Oral health is more than just about maintaining a bright smile – it's closely linked to the health of your entire body. Infections in your mouth, untreated cavities, and gum disease can have serious consequences that extend beyond your teeth. Studies have shown that poor oral health can negatively impact your heart, brain, and digestive systems.
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each tooth is believed to be connected to different organs in your body (through meridians- see below image), and a weakness in a particular tooth might indicate an issue in a related organ. Maintaining good oral health should be a priority for your overall well-being.
Photo source: Eric Davis Dental
The Link Between Oral Health and Systemic Health
Your mouth is an entryway to your body. Bacteria from cavities, infections, and gum disease can travel through your bloodstream and cause inflammation in other parts of your body. This inflammation can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Oral health also affects digestion, as poor oral care can lead to an imbalance in the bacteria of your mouth, which can, in turn, disrupt the bacterial balance in your gut microbiome.
Essential Nutrients for Healthy Teeth
To support your teeth, you need a healthy, balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Key vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth include:
Vitamin D with K2: These vitamins work together to help your body absorb calcium and properly deposit it in your teeth and bones. Without enough Vitamin D and K2, calcium might not be utilised effectively, leading to weak teeth and bones. Vitamin D we are able to create best from the exposure to sun. We do get it in small amounts from dairy, eggs, fatty fish.
Magnesium: Essential for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and Vitamin D. Magnesium helps form hard enamel on teeth, protecting them from decay. Found in meat, fish, dark leafy greens, avocado, nuts and seeds.
Boron: Supports calcium and magnesium levels in the body, making it crucial for healthy teeth and bones.
Zinc: Promotes wound healing and is important for immune function. It also helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. Found in grass-fed meats, such as beef, lamb, chicken, in oysters as well as in pumpkin seeds, almonds, avocado, chickpeas, lentils etc.
Vitamin C: Great for wound healing, healing bleeding gums. If you have had a dental surgery, it's good to put more focus on consuming vitamin C rich foods to support healing. But as sour aggravates the wounds, it's good to consume vitamin C from non-sour fruits, vegetables and berries, like bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, kale, papaya, mango, cauliflower, cantaloupe, while the wounds in the mouth are healing.
The Oral Microbiome: A Delicate Balance
Much like your gut and skin, your mouth has a microbiome – a community of bacteria that play a crucial role in your health. Not all bacteria are harmful; many protect against disease. An imbalance in your oral microbiome can lead to problems such as bad breath, cavities, and gum disease, which also affect the rest of your body. Maintaining a healthy balance of good bacteria in your mouth is essential for protecting your teeth and gums.
Choosing Non-Toxic Toothpaste: Why It Matters
One of the most overlooked aspects of oral care is the ingredients in your toothpaste. Commercial toothpaste often contains toxic chemicals that can harm your body in the long term. Many brands use ingredients like fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and triclosan, which may contribute to a range of health issues.
Harmful Ingredients in Toothpaste to Avoid:
Fluoride: While fluoride is commonly added to toothpaste for its cavity-preventing properties, it is a neurotoxin and can accumulate in your body over time, potentially causing harm to your brain and nervous system.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A chemical used to create foam, SLS can cause skin irritation and has been linked to canker sores.
Triclosan: An antimicrobial chemical linked to hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance.
Artificial Sweeteners and Colors: Commonly used to improve the taste and appearance of toothpaste, these ingredients can contribute to inflammation and other health problems.
Instead, opt for non-toxic toothpaste that uses natural ingredients to clean and protect your teeth. Look for products that include:
Baking soda: A natural cleanser that helps neutralise acid in your mouth and prevent cavities.
Nano-hydroxyapatite: A naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel.
Xylitol: in microgram quantity can support healthy enamel, reduces plaque formation and is antimicrobial
Essential oils: Natural ingredients like peppermint and clove oil can provide antibacterial benefits without harsh chemicals.
By switching to non-toxic toothpaste, you reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals while still maintaining a healthy oral care routine.
I personally have been using non-fluoride containing toothpaste tablets for brushing my teeth as one of the steps to reduce the plastic in our household. There are several available on the market. In Estonia for example Fresmy, Purebite, in the US Bite- but there are many more.
Rethinking Mouthwash: The Hidden Risks
While many people think mouthwash is essential for fresh breath, research shows it can actually have detrimental effects on your oral and overall health. Most commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol and other harsh chemicals that kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, disrupting your oral microbiome.
This disruption can lead to bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and even more severe health problems like cardiovascular issues. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using natural mouthwashes made with essential oils and water, or oil pulling with coconut oil, which has natural antibacterial properties.
Practical Tips for Optimal Oral Health
To support good oral health and protect your body, here are some key practices to incorporate into your daily routine:
Brush Twice Daily with Non-Toxic Toothpaste: Use a fluoride-free, natural toothpaste that includes ingredients like baking soda and essential oils to effectively clean your teeth without harming your body.
Practice Tongue Scraping and Oil Pulling: to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth
Floss Daily: Flossing is essential to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. However, be mindful of the type of floss you use, as some brands contain harmful chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) that can accumulate in your body and cause health issues. Try flossing with bamboo floss, like Croll & Denecke,
Rethink Mouthwash: Skip the alcohol-based mouthwashes and opt for natural alternatives or oil pulling with coconut oil to preserve your oral microbiome.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Include foods rich in vitamins and minerals that support healthy teeth, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish that provide essential nutrients like Vitamin C, D, K2, magnesium, and zinc. To support healthy teeth, it's important to reduce the intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, such as candy, soda, and citrus juices, as they can erode enamel and contribute to cavities. Limiting starchy snacks like chips and white bread, which break down into sugars, also helps protect against tooth decay.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Routine dental check-ups can help catch any potential issues early on and ensure you’re maintaining good oral health.
Your oral health plays a significant role in your overall health. By being mindful of your diet, choosing non-toxic oral care products, and maintaining a balanced oral microbiome, you can support not only your teeth and gums but also your heart, brain, and digestive health. Making small changes to your oral care routine can have long-term benefits for your entire body. Your smile is more than just cosmetic – it's a cornerstone of your health and well-being.
If you want to improve your diet and are not sure where to start, how to change the eating habits step by step and what work with your daily life, don't hesitate to reach out to me for nutrition counseling at info@katrinpeo.com.
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