Talking Teeth – Are We Listening?
If the eyes are the window to our soul, then our mouths are definitely the gateway to our whole body. Moreover, our ‘parts’ tell us what kind of food we were designed to eat. If we deviate too much from our natural holistic interior environment, we can expect some issues.
A recent article by the Smithsonian, discussed the fact that prehistoric man had better teeth than modern man. With all our flossing and brushing and antibacterial rinses, the state of our teeth and gums is declining. And now there is an alarming rise in diseases emanating from the state of our mouth.
It is when our diets shifted from meat, seeds and nuts that the decline began, according to the study. Grains and sugars have introduced bacteria that is not friendly in our mouths as compared to the healthful flora that would keep our mouths healthy and fresh. Some studies have shown that milk is more harmful than chocolate to teeth.
Animals, if you think about it, rarely have tooth or gum disease.
Recently, however, dogs have become more susceptible to periodontal disease since the advent of grain based commercial foods. We are mollified by claims of vitamin and mineral enrichment, but this just translates to the fact that there is little inherent nutrition to the food itself. But the thing is – dogs have canine teeth – designed for ripping and tearing meet. This is nature’s tap on the shoulder about what the best diet might be. So what about us?
We have a diet natural to our physical organism that sustains optimum health. Deviation will inevitably tilt the harmonic balance of our systems. Prolonged imbalance can only stress the immune system so long and then decay or illness may ensue. Clearly, the first defence on behalf of our healthy body is to eat foods sustainable to health and limit or eliminate foods contrary to that – like grains and sugars.
Secondly it seems reasonable to take every precaution agains the harmful bacteria caused by incorrect diet that does exist in our mouths. My logic tells me that the more natural, whole the compatible with our bodies the substances are that we use for these cleansing processes, the less invasive they are. In addition, they have health giving properties to replenish the environment.
If, as the author states, all our cleansing just covers the more fundamental problem that we don’t have the right bacteria in our mouth to keep our teeth healthy, what might we do?
We know that when we take a course of antibiotics we interrupt the balance of microorganisms in our gut. Both the culprit bacteria as well as the beneficial bacteria of our gut is effected by the antibiotic. ”anti-” means “against” and the Greek root “biotikos”means “fit for life”. An antibiotic prevents microorganisms from carrying on all their essential life functions, thereby causing their death. To prevent side effects it is helpful to take live probiotics like acidophilus to replace the beneficial and healthful bacteria.
So are we leaving our mouths – the gate of our physical bodies – unmanned or undefended?
I can now understand why the dental community is concerned about mouth health being critical to prevention of serious illness. However, is hygiene alone enough? Do we need to investigate the introduction of beneficial bacteria in our mouths? Would an acidophilus rince and gargle be enough?
I have been on a quest for mouth health which I first discussed on this site in the post “Oil Pulling – What is Your Mouth Saying About You?” Oil pulling not only pulls the toxins from the mouth and gums, but it tightens the gums (preventing pockets for bacterial invasion) and whitens the teeth. In it I discussed, my discovery of oil pulling and some other natural cleansing practices.
Since that writing, I have learned of the healthful elements in first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil from organic sources. That is what I now use for my regular oil-pulling practice. Here is an interview with Dr. Prokopios Magiatis on the scientific testing to measure the levels of Oleancanthal which has anti-inflammatory effects similar to Ibuprofin and Oleacein, a powerful anti-oxidant.
For whiter teeth, I have discovered the Ayurvedic recommendation of Turmeric. No kidding – deep orange and staining Turmeric! Make a paste and brush your teeth. You will be amazed at the whiteness and sparkle of your teeth. Be aware that Turmeric will indeed stain toothbrush bristles and any fibre it splashes on. Rince your mouth several times vigorously after brushing, clean sink and any residue on your skin right away.
The Smithonian article really caught my attention because I think there is much we can do in simple protocols and practices that will improve our health. I have been concerned about dental practices like tooth whitening and implants not to mention mercury fillings for some time and my curiosity is increasing. Stay tuned while I chase down some more theories and solutions. In the meantime….
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Salut!
Marilyn
