By Batista Gremaud
Did you know that April is oral hygiene month?
Oral health is not just about having clean teeth - it includes caring for your gums, mouth and throat lining, tongue, and lips. Good oral health has been linked with overall good health, including lowered risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic oral disease in children, while periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults.
Even though oral health complications are relatively common, many Americans take their oral health for granted. However, untreated dental caries and periodontal disease can cause several problems, including pain, dysfunction, poor appearance, loss of self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, and absenteeism from work or school.
It's important to understand that tooth loss is often the result of disease injury or poor hygiene rather than an inevitable consequence of aging.
Tips to take good care of your teeth and gums
1. Brush and floss
Brushing your teeth and gums at least twice daily helps remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and gentle, circular motions to clean your teeth and gums. Flossing helps remove food and plaque buildup between teeth and along the gum line. Not flossing can lead to cavities and gum disease.
2. Use a suitable mouthwash.
Using an appropriate mouthwash helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Look for a mouthwash that is alcohol-free and contains fluoride. Mouthwashes help reduce bacteria in the mouth and avoid plaque buildup.
There is no agreement on whether fluoride is safe and effective to consume. Some people think it is necessary for good dental health, while others see its addition to public water supplies as intrusive. Groups like the Fluoride Action Network argue that the compound can cause adverse health effects like bone fractures, thyroid disorders, and impaired brain function. Unfortunately, this debate is likely to continue.
3. See your dentist regularly, get regular cleanings
Visiting your dentist regularly helps to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and to keep up with regular cleaning. In addition, your dentist can detect early signs of tooth decay or gum disease and help with prevention rather than remedying them into more severe conditions.
Additionally, certain oral health products can help protect teeth, such as fluoride mouthwashes, tongue scrapers, antiseptic rinses, and water picks.
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Holistic Approaches
Oil pulling
Oil Pulling, also referred to as "kavala" or "gundusha," is a traditional Indian folk remedy used for many centuries to help maintain good oral hygiene. It is a simple trick that involves swishing a teaspoon of oil, such as sesame or coconut, around in one's mouth for approximately 20 minutes. This process is said to help reduce plaque, reduce bad breath, boost the immune system, strengthen the gums, and reduce oral infections.
Since oil is composed of smaller molecules than water, the oil can penetrate deep into the microscopic spaces between our teeth and gums where bacteria and plaque hide. As the oil is swished around, it picks up the bacteria, loosens plaque, and pulls out toxins. The oil can also help keep teeth free of plaque by replacing some bacteria with lipids, which protect teeth and gums from surface staining.
Oil Pulling is an easy remedy that can be done at home as a part of a daily oral hygiene routine. Simply take a teaspoon of oil, such as coconut or sesame, and swish it around your mouth for about 20 minutes, then spit it out and rinse your mouth out with plain water. Do not swallow the oil, as it will contain toxins and bacteria. Repeat this twice daily, preferably in the morning and before bed.
Do not spit the oil in the sink as it can cause clogging of the pipes. Instead, the oil should be spit into a trashcan or paper towel.
Hydrogen Peroxide and baking soda
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are two household favorites that can be used to improve oral hygiene. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent, while baking soda is known to neutralize acidity in the mouth and remove surface stains.
This combination can help keep your mouth clean and healthy by controlling the bacteria and acidity levels. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda until it forms a paste. You can then apply the paste to your teeth using a toothbrush or finger. Allow it to sit briefly before rinsing your mouth with water.
This combination can also be used to improve breath odor. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward. Remember to be gentle when brushing your teeth with the paste, as hydrogen peroxide can sometimes cause slight gum irritation if overused.
Oil pulling and hydrogen peroxide methods should not replace brushing, flossing, regular cleanings, or check-ups with your dentists.
Including the right foods in your diet
Aside from brushings and flossing regularly, a healthy diet is one of the best ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Eating healthy foods with plenty of fiber help to reduce bacteria in the mouth which can lead to tooth decay and plaque buildup. Additionally, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can help stimulate saliva flow, which helps to flush out bacteria from the mouth naturally. Calcium-rich dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese also help promote healthy teeth and gums. Foods high in vitamins A and C, such as leafy greens, tomatoes, bell peppers, oranges, and strawberries, strengthen the gums and increase overall oral health. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods is also essential for keeping teeth and gums healthy, as they can all contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding carbonated beverages, especially those with added sugars, will also help keep teeth and gums healthy. Incorporating healthy foods into your diet is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Vitamins that are good for your teeth's health include:
-Vitamin K2
-Magnesium
-Vitamin D
-Phosphorus
Does exercise help keep your mouth healthy?
Yes! Exercise increases blood flow, which helps to keep gums and teeth healthy. Additionally, exercise helps reduce stress, which can help keep gums and teeth healthy.
Exercise also helps reduce the presence of plaque, which is a thin film of bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Finally, exercise assists in breaking down carbohydrates and other food particles that can cause plaque to form. These factors help keep your mouth healthy and free of cavities, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
In conclusion, good oral hygiene has many benefits, including preventing cavities and tooth decay, preventing gum disease, reducing bad breath, preserving teeth structure, preventing tooth loss, protecting overall health, preserving a beautiful and confident smile, and helping to maintain good general health. It is an integral part of living a healthy lifestyle!
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Batista Gremaud is the CEO and president of Dr Fitness International, an International Body Designer, Strength Training Expert, No1 Best Selling author of Feminine Body Design, Empowering Fitness For A Pain-Free Life, co-creator of the Feminine Body Design online strength training mentoring system, co-host of the Esoteric Principles of Bodybuilding, Recipient of the most outstanding fitness program 2019 by The Winners Circle, Mastermind at Sea. and producer of the Dr Fitness USA’s THE SHOW. https://www.DrFitnessUSA.com 424-287-7181
Heart Of Hollywood Magazine Contributor. For more information on Batista and to meet our other Heart Of Hollywood Contributors, click on the link below: https://www.heartofhollywoodmagazine.com/contributors
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