It has been shown that there is a significant part that oral hygiene plays to a person’s overall health. For instance studies have shown that the plaque that forms in the mouth after substantial build up leads to inflammation in the arteries and can lead to heart disease or stroke. So lets get right on to looking more carefully about the facts of dental health.

What is dental health?

According to “
http://www.marshfieldclinic.org/patients/?page=contenthubs-dental-what
” Dental or oral health is concerned with your teeth, gums and mouth. The goal is to prevent complications such as tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease and to maintain the overall health of your mouth.

When food is eaten, the digestive process begins in the mouth but unfortunately, this is also where there are lots of germs and bacteria. If the germs and bacteria are allowed to grow then they produce acid which in turn erodes the enamel of the teeth. The enamel is the tooth’s protection. When this is damaged then cavities occur and sometimes severe pain.

Therefore individuals must:

Brush teeth twice a day or after each meal.
Floss teeth.
visit a Dental Hygienist at least twice a year.

What is involved in Brushing?

Always use a soft bristle brush to clean your teeth. Brush gently over the surface of the teeth at a 45 degree angle to the gums. Remember also to brush those hard to reach areas between teeth because that is where foo is trapped with could eventually lead to dental health problems.

What is involved in Flossing?

Use about 18 inches or so of dental floss, wrap it around you finger and gently slide it between the teeth until it reaches the gum line. Then curve the floss in the shape of the tooth and gently use and up and down motion to remove pieces of plaque from the lower parts of the tooth.

Regular dental visits are recommended to ensure that we keep our teeth, gums and mouth healthy.

Other tips to maintain good oral health. YOU CAN MAKE IT!!!!!

- Rinse with peroxide to kill germ and whiten teeth.

- Brush coconut oil as it is anti-bacterial. (I buy organic, cold pressed coconut oil or I make my own). Use a 50/50 ratio to baking soda for a tooth paste.

- Using a drop of Tea tree oil to brush with is great as tea tree is anti bacterial.

- Baking soda is also good for brushing with. It helps remove plaque and whiten teeth. Add mint. peppermint, thyme, eucalyptus, cinnamon, lavender

- strawberries are also known for whitening teeth. Crush 1 strawberry and add to 1/2 tsp baking soda. Smear over teeth and leave on for 5 minutes. Brush with toothpaste, baking soda of plain water afterwards as strawberries contain sugar.

- Eat an apple. Like strawberries it contains malic acid which helps whiten teeth. “An apple a day keeps the dentist away”

- Eating raisins. According to this article here, raisins help produce saliva, which in turn rinses away plaque.

So what are we waiting for? Let’s get out the correct toothbrush, the floss our natural “toothpaste” recipes and get cracking or should I say brushing!

Remember a healthy body equals a healthy mind.

P.S. this post was written by Mr. Healthy Body since Mrs. Healthy Body is severely sleep-deprived from dealing with a teething baby.