Gum and Dental Health
Natural Dental and Gum Care
Elaine Godley
Last Update a year ago
Taking care of our teeth and gums is super important for maintaining a healthy smile. Using natural dental care methods can be a great way to promote strong teeth and gums while avoiding some of the pitfalls associated with fluoridation.
Let me break it down for you!
Natural dental care is essential because it focuses on using ingredients found in nature that are gentle yet effective in promoting oral health. Unlike some commercial products, natural toothpaste and mouthwashes don't contain harsh chemicals or artificial additives that can be harmful to our bodies in the long run.
Fluoridation, on the other hand, is a process where fluoride is added to public water supplies or dental products. While fluoride has been widely used for its cavity-fighting properties, there are a few concerns associated with it. Some studies suggest that excessive fluoride intake may lead to dental fluorosis, which causes discoloration and pitting of the teeth. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential negative effects of fluoride on overall health when consumed in high amounts.
Now, let's talk about some natural toothpaste recipes you can try at home:
1. Baking Soda and Coconut Oil Toothpaste:
- Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for a refreshing flavor.
- Stir the ingredients well until you achieve a smooth paste-like consistency.
- Store the mixture in a small jar and use it like regular toothpaste.
2. Turmeric and Coconut Oil Toothpaste:
- Combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for taste (such as peppermint or cinnamon).
- Mix everything thoroughly until you have a smooth paste.
- Store it in a container and use it as you would with any other toothpaste.
3. Clay and Essential Oil Toothpaste:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay with 1 tablespoon of water to form a paste.
- Add a few drops of essential oil (such as tea tree oil or clove oil) for added antimicrobial benefits.
- Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a jar and use it as your natural toothpaste.
Let's discuss gum health.
Gums can indeed regrow and be healthy with proper care. Regular brushing, flossing, and a healthy diet play a significant role in maintaining gum health. Additionally, there are a few natural remedies and practices that can help promote gum regrowth and overall gum health:
1. Oil Pulling: Swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes can help remove harmful bacteria and promote gum health. Spit out the oil afterward and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
2. Aloe Vera Gel: Applying natural aloe vera gel to your gums can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. It has antibacterial properties that can aid in fighting gum infections.
3. Vitamin C-rich Foods: Including foods like oranges, strawberries, and leafy greens in your diet can provide your gums with essential nutrients. Vitamin C helps strengthen blood vessels and supports gum tissue health.
Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing and oil pulling (see video below) , along with a balanced diet, are crucial for healthy teeth and gums. Natural dental care methods can be a gentle and effective way to support strong teeth and gums without the potential drawbacks associated with fluoridation. So, go ahead and give those natural toothpaste recipes a try, and don't forget to take care of your gums too!
To Supplement or Not?
There are several supplements that can help support bone health, and one of them is boron. Boron is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining strong and healthy bones. It aids in the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, which are essential nutrients for bone health.
Boron helps in the absorption and utilisation of calcium by enhancing the activity of vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption. It also promotes the production of estrogen, a hormone that plays a vital role in maintaining bone density, especially in postmenopausal women.
In addition to boron, other supplements that support bone health include:
1. Calcium: Calcium is the primary mineral that makes up our bones. Adequate calcium intake is crucial for maintaining bone density and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
2. Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium from the intestines. It helps regulate calcium levels in the blood and promotes bone mineralization.
3. Magnesium: Magnesium works in conjunction with calcium and vitamin D to support bone health. It helps convert vitamin D into its active form, which aids in calcium absorption.
4. Vitamin K: Vitamin K is involved in the production of proteins that regulate bone mineralization. It helps ensure that calcium is properly deposited
in the bones, contributing to their strength and integrity.
While these supplements can be beneficial for bone health, it is important to note that individual needs may vary. It is always a good idea to consider getting a mineral test to determine your specific nutrient deficiencies or imbalances. This can help you tailor your supplement regimen to your unique needs, ensuring that you are not wasting money on unnecessary supplements.
A mineral test, also known as a mineral panel or mineral analysis, measures the levels of various minerals in your body, including calcium, magnesium, boron, and others. This test can provide valuable insight into your mineral status and help identify any deficiencies or excesses that may be affecting your bone health.
By identifying specific mineral imbalances, you can work with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to develop a targeted supplement plan that addresses your individual needs. This personalized approach can optimize your bone health and prevent unnecessary spending on supplements that may not be beneficial for you.
In conclusion, while boron is a mineral that can support bone health by aiding in calcium metabolism and promoting estrogen production, it is important to consider a comprehensive approach to bone health. This includes assessing your individual mineral needs through testing and working with healthcare professionals to develop a tailored supplement plan. By doing so, you can ensure that you are taking the right supplements and not wasting money on unnecessary ones.
In addition to mineral testing, it's also crucial to maintain a balanced diet and engage in weight-bearing exercises to support bone health. Consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, can provide the necessary vitamins and minerals for bone strength. Regular exercise, such as walking, jogging, or weightlifting, helps stimulate bone growth and maintain bone density.
It's worth noting that while supplements can be beneficial, they should not replace a healthy lifestyle or serve as a substitute for a well-rounded diet. They should be used as a complement to a nutritious eating plan and exercise routine.
If you are considering taking supplements, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. They can evaluate your specific needs, take into account any underlying health conditions or medications you may be taking, and provide guidance on the appropriate supplements for you.
By taking a proactive approach to bone health, including considering supplements like boron and getting mineral testing, you can ensure that you are supporting your bones effectively and making informed decisions about your supplement regimen. This way, you can optimize your bone health and avoid wasting money on unnecessary supplements that may not be beneficial for you.
To order your hair mineral analysis or consult with me, please visit the HUB shop.
These Charts are Interesting
The Link between Dental Care
and Heart Health
The link between poor dental hygiene, heart health, and other illnesses is a fascinating and intricate subject. The connection largely revolves around the concept of inflammation and the way infections in the mouth can affect other parts of the body.
Here’s a breakdown of the connections and suggestions for minimizing risks and potentially reversing damage.
Poor Dental Hygiene and Heart Health
1. **Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease**: Research suggests a link between periodontal (gum) disease and an increased risk of heart disease. The bacteria causing gum disease can enter the bloodstream, causing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by contributing to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This condition can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
2. **Endocarditis**: This is an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium). It typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart. Poor dental health increases the risk of these bacteria entering the bloodstream.
Dental Health and Other Illnesses
1. **Diabetes**: People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, which in turn can make diabetes harder to control. Infections can increase blood sugar levels, which can lead to an increase in the period of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar, thus promoting diabetes complications.
2. **Respiratory Diseases**: Bacteria in the mouth from infected teeth and swollen gums can be breathed into the lungs or travel there through the bloodstream. These bacteria can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
3. **Pregnancy Complications**: Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. The theory is that oral bacteria release toxins, which reach the placenta through the mother's bloodstream and interfere with the development of the fetus.
Minimizing Risks and Reversing Damage
1. **Good Oral Hygiene**: This is the cornerstone of preventing gum disease and related health issues. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and oil pulling can significantly reduce plaque buildup and bacterial presence.
2. **Regular Dental Checkups**: Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups can help catch and treat periodontal disease early, before it leads to more serious health issues.
3. **Healthy Lifestyle**: Eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting sugary snacks and drinks can help prevent dental problems and their associated health risks.
4. **Manage Conditions**: If you have conditions like diabetes, managing them effectively can lessen the risk of developing gum disease and its complications.
5. **Prompt Treatment**: If you have signs of gum disease (bleeding, swollen gums, bad breath that won't go away), seeking prompt dental care can prevent the condition from worsening and impacting other areas of your health.
Reversing the damage caused by poor dental hygiene depends on the severity of the problem. Early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may require more extensive treatment, such as deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), medications, or even surgery.
The key takeaway is that maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits not only keeps your smile bright but also plays a crucial role in your overall health. Addressing dental health issues promptly can minimize their impact on conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases, underscoring the interconnectedness of oral health and general well-being.
Consult a dental practitioner who practices natural care for best guidance - there are very few of them so please do your research and ask for recommendations.
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