Linda – The Probiotics Tooth Fairy

When those around you are suffering from the common cold, there is one strong feeling that probably accompanies your sympathy for them – a strong desire to not “catch” whatever ails them, be it a bacterial or viral infection. Whatever it is, you surely don’t want it.

And it’s only natural that as our smiles start to get a little less than the really white-white we prefer, we want to reach for what seems like the easiest-to-use whitening product – whitening toothpaste. But what if that toothpaste is actually making your smile more yellow in the long run? It could be.

Even if you are diligent with your at-home oral care, routine cleanings are important, and, as far as dentists and hygienists are concerned, non-negotiable.

For the past 4,000 years, green tea has been used in China to address a long, long list of what ails us, from aches and pains to depression to improving digestion and regulating body temperature. Here are some of the things research has proven about this delicious beverage.

Because the body’s natural defense line (the white blood cells) is weakened by the medications used during chemotherapy, infections can crop up anywhere in the body. There are several ways you can avoid oral infections during chemotherapy.

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers announced that, because diabetes and hyperglycemia increase the risk of periodontal inflammation, increasing your daily intake of whole grains and fiber can help offset the risk of developing periodontal disease.

Researchers tested the ability of participants to touch their toes with their fingertips while in a seated position, and their legs flat on the floor. Those with poor truck or body flexibility when tested also had higher arterial stiffness and higher blood pressure.

There is little understanding about what causes TMJ or temporomandibular joint syndrome. While many patients have clenching or grinding of the teeth at night, others may have had trauma, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Many times the cause is unknown. For those with migraine headaches, the constant clenching of the jaw causes muscle spasms in the temples, which then leads to a migraine.

Paying a little extra attention to the health of your teeth and gums can actually save you money in the long run.

Those with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher rate of periodontal disease according to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, but the connection may have more to do with inflammatory conditions than it does oral hygiene and lack of dexterity.