start changing dentistry.

Dr. David Zionts, Southeast Florida Dental Group: "I think it's an exciting new invention, and it's going to add a whole realm to dentistry."

But Dr. Zionts says you still need your dentist to check for oral cancer and other diseases.

As for Susan, the miracle mints are now a permanent part of her brushing routine.

Susan David: "I really believe that this is bringing my mouth back to the natural level, the best level it can be at."

And it surely beats the alternative of the dentist drill.

Right now the mints are only available on-line. It costs about $20 a month.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

EvoraPlus
www.evoraplus.com

Drugstore.com
www.drugstore.com