Hello, young Padawan
I have rarely made a title as short as this one, but just as fair! (Modesty did not go through this intro, ed).
Indeed, dental health is totally correlated with our physical health. That’s why it is essential to take care of it, for today, but especially for tomorrow (So tomorrow won’t be sorrow, #dadpun, my favorite lol, ed). Indeed, with dental health, when it’s starting to be a mess, it’s a little more complicated to catch up, even if it’s never too late to do things right.
Already, first argument: it costs less to take care of dental health than to remake a new one at the dentist. For the other arguments, I let you discover them, in addition to the 101 like two or three daily brushing, and dental floss (or not, depending on your habits), this is what you can do to help your dental capital to stay in good form…
Padawans on the way to their dental health, and they are on an excellent track! Downtown Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Oil pulling
I know, you were waiting for that one. You’ve heard about it recently, and you think it’s a new trend thing that will disappear in a few months, as all modes do. Wrong. Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic ritual dating back over 3000 years, so about fashion, the Indians have done better than Jean-Paul Gaultier.
In a short resume, oil pulling is a mouthwash with oil. In the mouth, depending on the lifestyle of each human being, millions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other toxins can proliferate. Oil then acts as a purification, trapping pathogens, harmful bacteria, and other unwanted substances before they have a chance to spread throughout the body.
– First, if you are not very comfortable with your body, just forget. Indeed, if you tend to swallow down the wrong way by accident with a regular mouthwash, this will not suit you and may even be dangerous in the long term (risk of lipid pneumonia swallowing the coconut oil, soiled by our own bacteria, in the lungs ) , because you have to spit it out and not swallow it, lol (For the rest, you do what you want, it’s not my concern! ^^).
– If, on the other hand, you are in the team who masters his sphincters (#soswag), here’s what I can tell you about this method:
The ayurvedic dosage is one tbsp of first cold pressed extra virgin organic oil, 15-20 min in the mouth (during this time you can take a shower, get dressed …). Rinse your mouth afterward and wash your teeth. The mouthwash should be done in the morning on an empty stomach, on clean teeth. It is recommended to practice it daily for two weeks to have results.
Which oil? Organic virgin coconut oil is the most recommended for two reasons: the whiteness of teeth and limit harmful bacteria.
Indeed, coconut oil contains lauric acid, a fatty acid presented as possessing antibacterial and antifungal properties quite remarkable. These properties would exert, for example, on germs such as Escherichia vulneris, Enterobacter spp., Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans. This acid, however, has no effect against L. casei bacteria, unlike conventional mouthwashes. Conversely, conventional mouthwashes tend to damage the oral flora. So you must choose your side (Note: Do not spit the oil in the sink because its cooling could create a plug, coconut oil tends to solidify, ed).
Promises, after two weeks: A feeling of lasting freshness in the mouth, whiter and brighter teeth, less irritation, bleeding, inflammation of the gums, drastic decrease of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth, decreased the risk of caries.
I have been practicing it for three years, having started with the recommended daily oil pulling for two weeks, and then practicing it sporadically ever since, when the need arises, by a week of oil pulling. I noticed that my teeth were whiter since then, and this is the main reason that makes me start a week again here and there because I am a big tea lover.
Activated carbon
We’ve all heard about it, but many of us are wondering what it really is. Let’s ask Wiki: “Active carbon (or activated charcoal) is any coal which has undergone a particular preparation and which, therefore, possesses to a high degree the property of fixing and retaining certain molecules brought into contact with it. It is an amorphous structure mainly composed of carbon atoms, generally obtained after a step of carbonization of a precursor at high temperature. Activated carbon can be produced from any organic plant matter rich in carbon: wood, bark, wood pulp, coconut husks, peanut hulls, olive kernels, or coal, peat, lignite, residues oil.”(Source: Wikipedia).
The use of activated carbon also goes back quite far: to Antiquity. It was then generally used to purify, decontaminate and detoxify water and air. Its use begins to diversify in the nineteenth century, especially in medicine and cosmetics.
Today, activated carbon is regularly used and recognized for its properties.
Coconut activated charcoal is effective in whitening teeth. Less than a chemical treatment, certainly, but it is much less aggressive for tooth enamel. It is therefore wise to do the math and to choose your side again.
It is recommended to use a maximum of 2 times a week, no more, even if it is a natural product it is nonetheless abrasive. In maintenance, as for me, once a month is enough.
To avoid…
After drinking orange juice, lemon or any other citrus fruit, vinegar, drink a little water or rinse your teeth with clean water and do not wash your teeth within 20 minutes.
Rinse your mouth after drinking tea, coffee, or any product that can tint teeth, if you want to keep them beautiful and white (If they are too yellow, you can always wear a brown tie. Just kiddin’, ed)…
To tinker with your teeth. Yes, you see exactly what I mean: to cut scotch, tear off a piece of plastic, open a package with your teeth is a very bad idea.
Beware of pitted olives. Because the machine (or the restaurant employee) may have forgotten one … and boom! Also, be careful with salads containing hazelnuts or walnuts in restaurants #nutshellaltert.
Wearing a tooth protector during boxing, basketball, hockey, rugby, and so on!
Do not brush your teeth before sleeping is a very, very bad idea. But if you are reading this article, you’re not there anymore … should I also talk about tobacco and alcohol? I do not believe so.
Do not regularly go to the dentist for a little routine check is not the idea of the century either. Once or twice a year, just to check that everything is fine, and correct what is wrong if any.
Finally, not consuming enough mineralizing products is not wise at all. Indeed, fruits and vegetables are there to help you take calcium and minerals that are essential for good dental health. And for that, long live the celery juice branch and fennel! (Yes, I have a hectic life, ed).
Dental hygiene is good for heart health … but not only!
– Good for heart and arteries
Heart health, in general, suffers if it turns out that bad bacteria are too prevalent in the oral flora. Indeed people with many harmful bacteria in the mouth are at higher risk of arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, especially in the neck (carotid arteries).
-Many other health problems are associated with an unhealthy mouth, invaded by bacteria: this creates an inflammatory environment in the body that can cause a lot of damage to our organs and even cause cancer.
So in short, if you do not do it for aesthetics, for vanity or the comfort of others, do it at least for your health! It’s never too late to take care of yourself in general, and your teeth in particular.
Minty kisses 🌱
Sources :
Coconut oil could combat tooth decay
Fatty Acids and Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents
Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study.
Periodontal Disease and Heart Health
L’huile de coco pour les dents : quelle efficacité ?
Your faithful servant unveiling her ultra-brite smile … or almost #thankstofilters