Your oral health is more important than you might realize. Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health picture? Are you aware that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body?
WHAT’S THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR ORAL HEALTH AND YOUR OVERALL HEALTH?
Many areas of the body swarm with bacteria. This is not a pleasant thought, but most of the time bacteria is harmless. Your mouth, however, is the entry point to your respiratory and digestive tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause disease.
Normally, a healthy immune system, along with daily brushing and flossing can keep bacteria in check. However, without proper oral hygiene, over-growth of bacteria may lead to oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Saliva is part of the body’s natural defense system. Certain medications like diuretics, anti-depressants, decongestants and antihistamines can reduce saliva production, making the mouth more susceptible to bacteria overgrowth. Oral bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease (periodontitis) may play a major roll in some diseases. [1]
Have you ever heard of someone getting a “bad” tooth pulled and their symptoms or ailment goes away? In Chinese Medicine, the Meridian Tooth Chart is based on acupuncture meridians. Each tooth is associated with a meridian through which energy flows. Dentists are able to assess the patient’s general state of health through a review of the oral environment.
WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE MY ORAL HEALTH?
The basics are a good start. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, oil pulling, eating a healthy diet, replacing your toothbrush frequently, and staying away from tobacco, carbonated beverages, and sweets. Let’s go a step beyond the basics…We have a gem that gets overlooked here at Herbs4You. That gem is our Tooth Powder! Just look at the properties of each ingredient:
OAK BARK: Contains tannins which tighten loose teeth and gums, and over time can help retain the elasticity of the tissue. It contains high levels of minerals such as calcium, manganese and zinc, which will also strengthen the teeth and jaw over time. [2]
COMFREY: Comfrey has been shown to accelerate bone, teeth and tissue growth. In fact, another name for comfrey is “knitbone,” primarily because of its ability to knit or regrow bone together so quickly. [3]
BAYBERRY: Bayberry bark is an astringent, which means it tightens the body tissues exposed to it. This makes it a great treatment for bleeding gums. [4]
XYLITOL: Xylitol is considered one of nature’s most powerful weapons against dental caries. Clinical and field tests have demonstrated dramatic reductions in new tooth decay, arrest of existing decay, and even some reversal of existing dental cavities. [5]
HORSETAIL: Horsetail is the best plant for tooth health, as it strengthens and repairs teeth, fixing them firmly in their sockets and even allows for re-growth of enamel. It has long been used to repair bones, skin, hair, nails and connective tissue. As a bonus, it has wound-healing and anti-microbial properties. [6]
SEA SALT: Where bacteria thrives, so does sickness. When you use sea salt for oral health (you can also do a salt rinse with sea salt and water), it makes it harder for the bacteria in your mouth to grow spores that thrive and breed. [7]
ESSENTIAL OILS: Peppermint and Clove essential oils complete this powerful tooth powder. Many studies tout the benefits of these two oils in oral health. Peppermint oil shows an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of staphylococci. It also shows anti-fungal properties and inhibits Candida albicans. Clove oil is a known antioxidant. When tested it showed very strong free radical scavenging activity. It has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. [8]
We have two varieties of Tooth Powder at Herbs4You. Our other powder contains Bentonite Clay, which absorbs toxins and neutralizes bad bacteria. It binds to heavy metals and toxins around your teeth/gums and contains a variety of minerals that are good for remineralizing teeth. Diatomaceous Earth is another ingredient. High in silica, this ingredient is good in reducing plaque build-up. I have found that it works well to mix it with your regular toothpaste.
Start the year off right with a bright smile!
We’re Here to Help YOU!
Sue Froschheuser
[1] Mayo Clinic (June, 2019). Oral Health: A window to your overall health. Retrieved on 12/23/2019 from mayoclinic.org.
[2] Jirsa, A. An Herb A Day To Keep The Dentist Away. Retrieved on 12/23/2019 from mindbodygreen.com
[3] Ku, H. Peter (2017-18) Can Teeth Be Regenerated? Retrieved on 12/23/2019 from fortworthtexasdentist.com.
[4] Homm, D. (2/18/2015). 3 Herbs You May Want to Add Into Your Oral Health Routine – Navigating through Your Children’s Dental Care With Less Stress. Retrieved on 12/23/2019 from delhommealanimal.com.
[5] ODHA (Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association). Dental Hygeine Facts. Xylitol and Oral Care. Retrieved on 12/23/2019 from www.odha.on.ca
[6] The Grow Network (11/07/2019) Equisetum Hyemale (Horsetail): The BEST Plant for Tooth Health + 8 More Benefits! Retrieved on 12/23/2019 from thegrownetwork.com
[7] Guardian (2019) How a Saltwater Rinse Can Improve Your Oral Health. Retrieved on 12/23/2019 from guardiandirect.com
[8] Dagli, N., Dagli, R., Mahmoud, R.S., & Baroudi, K. (2015). Journal of International Society of Preventative and Community Dentistry. Essential oils, their therapeutic properties and implication in dentistry: A review. Retrieved on 12/23/2019 from nbci.nim.nig.gov
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