Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Oral Care and Heart Health

Oral Care and Heart Health

Does caring for your heart begin with caring for your smile?
Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. When you think about heart health, cholesterol or blood pressure might come to mind, but when was the last time you thought about your heart as you brushed your teeth?
tb3Recent research shows oral bacteria might be another indicator of cardiovascular disease. A study published in December 2011 found a correlation between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease. In 2005 and 2006 there were several preclinical research studies showing oral bacterial can colonize cells in the coronary artery and produce changes associated with heart disease.
The correlation between heart disease and oral health is strong, but research isn’t definitive on which causes which. What we do know is, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease or heart disease. Another study found that the presence of common problems in the mouth, including the gum disease, gingivitis, cavities, and missing teethe were as good at predicting heart disease as cholesterol levels.
A healthy lifestyle, and daily brushing and flossing, should be our goals to increase overall health and wellness and to support a healthy heart.
Two theories on the connection:
1- When oral bacteria are introduced into the blood stream,. the bacteria could attach themselves to an already forming plaque on your arterial walls, accelerating arterial plaue or increasing inflammation at the site.
2- It’s possible that oral inflammation associated with periodontal disease increases your entire system’s susceptibility to inflammation. Diseases such as heart disease and diabetes are inflammatory diseases.
resize 2Natural Solutions to Oral Care:
Essential oils: for a safe and effective mouth rinse, swish 1 drop of On Guard with water. Clove is effective for oral discomfort, and myrrh for bleeding gums.
Here is a recipe on how you can make your own mouthwash.
Ingredients:
10 drops of essential oil(s)
2 cups water (distilled, filtered, or boiled water)
16 ounce dark glass bottle (you can purchase a bottle here)
Directions:
1. Put 10 drops of the dōTERRA essential oil(s) of your choice into the glass bottle.
2. Pour in 2 cups of distilled, filtered, or boiled water into glass bottle. Note: If you boiled water, make sure you let the water come to room temperature before adding to bottle.
3. When using, shake first and take a small sip of your homemade mouthwash. Swish around your mouth and gargle for 30 seconds. Do not swallow.
4. You’re done! It’s that easy.
There are many essential oils you could use in your mouthwash. Below are a few suggested oils you could use, by themselves, or by combining two or more to make a blend. Be careful when using Cinnamon essential oil as it can be irritating if too much is used. Start with 1 drop and gradually increase if desired. Also, did you know you can use dōTERRA’s On Guard® Natural Whitening Toothpaste can be used as a mouthwash as well? After you’re done brushing just put a little bit of water in your mouth, gargle, and spit.
Essential Oil Suggestions:
mouthwash

On Guard Toothpaste: combines natural ingredients with mouth friendly essential oils, to protect against germs and pathogens, while reducing plaque and whitening teeth.
These recipes were originally featured in dōTERRA’s Spring 2012 Living Magazine.

To Order  www.mydoterra.com/peggybarnett

*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. dōTERRA products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Pregnant or lactating women and persons with known medical conditions should consult a physician prior to the use of any dōTERRA product.
 

No comments:

Post a Comment