While some of us are diligent with seeing our chiropractor, eating habits and exercise, not all of us take care of our teeth as well. We know we should be flossing regularly, as brushing does not always do the job it should, but many of us find flossing quite tedious. Some even disregard pain and infection from abscesses that can affect a person’s overall health both physically and mentally. Bleeding gums are often thought to be a normal result of brush-ing too hard and dismissed, rather than taking it as a warning sign of gum disease.

Research has shown an association between oral disease and other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Dry mouth, poor cleaning habits or gum disease can result in bad breath, which in turn can affect a person’s social life when interacting with others.

General Care:It is important to keep the mouth as clean as possible. Use a soft-bristle or ultra-soft toothbrush to avoid damage to the gums. Brush at an angle from the gums up or use a rolling motion making sure you cover the surface of every tooth. Most dentists will also recommend brushing the tongue as well to get rid of as much bacteria as possible.

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Oral Health

At least once a day, follow brushing with flossing. Flossing is easier today by using soft picks, which have the same effect as flossing, but much easier to do, so there are no excuses. Like chiropractic, care of your teeth is a vital function of your body, so take care of them.

Always use a mouthwash rinse, prefer-ably a non-alcohol brand as alcohol can dry out the inside of the mouth. If brushing or flossing is not possible for some time or for any reason, a quick rinse out with mouthwash can at least destroy bacteria and rinse away plaque until you can brush and floss.

Other Essentials for a Healthy Mouth:On a regular basis, check the inside of your mouth for any signs of gum disease, swelling or bleeding, which should be checked by your dentist. Any lumps or discoloration could be a sign of oral cancer.

Diet plays a big part in keeping a healthy mouth. Limit foods and beverages containing sugar or carbohy-drates. Change your eating habits, if necessary, as this helps your oral health and gives your entire body a boost. Eating acidic fruits can eat away at enamel, so eat healthy snacks like cheese, vegetables and non-acidic

Quote to InspireQuote to Inspire

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fruits. Good nutrition builds strong teeth and gums. Exercise and a healthy diet play crucial roles in your body’s daily functions, including infection control and self-repair. Your diet can certainly play a role in your overall dental health according to a study done by the UCLA Health System.1

Visit your dentist at least twice a year, as professional cleaning is the best method for preventing and finding any problems. Smoking not only causes bad breath, but it can also cause oral cancer, heart disease and gum disease as well as introducing numerous carcinogens into the lungs and body tissues. If you have a serious gum disease your dentist may refer you to a periodontist doctor for treatment.

Whitening:Did you know there are some foods which can naturally whiten your teeth? Why spend money on expensive whiteners when you can find what you need at the grocery store?

● Strawberries contain malic acid, which removes stains and Vitamin C to break down plaque. Mash them and apply to the teeth, leaving them for a couple of minutes, then rise with tepid water. An added pinch of salt acts as a gentle scrub.

● Baking soda has been used for years as a tooth whitener and can

Disclaimer: Information contained in The Wellness ExpressTM newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.

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be used in combination with strawberries, lemon or orange juice. Apply to the teeth for 1 minute if used with lemon juice or 3 minutes if mixed with water, then rinse. Repeat every few days.

● Oranges, eaten on a fairly regularbasis, or the juice of oranges orlemons used in combination withbaking soda, can help whiten teethdue to the Vitamin C content. Donot use this method excessivelyhowever as any citric fruit is acidicand may weaken tooth enamel.

● Apple cider vinegar is anotheringredient which can whiten teeth.Use it like a mouthwash, swishedthrough the teeth then discarded ortry to brush your teeth with thevinegar still in your mouth for a fewmoments. Then brush your teeth asnormal. To make the most of thistreatment, follow the routine for atleast one month.

Teeth whitening with food is a slow process compared to professional teeth whitening. It is less costly, but if you are not in a hurry it will work in the long run.2

Whether you use regular or sensitivity toothpaste, fluoride-based mouthwash or home-made tooth whitening foods, the key is regular oral care and regular dental appointments. Just as important are regular visits with your chiropractor as part of your overall health regime.

Peter Ustinov English Actor/Writer

“Parents are the bones on which

children cut their teeth”

1. Roderick, Dr. Russell, DMD http://www.abcarticledirecto ry.com - Posted on2017-03-13

2. Kwon - Dr. Samuel, DDS http://www.abcarticledirecto ry.com – Posted on 2017 –03 -14