Smile Savers
Keep teeth and gums healthy the natural way
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How you take care of your mouth can affect your entire body. Research has connected periodontal disease (inflammation and infection in the tissue around the teeth) to heart problems, pulmonary disease, diabetes, dementia, and cancer.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. Another study published in the Journal of Periodontology uncovered a suspected link between periodontal disease and respiratory infections such as pneumonia and acute bronchitis.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found a relationship between people who lost teeth before the age of 35 and an increased risk of dementia. Swollen, sore, bleeding gums have been linked to everything from adult type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer’s disease to pancreatic cancer in men.
Gum disease and heart disease may be linked because they are both signs of poor circulation, or there could be common bacteria that are involved in both gum disease and plaque build-up inside coronary arteries. The link may also have something to do with the body’s response to prolonged inflammation.
Get white teeth, fresh breath, and a healthy mouth with Burt’s Bees Multicare Toothpaste. Fluoride prevents cavities, cranberry extract helps inhibit certain plaque-causing bacteria from adhering to teeth, calcium sodium phosphosilicate promotes strong teeth and polishes away surface stains, and xylitol sweetens naturally without promoting tooth decay. Available in gel or paste.
Prevent bleeding gums and gingivitis, reduce plaque, and freshen breath with The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Rinse. Aloe vera, echinacea, goldenseal, calendula, and grapefruit seed extract soothe, heal, and protect gums. Alcohol-free.
Give tooth and gum decay the brush off with Mouth Watchers Antibacterial Powered Toothbrush. The bristles are composed partly of nano-sized antibacterial colloidal silver particles, making the brush immune to microorganisms and keeping teeth and gums free from bacteria. “Flossing bristles” operate at 5,000 oscillations per minute to clean the periodontal pockets between teeth and gums. Also available in a non-powered form (a regular toothbrush).
Remove plaque between teeth effortlessly with Spry Sponge Dental Floss with Xylitol. Sponge floss glides between teeth without shredding or discomfort, and gently stimulates gums. Cooling, soothing xylitol prevents certain bacteria from sticking to mouth tissue, and tastes fresh.
DENTAL DEFENSES
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may cut your risk of getting gum disease, according to a study by researchers at Harvard. Omega-3s have the effect of reducing inflammation, and the bacteria causing gum disease seem to need inflammation to grow. The top food source of omega-3s is fish. Fish oil supplements are also high in the beneficial fatty acids. Try to get at least 500 mg of omega-3s per day
Good oral care is the best way to prevent gum disease. Avoid aggressive hygiene that will damage gums and enamel-use a soft toothbrush. Avoid toothpastes with whitening additives, as they tend to be more abrasive. Floss at least once each day to remove plaque and food particles that cause bacteria. Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash-alcohol dries the mouth and makes it more prone to decay. A quick rinse washes away the particles you loosened and freshens your breath.