Health & FitnessThe Nutri CentreDon't be afraid to open your mouth: better oral hygiene, the natural way Don't be afraid to open your mouth: better oral hygiene, the natural way
17/04/2008
19 out of 20 people will suffer from gum disease at some point in their lives - and gum disease, plaque build-up, bleeding gums, mouth sores, loose teeth, chronic halitosis and gingivitis can all be attributed to poor oral hygiene.
For those of you who would prefer a natural way to improve your oral hygiene, Alex Shalet, Senior Nutritionist at The Nutri Centre offers some helpful advice.
“Bad breath or halitosis generally results from increased levels of hydrogen sulphide in the mouth area. This can have a variety of causes of which gum disease is one of the commonest. Bad breath can also result from bacterial secretions from infected tonsils or from general infections. A dry mouth is often a symptom of ill health although it can be caused by medication or simply not drinking enough."
Alex advises that it is important to drink plenty of fluids and thoroughly wash through your mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum can also be helpful in increasing saliva flow. Saliva helps to neutralise the acids produced by bacteria and so helps to prevent tooth decay.
Some Japanese research shows that eating sugarless yoghurt reduces hydrogen sulphide levels and consequently improves bad breath. Live yoghurt is a good dietary source of probiotics which help rebalance gut flora as well as the topical effect in the mouth. If you are not a fan of natural yoghurt then it is possible to take a chewable probiotic supplement called Super 5 by Udo’s choice, specifically formulated with friendly bacteria for the mouth.
Diets that are highly restricted in carbohydrate may also make your breath smelly as it goes into ‘ketosis’. This happens when the body has used up all its stores of glucose and starts to burn fat to create energy, a process that results in the production of ketones. Ketosis is occasionally associated with more serious problems with the liver or kidneys so be sure to see a doctor if your diet is obviously not the cause.
Ensure your dental hygiene is tip top by brushing teeth twice a day and flossing regularly to prevent the build up of plaque. The combination of Propolis and Tea Tree oil in Comvita’s Propolis Toothpaste freshens the mouth and acts as a powerful antidote to odour-causing bacteria.
Chlorophyll and Mint help to maintain fresh breath, and because it is a gel, it is smooth and pleasant to use morning and night. This toothpaste contains no fluoride or artificial sweeteners. Also invest in a good mouth cleanser that has an antibacterial action such as Tea Tree Mouthwash from Thursday Plantation. Tea Tree Oil is renowned for its bacterial inhibiting properties.
A strong cuppa may be just the answer. It has been shown by researchers from the University of Illinois in Chicago that chemical compounds found in tea called polyphenols, inhibited the growth of oral bacteria responsible for bad breath. It works by hindering the enzyme that causes the formation of hydrogen sulphide in the mouth by up to 30 per cent. For an even more potent polyphenols, try Nature's Plus Herbal Actives Liquid Chinese Green Tea leaf extract which is uniformly standardized to a minimum of 50% polyphenols. Take 1ml in some water each day.
To protect your immune system and ward off colds it is advisable to up your zinc intake. Convenient Herbal Actives ImmunActin Zinc Lozenges contain 10mg of zinc as well as a blend of herbs designed to optimise immune function.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:
Nature’s Plus ImmunActin Zinc Lozenges with Echinacea £8.60 for 60
Tea Tree Mouthwash from Thursday Plantation £3.95 for 250ml Liquid.
Nature's Plus Herbal Actives Liquid Chinese Green Tea leaf extract £11.69 for 30mls
Super 5 by Udo’s Choice £14.95 for 60 lozenges
Comvita Propolis Toothpaste costs £4.75 for 100g Toothpaste
Follow the link below to order from the Nutri Centre or call 020 7436 5122 to speak to a nutritionist for free advice.