How Your Teeth Affect Your Brain

Everyone loves a beautiful smile and an intelligent mind but did you know the two are connected?

The health of your mouth and the health of your brain are connected in many ways.

A new study conducted by Harvard Medical School, suggests the bacteria that causes gingivitis (gum disease), "can move from the mouth to the brain. Once in the brain, the bacteria release enzymes called gingipains that can destroy nerve cells, which in turn can lead to memory loss and eventually Alzheimer's." 

Your teeth are also connected to the meridians or energy pathways of your body. New science keeps teaching us about the importance of good oral hygiene practices. In this article, I will highlight three powerful tools for the care of your teeth and gums: oil pulling, flossing, and rinsing.

Oil Pulling

Designed to reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth that are often hidden and hard to reach. Take one tablespoon of coconut oil, Olive oil is okay too, but I prefer coconut oil because of its antibacterial properties; swish it around in your mouth for ten minutes. Be careful not to pucker your mouth forming upper lip creases while you swish. Don't swallow any of it and spit it into the trash, not down the drain. Then rinse your mouth with water.

Repeat this once or twice per week to decrease harmful bacteria, prevent the formation of plaque, and improve gum health and overall oral hygiene.

Flossing

To get in between the teeth where food particles are trapped. Floss with dental floss five or six nights a week. The other nights, floss with dental tape. Be careful around the gums, it is thicker and stronger. It will clean deeply in between the teeth. After dental tape be sure to rinse with water or coconut oil.

Rinsing

The number of food traps you have in your mouth depends on the spacing and straightness of your teeth. To get where you can't see, in between the spaces, and to reduce the formation of new bacteria--rinse your mouth with water at the end of every meal. If you don't have time for oil pulling, a quick rinse with coconut oil will help.  

  Think clearly, and smile big with your healthy brain and mouth.

 You can read more about it in this article from Harvard Health Publishing here.