Pearl powder was the Chinese imperial family's dental care product for thousands of years. Chinese emperors, empresses, and royalty took pearl powder internally and externally brushed their teeth with it for stronger and whiter teeth.

It is recorded history that Egyptian queen Cleopatra took pearl powder internally for beauty.

In Mayan ruins, archaeologists discovered human teeth that were more than 1,000 years old, which had pearl fillings in the cavities. To their amazement, the pearl filling had grown and fused together with the teeth to form a seamless, cavity-free tooth structure!

In 1990, Lopez E and group of French scientists at The Physiology Research Lab at The National Natural History Museum in Paris decided to investigate pearl fillings as compared with empty cavities and with cavities patched with the normal acrylic polymer filling used by dentists called PMMA.

They found the pearl tooth filling induced the formation of new layers of bone and made existing teeth stronger. There was no new bone formation in the empty cavities or in those filled with PMMA. But they were astonished to find that PMMA actually causes necrosis - or cell death - of the surrounding bone cells. It also changes bone architecture and causes a significant reduction in bone formation and mineralization. They make existing teeth weaker. Astonishingly, the tooth-filling material used by dentists today is put to shame in comparison to the pearl tooth fillings the Mayans used over two millennia ago!

The significance of the above study is beyond just finding the best tooth-filling material imaginable. Although this alone is incredibly exciting, considering the toxic and biologically damaging tooth fillings we are offered in most conventional modern dentist offices today. A French study, and other studies like it, demonstrate that pearl is osteogenic, meaning it can stimulate new bone formation and make existing bone stronger.

Holistic dentist, Dr. Reiley, D.D.S. in California, has been recommending his patients use a pearl powder product called Pearlcium and noticed remarkable results from his patients. Their teeth became significantly whiter.

"I have never seen a product that was able to remove stains from teeth until now. This is one of the best home care products I have found in my 20 years as a dentist for patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Finally, I can recommend to my patients a product that is both easy to apply and of high quality. Thanks again!"

What makes pearl powder such a treasure for the beauty and health of your teeth?
Modern scientific research is revealing the mechanism by which pearl helps our teeth and gums become healthier.

Research by French scientists revealed pearl can stimulate bone builder cells, osteoblasts, to multiply. This leads to more bone cells being regenerated for filling cavities and making existing teeth stronger.

How does pearl repair the receding gum?
This has to go to pearl's ability to regenerate connective tissue. It was discovered, in another experiment by French scientists, pearl can also stimulate the repair and regeneration of the fibroblasts and enhance the fibroblasts' production of collagen and other extra-cellular matrixes.

Fibroblasts are the building blocks for connective tissues. Pearl's ability to stimulate the regeneration of fibroblasts makes it not only capable of repairing gum, but also your eye, heart, muscle, nerve, and skin, just to name a few.

Pearl is mainly composed of calcium carbonate, similar to our bone. In addition, pearl contains the whole matrix of nutrients: calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, many trace minerals such as iron, copper, selenium, molybdenum, chromium, and iodine. It also has polysaccharides, proteins, and amino acids. These nutrients are critical for calcium metabolism, cellular regeneration, and immune processes.

The formation of pearl is found to be dependent on a protein process that involves signal proteins. Signal proteins in pearl are a group of proteins that participate in, control and regulate calcium uptake, transportation and secretion in the process of pearl formation.

In a study published in July 2004, Dr. S. Li and his colleagues isolated part of the DNA of pearl that can reproduce a complete full-length signal protein. To their amazement, they found that the pearl signal protein DNA encodes a protein which shares high similarity with our own human calcium-binding proteins.

The research done by Dr. Li and his colleagues, as well as many other scientists, indicates the regulation of calcium uptake, transport, and secretion involved in creating pearl is similar to the regulation of calcium uptake, transport, and absorption in the human body -down to the DNA level. This means that human beings share a deep-rooted kinship, a connection at the DNA level, an evolutionary bond with pearl. Of course, this may also account for why pearl is so compatible and osteogenic for our human bones and at the same time, nutritious and healing for so much of the human body.

The date of commercialized pearl tooth-fillings still remains unknown. Because of the preciousness of pearl and the difficulty to process it, in the past, only wealthy and powerful people had access to pearl powder for better oral health.

Fortunately, we don't have to wait or spend a fortune to benefit from pearl for whiter and stronger teeth and healthier gums like ancient Chinese royalty. Thousands of people have already been enhancing their smiles with pearl powder, thanks to a product called, Pearlcium.

How to Use Pearl Powder for Healthier and More Beautiful Teeth

1. Simply put your toothpaste on your toothbrush like you normally do, then sprinkle pearl powder on top of your toothpaste or dip your toothpaste in the pearl powder.
2. Put pearl powder directly inside your mouth after you brush your teeth before you got to bed and let it stay in your mouth for a while before you swallow it. This will not only help you have whiter and stronger teeth and healthier gum, it will also help you get into sleep faster and obtain more rest from your sleep.
3. Now you can brush your way to a healthier, brighter smile. "Show me your pearly whites" takes on a whole new meaning when you use pearl powder.

To try Pearlcium Pearl Powder for yourself and to discover what it can do for you please visit: http://pharmeast.com

References

1. Atlan G, Delattre O, Berland S, LeFaou A, Nabias G, Cot D, Lopez E. "Interface between bone and pearl implants in sheep." Biomaterials. 1999 Jun; 20(11):1017-22.
2. Camprasse S, Camprasse G, Pouzol M, Lopez E, "Artificial dental root made of natural calcium carbonate (Bioracine)", Clin Mater. 1990;5(2-4):235-50.
3. Lamghari M, Berland S, Laurent A, Huet H, Lopez E. "Bone reactions to pearl injected percutaneously into the vertebrae of sheep." Biomaterials. 2001 Mar;22(6):555-62.
4. Lopez E, Vidal B, Berland S, Camprasse S, Camprasse G, Silve C. "Demonstration of the capacity of pearl to induce bone formation by human osteoblasts maintained in vitro." Tissue Cell. 1992;24(5):667-79.
5. Lamghari M, Almeida MJ, Berland S, Huet H, Laurent A, Milet C, Lopez E. "Stimulation of bone marrow cells and bone formation by pearl: in vivo and in vitro studies." Bone. 1999 Aug;25(2 Suppl):91S-94S
6. Silve C, Lopez E, Vidal B, Smith DC, Camprasse S, Camprasse G, Couly G. "Pearl initiates biomineralization by human osteoblasts maintained in vitro." Calcif Tissue Int. 1992 Nov; 51(5):363-9
7. Shen Y, Zhu J, Zhang H, Zhao F. "In vitro osteogenetic activity of pearl." Biomaterials. 2006 Jan; 27(2):281-7.
8. Duplat D, Gallet M, Berland S, Marie A, Dubost L, Rousseau M, Kamel S, Milet C, Brazier M, Lopez E, Bédouet L. "The effect of molecules in mother-of-pearl on the decrease in bone resorption through the inhibition of osteoclast cathepsin K." Biomaterials. 2007 Nov;28(32):4769-4778. Epub 2007 Aug 7
9. Li X., Yu P, Chen Y., Jiang Z., "Study on Bioavailability of pearl", Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Study of Chinese Medicine 1998, 14(2): 40-41
10. Cognet JM, Fricain JC, Reau AF, Lavignolle B, Baquey C, Lepeticorps Y. "Pinctada margaritifera pearl (mother-of-pearl): Physico-chemical and biomechanical properties, and in vitro cytocompatibility" Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot. 2003 Jun; 89(4):346-52.
11. Lopez E, Le Faou A, Borzeix S, Berland S. "Stimulation of rat cutaneous fibroblasts and their synthetic activity by implants of powdered nacre (mother of pearl)." Tissue Cell. 2000 Feb;32(1):95-101.
12. Xinzhong Zhao, Zhemin Zhang, Jiqing Quan, Hongwei Qin: "fifty cases of using pearl calcium to treat wrist cartilage." Hebei Traditional Chinese Medicine Journal 13(5): , 1991
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16. Duplat D, Puisségur M, Bédouet L, Rousseau M, Boulzaguet H, Milet C, Sellos D, Van Wormhoudt A, Lopez E. "Identification of calconectin, a calcium-binding protein specifically expressed by the mantle of Pinctada margaritifera.", FEBS Lett. 2006 May 1;580(10):2435-41. Epub 2006 Apr 7.
17. Shen X, Belcher AM, Hansma PK, Stucky GD, Morse DE.: "Molecular cloning and characterization of lustrin A, a matrix protein from shell and pearl nacre of Haliotis rufescens." J Biol Chem. 1997 Dec 19;272(51): 32472-81.
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Eating healthy, nutritious foods is the key to a healthy digestive system. It’s also very important to consider how we chew and break down food for proper digestion. The first step of digestion starts in your mouth. Teeth help break down foods and saliva has enzymes by which the digestive process starts. As you swallow food, muscles move it through the digestive tract. Food then is broken down and absorbed of nutrients needed by your body for health and development.

Function of Teeth in Digestion
Adults should have 32 teeth, four of which are the wisdom teeth. These four wisdom teeth might not develop at all or may be pulled at anytime due to lack of space or other reasons. There are different sets of teeth and each set has a particular function. Teeth may be considered organs of chewing (mastication) and serve a very important function of the digestive process. Chewing food properly gives the signal to saliva to aid in the break down of certain carbohydrates.

The parts of the teeth that are visible are called crowns. The structure of the outer layer of the crown of teeth consists of a hard outer surface called enamel. This is the hardest substance in the human body.

• Molars have a large surface with pits and grooves that make them suitable for grinding food between opposing upper and lower molars. There are two molars in each of the four arches of the mouth. Molars are the last teeth in the mouth of each quadrant. There are actually three molars on each side, with the “3rd molar” being the wisdom tooth.
• Incisors, or the front teeth consist of sharp edges that are made for cutting food. There are six upper and six lower incisors. At the corner of each set of front teeth are the canines. These have long roots and are designed to tear food. The incisor teeth cut food and push it to the back teeth (molars and premolars) with the help of the tongue. The back teeth actually aid in the chewing and breaking down of food with their surfaces.
• Premolars are smaller than molars and help with the chewing process by crushing food. There are also two premolars in each quadrant of the mouth and they are situated in-between the molars and incisors.

How Saliva Starts the Digestive Process
When you eat food, it’s first mixed with saliva that is secreted by sets of glands. The three main salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands.

Parotid glands are located at the side of the face on the inside of your cheeks. They have an opening where the secretion occurs, called Stensen’s duct. It’s the largest of the salivary glands that helps with mastication and swallowing mostly of starches.

Submandibular glands are located on the inner side of the lower jawbone. This gland produces amylase to break down starches and mucous cells to help lubricate the throat.

Sublingual glands are located beneath the tongue. They produce mucin that helps promote the production of saliva. Most of saliva is produced during waking hours, and decreases while you sleep. If you wake up with dry mouth and morning breath, the reason is due to lower saliva production helping your oral hygiene. The sublingual glands function to help lubricate and bind food, which is needed for easy swallowing. Without adequate saliva with resulting dry mouth, swallowing can become difficult and increase the risk of choking as food gets lodged in the throat.

You Need Healthy Teeth to Chew And Digest Food
Anyone who has experienced a toothache knows it’s difficult to eat if you have pain. Misalignment, infection and missing teeth can all affect proper chewing, breakdown of foods and therefore, proper digestion.

Misaligned Teeth
The teeth are said to be in occlusion when they fit together ideally. That is, the upper fit slightly over the lower teeth and the cusp tips (pointy surfaces) of the molars fit the grooves of the opposing molars. Proper occlusion keeps the cheeks and lips from being bitten and the lower teeth protect the tongue and keep it in place.

If your teeth do not align ideally you have malocclusion. Heredity, poor childhood habits, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, prolonged use of pacifier or bottle can be some of the causes of malocclusion.

Malocclusion may also have been the result of an injury or fracture of the jaw. Tumors can also cause malocclusion. Other causes can include ill-fitting dental fillings, crowns, and dentures.

Not replacing missing teeth in a timely fashion, can cause surrounding teeth to shift, bringing about misalignment of teeth. This malocclusion cannot only affect your appearance but also difficulty in biting or chewing foods. Misalignment of teeth cannot be underestimated and should be corrected.

Prevention
Your ability to chew your food properly is just as important as the quality of the food you eat. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends proper daily oral hygiene as the number one way to keep your teeth healthy. Flossing and brushing are the main tools that are needed. Below are some tips on how to properly keep your mouth clean and healthy for a beautiful smile and healthy digestion.

Oral Hygiene 101

Brushing and flossing properly is very important. If you quickly run a toothbrush over your teeth three times a day and floss quickly without properly cleaning under the gums, germs continue to cause harm to your teeth with resulting tooth decay, gum disease and even worse, lead to loose teeth. Ask your dental professional how to floss properly. But in summary, hold a small part of the floss between your fingers, and wrap the floss around each side of the tooth and gently extend it under your gums. Slow up and down movements will clean these areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. Use a clean piece of floss for each tooth. Floss first to release food and plaque stuck under the gums and between the teeth, and follow with brushing and rinsing.

Make sure to brush your gums as well as every side of every tooth. If you can’t brush after every meal, rinse with water or chew xylitol chewing gum. Brushing and flossing at night is crucial because saliva production slows down as you sleep, which means your mouth is more prone to attack by bacteria. Dry mouth can also be a problem and proper brushing and flossing can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay, which are typically more likely with reduced saliva.

Using effective toothpaste and mouthwash is very important. Baking soda toothpaste with xylitol is a good choice for toothpaste and mouthwash. The benefits of baking soda toothpaste are many including helping remove stains, to help make your teeth appear whiter.

Don’t think just because a product label says ‘natural toothpaste’ that it’s good for you. Many contain saccharin and/or sodium lauryl sulfate, which can actually cause dry mouth. For the best toothpaste and mouthwash use:

• Alcohol-free mouthwash—alcohol dries the mouth and changes the pH to what germs like. This is one reason drinking excessive alcoholic beverages is also bad for healthy mouth. Mouthwash with xylitol is excellent because it helps flow of saliva.
• Xylitol natural toothpaste and mouthwash—studies report xylitol has many benefits for a healthy mouth when used regularly in toothpaste, and especially in chewing gum. It helps promote saliva, which is good for dry mouth. It’s also been shown to help prevent tooth decay.

Take care of your teeth and gums with proper daily routine of brushing and flossing. Eat nutritious, healthy foods and your tummy will thank you.