Dr. Ken Nussen has more than 20 years of dental clinical experience as a practice owner and principal dental provider. He established one of the most successful group dental practices in Los Angeles County. In 2004 he launched the Dr. Ken's all-natural oral care products line using all-natural ingredients. Dr. Ken’s was acquired on March 2010 by Dr. Fresh, Inc. Dr. Ken remains on as the spokesman and vice president of sales, Natural Products Division.About Dr. Fresh — Dr. Fresh, Inc., is a manufacturer and distributor of high-quality oral care products in Buena Park, Calif. The company prides itself on having state-of-the-art R&D labs. Dr. Fresh has been very active in new product development and innovations since 2008. The company has been in acquisition mode, acquiring the Binaca brand in October 2008 and Dr. Ken’s in March 2010. Dr. Fresh is known for such brands as Firefly, the 31-dentist-recommended light-up timer toothbrush for kids, Binaca, the nostalgic breath spray brand, and Infectigard, the hand sanitizer brand known for unique moisturizing properties.
By Dr. Ken NussenWhy natural?Mass-merchandised toothpastes contain ingredients that are controversial in the natural foods marketplace. These ingredients include artificial sweeteners, preservatives, alcohol, artificial dyes, chemical abrasives, and non-natural moisturizers. Some ingredients are potential carcinogens, and others are simply chemically based products that do not appeal to those trying to live a healthy and natural lifestyle. Common artificial ingredients found in dental products are propylene glycol and aspartame, which have been associated with metabolic problems. Consumers making the connection between chemicals and cancer, disease and environmental issues are looking for natural personal care items through both mainstream and natural channels to promote better health and sustainable environments.People generally will choose natural dental products if they offer the same functional benefits as their commercial counterparts and are absent of those ingredients which may be associated with possible ill effects. Natural ingredients, therefore, could be perceived as safer while still offering the same benefits. Natural replacements from plant and vegetables, while still maintaining function and stability, are also considered better for the environment. Generally speaking, natural ingredient products do not use animal ingredients and have not been tested on animals.Why green tea?There are well over 1,500 scientific studies in print focusing on the overall benefits of green tea. Green tea extract capitalizes on its own natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties and has been shown to specifically improve oral health. Antioxidants are thought to fight free radicals that attack healthy cells. This cell damage may lead to certain diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Green tea extract is known in scientific and medical circles to be a strong antioxidant made up of polyphenolic compounds called catechins. Research demonstrates that tea oxidants are 30 times more potent than the antioxidant vitamins C and E. Studies show that two of the catechins found in green tea — epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG) — combat oral plaque and bacteria, thus fighting bad breath. These anti-inflammatory properties of green tea protect against gingivitis, gum disease, and bleeding of the gums.Studies have shown that green tea prevents Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for tooth decay. By blocking the attachment of these bacteria to teeth, cavities are prevented. For all of these reasons, Dr. Ken’s products incorporate green tea.