Frank Zappa once famously crooned, “I might be movin' to Montana soon...Just
to raise me up a crop of dental floss.”
This kat is here to tell you that the late great Mr. Zappa was way ahead of
his time. Dental floss just might be one of easiest, and best, health habits to
adapt -- and not just for your teeth.
If you’re not a regular flosser (and according to the National Dental
Association only 50% of humans are), here’s a good reason to start. November
27th is National Dental Floss Day!
So what's the big deal about dental health? Turns out ground zero for dreaded
inflammation is your mouth. Many studies link periodontal disease to conditions
such as
heart disease,
stroke, and diabetes.
Researchers speculate that bacteria from inflamed and infected gums can break
loose and move throughout your body wreaking havoc. These 'free agent' bacteria
can attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation.
Myheartcentral.com reports that the first large study on the association
between dental health and heart health found that those with periodontal disease
had a 25% higher risk of heart disease.
Researchers have also found a link between clogged arteries in the legs and
gum disease. So get out that dental floss! You’ll be doing not only your teeth
and gums a favor, but also the rest of your body. Regular flossers tend to have
better breath, so you might be doing your sweetie a favor, too.
If you haven't been diligent with the floss, consider giving your heart
health some extra attention with the Co-op’s
Heart Plus. One of our most popular products, it delivers a three
pack of benefits: Vitamin C, L-Lysine, and L-Proline.
Nix Flouride Products for Dental & Overall Health
Now that you're going to be flossing on a regular basis, what about brushing
you might ask? Consumers are bombarded with choices when it comes to toothpaste.
Paste or gel? Mint or cinnamon flavored? Tartar control? Whitening? And the
biggest question of all: fluoride or no fluoride?
Long time members know this kat isn't a fan of flouride. There are plenty of
studies showing a correlation between fluoride and disease, so opt for the
non-fluoridated brands.
Did you know fluoride can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth,
and continued exposure to fluoride can contribute to inflammation of your bones
and joints?
Strong links also exist between fluoride and the thyroid gland, with many
folks believing it is a major contributor to the rise in hypothyroidism.
While the use of fluoride continues to be debated in medical circles, this
kat agrees with Dr.
Hardy Limeback, the head of Preventative Dentistry at the University of
Toronto who advised against flouride,
“The benefits are exaggerated and there is growing evidence of
overexposure from fluoridated toothpaste and other sources. On the risk
side, so many people will end up with ruined teeth, fragile bones, acute
sensitivities, thyroid problems and an increased risk for cancer, all in the
name of preventive dentistry.”
Supplements to Support Dental Health & More
So, here’s advice you can sink your teeth into. Brush and floss regularly,
but skip the fluoride.
You may also consider the following to support a healthy mouth environment:
Cinnamon - Cinnamon has been shown to help fight bad breath, gum
disease, and tooth-decay, most likely due to its antimicrobial effects.
Oil of Oregano - Oil of Oregano rocks at fending off bad bacteria and
other germs so consider adding a drop or two to your toothpaste before brushing
your teeth to fight plaque. You can even apply Oil of Oregano to canker sores or
angry gums.
