I had a regular dentist appointment last week. It had to be the fastest appointment I've had in years. There were no cavities and the gums were fine. I had the cleaning and inspection, and the whole thing was over in around a half hour.
Something I've changed in my oral health routine is providing solid benefits, though I'm not sure what. I've made three changes in the last month:
- Started using Peelu toothpaste
- Started using EvoraPlus, which is an oral probiotic
- Started eating honey, which has been shown to reduce cavities
My hunch is that the toothpaste has had the biggest impact. I feel that most modern toothpastes (which are really "chemical cocktails") probably upset the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth. Removing these chemicals and replacing them with natural cleaners, like in Peelu, should be beneficial.
I will continue with the EvoraPlus until I run out, and then see if the Peelu toothpaste provides enough protection.
Not understanding why you think the timing wrt last month is so critical. I would think your diet would have a major contribution to dental health. I know I’ve come across paleo or WAPF folks who see improvements that they attribute to reducing sugar, grain, etc.
Beth,
I’ve been eating Paleo for years, so that has been constant. I’ve tried the new things listed just recently, and it seemed to improve things.
Also, diet is a primary determinant of oral health. See:
http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2009/03/preventing-tooth-decay.html
Have your teeth gotten noticeably whiter or your gums less inflamed?
Yes, I’m fairly certain. Usually my gums bleed a little at the dentist, but not this time.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans seems to be implicated in periodontal disease.
The use of miswak sticks – made from the salvoadora persica tree – is able to reduce this bacterium significantly, in contrast to the use of regular toothpaste.
http://tinyurl.com/ybgr7ee
I guess it is this action which attributes to the superior health of your periodontal tissue.