Smile away the years with good gum health
Higher Nature Nutrition Team
It seems that soft, glowing, wrinkle free skin is still the Holy Grail for maintaining youthful looks, but there is a simple, inexpensive way to hold back the years that many people don’t consider
Spending a fortune on age-defying lotions and potions seems pointless if your smile displays rows of loose, yellowing teeth and receding gums. It’s surprising then that so many people overlook their dental health when worrying about ageing well. A good skin care routine can be essential, but an additional focus on dental health may give you an added advantage in maintaining an overall youthful appearance. There’s no denying that a good set of even, white teeth with pink, healthy gums can keep you looking youthful. Why not try our top tips for a winning smile.
Try co-enzyme Q10
Normally associated with energy and heart health, this powerful antioxidant also has amazing benefits for oral health. Gum disease is surprisingly common, affecting between 50-80% of all adults, which may be due in part to some of the 400 species of microorganisms living in the mouth. Early studies have shown that people with gum disease tend to have low levels of Co-Q10.
Invest in an ionic toothbrush
Plaque is the major enemy in gum disease and leaving it untreated will eventually lead to inflammation, bleeding gums and bacterial infection. Specialised ionic toothbrushes that contain a photosensitive titanium dioxide rod can help to reduce this problem.
Swap sugar for xylitol
Xylitol is a totally natural sugar alternative that tastes like sugar but behaves very differently in the body. Its molecular make up encourages an alkaline environment in the mouth which makes it inhospitable to the bacteria that cause dental decay.
Top up with vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital for the production of collagen, a major component of connective tissue that keeps our gums healthy. Even a moderate vitamin C deficiency can lead to bleeding gums. This essential vitamin can also help to reduce the negative effects of smoking on the gums and teeth. Not just a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C also has antibacterial properties offering additional oral protection.
Add a daily session of coconut oil pulling
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is known for its antimicrobial actions. Studies have shown that it may inhibit Streptoccocus Mutans, the primary cause of tooth decay. For this reason, it is believed to be particularly beneficial for maintaining oral health. The procedure for oil pulling involves swishing approximately one tablespoon of coconut oil around in your mouth. As the oil hits your teeth and gums, bacteria are drawn out from the crevices in the gums and held in the solution. It needs to remain in the mouth long enough to turn a milky white - approximately 20 minutes, and should be spat out, not swallowed. Many anecdotal reports claim that it significantly whitens teeth too, an added bonus!
Who needs a celebrity makeover when implementing a few key changes can make all the difference?
