Smoking and Gum Disease

A relationship between smoking and gum disease has long been recognized. But only recent reports have revealed just how large that relationship is.

Recent studies on 12,000 adults show that smoking increases the risk of peridontal disease by FOUR times and is responsible for more than one-half of all cases of severe gum disease.

ENCOURAGEMENT: Quitting smoking can bring a smoker´s risk down to that of someone who has never smoked.

Herbs for Canker sores

A tisane or tea using chamomile, ginkgo, goldenseal, gotu kota or licorice has been found to give some relief to painful canker sores. Make an effort to "swish" the tea around in your mouth before swallowing.

Canker sores are often connected to an internal or intestinal upset. Chamomile, because if it´s calming properties is especially recommended to help settle internal problems.

Licorice is a strong anti-inflammatory herb which will help heal tissues. Licorice is also has antiviral properties which can help you overcome viruses which can be connected to your canker sores.

Heavy Hand Brushing

If you have a heavy hand with your toothbrush, you may be doing more harm than good to your teeth and gums. Results of a recent study published in the May 2003 "Journal of Clinical Periodontology" found that people who use too much pressure or brush for too long may increase their risk of oral health problems.

While the study focused on electric toothbrushes, the findings also apply to people using ordinary toothbrushes. By using a combination of the length of brushing time and the pressure applied, researchers discovered that brushing longer than two minutes at a pressure greater than 150 grams (about the weight of an orange) didn´t remove additional plaque, but did increase the chances of abrasion of tooth enamel or gums.

If you´re not sure of the best way to care for your teeth and gums, ask your dentist or dental hygienist to demonstrate the best brushing technique, including how much pressure to exert and how long to brush. The American Dental Association suggests brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and flossing once a day.

Canker Sore - causes

Canker sores are intensely painful. They are scary to look at. Frequent causes include viruses, internal upsets, diminished immunity, allergies to certain foods, especially those which are very acidic. Canker sores can be evidence of nutritional vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Body shortages of iron, Vitamin B12 or folic acid can lead to canker sores.

If canker sores keep coming back, you should consider checking with your physician or herbalist/nutritionist about a possible deficiency in some of these vitamins or minerals.

Bad Breath / Halitosis relief

Bad breath can be one of the first signs that something is amiss in the body. It can be caused by many things such as liver trouble, inadequate or poor digestion of food, lung and respiratory problems, infections of the throat, sinus trouble, or stress.

Many dentists hold that bad breath is mainly caused by conditions of the mouth, by saliva and mouth bacteria and by tooth decay and gum disease.

Any sudden, noticeable onset of bad breath should be discussed with a dentist or a doctor. Careful mouth hygiene will help in most cases.

*Chew herbs such as parsley, thyme, mint, tarragon, a cinnamon stick, or a whole clove.

*Use a good mouthwash.

*Brush your teeth frequently and learn to use a tongue scraper. Tongue cleaning has been found to help with many mouth and breath problems.

Cold Sores - remedies

Cold sores can result from respiratory and viral illness, stress, or a combination of these things.

Some types of cold sore are a herpes virus which remains in the body and surfaces during times of stress or other illness. They are usually on the lip and are very painful.

I usually have my family apply a healing, drawing ointment of Calendula. A similar ointment of chickweed or Echinacea can be helpful too. I have a friend who swears by a little dab of toothpaste on the sore for healing and relief!

Flossing - How to

When flossing, use a piece of floss 15 to 18 inches long and wrap it around the middle finger of each hand.

Flossing is considered to be a major self-treatment tool for cavity prevention and general oral health.

Try to Floss your teeth DAILY for the best Dental Hygiene!