I’m referring to the ads of those cure-all potions and capsules. "Cleans the liver, purifies the blood, cure for all diseases caused by environmental, atmospheric, water, air pollution, strengthens the vital organs, filter for the bladder, clears the arteries of the heart, provide vitality, energy, stamina, counters the causes of gout, arthritis, a miraculous anti-occident, diuretic cleanser for the kidneys…" on and on.

Lastly (as demanded by law) a toned-down very soft caveat by the radio or TV announcer: "This product does not have any legally approved therapeutic claims." This is deception by the manufacturer, ad maker, and this radio/TV broadcaster.

Let us define therapeutic, therapy: "To attend, treat; relating to or dealing with healing and remedies of diseases. Therapeutics: A branch of medical science dealing with the use of remedies.

Therapy: remedial treatment of bodily, mental, or social disorder or maladjustment."– Merriam-Webster.

So, then, if this product is not a cure, not a remedy, does not do any therapy for the body giving no therapeutic effect on vital organs and the overall wellbeing of people, why are these manufacturers allowed to advertise it as they do?

Does this mean that the manufacturers don’t even have a license to sell these cures? Why are these products in the market at all?

To cheat Juan Pasan Cruz again?

Is this caveat all that the Food and Drugs Administration, the Department of Health, the Philippine Medical Association can impose? Can’t the consumer advocates do something more to eliminate these fake cures and treatments aimed at gullible, desperately sick people?

Evidently, this caveat is required by the authorities. It is not a voluntary, conscience warning of the manufacturer or advertiser of these cure-alls.

Same with certain brands of multinational toothpastes. Anti-plaque toothpastes are what’s pushed by multinational manufacturers, not anti-bacterial. It’s mouth bacteria that need to be destroyed. Flouride toothpaste help get rid of bacteria.

Weakened loose teeth are caused by bacteria. The disease is, a bacterial infection under the gums. It accounts for 70 percent of all lost teeth after age 40. More than two-thirds of all teenagers and elementary school children have mild gingivitis (inflamed gums), the beginning of peridontitis.

A number of studies have shown that a relatively inexpensive approach to killing harmful bacteria is through an anti-bacterial agents that will allow the infected gums to heal.

The most affordable is using a mix of baking soda and mild hydrogen peroxide on a wet toothbrush for brushing after meals. Frequent rinsing of the mouth, not with sweet perfumed commercial mouthwashes, but with saline water – the saltier the better. This kills mouth bacteria on contact.

Paul Keyes, DDS, a dental researcher for decades, chairman of the International Dental Health (IDHF) in Virginia said his cheap treatment tightens loose teeth, heals and shrinks infected pockets around the teeth, and helps the body replace lost bone.