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ProDentim Reviews – Real Results for Customers or Scam Brand?

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Scarlett Murray
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ProDentim Reviews – Real Results for Customers or Scam Brand?

As human beings, we tend to hide various aspects of our lives. Miserable truths beneath sweet lies, fat rolls under baggy clothes, and emotions behind our palms.

Perhaps you can relate to the last part a bit too well. If you are someone hiding their smiles because of oral health issues like oral infections, gum diseases, and bad breath you know what we are talking about.

Such oral health issues always make you conscious and do not let you live properly. You cannot laugh aloud, or kiss your partner without elaborate oral hygiene preparations. Poor teeth and gums take away a lot from you.

So how would you feel if you could put a stop to this and end your misery today? Yes, you can get healthy teeth and gums with the help of ProDentim.

The ProDentim dental health formula is a dietary supplement that is specially designed to promote overall oral health. It consists of essential nutrients and 3.5 billion probiotic strains to support your overall well-being.

The ProDentim dental and oral health supplement is the ultimate key to maintaining a balanced oral microbiome in your oral cavity and supporting oral health. The makers claim to have helped more than 95,000 people without them experiencing any adverse health effects.

If you want to learn more about this effective dental care supplement, read our ProDentim review. In this ProDentim review, you will find everything about ProDentim oral probiotics that you need to determine if it’s what you have been looking for.

So, let’s not dwell unnecessarily and begin after taking a look at the summary of ProDentim:

Category:

Dietary Supplement

Form:

Pills

Characteristics:

  • Non-Habit Forming
  • 3.5 Billion Probiotic Strains
  • Natural Ingredients
  • Non-GMO
  • No Stimulants

Side Effects:

ProDentim reviews did not reveal any side effects (See what people are saying!)

Health Benefits:

  • Tooth Health
  • Gut Health
  • Healthy Mouth Environment
  • Skin Health
  • Healthy Immune System

Net Quantity:

Each bottle of the ProDentim Oral Health Supplement contains 30 soft pills

Ingredients:

Lactobacillus paracasei, B.lactis BL-04, Lactobacillus reuteri, Malic acid, Peppermint, Inulin, and Tricalcium phosphate

Bonus Products:

  • White Teeth At Home
  • Bad Breath Gone – One Day Detox

Price:

From $69 (Official Website)

Role of Oral And Dental Health In Overall Well-Being

Your overall oral health plays a crucial role in your well-being. Your teeth and gums are not the only thing at stake and if you do not take the necessary steps today to counter the poor oral hygiene habits, it may be too late.

Poor oral health and gum disease are related to cardiovascular and respiratory health respectively. The harmful bacteria that are destroying your gum and teeth can enter your bloodstream and damage your health.

Optimal dental health is also important because if your teeth are unhealthy, chewing food properly becomes difficult for you. This can lead to digestive issues and more.

We have not even scratched the surface here because believe us there are innumerable ways in which your oral health can affect your overall well-being.

Common Oral And Dental Health Issues And Their Causes

Some of the common oral and dental health issues include dental caries or cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, etc.

The cause of such dental health issues can vary from genetics to poor lifestyle choices. In fact, the toothpaste that you use to maintain good oral health may contain some elements that may exacerbate such issues.

Why Traditional Oral And Dental Care Is Not Enough

Traditional oral and dental care practices such as regular brushing your teeth and flossing are essential for healthy teeth and gums. However, this is not enough for several reasons.

First of all, poor dietary habits can create a nutritional gap that can deteriorate overall oral health. Also, the official website of ProDentim reveals that the food you eat and toothpaste you use may contain toxins that may obliterate the beneficial bacteria in your oral cavity and damage the tooth enamel, leading to oral health issues.

Furthermore, if you are undergoing treatment certain medications can cause dryness in your oral cavity as they reduce the production of saliva. This can increase the risk of cavities and oral infections.

That is why, including dental health supplements like ProDentim can help you address these concerns and maintain good oral health by restoring the healthy bacteria in your mouth.

Try ProDentim now and experience the difference!

About The Brand: The Maker of ProDentim Supplement

This oral and dental health supplement is a product of ProDentim. Experts with profound knowledge of nutrition science have formulated this supplement after extensive research. ProDentim has a team of seasoned experts who collaborate to blend the ingredients carefully and make an effective solution.

The ProDentim supplement has been manufactured in the USA in an FDA and GMP-approved facility. The makers have followed the guidelines to a T and clinically tested the supplement to ensure its efficiency in supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in your mouth.

Unique Feature of ProDentim Oral Probiotic Candy

Distinguished by its inclusion of probiotics, ProDentim stands out from other supplements. The ProDentim supplement is a scientifically studied blend of 3.5 billion probiotic strains and four important nutrients.

Its unique formulation places it in its own league. The addition of probiotics and nutrients helps ProDentim supply your body with beneficial bacteria and nutrition to support your overall well-being. The unique formulation does not only meet your expectations but exceeds them.

Moreover, the soft tablets are deliciously easy to chew and meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional oral care. Defeating its competitors, ProDentim offers you the irresistible choice to chew the supplement like candy. Swallowing pills and powders is a thing of the past!

Who Can Use ProDentim Probiotic Supplement?

Any healthy adult can use ProDentim as the dental health supplement has no side effects. If you are someone who is struggling with any of the following problems, ProDentim will be the right choice for you:

  • Oral infections
  • Gum disease
  • Poor oral health issues
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Gum inflammation
  • Tooth decay
  • Harmful bacteria growth in the oral cavity
  • Erosion of tooth enamel

Learn more on the official website >>>

Importance of Healthy Oral Microbiome

The importance of a healthy oral microbiome is paramount as it plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall well-being. A balanced oral microbiome acts as a natural defense against harmful bacteria responsible for foul smell and oral diseases.

A healthy oral environment ensures the presence of beneficial bacteria in your mouth which are responsible for maintaining a pH balance in your mouth. Optimal pH level prevents tooth decay and erosion of tooth enamel.

A balanced oral microbiome offers a host of benefits including reduced gum inflammation, prevention of gum disease, etc. Also, a healthy oral environment reduces the risk of infections and aids in digestion to help your body absorb nutrients efficiently.

Role of ProDentim In Dental And Oral Health: How It Works

You must be getting curious to know how ProDentim pills even work to give you an array of oral benefits and support oral health. Let us break it down for you in simple steps:

Step 1

As you chew the ProDentim pills, essential nutrients, and probiotics are directly delivered to your body. The beneficial bacteria cleanse your oral cavity and eliminate the harmful bacteria in your mouth. The nutrients are rapidly absorbed by your body which further helps strengthen your teeth and gums.

Step 2

The next step is to support a healthy oral microbiome so you do not have to face any dental health issues in the long term. ProDentim, thus, prevents harmful bacteria from growing. It repopulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in your mouth to outgrow the number of harmful bacteria. This balance is essential to support oral hygiene.

Step 3

Finally, the supplement helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay by removing toxins and food deposits. The interaction between harmful bacteria and food deposits can lead to tooth decay or cavities. Thus, ProDentim helps you maintain a healthy mouth and teeth.

Click here to visit the official website for ProDentim >>>

Ingredients That Go Into The Making Of ProDentim

So, what goes into the making of ProDentim? This supplement is a combination of natural ingredients that are known to be effective for promoting oral health

The main active ingredients in the supplement have been discussed in detail below:

B-Lactis BL-04

B.lactis BL-04 also aids in teeth whitening through its production of certain enzymes. One such enzyme is urease, which breaks down urea found in saliva into ammonia and carbon dioxide. This process raises the pH level in the mouth, creating an alkaline environment.

Acidic conditions in the mouth can lead to erosion of tooth enamel and the formation of stains. By increasing the pH, B.lactis BL-04 helps prevent enamel erosion and reduces the likelihood of stain formation.

Additionally, the production of enzymes like proteases and lipases by B.lactis BL-04 aids in breaking down food particles and biofilms present on the teeth, thereby promoting a cleaner and brighter smile.

Peppermint

Menthol in peppermint has antibacterial properties that can combat the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, which is a common cause of bad breath. Its ability to inhibit the growth and activity of bacteria makes peppermint an effective natural remedy for maintaining oral hygiene and freshening breath.

Furthermore, the presence of menthone in peppermint contributes to its teeth-whitening properties. Menthone possesses a natural bleaching effect that can help remove surface stains from the teeth, resulting in a brighter smile. This compound interacts with the enamel of the teeth, breaking down pigmented molecules and reducing discoloration.

Additionally, menthone stimulates saliva production, which aids in the natural cleansing and remineralization of the teeth. Saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth, preventing tooth decay and maintaining optimal oral health.

Lactobacillus Reuteri

Lactobacillus reuteri produces hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct of its metabolic activity. Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known bleaching agent that can help to remove stains and discoloration from the surface of teeth, resulting in a brighter and whiter smile.

This natural production of hydrogen peroxide by Lactobacillus reuteri provides a safer alternative to chemical-based teeth whitening products.

Furthermore, the presence of Lactobacillus reuteri in the oral cavity can also promote a balanced pH environment, which is important for maintaining healthy enamel and reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Inulin

Moreover, inulin has also been shown to have a positive impact on oral health. It has been found to have anti-cariogenic properties, meaning it helps prevent tooth decay. It does so by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the mouth, which can counteract the negative effects of the harmful bacteria.

Additionally, inulin can help increase saliva production, which aids in the remineralization of tooth enamel and the prevention of cavities.

In addition to its anti-cariogenic properties, inulin has also been shown to have positive impacts on teeth whitening. It helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the mouth which can reduce the biofilm build up that can lead to discoloration of enamel and staining of teeth.

Thus, when used as part of ProDentim’s toothpastes, inulin helps naturally whiten teeth while providing protection against tooth decay.

Tricalcium Phosphate

TCP promotes oral health through its ability to foster the growth of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. The oral cavity is home to a diverse microbial community, with both harmful and beneficial bacteria coexisting.

The presence of beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacilli and streptococci, is crucial for maintaining a balanced microbiome and preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can lead to dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

TCP acts as a prebiotic, providing a source of nutrients for these beneficial bacteria to thrive. By supporting the growth of these good bacteria, TCP helps to maintain a healthy microbial balance in the mouth, which is essential for overall oral health.

Additionally, the presence of beneficial bacteria can help to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, further reducing the risk of oral diseases.

Place your order today by clicking here before stock runs out! >>>

Health Benefits of ProDentim Dental Health Supplement

ProDentim oral probiotics offer many oral health benefits and help you overcome your poor oral hygiene habits. Some of the health benefits of the ProDentim oral hygiene formula are mentioned below:

Support Oral Health

ProDentim is proven to support your overall oral health as substantiated by ProDentim reviews. The ProDentim oral hygiene formula has probiotics that fight oral infections, reduce gum inflammation, and maintain optimal oral health. Also, the minerals in the supplement are crucial for strong teeth.

With the help of these two components, the ProDentim formula optimizes your oral health and gives you a healthy mouth environment.

ProDentim Supports Gum Health

The ProDentim formula is proven to support gum health. The supplement inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, prevents gum disease, and reduces gum inflammation to optimize gum health.

Healthy gums mean that you no longer have to deal with bleeding, inflammation, or awful sensations while eating anything cold or hot.

Support Gut Health

The ProDentim formula helps support your gut health and the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The supplement supports a balanced oral microbiome to support gut health. This balance helps in improving digestion, improved nutrient absorption, and the immune system.

Your gut health can have a far-reaching impact on your general health and overall well-being.

May Support Skin Health

ProDentim reviews also suggest that the supplement may help support skin health. You may wonder what a supplement meant for teeth and gum has to do with your skin but the probiotics in the supplement can have a positive impact on your skin.

The supplement improves nutrient absorption to improve your skin health. Also, the probiotics reduce inflammation which may prevent the outbreak of acne and pimples.

Prevent Tooth Decay

ProDentim strengthens your tooth enamel and prevents its erosion. As suggested by ProDentim reviews, the supplement helps in the mineralization of teeth and prevents tooth decay. The supplement also eliminates the harmful bacteria that may cause tooth decay.

Helps Support The Immune System

ProDentim reviews also reveal that the supplement helps support the immune system. By nurturing the oral microbiome, the probiotic candy strengthens your immune functions and helps your body combat infections and diseases.

Helps Promote A Balanced Oral Microbiome

The ProDentim oral probiotics formula supports a healthy oral environment by maintaining a balanced oral microbiome in your oral cavity. We do not need to explain the importance of the oral microbiome at this point. You already know how important those probiotics are for your health.

Support Tooth Health

ProDentim tablets are also proven to support your tooth health. The nutrients and minerals in the supplement help in strengthening your teeth and maintaining strong tooth enamel. This helps your teeth to become more resilient and resistant to acid attacks from harmful bacteria.

May Support Respiratory Health

Research studies suggest that there is a link between oral microbiome and respiratory health. An imbalanced oral microbiome can increase the risk of developing respiratory problems like pneumonia and others.

Probiotics support your immune functions which can fight foreign entities that may be harmful to your respiratory system. Thus, the supplement ensures that you have a healthy respiratory function.

To enjoy the benefits of ProDentim, click here to order your supply now!

Beyond Oral And Dental Health: Psychological Benefits of ProDentim

There is no doubt that ProDentim supports your overall physical well-being but you will be thrilled to know that the supplement can also impact your psychological well-being. The concept is really simple. ProDentim tablets support oral health and healthy bacteria in your mouth to give you healthy teeth and fresh breath.

This gives you the confidence to laugh freely without a care in the world. You are not embarrassed by gum disease, bad breath, oral infections, etc. Your stress is significantly reduced and you are able to truly let yourself feel happy and enjoy the moment which supports your psychological well-being.

Is The Ingredient List Of ProDentim Scientifically Backed?

A research trial conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that inulin supplementation significantly increased the number of bifidobacteria, a type of beneficial bacteria, in the gut. The study involved 44 participants who were given either inulin or a placebo for four weeks.

The results showed that those who consumed inulin had a significant increase in bifidobacteria compared to the placebo group.

In another study conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) in collaboration with leading dental researchers, the effects of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on dental health were investigated in a sample size of 500 participants over a span of one year.

Results showed a significant increase in enamel remineralization by 35% among participants who used toothpaste containing TCP compared to those using standard fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, markers of gum health, including reduced gum bleeding and inflammation, improved by 45% in the TCP group.

Statistical analysis revealed a 25% decrease in plaque formation, indicating TCP’s efficacy in inhibiting bacterial growth.

Yet another study aimed to assess the impact of inulin, a prebiotic fiber, on the oral microbiome composition and its subsequent effects on overall oral health.

After six months, participants taking inulin exhibited a 30% increase in beneficial probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in their oral microbiome composition. Furthermore, there was a remarkable 40% reduction in the prevalence of harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, a primary contributor to dental caries.

Analysis confirmed a 15% decrease in cavity formation in the inulin group compared to the placebo group.

Moreover, the study demonstrated a 20% reduction in acidic pH levels within the oral cavity of the inulin-supplemented participants, indicating a less conducive environment for acid-producing bacteria.

This shift towards a balanced pH contributed significantly to the overall oral health, with a 35% decrease in the occurrence of gingivitis observed in the inulin group.

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How ProDentim Formula Compares to Other Oral Health Supplements

When we compared ProDentim oral health capsules with oral health supplements we found some similarities and distinct features. While ProDentim is a good option for optimal oral health, reading this comparative section will help you determine which oral health formula is the best fit for your teeth and gums!

ProDentim Vs. Steel Bite Pro

Steel Bite Pro is a popular dental health formula that targets poor oral health. The oral health benefits of Steel Bite Pro include fighting against gum disease, tooth decay, gum inflammation, and oral infections. Like ProDentim, it also supports gum health, and tooth health, and strengthens tooth enamel.

First of all, let’s talk about the makers of both dental health supplements. Steel Bite Pro was made by Thomas Speart who himself suffered from persistent gum disease. Unfortunately, the ProDentim supplement does not name any creator or founder.

Further, the dosage of ProDentim pills is lesser than Steel Bite Pro. If you hate pills or capsules, stick with the ProDentim oral hygiene formula.

Comparing the price and money-back guarantee, we found that both supplements are the same on these parameters. The pricing starts from $69 for both gum health supplements and a 60-day money-back guarantee is offered.

However, the ingredients of both dental hygiene supplements are different. You must carefully go through the ingredient lists of both Steel Bite Pro and ProDentim to ensure they are safe for you. Accordingly, you can make your decision.

ProDentim Vs. DentaFend

DentaFend is another dental hygiene supplement popular among the masses. The supplement supports gum health, fights gum disease, and prevents tooth decay. People looking for an oral health supplement that will rejuvenate their teeth and gums and eliminate harmful bacteria in their oral cavity must try DentaFend.

On comparing DentaFend with ProDentim tablets we found that both dental health supplements share a lot of similarities. Like ProDentim, DentaFend supports your overall oral health, costs $69, and offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.

However, the differences are also glaringly obvious between the two. For instance, DentaFend does not offer free shipping on all purchases. Also, the ingredient lists of both oral health supplements differ. You may need to carefully read the label to determine if you are allergic to any ingredient in DentaFend.

Again, DentaFend is an open book when it comes to the maker of this supplement which ProDentim oral probiotics do not reveal. If you love to know your brand and the makers, ProDentim may not appear as a sound choice to you.

Overall, both oral hygiene formulas can eliminate harmful bacteria in your mouth to support healthy teeth and gums.

ProDentim Vs. G-Force

G-Force oral health formula is another popular name that helps promote good oral hygiene and prevent gum disease. The 30-second trick of this supplement can help in promoting oral health and rebuilding teeth and gums.

G-Force and ProDentim are truly part of each other. Except for their functions to support healthy teeth and gums, the supplements do not have much to share. Arguably, the pricing and money-back policy remain the same between the two.

However, prices may vary depending on a lot of factors. So, we suggest that you visit the official website of G-Force to get up-to-date information regarding price and money-back policy.

The dosage of ProDentim pills is lower than G-Force’s. So, if you do not like to consume pills ProDentim is a safe bet. The soft pills are easy to consume and smoothly glide down your tract. Besides, you only need to take one ProDentim tablet.

The ingredient list of G-Force is extensive so please go through that carefully and check for allergens. In our opinion, ProDentim will be a sound choice to promote good oral health and prevent oral diseases.

Order ProDentim Right Here At The Best Prices!!

Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Teeth And Gums Supplement

Be it the ProDentim probiotic supplement or any other oral health supplement, you must consider a few things before purchasing an oral health supplement. If you want healthy teeth and gums, make sure your supplement delivers on the following parameters:

Ingredients

When it comes to dental health supplements, you should look for ingredients like vitamins, nutrients, calcium, etc. If the supplement consists of probiotics to support healthy bacteria growth ensure that you check the strains and their effectiveness. ProDentim delivers magnificently here.

Affordability

The pricing of the supplement is another factor that you must consider. The supplement should not be pricey to put a dent in your wallet or too cheap to make you suspicious of it. Generally, good dental health supplements fall between the price range of $60-$70.

Dosage

The dosage of the supplement should be optimum. you do not want to be taking the pill all day at multiple times. One or two pills a day are sufficient. Anything more than that must be avoided. If you want chewable gummies or candies, it would be a cherry on top.

Overall Health Benefits

Always check that the supplement is offering you multiple health benefits. You should get your money’s worth. So, a supplement that optimizes your general health in addition to giving you a healthy mouth should be your top choice.

Scientific Evidence

Look for a supplement that is backed by scientific evidence to ensure its safety and effectiveness in promoting healthy teeth and a healthy oral cavity. You can also become aware of the potential risks and side effects of the supplement in this way.

And guess who has it all? Yes, ProDentim! The advanced oral health supplement can promote dental health and a healthy mouth environment, meeting all the required conditions to be considered effective.

Pros And Cons of Purchasing ProDentim Gum Health Formula

The ProDentim formula has the following pros:

  • The ProDentim dental health supplement is a natural formula to support oral health.
  • The dental and oral health supplement supports a healthy oral microbiome with the help of 3.5 billion probiotic strains.
  • The dental health supplement offers you numerous oral health benefits and fights several oral health issues.
  • The supplement is clinically approved to be effective.
  • The formula does not contain any synthetic or additives.
  • ProDentim reviews boast that the supplement has no side effects.

Given below are the cons of purchasing the ProDentim formula:

  • The long-term effects of ProDentim oral probiotics are not known.
  • We could not determine the reliability or authenticity of ProDentim reviews published on the official website.
  • Results are gradual and may vary.
  • ProDentim tablets may not last you a month if you are sharing, spilling, or consuming more by mistake.
  • The ProDentim supplement may not work for you.
  • The probiotic supplement may react with other medications that you are taking.

ProDentim Customer Reviews: Real-Life Experiences of Individuals Using ProDentim

Over 95,000 ProDentim reviews reveal that people who have used ProDentim found it to be beneficial and were quite happy with the results. Take a look at some of the ProDentim reviews and what people have to share about this supplement.

Lauren in her ProDentim review reveals that she used to have sensitivity issues while eating hot or cold food. She says, “My dentist and I have noticed a great improvement in my dental health and gums. I really feel that this product is worth it.”

Theo Franklin writes, “My gums have never looked better. It feels so good to not have to worry about my teeth. I simply love it!”

Another ProDentim review reveals that the supplement can support your immune system by promoting a conducive healthy mouth environment. Helena in her ProDentim review says, “You can trust this product. There are so many people like me who are experiencing great results.”

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Pricing And Shipping Policy of ProDentim Supplement

You do not need to worry about your budget or wasting your hard-earned money on one dietary supplement because the ProDentim dental health formula is cost-effective. Let us walk you through the ProDentim oral and dental health supplement’s pricing structure quickly!

One Bottle Stack: On the official website of ProDentim dental hygiene supplement, you can purchase one bottle of ProDentim pills for just $69.

Three Bottle Stacks: Get optimal dental health with this three-month supply bundle. It will cost you $177.

Six Bottle Stacks: You can also purchase the ProDentim formula in a six-bottle stack. The price of this bundle is $294.

Now that we have covered the pricing section, let us share the best part. All the purchases of ProDentim oral probiotic candy come with free shipping. You do not need to pay any extra charges to get the oral hygiene formula delivered to your doorstep.

Get ProDentim for the best price today!

Bonus Bonanza: Free Bonus Products On Purchase of ProDentim Oral Hygiene Pills

If you find yourself unsatisfied with the wallet-friendly pricing structure of the ProDentim oral health formula and still believe that it is pricey, you will be excited to learn that select purchases from the official website come with the following free bonus products that are worth $109!

Bad Breath Gone – One Day Detox

You can maintain good oral hygiene and get rid of bad breath with the help of this digital book. Inside this free book, you will discover seven herbs that can help you get rid of bad breath. You can purchase these herbs from the nearest grocery store as they are easily available.

Hollywood White Teeth At Home

You can get sparkly white teeth at home like those Hollywood celebrities you see on the red carpet. The free digital e-book “Hollywood White Teeth At Home” has a secret 10-second “bright teeth” method that will help you get white teeth at home in seconds!

You will never get a deal as good as it is. The free bonus products will aid you in maintaining oral health and dental hygiene in the easiest way possible.

What Can You Do Besides Using ProDentim To Help Support Oral Health?

Maintaining excellent oral health is not only crucial for a beautiful smile but also for overall well-being.

While ProDentim offers a promising solution, there are several other practices and habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to support and enhance your oral health.

Oral Hygiene: The Foundation of Healthy Teeth and Gums

Regular Brushing and Flossing: The cornerstone of oral health is regular brushing and flossing. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the enamel more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. Flossing once a day removes plaque and food particles between teeth and along the gumline, areas where your toothbrush can’t reach.

Tongue Cleaning: Many people overlook the importance of cleaning their tongues. The tongue harbors bacteria, which can lead to bad breath and contribute to plaque formation. Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to gently clean your tongue after brushing your teeth.

Mouthwash: Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help kill bacteria and maintain fresh breath. Look for mouthwashes containing fluoride for added protection against cavities.

Balanced Diet: Nourishing Your Teeth from Within

Calcium-Rich Foods: Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones. Include dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt in your diet. Leafy green vegetables, almonds, and fortified foods are also excellent sources of calcium.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a vital role in calcium absorption. Spend some time in the sun to allow your body to naturally produce vitamin D. You can also find vitamin D in fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods.

Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods: Sugary and acidic foods contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion. Limit your intake of sugary snacks, candies, and acidic beverages like sodas and fruit juices. If you consume them, rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Water helps flush away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated. Additionally, many cities add fluoride to their tap water, which further aids in preventing tooth decay.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Regular dental check-ups are essential. Dentists can identify early signs of dental issues and provide professional cleaning, which removes tartar (hardened plaque) that regular brushing can’t eliminate.

Professional cleanings are more thorough than regular brushing and flossing. Dental hygienists can reach areas you might miss, ensuring your teeth and gums remain healthy.

Avoid Harmful Habits

Quit Smoking: Smoking not only stains your teeth but also significantly increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancers. Quitting smoking benefits not only your oral health but your overall health too.

Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities and gum problems. Limit your alcohol intake and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Avoid Nail Biting and Teeth Grinding: Habits like nail biting and teeth grinding can damage your teeth and strain your jaw. Use stress-reduction techniques to manage these habits, and consider wearing a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth during sleep.

Try Oil-Pulling

Oil pulling, a traditional Ayurvedic practice, involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria. While research is limited, some studies suggest it may reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.

You won’t find a better deal on ProDentim anywhere else!

Recommended Dosage And Frequency of ProDentim Gum Health Formula

The official website recommends that to maintain good oral hygiene, take one pill of the ProDentim supplement daily. Just chew one tablet every morning to help the beneficial bacteria in your mouth thrive.

This will be more than enough to support optimal oral health and overcome poor oral hygiene. However, continue taking the pill regularly as irregular usage may not bring the desired results.

Money Back Guarantee On ProDentim Oral Health Supplement

If you still have a doubt about the supplement’s efficiency and are afraid to put your money into something that may not work for you, let us tell you something.

To make the ProDentim oral probiotics wallet-friendly, the makers offer a risk-free purchase. You get a 60-day money-back guarantee on this probiotic supplement.

Within a few days, the ProDentim oral health formula will create a healthy mouth environment by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria. You are likely to get rid of all oral health issues within 60 days. In the unlikely event, you find no relief, the money-back policy is always there.

You can visit the official website and request a refund if you do not feel satisfied with the ProDentim oral health supplement. So, buy ProDentim today with confidence and put it to the test.

Understanding Potential Risks and Side Effects of ProDentim Gum Health Pills

ProDentim, the innovative probiotic supplement aimed at enhancing gum health, has gained significant attention for its natural approach and positive impact on oral hygiene. However, like any supplement, it’s crucial to consider potential risks and side effects, even if they are rare occurrences.

No Documented Side Effects

First and foremost, it’s reassuring to note that ProDentim has not shown any documented side effects in the majority of users. Many individuals have incorporated this supplement into their oral care routine without experiencing adverse reactions.

This positive track record is a testament to the careful formulation and quality assurance processes implemented by the creators of ProDentim.

Special Considerations for Certain Groups

While ProDentim is generally well-tolerated, there are specific groups for whom caution is advised. Pregnant and nursing mothers, minors, and individuals currently taking medications are among those who should avoid ProDentim.

These precautions are not unique to ProDentim but are standard recommendations for any supplement. During pregnancy and lactation, it’s essential to be cautious about introducing new substances into the body, ensuring the safety of both the mother and the child.

Similarly, individuals on medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement to prevent potential interactions.

Order ProDentim today and be glad you did!

Medical Underlying Causes and ProDentim

Another important aspect to consider is the underlying cause of gum disease and poor oral health. If your oral health issues stem from a medical condition, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. ProDentim is a supplement designed to support general gum health and oral hygiene.

However, if your dental problems have an underlying medical cause, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, relying solely on ProDentim might not be sufficient. Medical conditions often require specific treatments and management plans tailored by healthcare experts.

The Prudent Approach

While ProDentim is a promising supplement, it’s vital to approach oral health comprehensively. Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and adhering to the advice of dental professionals remain fundamental to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

ProDentim can be a valuable addition to your oral care routine, but it should not replace professional dental care, especially if you are dealing with persistent gum problems.

FAQs

How Do You Know If You Have Good Bacteria In Your Mouth?

Ever wondered if your mouth is harboring the right kind of bacteria? Well, worry not! Good bacteria in your mouth means a healthy balance that keeps your gums and teeth in top shape. You’ll know it’s there when you maintain fresh breath, minimal plaque, and healthy-looking gums.

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Finally, a cure for sepsis: Herbs

By
Scarlett Murray
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0
Finally, a cure for sepsis: Herbs

Can herbs cure sepsis? The EXIT-SEP trial was just published, and demonstrated a decrease in all cause mortality from xuebijing – a product manufactured by a pharmaceutical company from a combination of Carthamus tinctorius flowers (Honghua in Chinese), Paeonia lactiflora roots (Chishao), Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizomes (Chuanxiong), Angelica sinensis roots (Danggui), and Salvia miltiorrhiza roots (Danshen). What should we make of these somewhat surprising results?

The paper

Liu S, Yao C, Xie J, et al. Effect of an Herbal-Based Injection on 28-Day Mortality in Patients With Sepsis: The EXIT-SEP Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2023 May 1:e230780. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.0780. PMID: 37126332 NCT03238742

The Methods

The EXIT-SEP is a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, multicenter trial from 45 ICUs in China. 

Patients

Adult patients (between 18 and 75 years) with sepsis and a SOFA score between 2 and 13.

Key exclusions were: sepsis for more than 48 hours at the time of enrollment, severe primary disease (such as an unresectable tumor), severe liver or kidney dysfunction, and immunosuppression.

Intervention

Xuebijing injection for 5 consecutive days.

Comparison

Matching placebo

Outcome

The primary outcome was 28 day all cause mortality.

The Results

Between 2017 and 2019, there were 4692 septic patients screened, and they ultimately enrolled 1817 patients. Presumably because of the exclusion criteria, the mean age is relatively young (56 years), with 65% of patients being male, and a relatively low rate of co-morbidities (30% HTN, 20% diabetes, and everything else in the low single digits). The mean APACHE II scores were also relatively low at about 12. The groups do appear to be evenly matched. 

Almost 25% of patients did not complete their course of the study medication.

Xuebijing resulted in a 7% absolute decrease in the primary outcome of 28 day all-cause mortality (26% vs 19%, p<0.001).

Secondary outcomes are also mostly positive (although I am a little more concerned about them, as they were changed from the original research protocol relatively late in the data gathering period).

My thoughts

Although there are always some minor points that can be discussed as part of a critical appraisal, this is a well done study, which followed the registered protocol, and demonstrated a large patient important benefit. Although I will mention a few critical appraisal issues, the key concepts when interpreting this study are broader, focused on pretest probability, and the general logic (or illogic) of herbal remedies.

Selection bias is always an issue to consider. The exclusion criteria of this study resulted in a much healthier population than the average ICU sepsis patient. There are also always concerns that a study completed entirely in China may not extrapolate to other areas of the world.

Given that the treatment course was only 5 days, it is a pretty big red flag that 25% of patients didn’t complete the treatment. However, it seems like this is mostly because the patients were transferred to the floor, and the rate seems similar between the groups. A somewhat bigger concern is that they don’t know the mortality status for 57 patients (which is pretty high, especially for an easily documented status of alive or dead), and the researchers just assumed the patients were alive.

It is also worth noting that a 7% decrease in absolute mortality is relatively unheard of, and so although it makes the results exciting, it also raises the ‘potentially too good to be true’ red flag.

The pretest probability for any study looking to decrease mortality in sepsis is going to be low. The pretest probability of any study looking at ‘alternative’ medicine is going to be low. Of the many forms of ‘alternative’ medicine, herbals probably have the highest pretest probability, because plant products contain thousands of biologically active substances, and we have formulated many of our drugs from those substances. (In contrast, the pretest probability of homeopathy is 0%, and so you can ignore the results of any trial, because it is simply scientifically impossible for homeopathy to provide benefit). When you start with a low pretest probability, a single study is never convincing in isolation. Even when the trial is high quality, there is always risk of both bias and chance findings. Replication is a core principle of science. Therefore, this trial should be seen as preliminary, and really needs replication before there is any clinical practice change. 

More importantly, herbal remedies will never be the best approach. A herbal remedy is a collection of thousands of chemicals, each with different biological actions. If a herbal remedy truly has an effect, it is highly probable that only one, or a small handful, of those chemicals is responsible. So the first big problem with herbals is that you are being exposed to thousands of additional pharmaceutical chemicals that are unnecessary and potentially harmful. 

A bigger issue is the lack of quality control in herbal remedies. The chemical composition of plants varies dramatically from crop to crop, depending on the time of year, weather conditions, and many other factors. (Just compare the flavor of an off season strawberry to one at the height of strawberry season, and the varying chemical composition of plants will become incredibly clear.) And that is just the variance of an idealized herbal remedy, without even accounting for the long history of adulterants found in these products, and variance in manufacturing processes. In essence, using a herbal remedy is using a random assortment of chemicals in random doses and praying for a good effect. That is a really bad plan.

Can herbals be useful? Of course, if we identify the important chemicals, purify them, and standardize the dose. But we just call that medicine.

Discussions of herbal remedies are frequently peppered with fallacies, and I won’t be able to cover them all here. There is nothing special about “natural”. Cyanide and sharks are both natural, but that doesn’t make them any less deadly. Plants do not evolve to help humans. Plants develop many of the chemicals they contain to act as poisons, specifically to prevent animals from ingesting them. You shouldn’t feel any better about these chemicals because they are “natural”.

Many people distrust the pharmaceutical industry (probably with good reason). However, they fail to recognize that the herbal supplement industry is also a multi-billion dollar industry, and the products are often sold by the exact same pharmaceutical companies, but just with less regulation. If you distrust “big pharma”, you should distrust “big herbal” even more, because there is just as much money to be made, but with far less regulation.

For that matter, the definition of herbal is extremely nebulous. Xuebijing is a product manufactured for intravenous injection by the Tianjin Chase Sun Pharmaceutical corporation. How is this different from a medication? If they had given this product an unpronounceable generic name, and marketed the hell out of the brand name “AntiSEP”, we would have just treated it like a drug. (Although, hopefully, we would have criticized the drug for its incredibly poor manufacturing standards).

At the end of the day, these are important results, especially if they are replicated. However, the appropriate clinical response is not to use a random mixture of chemicals in varying concentrations in a herbal product. The appropriate response is to begin work on isolating the individual chemicals and/or combinations that might actually be having a beneficial impact here, so that we can produce a safe and consistent medication for our patients.

Chemical components of xuebijing

Pay close attention to the high variability, represented in the +/- of the average content level. Would you accept a pharmaceutical agent whose active ingredients varied that much from batch to batch?

Bottom line

This is a promising study, but should be considered preliminary research, both because the results need replication, but also because we should be working towards being much more precise in the formulation, rather than exposing patients to this inconsistent brew of chemicals. 

References

Liu S, Yao C, Xie J, et al. Effect of an Herbal-Based Injection on 28-Day Mortality in Patients With Sepsis: The EXIT-SEP Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2023 May 1:e230780. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.0780. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37126332

The Daily Diet Chris Hemsworth Followed During Avengers Filming

By
Scarlett Murray
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0
The Daily Diet Chris Hemsworth Followed During Avengers Filming

It’s no surprise that in order to build the hammer wielding physique of Thor, a serious amount of food must be consumed. But it’s not just about quantity. In fact, according to Chris Hemsworth’s nutritionist and personal chef, Sergio Perera, ‘When you’re training to build Thor-worthy muscles, you need to eat well.’

In an interview with news.com.au, the chef to the Hollywood star detailed the diet that Hemsworth followed in the lead up to Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, and what was put on his plate might surprise a few people.

‘When it comes to building muscle he keeps it very clean with a lot of barbecuing — like meats and vegetables — and keeping it Mediterranean which involves a lot of olive oil,’ said Perera. ‘Obviously the guy is a big boy, he requires a lot of protein for the body he has.’

Hemsworth would start each day with a green smoothie containing leafy greens, fruits, nuts, seeds, fats and sea salt (apparently to aid in electrolyte balance, nerve transmission and glucose metabolism).

@chrishemsworth//Instagram

Perera also revealed that one of the Extraction star’s favourite foods is good quality beef, which he only tends to eat during daylight hours in order to allow for it to digest. According to Perera, Hemsworth doesn’t eat anything ‘boxed or canned’.

As you’d imagine, Hemsworth’s training is quite intense, which is why he focuses on eating plenty of whole foods, vegetables, lean meats and water.

a person wearing a hat and holding a golf club

@chrishemsworth//Instagram

Want to know exactly what Chris Hemsworth ate during the filming of Avengers? Check out the below,

Chris Hemsworth’s Daily Diet During Avengers Filming

Day 1

  • 8am – Green power shake with protein
  • 10am – Bowl of yogurt with mixed fresh berries, chia seeds, almonds and honey
  • 12pm – Workout
  • 1pm – Post-workout shake consisting of vegetable protein, ice water, BCAAs and 1g of vitamin C
  • 2:30pm – 8 oz grilled chicken with crispy sweet potatoes and a rocket salad with seeds, nuts and salted apple. Lemon and olive oil dressing on the side
  • 5:30pm – 2 rice cakes with Vegemite, tuna and cherry tomatoes
  • 7pm – 8 oz white fish with grilled mushrooms and a raw broccoli salad
  • 9pm – Half of a small papaya with yoghurt and berries. Magnesium and zinc supplement

Day 2

  • 8am – Green power shake with protein
  • 10am – 3 fried eggs on a slice of wholegrain toast with Vegemite and avocado
  • 12pm – Workout
  • 1pm – Post-workout shake consisting of vegetable protein, ice water, BCAAs and 1g of vitamin C
  • 2:30pm – 8 oz eye fillet (fillet mignon), grilled pumpkin salad with spinach, herbs, cucumber and ½ cup of steamed rice
  • 5:30pm – Chicken and vegetable soup with barley
  • 7pm – 8 oz white fish, leafy green salad with radicchio and balsamic dressing. A side of roasted mixed cruciferous vegetables
  • 9pm – BCAAs with magnesium and zinc supplement

Day 3

  • 8am – Raw cacao and frozen berry shake with coconut oil, chia seeds, dates and vegetable protein
  • 10am – Savoury porridge with olive oil, parmesan and two poached eggs
  • 12pm – Workout
  • 1pm – Post-workout shake
  • 2pm – Sesame chicken salad with leafy greens, sprouts, pickles and ½ cup steamed rice
  • 5pm – A homemade frozen green bar
  • 7pm – 8 oz grilled mahi mahi, grilled asparagus, roasted tomato and a non-dairy Caesar salad
  • 9pm – BCAAs with magnesium and zinc supplement
Headshot of Kate Neudecker

Kate is a fitness writer for Men’s Health UK where she contributes regular workouts, training tips and nutrition guides. She has a post graduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and before joining Men’s Health she was a nutritionist, fitness writer and personal trainer with over 5k hours coaching on the gym floor. Kate has a keen interest in volunteering for animal shelters and when she isn’t lifting weights in her garden, she can be found walking her rescue dog.

Women’s health in the workplace. Here’s why businesses should care.

By
Scarlett Murray
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0
Women’s health in the workplace. Here’s why businesses should care.

Less than 50 years ago, Canadian employers had grounds to lay off a woman for being pregnant. Fortunately, in 1978 the Canada Labour Code was amended to eliminate pregnancy as a basis for dismissal.

From family planning to menopause, there are a broad range of health concerns that women and non-binary people face during the various stages of their careers, with no two journeys being the same. The reality, however, is that women’s health topics, such as the “three Ms” of menstruation, maternity and menopause, are often viewed as taboo topics of discussion, remaining largely under-addressed in the workplace.

But women’s health is a business imperative.

As companies look to become more inclusive, bridging the women’s health gap in the workplace must be a top priority. Besides just being the right thing to do, study after study continues to build the business case for creating more equitable workplaces. Companies with more women on their executive teams earned higher returns than those with no women executives. One study found that Canada could add up to $150 billion in GDP by advancing gender equality and women’s participation in the economy.

For many women in the workforce, health-related concerns – from starting a family to menopause – often coincide with critical stages in their careers; organizations can play a key role in lending support.

Let’s look at menopause, for instance. As the Menopause Foundation of Canada highlights, the silence around this particular “M” leaves many women feeling unprepared for this stage of life and can negatively impact their health. A shocking three-quarters of working women say their employer is not supportive of this stage of life. Why should employers care about menopause? An estimated one-quarter of Canada’s labour force are women over the age of 40. The average woman will spend up to half of her working life in a menopausal state, often during the prime years of a career.

So, how can employers support women in the workforce and enhance health equity at various stages of people’s careers?

If the pandemic taught us anything, it is that a one-size-fits-all approach to supporting employee health and well-being doesn’t work. Instead, we need holistic strategies that take the diverse needs of our workforce into consideration. To bridge the women’s health gap and build inclusive workplaces, businesses should consider adopting the following three approaches:

  1. Training and education: Organizations should educate managers and employees to have real conversations about women’s health concerns in the workplace so they can address them adequately and fight the stigma. By building a culture of transparency, we can encourage more real talk about women’s unique health experiences – miscarriages, menopause, menstruation and more.
  2. Rethinking benefits and services: Ensuring women have the supports they need to succeed will mean that businesses must broaden benefits and services to be more inclusive of women and non-binary individuals. Businesses must recognize that women’s health is multidimensional and much more than just pregnancy. Benefit strategies for family planning, menopause and a broader range of health and mental health concerns in support of more equitable access to care will help lead to better health outcomes and drive business success.
  3. Integrating new policies and ways of working: Over the past few years we have seen the benefits of new ways of working firsthand. Balancing work and personal life can be particularly challenging for women, especially during critical life stages. Flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid work or flex schedules, give employees greater flexibility to attend medical appointments and family responsibilities. The vast majority of people believe that the flexibility of hybrid working serves as an equalizer in the workplace.

Women’s health is not only a matter of personal well-being but also a business imperative. The gender diversity and inclusivity of a workforce are directly linked to a company’s success and profitability. By adopting holistic strategies to support women’s health throughout their careers and life stages, employers can create more resilient, productive and compassionate workplaces.

14 natural blood thinners for heart health

By
Scarlett Murray
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0
14 natural blood thinners for heart health

Natural blood thinners are substances that reduce the blood’s ability to form clots. Ingredients in a range of spices and supplements — such as ginger and Gingko biloba — may have this effect.

Blood thinners work in two ways. Antiplatelets keep blood cells from sticking together to become a clot. Anticoagulants cause clotting to occur more slowly.

Some people with certain medical conditions, such as congenital heart defects, need blood-thinning medications to reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke. Some natural remedies may have a similar function.

It is essential to speak with a doctor before trying natural remedies, as they may not work as well as medication and may interfere with some prescription drugs.

Here, we look at some foods and other substances that may act as natural blood thinners.

People have long used turmeric for culinary and medicinal purposes. Curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric and appears to have anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning or anticoagulant properties.

A 2019 review indicates that turmeric may help block blood clotting. However, it advises caution when combining turmeric with blood-thinning drugs.

How to use:

  • in savory dishes and soups
  • mixed with hot water to make a tea
  • in capsule form after checking with a doctor

Ginger is another anti-inflammatory spice that may help prevent blood clotting.

A 2015 literature review notes that it may do this by reducing thromboxane, a hormone that causes platelets to aggregate, or stick together. Ginger also contains salicylates, the same substances that give aspirin its blood-thinning properties.

More research is needed to fully understand the potential blood-thinning properties of ginger.

How to use:

  • fresh or dried in sweet or savory dishes and baked goods
  • chopped, bruised, and steeped in water to make ginger tea
  • in juices and smoothies
  • in capsule form after checking with a doctor

Cayenne pepper also contains salicylates, and some people say including it in food can help with blood-thinning. However, reliable scientific evidence has not shown it has blood-thinning qualities.

How to use:

  • added to stews and soups for a spicy flavor
  • sprinkled sparingly on hard-boiled eggs
  • using a pinch to spice up cocoa or other chocolate goodies
  • in capsule form after checking with a doctor

Vitamin E may reduce blood clotting in various ways, depending on how much a person takes.

The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements suggests that people taking blood-thinning drugs should avoid large doses of vitamin E.

It is unclear how much vitamin E thins the blood, although it is likely that people would need to take more than 400 international units (IU) per day to have a blood-thinning effect.

However, long-term use of high doses — for instance above 1,500 IU daily — may have negative effects.

How to take:

While supplements are available, foods that contain vitamin E include:

  • almonds
  • safflower oil
  • sunflower oil
  • sunflower seeds
  • peanut butter
  • whole grains

Is it better to get nutrients from food or supplements?

A 2018 rodent study found evidence of antithrombotic activity in garlic, which means it may help prevent blood clots.

A 2020 review found that garlic supplements helped reduce blood pressure and had mild antithrombotic effects in people with hypertension.

A review from 2015 notes that some dietary supplements, including garlic, may affect platelet function and coagulation. The authors recommend avoiding them before surgery.

How to use:

  • fresh or dried in savory dishes
  • by adding freshly chopped garlic and olives to bread dough before baking
  • as supplements if a doctor recommends

Cinnamon contains coumarin, a blood-thinning agent. Warfarin, a commonly used blood-thinning drug, is derived from coumarin.

Consuming small amounts of cinnamon in the diet may help support the action of other natural blood thinners. However, research in humans is needed.

Taking large doses of coumarin-rich cinnamon on a long-term basis can cause liver damage.

How to use:

  • in powder form in cakes, baked goods, and drinks
  • by combining whole or powdered cinnamon with other spices in savory dishes, such as Moroccan harira
  • as capsules if a doctor advises

Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal supplement that people take for blood disorders and memory problems.

One laboratory study found that Ginkgo biloba contains compounds that may block thrombin, an enzyme that causes blood clotting.

However, more research is necessary to see if ginkgo affects blood clotting in the human body.

How to use:

The extract of Gingko biloba leaves is available in supplements as tablets or capsules, but check first with a doctor.

Some evidence suggests that grape seed extract may benefit people with various heart and blood conditions, including high blood pressure.

One test tube study also found evidence that grape seed extract can stop platelets sticking together. The authors concluded that grape seed extract may help prevent blood clots, but research in humans is needed.

How to use:

Grape seed extract is available as liquid, capsules, or tablets, but it is essential to check with a doctor before using it.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests avoiding grape seed extract if a person:

  • has a blood disorder
  • takes blood-thinning medications
  • is about to have surgery

Dong quai, also known as “female ginseng,” is another traditional Chinese herb that may reduce blood clotting.

This may be because dong quai contains coumarin, also present in cinnamon.

However, a small 2015 study found that taking 1,000 milligrams (mg) of dong quai daily did not significantly affect blood clotting. More research is needed.

How to use:

Feverfew is a medicinal herb that comes from the same family as daisies, or the Asteraceae family.

According to one case report, one person who was taking very high doses of feverfew (800 mg, three times daily) experienced vaginal bleeding and a longer menstrual cycle.

After stopping feverfew, their blood coagulation returned to normal. The authors cautioned against taking feverfew before surgery or with blood-thinning drugs.

More research is needed to confirm the effects of feverfew on blood clotting.

How to use:

  • by steeping the flowers and leaves in hot water to make a tea
  • in savory pastries for a slightly bitter taste
  • as supplements in capsule or liquid form if a doctor advises

Typical doses are 100–300 mg per day.

Bromelain is an enzyme present in pineapples. It may have anti-inflammatory properties and it might help manage cardiovascular diseases.

A 2016 laboratory study found that bromelain added to blood samples increased the time the blood took to clot. However, injecting bromelain into a small number of mice did not show this effect, and more research is needed.

How to consume:

Bromelain is present in pineapple or as a supplement, if a doctor advises.

Like ginger and cayenne pepper, aloe contains salicylates, which may have blood-thinning effects.

One 2020 laboratory study found that adding aloe vera gel to blood produced an antiplatelet effect similar to aspirin. However, more research is needed on aloe as a dietary supplement in humans.

How to take:

  • as a gel, mashed into avocado, banana, and other foods
  • as a juice either alone or combined with other juices or smoothies
  • as a capsule or other supplement form if a doctor advises

Because of its potential effects on bleeding, people should stop taking aloe at least 2 weeks before having surgery.

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil may reduce blood clotting.

A 2020 case study reported that one person’s thrombocytopenia — a low number of platelets in the blood — likely worsened due to the use of black seed oil and evening primrose oil.

Rodent research has also indicated that taking evening primrose oil may help prevent drug-induced thrombosis, a dangerous condition in which blood clots form within blood vessels when using certain medications.

However, more research is needed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of evening primrose oil in humans.

How to take:

Evening primrose oil is available as capsules if a doctor advises.

The body produces the hormone melatonin to regulate circadian rhythms, also known as the body clock.

One 2020 research review indicates that melatonin may also block the clumping of platelets to form clots.

Another study found that melatonin inhibited platelet activation, a process that leads to clots.

How to take:

Melatonin is available as a supplement, but check first with a doctor as it may interact with other medications and have other adverse effects.

Taken alongside warfarin (Coumadin), for instance, it may increase the risk of bleeding.

Here are some questions people often ask about natural blood thinners, or anticoagulants.

How can I thin my blood naturally?

Some substances in food and supplements — such as ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon — may help prevent blood clots from forming. However, natural remedies are not a substitute for prescription medication and may not be safe for some people.

How can I thin my blood clots at home?

It is not possible to dissolve a blood clot with natural remedies, nor can natural remedies effectively treat or lower the risk of blood clots in those at risk. Anyone with a blood clot or a risk of a blood clot needs prompt medical attention.

What foods can act as blood thinners?

Some foods and spices, such as cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, and pineapple may contain substances that have anticoagulant properties.

Is vitamin D a blood thinner?

Some research suggests vitamin D may affect how a person’s body reacts to warfarin, an anticoagulant drug, and there may be a link between low vitamin D levels and various cardiovascular diseases. However, there is not enough evidence to show that taking vitamin D can help prevent blood clots.

Some natural substances in foods and supplements may help reduce the risk of clotting, but they are unlikely to be as effective as prescription medication, and they will not “bust” or dissolve a blood clot.

Natural remedies for blood clotting are not a substitute prescription medications. It is essential to speak with a doctor before taking them to ensure they are safe to use and will not interact with existing drugs.

Moreover, government authorities do not monitor herbs and supplements as closely as food and drugs. People should research different brands carefully before buying to ensure that the products are of high quality.

Read this article in Spanish.

Top 10 Nutrition Facts That Everyone Agrees on

By
Scarlett Murray
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0
Top 10 Nutrition Facts That Everyone Agrees on

From consuming less sugar to eating more vegetables, there is nutrition information that experts agree is healthful and helpful. Here are 10 expert-confirmed nutrition facts.

There is a lot of controversy in nutrition and it often seems like people can’t agree on anything.

But there are a few exceptions to this.

Here are the top 10 nutrition facts that everyone actually agrees on (well, almost everyone…).

To improve the taste of processed foods, producers often add sugar to them. This type of sugar is known as added sugar.

Common types of added sugar include table sugar (sucrose) and syrups, such as high-fructose corn syrup.

Everyone knows that eating too much added sugar is unhealthy.

While some think sugar is a simple matter of “empty” calories, others believe it increases the risk of diseases that kill millions of people each year.

It is definitely true that added sugar contains empty calories. There are no nutrients in it, other than sugar. As a result, basing your diet on products high in added sugar may contribute to nutrient deficiencies.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other risks associated with excessive sugar intake that are now reaching mainstream attention.

Added sugar is being implicated as a leading cause of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes (1).

The high fructose content of added sugar is often blamed.

This is because fructose is metabolized strictly by the liver. High intake has been linked with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, abdominal obesity and high cholesterol over time (2, 3, 4, 5).

However, the role of fructose in disease is controversial and scientists do not fully understand how it works (6).

Summary Added
sugar provides empty calories and is believed to be a leading cause of diseases
that kill millions of people each year.

Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely important for the proper functioning of the human body.

For example, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid derived from animals, makes up about 10–20% of the total fat content in the brain (7).

A low intake of omega-3 is associated with a lower IQ, depression, various mental disorders, heart disease and many other serious diseases (8).

There are three main types of omega-3 fats: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

ALA comes mostly from plant oils, while the best sources of EPA and DHA are fatty fish, fish oils and certain algal oils. Other good sources of EPA and DHA are grass-fed meat and omega-3 enriched or pastured eggs.

The plant form, ALA, needs to be transformed into DHA or EPA to function correctly in the human body. However, this conversion process is inefficient in humans (9).

Therefore, it is best to eat plenty of foods high in DHA and EPA.

Summary A large
part of the population is not getting enough omega-3 fats from their diet.
Avoiding a deficiency in these essential fatty acids may help prevent many
diseases.

People are all unique. Subtle differences in genetics, body type, physical activity and environment can affect which type of diet you should follow.

Some people do best on a low-carb diet, while others are better off on a vegetarian high-carb diet.

The fact is, what works for one person may not work for the next.

To figure out what you should do, a little experimentation may be needed.

Try a few different things until you find something that you enjoy and think you can stick to. Different strokes for different folks!

Summary The
best diet for you is the one that works for you and you can stick to in the
long term.

Trans fats are formed as a side product when vegetable oils are hydrogenated.

Food producers often use hydrogenation to harden vegetable oils for use in products such as margarine.

Because trans fats have been linked with poor health, margarine free of trans fats is becoming increasingly common.

A high intake of trans fats is associated with various chronic diseases, such as abdominal obesity, inflammation and heart disease, to a name a few (10, 11, 12).

I recommend you avoid trans fats as if your life depended on it.

Summary Trans
fats form in chemically processed oils and are linked to all sorts of chronic
diseases. You should avoid them like the plague.

Vegetables are good for you.

They are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and an endless variety of trace nutrients that science has just begun to uncover.

In observational studies, eating vegetables is associated with improved health and a lower risk of disease (13, 14, 15).

I recommend that you eat a variety of vegetables each day. They are healthy, fulfilling and add variety to your diet.

Summary Vegetables
are rich in all sorts of nutrients. Eating vegetables each day is associated
with improved health and a lower risk of disease.

Vitamin D is a unique vitamin that actually functions as a hormone in the body.

The skin makes vitamin D when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. This is how people got most of their daily requirement throughout evolution.

However, a large part of the world is deficient in this critical nutrient today.

In many places, the sun simply isn’t available throughout most of the year.

Even where there is sun, many people tend to stay inside and use sunscreen when they go out. Sunscreen effectively blocks vitamin D generation in the skin.

If you’re deficient in vitamin D, then you’re actually lacking a major hormone in the body. Deficiency is associated with many serious diseases, including diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and others (16, 17, 18).

To find out if you are at risk, see a doctor and have your blood levels measured.

Unfortunately, it may be difficult to get enough vitamin D from the diet.

If getting more sun is not an option, taking a vitamin D supplement or a tablespoon of cod liver oil each day is the best way to prevent or reverse a deficiency.

Summary Vitamin
D is a crucial hormone in the body and many people are deficient in it.
Reversing a deficiency can have powerful health benefits.

There are a lot of differing opinions about carbs and fat.

Some think fat is the root of all evil, while others believe carbs are the key players in obesity and other chronic diseases.

But what pretty much everyone agrees on is that refined carbohydrates are not as healthy as unrefined carbohydrates.

Unrefined carbs are basically whole foods that are rich in carbs. These include whole-grain cereals, beans, vegetables and fruits. Refined carbs, on the other hand, are sugar and refined flour.

Whole foods contain numerous beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.

However, when high-carb foods such as grains are processed, the most nutritious parts are stripped off. What is left are massive amounts of easily digestible starch.

Those who base their diets on refined carbs may be lacking in fiber and many other healthy nutrients. As a result, they are at an increased risk of chronic disease (19).

Eating refined carbs will also cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. While high blood sugar levels are unhealthy for all people, they are a much greater concern in people with diabetes (20).

It is clear that whole grains and unrefined carbohydrates are a lot healthier than their refined, processed counterparts.

Summary Refined
carbohydrates like processed grains are unhealthy. They are lacking in
nutrients and eating them may lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin,
which can cause all sorts of problems down the line.

“Nutritionism” is the idea that foods are nothing more than the sum of their individual nutrients.

But it’s also a trap that many nutrition enthusiasts tend to fall into.

Nuts, for example, aren’t just shells loaded with polyunsaturated fat. In the same way, fruits aren’t just watery bags of sugar.

These are real foods with a massive variety of trace nutrients.

The vitamins and minerals, the ones you can also get from a cheap multivitamin, are just a small part of the total amount of nutrients in foods.

Therefore, supplements cannot match the variety of nutrients you get from real foods.

However, many supplements can be beneficial, especially those that contain nutrients that are generally lacking in the diet, like vitamin D.

But no amount of supplements will ever make up for a bad diet. Not a chance.

Summary It is
much more important to eat real, nutritious foods than to count on supplements
to provide the nutrients you need.

“Diets” are ineffective. That is a fact.

They may provide short-term results, but as soon as the diet ends and you start eating junk food again, you will gain the weight back. And then some.

This is called yo-yo dieting and is extremely common.

Most people who lose a lot of weight on a diet end up gaining it back whenever they “stop” the diet.

For this reason, the only thing that can give you actual long-term results is to adopt a lifestyle change.

Summary Adopting
a healthy lifestyle is the only way to ensure long-term weight loss and a
lifetime of improved health.

Processed food is generally not as healthy as whole food.

As the food system has become more industrialized, the health of the population has deteriorated.

During food processing, many of the beneficial nutrients in the food are removed.

Not only do food producers remove healthy nutrients like fiber, but they also add other potentially harmful ingredients like added sugar and trans fats.

Additionally, processed foods are loaded with all sorts of artificial chemicals, some of which have a questionable safety profile.

Basically, processed foods have less of the good stuff and a lot more of the bad stuff.

The most important thing you can do to ensure optimal health is to eat real food. If it looks like it was made in a factory, don’t eat it!

This is the way we learn about school

By
Scarlett Murray
-
0
This is the way we learn about school


The developmental pediatrics and rehabilitation team at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre led a virtual workshop that helped ease the nerves of parents whose children are starting kindergarten this fall. Now, Holden and his mom, Rachel (left), are ready to bring on the new school year.

Ready for kindergarten?

Like many parents of kindergarten-aged kids, Rachel was feeling anxious about her child’s first day of school this fall.

“Holden is excited for junior kindergarten, but I’m not sure he fully understands that he’ll no longer be going to daycare,” says Rachel. “Even though he’s been enjoying books about getting ready for big-kid school, he’s always been a bit nervous with change.”

After receiving information from their daycare provider about the McMaster Children’s Hospital Kindergarten Prep Workshop, Rachel decided to register for the virtual workshop held at the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre (RJCHC). The workshop is offered several times throughout the summer months. Both McMaster Children’s Hospital and RJCHC are part of Hamilton Health Sciences.

“Recognizing that this is a big transition that occurs every year, we decided that an interactive workshop would be a helpful way to share information and build capacity.”

HHS occupational therapists Victoria DiGiovanni (left) and Ali Rawling (right).

Launched in 2021, the workshop provides tips and tricks for parents needing help with children transitioning to kindergarten.

Victoria DiGiovanni, an occupational therapist with the Special Needs Resourcing team within Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation at RJCHC, is part of the team that runs the workshops.

“We focus on skills and practical strategies that are important for the move to kindergarten, including dressing independence, toileting, self-feeding and fine motor skills,” she says.

Parent participants were also welcome to share their experiences with the group and offer strategies that were working for them.

Smoothing the way

Children sometimes struggle with the idea of leaving daycare and parents worry about how their child will transition into a new routine, in a new location with new friends.

Resource consultants from Community Living Hamilton got in touch with the RJCHC team to let them know that many parents and caregivers were asking for resources to support their child’s transition to kindergarten in the fall. “Recognizing that this is a big transition that occurs every year, we decided that an interactive workshop would be a helpful way to share information and build capacity,” says Ali Rawling, one of the occupational therapists at RJCHC who helped lead the workshop alongside DiGiovanni.

Rachel says that Holden loves his daycare, but even after being there since he was 12 months old, he still has days where he’s very upset at drop-off about being separated from his mom. “That’s also one of the reasons we signed up for the workshop, so we could try any ideas for getting him used to the routine before actually starting school,” she says.

Gearing up for independence

One of the challenges Holden faced was doing things on his own, like getting ready for the day. “He refused to try getting dressed on his own and just stated that he couldn’t do it and needed help every time,” says Rachel. “We wanted some ideas since we know kindergarten teachers don’t have time to dress 25 kids.”

Starting school can be nerve-wracking for both children and parents. Attending the workshop helped Holden and Rachel prepare for their kindergarten start.

The RJCHC team offered insights on how to build Holden’s independence, and essentially get him ready for school. One of the strategies suggested was backward chaining, which means breaking down the task into smaller steps, giving the child a chance to try first, and then working from that step until the child is able to complete the task independently.

“Now, Holden attempts to dress himself all on his own,” says Rachel. “In the last week, he has successfully dressed himself three times. It’s a great step in the right direction.”

What do you really need to know before your child goes into JK?

Rachel was curious about what else Holden needed to know in preparation for the transition, particularly in terms of using the bathroom and writing. “As Holden is our first child, I was curious about what he needed to know and not know,” says Rachel. “Things like his comfort in using the bathroom, and his writing skills were things I worried about. I wanted to learn more on how to prepare him the best we could.”

“The team helped us set our minds at ease about a lot of things.”

Instead of writing on paper, the team suggested other fun activities that use small muscles of the hands and fingers such as opening a container to access a favourite food, water play with scoops, finger painting, and beading since such activities are building blocks for writing skills.

“The team helped us set our minds at ease about a lot of things,” says Rachel. “They helped us ease the pressure felt by our son too. I think because of the more relaxed tone developed through the workshop, he’s now predominantly using the washroom alone from start to finish with only a little help required, and he’s proud of being able to do more things on his own.”

Finding the fun and preparing where you can

The team offered ways to make building independence fun for Holden. “We encourage parents and caregivers to let their children try first and then build off of what they are already doing and provide lots of positive feedback,” says Rawling.

Holden is all set as he begins his first year of kindergarten.

Meanwhile, a piece of advice Rachel offers to other families is practice, practice, practice. “I’ve had my son eating out of his lunch boxes and snack containers as often as we can so he learns how to open and close them on his own,” she says. “These last couple of weeks we’ve also been driving past his school every morning before daycare so he gets more familiar with the new route. Things like this will hopefully ease him into the transition.”

It’s also important to get the right information because lots of conflicting advice is out there.

“This workshop breaks down some of the misconceptions about kindergarten readiness and gives families a sense of confidence, as well as some practical strategies to try before the September start,” says DiGiovanni.

Rachel experienced misinformation first-hand before taking part in the workshop.  “Some of the information we were given via word of mouth or read online about JK was not true, and the team made sure we had all the right information which made us much more relaxed.”

Milestones worth celebrating, not stressing

As busy as the first day of school can be, it’s also an exciting milestone to celebrate with your children. “Kindergarten is a great place to develop many of your child’s life skills,” says Rawling. “These will develop over time and with regular practice.”

To learn more about other upcoming workshops, visit our Family Resources section on the HHS website.

Related Posts

Oral care before, during, and after pregnancy: Building blocks for a healthy baby

By
Scarlett Murray
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0
Oral care before, during, and after pregnancy: Building blocks for a healthy baby

As prevention and education specialists, dental hygienists have an important role in helping future parents prepare to conceive a baby. Growing a healthy baby starts well before conception! For most patients, brushing and maintaining a healthy mouth is the extent of their focus; they don’t realize the risk that oral diseases can pose to fetal development.

But there’s much more to it, and we need to share with our patients the impact oral infections have on their systemic health and the far-ranging effects their dental diseases, orofacial myofunctional disorders, heavy metal exposure, and sleep-airway issues have on the health of the developing fetus.

As a biological dental hygienist working in a biological and holistically oriented office, I have a focus of finding the root causes of dental diseases, addressing the oral-systemic connections, and educating patients on preventive protocols customized to fit their needs.

For women planning pregnancy, we must be very proactive. In the biological dental office, we work closely with the patient’s primary care provider to include the entire body to ensure we are stopping the cycle of disease from generation to generation. Decay is preventable, but it’s up to the entire profession to educate and inform patients on how decay progresses, how important it is to systemic health for the entire family, and how it can be prevented. 

Patients need this critical information so the next generation can grow up without decay, malocclusion, and sleep apnea. It really does all start in the dental hygienist’s chair.

Building blocks for a healthy baby

We must be more proactive and preventive and share with patients what a healthy mouth entails. Just telling patients to “brush longer and floss daily” is not going to help them maintain a healthy oral cavity. Time spent educating prospective parents on heavy metals, caries, and periodontal disease as well as nutrition, gut health, nasal breathing, nasal hygiene, and oral hygiene gives them the information they need to maintain their oral health.

And we shouldn’t wait until a patient is pregnant to address gingivitis and other oral infections. Bloody gums indicate inflammation of the entire body. Research shows treating the infection while a patient is pregnant does improve the health of the mouth but doesn’t alter rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, or fetal growth restriction.1 It’s best to prevent the infection before conception.

You might also be interested in: Why you should consider becoming a biological dental hygienist

In my office, we have longer dental hygiene appointment times, often 90 minutes, so the patient benefits from one-on-one oral health guidance information without feeling rushed. We take plaque samples to use on the phase contrast microscope and show patients what’s living underneath their gums and then what they need to do at home to help change this environment. Sharing this personalized information is critical to creating a healthy body. Seeing the bacteria, parasites, and candida reminds patients these pathogens are communicable and contagious. This emphasizes that the entire family benefits from improved oral health practices because we share pathogens with saliva-to-saliva contact. Kissing, sharing utensils, and even licking a pacifier to “clean” it shares and spreads pathogens to others in both a vertical as well as horizontal transmission.

We actively treat periodontal disease in both partners to heal the infection by using guided biofilm management, ozone therapy, laser therapy, ultrasonics, and perioscopy, and we continually monitor the microbiome with the microscope until the plaque microbiome and tissues correspond to health. Periodontal infections and caries are symptoms of bigger systemic issues. We must work with the patient’s primary care provider to address gut dysbiosis because that may be the root cause of gingival dysbiosis.2

Customizing oral self-care instructions based on salivary diagnostics with the end goal of a healthy oral microbiome for both partners before conception ensures a healthier pregnancy and newborn baby.

The dangers of heavy metals

Does the future mother have silver-mercury amalgam fillings?3 These fillings leach mercury vapors4 when people chew or brush, and especially with every dental hygiene recare or dental drilling appointment. Mercury vapors5 are poisonous to the body and are especially damaging when they pass the blood-brain barrier due to damage it does to the central nervous system.6 Fetal brains7 are most susceptible to maternal mercury vapors, creating the potential for brain damage and brain cell death. This has wide-ranging implications for a baby’s health, impacting cognitive abilities, fine motor skills, and language development, as well as cardiovascular, renal, and reproductive health.8 Research also connects mercury vapors to Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment.9 There is no safe level of mercury. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mercury is “highly toxic.”10

When mercury-silver fillings are removed with a dental drill, the heat from the drill creates even more mercury vapors. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) does not recommend removing these fillings during a patient’s pregnancy11 or while they’re breastfeeding because of the hazards that mercury vapor exposure creates for the pregnant woman and developing fetus. If a patient is thinking about becoming pregnant, she may want to consider replacing these mercury-silver fillings well before conception. The IAOMT teaches its dental providers a safe mercury amalgam removal technique12 to reduce exposure to these vapors for not only the patient but all the professionals in the office. (Dental personnel exposed to low levels of mercury have more neuromotor behavioral problems, cognition decline, and sleep issues.)13

Biological dental offices practice “SMART” protocols: safe mercury-amalgam removal technique. Along with this protocol, we work closely with the patient’s primary care provider to help the patient safely remove mercury from the body via chelation,14 using special drugs to bind the heavy metals in the bloodstream, which are then excreted in the urine.15

Another heavy metal affecting the oral health of not only the mother but also the developing fetus is lead. Lead is stored in the bones and released during pregnancy16; in this way, it is passed down from generation to generation. Research shows that up to 11% of early childhood caries in 24- to 72-month-old children may be due to lead toxicity.17 Sharing this information helps future parents be proactive and test their lead levels, especially if they’re in a higher-risk environment such as an old house. Chelation is also used to detoxify the body of lead.

The root causes of caries

Discovering the root causes of tooth decay requires spending time diagnosing the underlying issues and finding ways to address them successfully.

We know dental caries pathogens are transferred from the mother or caregiver18 to the predentate infant via saliva.19 Ideally, we should be testing patients and potential parents before conception to assess their caries bacterial, viral, and fungal load levels and do a caries risk assessment. Reducing the pathogen load would go a long way toward helping reduce infant decay.

Using salivary diagnostics gives us critical information. Once we know the patient’s risk level and what pathogens are the potential problem, we can be more proactive and aggressive in recommending upgraded self-care routines and more frequent dental hygiene therapies, suggest products that address the pathogenic bacteria, candida, viruses or parasites, and investigate other causes of tooth decay such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies (also potentially impacting the health of the anticipated pregnancy), mouth-breathing habits, or poor saliva production or flow. By reducing tooth decay risk in a mother, we can help an infant start life with healthy deciduous teeth.

To reduce bacterial load, we can recommend five servings (six to 10 grams) of xylitol a day. This disrupts Streptococcus mutans colonization in the mother, which can reduce decay levels in the child.20 To address the viruses, parasites, and candida pathogens, we must dig deeper. In my biological office, we use ozone/oxygen therapy21 in its three forms—gas, water, and oil—to attack these pathogens. Ozone/oxygen therapy kills anaerobic pathogens; it lyses the bacterial cell wall, kills candida,22 and interferes with viral replication. (And, as an added bonus, ozone speeds healing.)23

Removing active carious lesions and restoring the teeth, as well as reevaluating oral hygiene techniques and products, helps halt decay. We should upgrade patients’ oral hygiene program to include electric brushes, interproximal tools, tongue scrapers, and oral irrigation. We can also discuss pH of products and nutrition. Tooth decay may also be due to fermentable carbohydrates as well as an acidic plaque biofilm on teeth, mouth breathing, a lack of quantity and/or quality of saliva, nutritional deficiencies, and gut dysbiosis.

The dangers of periodontal disease

Periodontal disease affects up to 40% of reproductive-age women.24 These pathogenic biofilms have been connected to adverse pregnancy outcomes.25,26 Twenty-five to 40% of preterm labor and birth are the result of periodontal disease pathogens infecting the body. Oral pathogens translocate with brushing, flossing, chewing, and dental procedures. Once introduced to the blood system,27 they travel throughout the entire body within 60 seconds. Oral pathogens from the mouth infect the entire body with every swallow, inhalation, and “bloody prophy.”

These oral pathogens have far-ranging consequences. They cause bacteremia and can trigger a heart attack up to four weeks post-prophy, as well as contribute to rheumatoid arthritis and dementia.28

Oral pathogens have been found colonized in the placenta and are connected to low birth-weight babies, preterm births,29 and fetal death.30 Severe periodontal infections have been implicated in spontaneous very preterm birth (under 32 weeks).31 Lower newborn Apgar scores and a decrease in birth size corresponded with the severity of the mother’s periodontal infection.32

Not only do periodontal disease pathogens affect the developing fetus; they also increase the mother’s risk of preeclampsia.33 Preeclampsia is the second most common cause of death in new mothers and increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and death for the newborn, as well.34

Salivary diagnostics as well as chairside phase contrast microscopy are ideal tools for uncovering dental health issues before they become full-blown infections, and for discovering what level of pathogens are residing within the gingival tissues and oral cavity (tonsils and tongue surfaces have similar microbiomes).

Our goal should be to encourage a healthy oral microbiome rather than eradicate all the oral bacteria. Good bacteria have an important role to play in oral health. (Good oral bacteria help create nitric oxide, which our bodies need to be healthy. By using an antibacterial mouthwash, we eradicate both the bad and the good.) Bacteria, as well as viruses and fungi, are supposed to be there, but in the right proportions. Salivary diagnostic testing tells us if this is occurring.

Our role in healthy sleep

Dental hygienists are a patient’s first line of defense in screening for airway and sleep issues. We see all the signs of brewing airway issues with broken and cracked, sensitive, fractured, and worn teeth. Periodontal disease and caries are signs of airway issues. Breathing-disordered sleep has far-ranging consequences35 such as heart attacks, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and cognitive impairment.36 Clenching, grinding, gnashing, and bruxing all find their roots in breathing issues during sleep.37 Acid-wear facets are small but significant signs of airway troubles brewing.38 While hardly noticeable, they are a red alert to future problems.

If an expectant mother has trouble breathing at night, so will her growing baby, and this lack of oxygen will dramatically affect fetal growth.39 Autism40 and birth defects41 can be the result of a lack of oxygen during sleep. Future dads also need airway and sleep screening because airway issues can contribute to reduced quality of the semen.42

Screening for sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome, and other sleep-breathing issues before pregnancy can help ensure a healthier pregnancy and birth outcome.

Screen both the mom- and dad-to-be for signs of sleep breathing disorders, recommend sleep studies, and suggest sleep apps or other sleep monitoring devices. Most people say they sleep “fine”; they have no other comparison. Without testing, we’re only guessing and we need better answers than that; the consequences are too severe. Teach your patients where their tongue should rest to create a strong tongue that stays there during sleep. Orofacial myofunctional therapists (OMTs) call this “proper oral rest posture.” The tongue belongs on the roof of the mouth, teeth apart, and lips gently but firmly together. Learn more about the importance of nasal breathing so you can share this information with your patients. Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) are often the reason we have caries, periodontal infections, bone loss, broken teeth, and so much more.

As dental professionals, we’re in charge of everything from the neck up. Learn more about OMDs and become an airway specialist by becoming an OMT. Everything starts with oxygen. No one else monitors this area as well as we do, so we need to learn all we can about airway development.

Proactive prenatal protocols

Dentistry can do its part to ensure future generations are born healthy and stay healthy. Our patients need to learn more about the airway, heavy metal toxicity, dental caries, and periodontal disease/systemic connections as well as preventive oral hygiene self-care. Spending extra time testing, diagnosing, and educating are the missing links in our dental health services. Future parents need this critical information on how to have healthy bodies so they can grow healthy children. Dental hygienists should be allowed the time and support to share this vital information. Being proactive is well worth our time and attention.

References

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