What comes to mind when you think about your health?  Healthy eating, exercise, adequate sleep, hydration, and less stress? What about oral health?  Besides brushing, I rarely gave my oral health a second thought until I started seeing a Biological Dentist and researched how mouth bacteria can lead to severe disease.  

Before this discovery, I would quickly brush my teeth and maybe floss once a week!  I’m surprised that my lacklustre oral hygiene didn’t cause any serious issues with my teeth and gums and that my husband was willing to kiss me.  After seeing a Biological Dentist and doing some research to understand what was going on in my mouth, I improved my oral hygiene significantly.  

Our body has trillions of microorganisms such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria, collectively called the microbiome.  These microbiome communities can be found in your skin, gut (I’m sure you have heard of the gut microbiome), vagina, lungs, and gums and teeth, known as the oral microbiome.  Each microbiome needs a diversity of good and bad bacteria.  It’s essential to have more good bacteria as too much harmful bacteria can settle back into the gums and teeth and enter the bloodstream potentially causing serious harm.  Please see the picture below that shows the types of bacteria that can be found in your mouth and the health conditions that it may cause.  

A Few Things to Consider 

See a Biological Dentist 

Biological dentistry (holistic or alternative dentistry) recognizes the link between oral health and general health and the implications that oral health has on the entire body. The approach is concerned with the whole-body effects of all dental materials, techniques and procedures and is fluoride-free, mercury-free and mercury-safe when amalgam fillings are removed.

I attended my first appointment with a Biological Dentist in January and was very impressed with the comprehensive assessment.  This included x-rays, a thorough inspection of my teeth, gums, bite, tongue (I learned that I have ankyloglossia -tongue-tie) and a sample of my mouth bacteria was examined.  

Switch to Organic Toothpaste 

Your toothbrush helps to loosen food particles, and toothpaste helps eliminate the bacteria that cause halitosis, gingivitis and serious health conditions if it is not controlled.   Organic toothpaste offers the same cleaning benefits as regular toothpaste. 

Sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride and saccharin are some of the ingredients found in regular toothpaste that can be harmful to your health.  Organic toothpaste is comprised of all-natural ingredients such as mint, peppermint, and spearmint oils that are natural breath fresheners and contain other herbs that have natural antibacterial properties.  

Issues with Fluoride 

Fluoride can be found in our water, toothpaste and dental treatments and there are many conflicting views on its’ benefits. Some experts feel that its presence has been positive by preventing tooth decay and other experts feel that fluoride can cause serious health issues.  According to the International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), an organization that campaigns against the use of added fluoride, it may also contribute to the following health problems:

·       Acne and other skin problems

·       Cardiovascular problems, including arteriosclerosis and arterial calcification, high blood pressure, myocardial damage, cardiac insufficiency, and heart failure.

·       Reproductive issues, such as lower fertility and early puberty in girls

·       Thyroid dysfunction

·       Conditions affecting the joints and bones, such as osteoarthritis, bone cancer, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)

·       Neurological problems, possibly leading to ADHD (1)

I eliminated fluoride by purchasing organic toothpaste and refusing fluoride treatments from my former dentist, and I haven’t had a cavity in years. 

Clean Your Tongue Every Day 

Using a tongue scraper is the most effective way to clean your tongue.  What the heck is a tongue scraper?  Exactly my response when I first heard about it. A tongue scraper is a metal or plastic device that you scrap across your tongue to remove bacteria, dead cells and mucous.  The build-up of this debris can cause bad breath, cavities and gum disease and lead to more serious health problems. 

Using a tongue scraper can help remove this buildup and improve your sense of taste, the appearance of your tongue, and remove harmful bacteria, enhancing overall health and improving oral health.   

Initially, I found tongue scaping really gross. I did adjust.  If you have a gag reflex, then I would avoid placing your scraper to the back of your tongue.  Ensure to clean your tongue scraper after each use.  

Gargle with Saltwater

Place 16 oz of spring or filtered water to 1 oz of salt in a mason jar and leave it in your bathroom.  Take a small mouthful and gargle for 30 seconds twice a day.  The salt solution will decrease congestion in your throat, eliminate unhealthy bacteria and promote healthier teeth and gums.  I started gargling in January and have noticed that my gums are no longer inflamed or bleed when I floss my teeth.  

My Current Oral Health Routine

After breakfast, I gargle with salt water, scrap my tongue, brush my teeth and gums, and rinse with fresh water.  

At bedtime, I floss, scrape my tongue, brush my teeth and gums, gargle with salt water, and rinse with fresh water. I’ve found that I must do this at least an hour before bedtime, or it won’t happen.

Keep on Smiling.

Anita :)

Resources:

1. The Human Oral Microbiome in Health and Disease: From Sequences to Ecosystems-Article & Photo Credit https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/2/308/htm

2. Tongue scraper picture credit  https://www.breathmd.com/tongue-cleaners.php

DISCLAIMER; The information provided on County Yoga Loft’s website blog is for general health care informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith. However, it should not replace consultation or advice from a physician and/or other healthcare practitioners. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is solely at your own risk.