Holistic Oral Health Part 1
The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract and a vital aspect to our overall health. When I say the mouth I am talking about the whole apparatus, teeth, jaw, gums, salivary glands etc. The mouth is the starting point for whole body's nourishment and sustenance. It is hardy, vital, and requires a balance because what goes on in the mouth, not just what goes into the mouth affects the whole body. This gives new meaning to the phrase "it's all in your head".
While not yet fully conclusive many health experts are aware of the connection between gum disease and heart disease. The connection has not yet been fully nailed down but the these two diseases often go hand in hand. Personally, I suspect it has something to do with bacteria and fungus from the mouth entering the blood stream. Keen observers can note that the nutrient Co enzyme Q10 benefits both the heart and the gums.
Microbes including bacteria and fungus are prevalent throughout the body and on the skin. They thrive in the mouth because they like the warmth, moisture and the supply of sugars they get via the food we eat. This is normal but this can be thrown off balance and this imbalance can become problematic. Infections in the mouth are not uncommon and from the mouth these infections spread to rest of the body. This is why it is so important to take proper care of the mouth. Because a low grade infection in the mouth can have far reaching effects some of which include:
• digestive upsets - often assumed to be a food sensitivity
• joint pain - mistake for muscle imbalances
• brain fog
• depressed mood
• skin rashes
• chronic fatigue
• chronic diseases (heart disease)
Regular, daily brushing and flossing are key along with keeping the ph balanced to guard against an overly acidic mouth. Some foods that support a vital mouth include green vegetables and ph neutral water. Proper mineralization is important for the bone and tooth enamel, if mineral absorption is a problem for you consider using liquid minerals such as Mother Earth Minerals. These super bio available nano sized minerals are a wise choice for their ease of use and absorption.
Last but certainly not least your oral health and the health of the planet . . . consider the tooth brush you use and if it is recyclable, bio degradable or just land fill waste. The Brush with Bamboo toothbrush has a biodegradable handle made from 100% bamboo. The soft bristles are verified BPA-Free Soft Nylon (recyclable, not biodegradable). And, your bamboo toothbrushes can be used for just as long as plastic toothbrushes.
In part two I will introduce you to an ancient method for cleaning microbes and other bacteria safely and naturally.