Holistic Oral Care
Did you know that your oral health greatly affects your overall health? Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry reported that people with gum disease were twice as likely as others to die from a heart attack, and three times as likely to have a stroke. Poor oral health is linked to a host of illnesses and problems including (but not limited to): heart disease, premature births, alzheimer's, diabetes,
respiratory disease, osteoporosis, decreased immune function, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Below are some Oral Health "Hacks" that are not only greatly beneficial to oral AND overall health- but also have many long-term cosmetic advantages.
Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil When swished around in the mouth, the antibacterial properties of coconut oil pull out bacteria and fungus, alleviating inflammation, congestion and even allergies! It gets rid of bad breath, strep throat bacteria, bleeding gums, cavities, gingivitis, plaque, and sensitive teeth, moistens the mouth, lips, and throat. It even relieves stomach issues such as ulcers, whitens teeth, improves kidney function, and clears your skin.
Here's how to Oil Pull: Measure out 1-2 TSP oil and put it into your mouth. Swish and pull the oil around your mouth and between your teeth. (Start with 5 minutes and build up to 20 minutes or more. Don't swallow the oil, since it will contain toxins and bacteria from your mouth!) When you're ready to spit out the liquid, make sure you do so in the garbage- NOT the sink. (It can clog pipes.) Now, rinse out your mouth with salt water, or with a little Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) to ensure that all of the tainted oil is out of your mouth.
Brushing teeth with Activated Charcoal
The surface of Activated Charcoal (AC) has a negative electric charge that causes positively charged toxins to bond with it. AC adsorbs plaque and microscopic tidbits that stain teeth (hello pearly whites!)- it also changes the PH balance in the mouth which helps prevent cavities, bad breath and gum diseases.
Here's how: Wet a toothbrush and dip into powdered AC. (It's very important to select pure Activated Charcoal from coconut shells, AKA: Coal-conut.) Brush teeth, paying special attention to stained areas. Spit out and rinse well with water, until spit is clear. (NOTE: AC can and will stain fabrics. It can also potentially stain crowns, caps and porcelain veneers on teeth. Protect counters, floors and clothing before use, and wash hands throughly after. Wipe up right away if spilled.)
Tongue Cleaning with a Tongue Scraper
This simple, thin, U-shaped piece of stainless steel is AMAZING. It removes gunk from the surface of your tongue each time it's used. (You'd be surprised how much buildup gets caked on! ) I use my Dr. Tung's tongue scraper both morning and evening. It helps squelch cravings and bad breath, improves your ability to taste food, boosts immunity, and even helps improve your digestion.
This is how to scrape your tongue: (No this does not hurt)! Hold the two ends of the scraper in both hands, sticking out your tongue and placing the scraper as far back on your tongue as possible. With firm, but gentle pressure, scrape the surface of your tongue in one long stroke. Rinse the scraper and repeat until tongue feels clean and is free of coating. Now, smile- enjoy all the benefits, and love the heightened taste of your favorite foods.
I challenge you to give one (or all) of these holistic oral care hacks a try! Consistency is key, like always. Please share your thoughts, questions, or comments below- I love to hear from you!
