Protect Your Smile!

 

New ways to naturally get rid of cankers, bad breath and bacteria to make your mouth more kissable!

 

By Rachel Lockwood

 

Banish Bad Breath

It’s never a good situation when your coworkers can smell the tuna sandwich you ate for lunch. But did you know that a large percentage of bad breath comes from your mouth, although much still comes from your stomach? Thanks to food debris, built up bacteria or post-nasal drip on the back of the tongue, these proteins breaking down can send you reaching for a stick of gum or a swish of mouthwash to hide what can be a less-than-flattering smell. Practicing good oral hygiene after snacking, and drinking certain beverages when you have a dry mouth or are hungry can help keep your breath smelling fresh. Flossing paired with gum chewing throughout the day will give you the confidence to get close – and stay there!

Best Bet: Natural products such as organic menthol and peppermint oils are great alternatives to synthetic commercial breath eliminators.

 

 

VIVA Picks

 

Dr. Kens Breath Strips
Totally natural, great tasting, antibacterial strips are combined with peppermint and green - tea extracts. 1 pkg, 24 strips  $3.49

Between Dental Gum
Vitamins A, C and E along with natural cool mint    freshen your breath and alleviate dry mouth. 12 pieces, $1.99

Natural Mint Mouthwash
Hazel, menthol and mint oils combined with Vitamins C and E to freshen your breath. 8oz, $6.95

 

 

Makeover your Mouth

Women have a higher risk than men for cankers and other bacterial infections on the internal tissues of their mouths. The causes can range from food allergies, menstrual cycles or a deficiency of certain vitamins. But, while they can be minor annoyances or extremely painful, most cankers will typically heal on their own.
We all brush, but it’s especially important for women because hormonal changes affect the blood supply to the gums and exaggerate the body’s response to irritation caused by plaque. But be aware that aggressive brushing can also lead to canker sores. Taking two - threeminutes to brush everyday using safe mouth care products that do not include sodium lauryl sulphate (the foaming chemical) will help eliminate tooth decay and gum disease like gingivitis. Other gum diseases like periodontal, that affects the bones supporting your teeth, have the same signs as gingivitis (puffiness, soreness, bleeding easily) but can’t be reversed. That’s why it’s important to keep your dentist visits up to date and keep your oral hygiene at its best, to at least stop the progression.
Best Bet: Regular check-ups with your dentist are one of the ways to detect early gum disease and bacterial infections. Avoid hot and spicy foods on a daily basis and look to natural vitamins, chamomile and aloe vera to help with cankers and tooth decay without harsh abrasions that could damage enamel.

 

 

VIVA Picks

 

Aloe Vera Toothpaste
Naturally helps against gum disease, tartar and cavities with aloe and tea tree oils. 3.4oz, $3.57

PerioWash Cool Mint Oral Rinse
Combines chamomile, and aloe, mint for exceptional taste while killing bacteria. 16oz, $9.95

PowerSmile
A potent mix of perilla extract and essential oils of pepperment plus three natural whiteners to polish and whiten. 6oz, $5.75

 

 

Baby on the Way?

 

Cravings?
Use natural mouth wash to rinse throughout the day when snacking to avoid tartar build up or bacteria. An increase in pregnant women’s estrogen and progesterone stimulate blood flow, resulting in further enhancement of gingival inflammation. (Substitute sweets with wholesome foods)

Gums puffy or bleeding?
Pregnant women are more prone to cavities and gingivitis which comes from the bacteria in plaque. Gum disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that may induce labor.

Have you visited your dentist?
Dental visits should be a priority like your obstetrician. Always let them know you’re pregnant when booking the appointment and schedule it during the 4th to 6th month of your pregnancy. If not, you could either add prenatal complications in the 3rd tri-mester or interfere during the essential developmental 1st tri-mester.