Hi'iaka's Healing Herb Garden

Chew on This: Keeping Our Teeth Healthy Keeps Us Healthy

We take our teeth for granted, even though we use them many times each day. And many of us fear the dentist, so perhaps we delay our teeth cleaning appointments.

But clean, healthy teeth are more than simply a cosmetic or beauty thing. Herbs for Health magazine reported in 2005, “Research shows that our overall well-being is clearly linked to the condition of our teeth and gums.” Alarmingly, research has emerged in the past 10 years that shows “gum disease has been linked to other health concerns, including heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases and premature births.” We have it in our power to contribute to our body’s health by taking good care of our teeth and gums, and several herbs can help.

Herbal helpers

Aloe is good for inflamed gums and mouth ulcers. You can buy aloe gel or cut open a leaf and apply the gel directly to the affected area.

Clove essential oil relieves toothache when you rub it gently onto your tooth and gum. But visit your dentist quickly, as tooth infections can cause serious health problems.

Echinacea extract mixed with water can fight infection. It’s also good to take one-half teaspoon of echinacea extract (or tincture) orally three times a day when you are fighting any infection.

Neem is antimicrobial and helps to strengthen gums and prevent plaque. Look for it in some natural toothpastes. Young children and pregnant or nursing women should avoid neem.

Peppermint’s menthol is a great breath freshener. Rinse with cool peppermint tea or add several drops of essential oil to water as a mouthwash.

Tea tree is my choice as a daily mouthwash after I brush. It fights infection that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Add three drops of the essential oil to one-half cup of water and rinse after brushing (don’t swallow it).

Mother was right

Daily brushing and flossing is vitally important to your health, and not just oral health. Another trick I have learned and am now hooked on are little toothpicks called Stim-U-Dents. Any drug store should carry them. They remove plaque, which is a “sticky, colorless film that forms on the teeth,” and contains the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, according to Herbs For Health. This bacteria can travel through your bloodstream and cause gum disease or contribute to other illnesses you may already have, such as high cholesterol. Scary but true, “researchers have found that periodontal (gum) disease almost doubles the risk of coronary artery disease.”

Twice yearly professional teeth cleaning is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity and the money spent is well worth it in the long run. Eating fruits and veggies, getting enough sleep, drinking six to eight glasses of water each day and managing stress are other factors that keep your immune system in good shape so it can fight the bacteria that cause disease.

Green tea can slow the growth of bacteria in your mouth. Drinking two to three cups of this tea each day has been recommended. But don’t drink the commercially available green tea that contains tons of sugar: buy some teabags and make your own! It’s cheap and easy and I always add other herbs such as ginger, mint or other tasty treats.

Homemade toothpaste

Mix 2 tablespoons baking soda, one-half teaspoon sea salt, 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin and 20 drops of peppermint essential oil. Store in an airtight container, such as a small canning jar with canning lid.

Whiten your teeth at home

Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a little hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Brush for two minutes daily, then rinse thoroughly.

Supplements can also help

You can augment your good diet and exercise by taking Coenzyme Q10, which improves circulation to your gums and is also very good for your heart. If you aren’t getting enough vitamin C, you can be at risk for gum disease. Herbs for Health recommends 200 mg per day, but avoid the chewable form because the ascorbic acid can erode your tooth enamel. Calcium is also important for healthy teeth and gums. 1000 mg per day will help to prevent the tooth loss that can result when blood levels of calcium fall. When this happens, the body draws calcium from your jaw.

On the Web:
Herbsforhealth.com (volume 9, no. 6, “Naturally Healthy Teeth and Gums,” by Laurel Vukovic)

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Barbara Fahs is the owner and creator of Hi`iaka's Healing Herb Garden, LLC and author of the book Super Simple Guide to Creating Hawaiian Gardens. Contact her at 966-6126 or www.hiiakas.com to learn about her workshops, internships and Garden tours.