BIPHOSPHONATES  [FOSAMAX / BONIVA] These are excellent drugs used to treat and prevent osteoporosis.  It also can be lifesaving in helping treat bone cancers  Since 2005 there have been reports of a possible link between biphosphonates and a rare jaw disorder called OSTEORADIONECROSIS which involves dying of the tissues in the jawbone due to active dental disease [gum disease-usually severe and uncontrolled] or dental procedures generally involving bone-- extractions, surgeries. Generally the problem is with cancer patients that have received chemotherapy and were given IV bisphospohnate to  treat the Cancer.  A small number of cases have been reported in patients taking ORAL bisphosphonates  [ Fosamax / Boniva / Zometa / Actonel / Aredia ] for osteoporosis.  The most important thing is to tell your dentist that A: You have been taking this medication-- DO NOT  stop taking the medication without consulting your physician FIRST!  B: Let them know before you start it so that any necessary dental work can be done prior to starting it!  IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO SEE YOUR DENTIST BEFORE YOU START THE MEDICATION!   Don't hesitate to call your dentist if you have a question about this.  You can get more information at the link- mayoclinic- Fosamax side effects: Is osteonecrosis a concern? For more information go to: www.agd.org  WOULD YOU BATHE YOUR TEETH IN ACID?   There is more to worry about than sugar content and gaining weight when you drink soda or pop. Many carbonated sodas are nearly as corrosive to the enamel on teeth as battery acid. While non cola drinks are less acidic than cola drinks in general, the potential of cola to erode your teeth is ten times that of fruit juice. If you must drink colas, use a straw and brush your teeth afterward.   PS. While battery acid has a pH of 1.0 and pure water has a pH of 7.0, many sodas are in the pH range of 2.5. REVERSING  TOOTH  DECAY Healthy saliva is neutral or alkaline (not friendly to harmful bacteria), slightly acid-saliva (due to poor diet) creates an acid environment in which acid-producing bacteria attack tooth enamel. The good news is that fluoride attracts enamel-friendly minerals, which can remineralize the teeth when they are in healthy saliva. Most importantly this process occurs more rapidly and results in stronger enamel if fluoride is present in the enamel. Fluoride not only speeds the remineralization process but it also helps form a stronger and more protective enamel in developing teeth. You may receive the beneficial benefits of fluoride from fluoride in toothpaste, fluoride mouthwash, topical fluoride, fluoride suppliments and fluoridated water.   A dentist or hygienist can apply fluoride to the teeth as a gen, foam, timed rinse or varnish. These treatments contain a much higher level of fluoride, as much as 20 times higher than the amount found in toothpastes or mouth rinses. Fluoride supplements are also available in liquids and tablets and must be prescribed by a dentist, family doctor or pediatrician. Most cities have fluoridated water but some don't and well water generally doesn't have enough. You can get it tested in our office.   Toothpaste should always be spit out and not swallowed. Too much fluoride in young children can lead to "Fluorosis" which can stain a childs tooth enamel.