I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
You don't have to be a dentist to understand how important dental health is. Yet flossing and brushing aren't the only ways to maintain your teeth. If you are interested in learning about other beneficial practices, read on. This article will present two alternative techniques for maintaining your dental health.
Oil Pulling
This is an ancient oral health practice that has been dated all the way back to Indian texts from around 700 B.C. The general idea is simple: a tablespoon of oil is swished back and forth in the mouth. This is usually done with sunflower, sesame, or coconut oil; however almost any cooking oil will work. After swishing for roughly 20 minutes, you spit the oil into a trashcan.
The advocates of oil pulling have long claimed that it reduces the likelihood of developing gum disease and other oral health maladies by drawing harmful toxins out of the tissues of the mouth. Recent studies have bolstered these claims, demonstrating that oil pulling on a regular basis does indeed reduce the amount of oral plaque.
In other words, oil pulling has an antibacterial effect not all that different from mouthwash. However, it is seen as a more holistic--and less harsh--means of achieving that goal. Not only that, but another study has claimed that oil pulling is up to 6 times as cost-effective as mouthwash. This makes oil pulling a viable alternative not only for those who prefer a more natural approach to oral health, but also for those in developing countries who simply cannot afford more costly mouthwash.
Probiotics
Probiotics are those foods whose production involves a stage of fermentation induced by microorganisms. To many people, who equate fermentation with decay, this idea may seem off-putting at first. Yet if you've ever taken pleasure in eating a carton of yogurt, then you're already acquainted with one of the most common priobiotic foods. Others include:
The overall health benefits of probiotics have long been known. However, only more recently has research indicated the strong positive effect they may have on oral health. One way this is accomplished is through indirectly boosting the function of your immune system as a whole, thus allowing it to more effectively combat tooth diseases such as gingivitis.
Probiotics benefit your teeth in a more direct way as well. This is especially true of those containing containing one or more strains of lactic acid bacteria. This category of bacteria have been shown to have a direct effect in combating dental diseases such as caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
For more information on dental hygiene, talk with a dentist at a practice like Sun Dental & Orthodontics.
Share9 June 2015
