The Importance Of Dental Health In Wellness

By Natasha Ryan, ND, Regional Wellness Manager

Knowles Apothecary Wellness

. http://www.knowleswellness.com/

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The Importance Of Dental Health In Wellness

Dental health is an important part of your overall health and wellness. Did you know that gingivitis and other forms of inflammation have been linked to an increase in heart disease? Here are some ways to ensure that your dental wellness is a part of your overall wellness plan.

Mouth – The mouth is defined as the upper end of the alimentary canal and is the opening in which an animal takes in food. The proper opening and closing of the mouth is coordinated by muscles surrounding your jaw bones and one of the most common defects of the jaw is TMJD (Temperomandibular Joint Disease). Tension and stress can increase the pain associated with this condition. Consistent massage, reflexology and stress relief may be helpful in combating this condition.

Gums and Mucosa – Keeping your gums healthy is essential to oral health. When brushing your teeth, don't forget to pay attention to your gum line. Are there any changes in the color of your gums? Is there blood on your toothbrush? If so, this may be a sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums resulting from an underlying infection of some kind. All forms of inflammation can cause damage to the body so it is important to take the necessary steps to treat it if present. Some tips to get rid of gingivitis add a water pick to your dental regimen, use Goldenseal or Oregon grape two antimicrobial herbs mixed with water and gargle to strengthen your gums, and finally floss after meals. Food can get stuck between your teeth and irritate the gums if not removed.

Lips – This is one part of your body that is quite visible and therefore must be kept healthy and attractive. Kissing can be a wonderful part of being in a relationship so here are some tips to keep your lips looking supple and kissable keep them moist using lip balms with natural bases such as shea butter or grapeseed oil, drink plenty of water as dehydration can lead to dry lips; treat canker sores/herpes infections if they arise (topical or oral l-lysine may be helpful); when exfoliating your face, don't forget your lips this will help remove any dead skin that may be present.

Teeth – Healthy teeth can contribute not only to your overall health, but also to the perception of beauty and abundance that others have about you. Like it or not, people will judge you by many things, but your smile is one of the first glimpses into your overall state of wellness. Coffee, tea, wine these are just some of the things that can stain teeth, while acidic foods can damage enamel if they are not brushed off afterward. Some things to do for healthy teeth brush two times a day, go to the dentist regularly, disallow excessive buildup of plaque, prevent cavities by decreasing intake of refined sweets.

Tongue – In Traditional Chinese Medicine the tongue is used as a map to help diagnose the state of one's health. Pay attention to anything that may come up such as cracks, sores, ulcers or even deep teeth marks on the sides. Teeth marks may indicate a slight inflammation of the tongue and may be a sign of inflammation in the rest of the body. Some things to do for tongue health brush your tongue, pay attention to changes.

Basic Dental Tips

Brush your teeth at least two times per day.

Consider using a natural toothpaste and mouth rinse without harmful chemicals.

Floss after eating a meal.

Visit your dentist at least two times per year for regular appointments.

Combat inflammation in the body by taking antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E or anti-inflammatory herbs such as tumeric and boswellia.