Holism In The Mouth

Our mouths are their own separate biome that contributes to our vital health.  If there is an imbalance in our mouths, it can throw off our whole system.  In holism, when there is an imbalance, we first look at what is going in…Can we remove it?  If not, can we reduce it?  Diet, stress, habits, and routines all play parts in oral hygiene – MUCH more than just keeping up with your daily brushing.  But the kickass thing is we have the power to influence our own vital health.  We can make choices for ourselves and create change.  As an herbalist, I rely on herbs and food to restore balance, optimize function, and promote well-being.  I’d like to share some tools of empowerment for yourself and offer my support in working with your dentist.

There is A LOT of information on this topic.  But here are some general focus areas to get you started:

PH
The pH (or potential of hydrogen) is as important in the mouth to be balanced in neutral (pH=7) as it is in the stomach to be acidic (pH=1-2) so that digestive proteins function properly.  An imbalance in the mouth towards the acidic side may show up as receding gums.  While saliva buffers the mouth biome by bringing it back to a neutral pH, in the presence of certain foods and drinks, saliva can only do so much.  Every time you eat and drink, but especially when eating fermentable carbs like cookies, donuts, sugars, sodas, alcoholic beverages, the pH of the mouth drops markedly.

Here are a few things you can do to help reduce the acid effects in your mouth:

• Limit grazing
• Instead of a sweet desert, consider a small piece of aged hard cheese.
• Follow wine with water.
• Since some food and beverages weaken our enamel, brushing can actually scratch the enamel.  Wait 30 minutes after eating to brush and when you do brush first rinse, then brush.
• Add cardamom powder to your coffee grounds before brewing.  Cardamom is very rich in the phytochemical cineole which neutralizes acid.  For every 12 ounce cup you plan to brew, add half a teaspoon of cardamom powder.
• CTx2 Spray after meals and at bedtime to neutralize pH.

Toxicity
Detox from mercury is very complicated.  If you have metal fillings, they are 50% dental amalgam which is highly neurotoxic and damages tissues throughout the body including the kidneys and gut cells.  See here for “Seven Common Misconceptions About Dental Mercury“.  To start the process of removing amalgam fillings, find a SMART Certified practitioner (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) and build a game plan .

Herbs
There is a robust dental herbalism materia medica!  There are also multiple ways to use each herb and for separate applications.  The actions to look for when formulating for dental herbalism include alternative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, aromatic, astringent, circulatory stimulant, immune support, rubefacient, styptic, vulnerary.

Here is a foundational list of herbs for periodontal disease protocols: Barberry, calendula, capsicum, cinnamon, echinacea, goldenseal, myrrh, oak, plantain, raspberry species, stevia, rosemary, thyme, yarrow.

Here are a few examples to mention:

• Myrrh
  • A resin which has been used for millennia as a powerful healing substance.  It provides antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, (etc.) activities.  Myrrh is indicated for gingivitis, glossitis, gum disease, herpes, HPV, hyperlasia, infection, inflammation, oral piercings, sinusitis, and more.
  • Pure essential oil can be used in drop doses directly or in a carrier oil to reduce pain and discomfort associated with teething or toothache, or 2-3 drops can be added to 10 oz. water as a gargle/mouth rinse.
• Plantain
  • Widely available across the globe and a natural drawing agent and an herb used for gingivitis and periodontal disease.  Not only can you simply chew the fresh leaves and place right on a minor cut or burn, you can do the same for drawing sores and abscesses inside of the mouth.  Freeze the fresh leafs to do this out of season.  Make a tea to be added to any mouthwash for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vulnerary effects.
• Rosemary
  • One of my favorite herbs, the Latin name, Rosmarinus officinalis translates to “dew of the sea” and it is high versatile.  Rosemary is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, circulatory stimulant, nervine, and more.  The essential oil is said to prevent gum shrinkage as the shrub helps stimulate the blood flow in gum tissue.

Disclaimer:

This information is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute the rendering of or a substitute for diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional. This information should not be relied upon or used as a substitute for a consultation with health, physical, physiological, mental, or other professional advisors. Anyone wishing to use this information should share it with his or her healthcare provider before embarking on any therapeutic program. It is your responsibility to discuss any alternative or natural remedy with your healthcare provider before using it to make sure it is appropriate for you.

References:

1. Senzon, Sandra, R.D.H. “Reversing Gum Disease Naturally.” Web. <http://www.drfostersessentials.com/store/intro_oils.php>
2. Alexander, Leslie M., PhD, RH(AHG) and Straub-Bruce, Linda A, BS Ed, RDH “Dental Herbalism:  Natural Therapies For The Mouth.”
3.  Smaka, Christopher. “2019 Advanced GI Review Chronic-Function.”