Something To Chew On: Healthy Teeth
Did you know that taking good care of your teeth has powerful benefits for the health of your whole body and vice versa?
In the initial visit with a naturopath, we often take a good look inside the mouth. Your teeth and gums are a good reflection of your overall health. We look at fillings and saliva production and how your teeth are worn. We see if you grind or clench or if you have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) symptoms. We also examine your tongue and oral tissues, which can give us signs about the liver, the heart and circulation, and digestion and nutritional status.
All of these things are clues to the health of your oral microbiome. Microbiome a word that refers to the population of bacteria, fungus, viruses and protozoa that populate a region of the body. Some 280 species of bacteria in the oral microbiome have been identified and named but the estimate is closer to 700, compared to the 300-400 species in the intestines.
It may come as no surprise that the mouth has its own microbiome, but if you are like most people, you probably haven't given it much thought. A few years ago, the scientific community began to look at the correlation between oral bacteria and cardiovascular disease. They found that people with atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) leading to heart disease, had much higher levels of certain types of bacteria in their mouths associated with periodontal (gum) disease. Since then, there have been studies showing a correlation between imbalances in the oral microbiome and gum disease, tooth decay, rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatic cancer, stroke, pneumonia, preterm birth, Alzheimer’s disease, and type 2 diabetes.
The mouth is the gateway to the inner body and the microbes from the mouth make their way into both the blood stream and the intestines. The oral microbiome likes an alkaline environment. Foods especially high in sugar and carbohydrates tend to be acidifying. Increased acidity favors the growth of gram negative bacteria involved in the progression towards gum disease. High acidity, leaches calcium from the teeth to form a buffer. High carbohydrate and high sugar diets promotes acid producing strains of bacteria that degrade tooth enamel, contribute to plaque formation and set the stage for gingivitis and periodontitis. Dental plaque has also been linked to higher levels of autoimmune disease.
Did you know that the teeth are living organisms that are capable of regenerating themselves and that what you ingest shows up in the dental pulp and enamel hours after taking it in? Amazing, huh!?
You may say, “How is knowing that going to help me? I brush for two minutes twice a day with an electric toothbrush, I floss daily, go for routine dental cleanings…”.
Below are some tips to benefit your teeth from the inside out:
Eat a low sugar, low carbohydrate diet containing a wide variety of raw and steamed fresh organic vegetables and fruits. Organic pasture raised, grass fed animal proteins in minimal amounts. The greater the number of different herbs, veggies and fruits you eat, the more balanced your microbiome will be.
Keep a jar of sea salt rinse (1/2 tsp sea salt to 8 oz of water) in your bathroom to rinse and spit before and after your tooth brushings. This will alkalinize your mouth.
Use a drop of peppermint, clove or tea tree oil on your floss to inhibit bacterial growth. Floss methodically and down into the gum line. Add a rubber gum stimulator to deliver the oil below the gum line, especially if you have inflamed gums.
Use an electric toothbrush, ideally with a round head. Allow the movement of the brush to do the work. Massage/brush gums and teeth, holding the toothbrush still for 2 seconds on each tooth before moving on to the next tooth. There is no real need for toothpaste. If you want to use something you can use a bit of baking soda and a drop of essential oil.
Oil pulling. Swish for 10-15 minutes with one tablespoon of sesame oil or coconut oil. Pull oil through all of your teeth, to flush bacteria and stimulate the gums. This is a wonderful adjunct to your dental health.
Take care of your gastrointestinal health by testing for bacterial imbalances and correcting them.
Avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. Both have a negative affect on dental health.
Adding probiotics designed for oral health can help balance and heal oral bacteria.
Teeth are bones that will benefit from all of the minerals that support bone health: Vitamin D3, K2, boron, silica, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, dietary calcium and selenium.
If you have inflammation or bleeding in your gums, regular cleanings every 4-6 months are important. Mouth rinse with sea salt, colloidal silver, myrrh tincture, or any of the oils mentioned above will help. Bleeding gums can also be a sign of low vitamin C or bioflavonoids, certain medication side effects, hormonal imbalances and certain diseases.
Decrease stress. Stress is bad for dental health - not only increasing grinding and clenching, but by decreasing saliva production, which is part of the protective mechanism in the mouth. Stress also decreases stomach acidity which helps to digest food. If there is poor digestion, it leads to increased acidity in the oral cavity. Meditate, dance, walk in nature, talk with a good friend, cuddle, make love, do qi gong or tai chi, paint, write, sing, listen to music, play music, lie in a hammock, read an inspiring book… Your body will thank you, your mind will thank you, your teeth will thank you!
Warmly,
Dr. Ajana Miki