Dental hygiene is an essential aspect of overall health that is often overlooked. Many people believe that brushing and flossing regularly is enough to maintain good oral health, but there is more to it than that. In this article, we will explore the importance of dental hygiene, natural ways to improve oral health, and why it is important to work with a dental professional.
Importance of Dental Hygiene
Good dental hygiene is critical for preventing a wide range of dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Maintaining proper oral hygiene can also prevent more serious health issues, such as heart disease and stroke. Poor dental hygiene can lead to bacterial infections in the mouth, which can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
One of the most important aspects of dental hygiene is regular dental check-ups. A dental professional can identify and address issues before they become more severe. They can also provide guidance on proper oral hygiene techniques and suggest natural remedies for oral health issues.
How Poor Oral Hygiene Effects The Whole Body
People with periodontal disease are two times more likely to develop heart disease and arterial narrowing as a result of bacteria and plaque entering the bloodstream through the gums. The bacteria contain a clot-promoting protein that can clog arteries, leading to an increased risk of a heart attack. Infections in the gums release inflammatory substances, increasing brain inflammation that can cause neuronal (brain cell) death. Bacteria from periodontal disease can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, aggravating respiratory systems, especially in patients with respiratory problems. There are a number of health issues that all stem from your mouth, which is why you should do everything you can to improve it.
Natural Ways to Improve Oral Health
While proper brushing and flossing are essential components of dental hygiene, several other natural ways exist to improve oral health.
- Oil Pulling: Oil pulling involves swishing oil, such as coconut or sesame, in the mouth for 10-20 minutes. This process is thought to remove bacteria and promote healthy gums.
- Herbal Mouthwash: Herbal mouthwashes are a natural alternative to traditional mouthwashes. Ingredients such as peppermint, clove, tea tree, and thyme oil have been shown to promote healthy teeth and gums.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can be found in some foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. These bacteria can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy gums.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for healthy teeth and bones. This vitamin helps the body absorb calcium, which is important for strong teeth and bones.
- Green Tea: Green tea contains polyphenols, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria in the mouth.
Working with a Dental Professional
While natural remedies can be effective, it is important to work with a dental professional to ensure proper oral hygiene. A dental professional can identify and address issues before they become more severe. They can also provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommend natural remedies for oral health issues, and provide professional dental cleanings.
In addition to regular dental check-ups, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene habits at home. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouthwash as directed. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and beverages is essential, which can erode tooth enamel and contribute to tooth decay.
One Step At A Time
Dental hygiene is an essential aspect of overall health that should not be overlooked. Maintaining proper oral hygiene can prevent a wide range of dental issues and more severe health issues, such as heart disease and stroke. Natural remedies, such as oil pulling and herbal mouthwash, can be effective in promoting oral health. Still, working with a dental professional to ensure proper oral hygiene is essential. By working together, we can achieve optimal oral health and overall wellness. So, let’s take care of our teeth and gums naturally!
Strawberry Pink Drink
Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 1
- 4 Tbsp hibiscus tea flowers
- 2 Tbsp Freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 tsp acai powder
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 1-4 Tbsp stevia monk fruit sweetener
- 2 cups unsweetened green tea
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 cups strawberries halved
Directions:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the hibiscus and acai. Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain into a pitcher. Add the sweetener and green tea. Puree the strawberries, pineapple juice, and freeze-dried berries until smooth. Strain the puree into the tea and stir. This mixture will keep in the fridge for about one week. To prepare the drink, fill a glass with ice. Pour 1 1/4 cups of the tea mixture into the glass and top with the coconut milk. Feel free to add more sliced strawberries and stir to combine.
Chicken leek and Asparagus crumble
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Serves 4
- 2 Tbsp vegan butter
- 3 leeks trimmed and thickly cut
- 1 cup asparagus roughly chopped
- 2 cups almond milk
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 Tbsp almond flour
- 1 Tbsp vegan parmesan
- 2 Tbsp dijon mustard
- 3 Tbsp gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp sunflowers
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Remove half of the butter and set it aside. Add the leeks to the pan and 2 Tbsp water. Season to taste, cover and cook for 5-6 minutes or until softened. Meanwhile, boil the asparagus for 2 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse with water. Blend the milk and flour together in a bowl until smooth. Pour the milk mixture into the leek pan and bring to a boil. Stir until thickened. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat and stir in the mustard, asparagus, and chicken. Transfer to a shallow baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with the reserved butter, parmesan, and seeds. Sprinkle over the top and bake for 10-12 minutes or until bubbling hot and crisp.
Sticky Toffee Banana Cake
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Serves 16
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 1 cup coconut flour
Glaze:
- 3 Tbsp vegan butter
- 8 Tbsp date syrup
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Pretreat a brownie pan with a non-stick option of choice. Parchment paper is a great choice. Mash 2 1/2 of the bananas in a bowl. Slice the remaining bananas and toss the slices with lemon juice. Cream the butter and sugar together for 5 minutes until pale and fluffy, then beat in the vanilla. Beat the eggs in one at a time; on the second and third eggs, add 1 Tbsp of flour. Sift the remaining flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in, followed by the ground almonds and mashed bananas. Pour the batter into the pan, top with banana slices, and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven. Put the butter, syrup, and 3 Tbsp boiling water into a small pan for the glaze. Stir over medium heat until melted. Boil for 3 minutes and remove from heat. Pour the glaze over everything.
Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars
Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 9
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 cup vegan butter
- Lemon Filling:
- 8 ounce vegan cream cheese
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 2 Tbsp lemon curd
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×9 inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla over medium speed in a bowl for 2 minutes. Turn the mixer to low speed and slowly add the flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough comes together. Press half the dough into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before filling. Store the other half of the dough in the fridge. Create the filling while the cookie bakes. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and 1 Tbsp zest until creamy. Pour the filling over the cookie and stir in the lemon curd. Sprinkle the remaining dough over the top. Bake for another 30 minutes or until golden brown. Top with remaining lemon zest.
Get Started Today
Keeping your body free of toxins and free radicals is necessary to maintain a healthy life and a healthy mind. You can add tons of foods to your regular diet to help your body with its critical detoxifying processes. If you are looking for a safe and all-natural way to detox your body at home, be sure to check out my Balancing Abundance Program. Because detoxing is so essential and realistically, everyone should be doing it on at least a seasonal basis, I have put together a program to help you do just that. Here’s the thing, I know working with me one-on-one can seem challenging to get into (due to limited space), and I wanted to be able to give everyone an additional solution that has no limits. You deserve to be happy, healthy, and successful at everything you do, so here are some recipes to help set you up for success!
Need A Hand?
A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. We all have to deal with our health daily, which shows when we don’t feel our best. If you are tired of just making it through your day, you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you need help, I am always here to do that. Even if it is something as small as acting as a sounding board, do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies, and check back daily for more great recipes and information!