Be a DJ for your oral microbiome

Be a DJ for your oral microbiome

Oral microbiome battleground?

I term I often see the oral microbiome described as a battleground where you fight a daily battle against invading Bad Bacteria or Thug Bugs (my favourite term, from the lovely folks at Ora Wellness).
This military analogy, while evocative, is sometimes be used to justify some very harsh treatments that may disrupt the oral microbiome, erode enamel, or harm gum tissue.

 

Don't battle your oral microbiome

Imagine an inviting oral microbiome

When I speak with my clients about their teeth, gums and oral microbiomes, I prefer metaphors that evoke lush lawns, colorful coral reefs, co-operative communities, or joyful celebrations. Imagery and language matter. 

For example, imagine that you are hosting a huge party in your mouth for the billions of microscopic inhabitants of your oral microbiome.

Most of the kinds of bacteria and their friends that live in your mouth are Good People. They help with your digestion and immunity, they support your enamel to remineralise and the gingiva to regenerate.

These guests are all having a good time, either up dancing or moving around the room being friendly and thoughtful.

But also attending your party are a few kinds of bacteria who act like anti-social kids, especially when they lurk in dark corners, eat too much sugar, talk trash, and pick fights.

As the host, you want to stop those anti-social guests from spoiling anyone else’s good time or messing up the venue.

What should you do?

celebrate your oral microbiome

 

Avoid collatoral damage to the oral microbiome

Gargling with an alcohol-based antibacterial mouthwash is the equivalent of throwing a grenade into the party just to subdue a few naughty guests: lots of collateral damage to all the good bacteria.

More targeted alternatives like Corsodyl, hydrogen peroxide, or even essential oils can be almost as indiscriminate and disruptive to the party in your mouth.

 

In contrast, swishing your mouth with water or a simple herbal rinse is like putting on an irresistible tune that gets everyone onto the dance floor, even those corner-lurkers and sugar-junkies who might behave badly if left to their own devices.

 

 

When everyone in your oral microbiome is dancing around, the decay-causing and gum-disease-causing bacteria don’t get a chance to get hide along your gumline or between your teeth to make trouble and spread bad vibes.

 

DJ for your oral microbiome

Has a dentist told you that your cavities or receding gums are your fault because you are drinking too much Coke, you don’t floss enough or you need to stop breastfeeding your baby? And you know that isn’t true!

I’m not going to blame you or shame you.
The underlying causes of your oral health issues are not your fault!

Nature or nurture, ancestry or environment, free will or systemic oppression, unconscious emotions or the degraded food system

These are the factors that make your teeth and gums vulnerable to disease.

Even though your tooth decay and gum disease is not your fault, it is within your power to change.

You can turn your oral health around with natural strategies and healthy habits.

Yummy Gummies: The Anti-Cavity Candy

Sugar-free sweetness Why is sugar so bad for teeth? A teeth healing diet is full of delicious food options, but sweetness is not its main flavour. Everyone knows that sugar is bad for your teeth, though its a well-kept secret that the reason sugar causes cavities is...

Stop tooth decay naturally

Healing tooth decay A holistic approach to remineralize tooth decay is probably quite different from almost all the mainstream dental advice you've ever received. It starts from the principle that the health of our teeth and gums is tied to the health of the rest of...

Relax your jaw for teeth relief

Why relax your jaw There's almost no teeth or gum problems that can't be helped when you relax your jaw! Carrying tension in the jaw is so common that it's almost universal.  Are you one of the millions of people who use a night guard to try and prevent jaw tension...

Sexy, sacred teeth healing diet

  One of the qualities I love about the teeth healing diet (besides the fact that it saved my teeth and thousands of dollars in dental bills) is the abundance of delicious, filling foods that I once considered naughty treats but now prioritize for my health....

Yoga for Receding Gums

Receding gums and jaw tension Clenching or grinding teeth is one of the major causes of receding gums. When you clench or grind your teeth even a little bit, it rocks the teeth which can wear down the top of the bone socket inside your gums. The best way help...

Living teeth need living food

Living teeth need living food is the foundation of my approach to healing teeth and gum. This sets the teeth healing diet apart from many systems of eating for health. It's more common to label different categories of food as 'good' or 'bad' on the basis of what...

Is there a Spiritual Meaning to Your Toothache?

Asking your intuition about your toothache meaning can put you in touch with the subconscious feelings and thoughts that influence your oral health. Is there something you're not talking about in your life? What are your stress levels day-to-day at the moment? Are you...

10 common oral hygiene mistakes

Are you making any of these ten common mistakes with your daily oral hygiene routine? 1. Brushing too vigorously Brushing your teeth too hard can wear away at the enamel, especially if you have weak teeth. Hard brushing can also contribute to gum recession and gum...

Prevent gingivitis with the Art of Sensual Flossing

Did you know that gingivits, along with later stages of gum disease, is one of the known markers of heart disease, as well as associated with a number of other conditions including diabetes and Alzheimers? Gum disease is primarily the result of a lack of balanced...

Cure Tooth Decay- The Bible of nutritional teeth healing

The Miracle of Teeth Healing Cure Tooth Decay: Heal and Prevent Cavities with Nutrition by Ramiel Nagel (2012) is of the most influential books of my voracious reading life. Not only did it save my teeth from their chronic and rapid decline, but it also cracked open...

Floss Picks- Why I hate them!

Floss Picks- Why I hate them!

Today I’m answering a reader’s question about why I don’t like floss picks. I feel I should warn you that I wrote this without mincing my words!

From the Chamber of Oral Hygiene Horrors.

It’s pretty hard to pick the WORST oral hygiene tool on the market today because there are some real doozies around, including hard-bristled toothbrushes.

But one of them is so popular and so problematic that it holds a special place in my private Chamber of Oral Hygiene Horrors.

I know that some folks find them convenient and comfortable but I have three main objections from an oral health perspective, and one supplementary objection based on my belief that holistic oral health does not end with the individual.

 

What's wrong with floss picks

1. Short floss

Their short length of floss means floss picks inevitably transfer microorganisms from one part of your mouth to all the teeth.  If you are vigilant with hygiene, you might just be moving residual carbohydrates and sugars around, which is bad enough.  If your mouth hosts an infection, abscess, gingivitis, or active decay then floss picks spread the disease around your mouth.

2. Gumline neglect

The real benefit of effective flossing (with string or tape floss) is to clean along the gumline, when you curve the floss around each tooth.  Floss picks aren’t designed to clean along the gumline and they only clean in between teeth.

3. Gum damage

The rigid frame of a floss pick encourages a harmful flossing technique where the floss is slammed between the teeth to hit the gum, which can cause bruising or cutting and increases the risk of bleeding, infection, receding gums, and gum pockets.

4. Plastic rubbish

Last, but not least, I object to MORE single-use plastic in the world.

You risk ingesting microscopic particles that flake off the floss pick as you use it. These may contribute to the microplastics found in human blood.

However, I consider the risk to other beings even more egregious. I regularly see floss picks as litter in public places, including the high tide line at our beach. Ninety percent of sea birds die with plastic in their stomachs. Let’s not contribute to that ongoing cruelty.

Floss pick

Alternatives to dental picks

Arguably all these objections can also be applied to string floss. The first three are resolved by practicing a gentle effective flossing technique (check out my video The Art of Sensual Flossing for the right way to floss). Addressing the last point means avoiding mainstream plastic-coated brands of floss in favour of biodegradable silk or bamboo floss.

Recently plant-based floss picks have started to appear on the market. If you use that kind you’re only putting your own oral health at risk instead of innocent animals. The best alternative is a biodegradable string floss and whatever time it takes to improve your flossing technique.

Say no to Floss Picks

Has a dentist told you that your cavities or receding gums are your fault because you are drinking too much Coke, you don’t floss enough or you need to stop breastfeeding your baby? And you know that isn’t true!

I’m not going to blame you or shame you.
The underlying causes of your oral health issues are not your fault!

Nature or nurture, ancestry or environment, free will or systemic oppression, unconscious emotions or the degraded food system

These are the factors that make your teeth and gums vulnerable to disease.

Even though your tooth decay and gum disease is not your fault, it is within your power to change.

You can turn your oral health around with natural strategies and healthy habits.

Yummy Gummies: The Anti-Cavity Candy

Sugar-free sweetness Why is sugar so bad for teeth? A teeth healing diet is full of delicious food options, but sweetness is not its main flavour. Everyone knows that sugar is bad for your teeth, though its a well-kept secret that the reason sugar causes cavities is...

Stop tooth decay naturally

Healing tooth decay A holistic approach to remineralize tooth decay is probably quite different from almost all the mainstream dental advice you've ever received. It starts from the principle that the health of our teeth and gums is tied to the health of the rest of...

Relax your jaw for teeth relief

Why relax your jaw There's almost no teeth or gum problems that can't be helped when you relax your jaw! Carrying tension in the jaw is so common that it's almost universal.  Are you one of the millions of people who use a night guard to try and prevent jaw tension...

Sexy, sacred teeth healing diet

  One of the qualities I love about the teeth healing diet (besides the fact that it saved my teeth and thousands of dollars in dental bills) is the abundance of delicious, filling foods that I once considered naughty treats but now prioritize for my health....

Getting Root Canals

Should I get a root canal? These days, getting root canals is a controversial dental procedure but thirty years ago when I had my first root canal done at age 17, I didn't question what was being done to me. I will never forget the throbbing, terrifying and...

Removing Root Canals

How long can a root canal last? In Part 1 of this two part article about root canals, I told the story of my first, traumatic, root canal on a front tooth more than thirty years ago. I still have that root canal right in the front of my mouth. Over the years it...

Yoga for Receding Gums

Receding gums and jaw tension Clenching or grinding teeth is one of the major causes of receding gums. When you clench or grind your teeth even a little bit, it rocks the teeth which can wear down the top of the bone socket inside your gums. The best way help...

Living teeth need living food

Living teeth need living food is the foundation of my approach to healing teeth and gum. This sets the teeth healing diet apart from many systems of eating for health. It's more common to label different categories of food as 'good' or 'bad' on the basis of what...

Is there a Spiritual Meaning to Your Toothache?

Asking your intuition about your toothache meaning can put you in touch with the subconscious feelings and thoughts that influence your oral health. Is there something you're not talking about in your life? What are your stress levels day-to-day at the moment? Are you...

10 common oral hygiene mistakes

Are you making any of these ten common mistakes with your daily oral hygiene routine? 1. Brushing too vigorously Brushing your teeth too hard can wear away at the enamel, especially if you have weak teeth. Hard brushing can also contribute to gum recession and gum...

What’s the best remineralizing toothpaste?

What’s the best remineralizing toothpaste?

 

What is Hydroxyapatite toothpaste?

There’s a (relatively) new active ingredient in toothpaste town.

It’s called hydroxyapatite which is actually the main mineral component of teeth. More than 90% of tooth enamel (the hard surface layer) and 70% of dentine (the layer underneath the enamel) consists of hydroxyapatite. 

Nano-hydroxyapatite is synthetically manufactured to be bioidentical to the hydroxyapatite found in our teeth. This is the most common form used in toothpaste, toothpowder or tooth tablets.

Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite is derived from animal bones, usually, cattle but sometimes fish (so it is not vegan). It is a slightly coarser powder than the nano form. Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite is more commonly found in supplements for bone support.

 

Remineralizing toothpaste

How remineralization works

Your body naturally keeps your teeth remineralized, mostly from the inside out. 

Teeth are made up of tiny tubules running from the root to the enamel surface.

The tubules carry a solution of mineral molecules extracted from nutrients in your food.

The teeth nourishing solution is pushed through the tubes by dentinal flow which is highly responsive to stress and blood sugar levels. 

When your nervous system is stressed or your blood sugar is high the dentinal flow gets switched off, the teeth can start to demineralize and those tiny tubules on the surface of your enamel start absorbing molecules inwards instead of pushing them outwards.

 

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste

How hydroxyapatite toothpaste remineralizes tooth enamel

As a toothpaste ingredient, hydroxyapatite can remineralize decay and small cavities in enamel.

When nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste is brushed onto your teeth, and left to sit (not rinsed off) it can penetrate and seal the enamel’s tiny tubules with almost exactly the same minerals that have been lost through demineralization.  

By blocking up your teeth’s tubules, hydroxyapatite toothpaste can help stop the inflow of bacteria from your oral microbiome into teeth. 

 

Remineralizing toothpaste

How does hydroxyapatite compare to fluoride and Xylitol?

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste’s outside-inwards remineralization helps to protect the nerve in the centre of your tooth. Sensitivity is reduced, along with sensations of pain stimulated from the surface of the tooth.

Hydroxyapatite is particularly effective in reducing tooth sensitivity, so it’s a great alternative to Sensodyne toothpaste, in which the active ingredients are analgesics that minimise the discomfort without actually strengthening teeth. 

Scientific tests have found hydroxyapatite is better at reducing sensitivity than fluoride. Hydroxyapatite works to help to protect teeth against caries and dental erosion making it a great alternative to fluoride, without any neurotoxin risks.

Hydroxyapatite is biocompatible and safe enough to swallow, making it a much safer alternative to Xylitol (which can damage your gut). 

It’s encouraging to see that there’s increasing research evidence that hydroxyapatite offers low-risk protection and repair.

You might still have to go out of your way to find a toothpaste brand that include a therapeutic proportion of Hydroxyapatite as an active ingredient, but I think it’s worth it! 

The Secret Lives of Teeth cover

Learn how to interpret the metaphysical messages of your teeth and gum symptoms!

The Secret Lives of Teeth is a clear and comprehensive guide teaches you a unique, complementary self-help approach to easing toothaches, enhancing enamel and gum remineralization and getting better results with necessary dental treatments. 

Available as a paperback or ebook. 

References here, here, here and here

Has a dentist told you that your cavities or receding gums are your fault because you are drinking too much Coke, you don’t floss enough or you need to stop breastfeeding your baby? And you know that isn’t true!

I’m not going to blame you or shame you.
The underlying causes of your oral health issues are not your fault!

Nature or nurture, ancestry or environment, free will or systemic oppression, unconscious emotions or the degraded food system

These are the factors that make your teeth and gums vulnerable to disease.

Even though your tooth decay and gum disease is not your fault, it is within your power to change.

You can turn your oral health around with natural strategies and healthy habits.

Is there a Spiritual Meaning to Your Toothache?

Asking your intuition about your toothache meaning can put you in touch with the subconscious feelings and thoughts that influence your oral health. Is there something you're not talking about in your life? What are your stress levels day-to-day at the moment? Are you...

Metaphysical teeth: Self-help strategies for oral health

Metaphysics is the study of abstract ideas, concepts and systems.  There is more to teeth and gums than their existence as physical objects within our bodies. Economics, aesthetics, psychology, spirituality, meridians, family stories and cultural myths are just a few...

Political Teeth

What do Nazis have to do with your teeth? A holistic approach to oral health doesn't stop at the boundaries of our bodies (or even at the edge of our aura).  We exist in communities that are connected globally in real time and our mouths are not separate from what is...

How to heal decaying baby teeth

As a parent you want to do whatever is right to keep your baby healthy. You can feel so guilty to see brown spots or cavities developing on your baby's teeth. Yet, discoloration and dental decay can start very young, sometimes within hours of a new tooth erupting!...

Natural solutions for gingivitis or gum disease

What is gingivitis or gum disease? Gum disease or gingivitis covers a continuum of symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum recession and gum pockets which may or may not proceed to ginigivitis and eventually periodontis.  Left untreated the consequences can range from...

How to get rid of cavities naturally, for FREE

I believe in empowering you to be your own teeth healer, no matter how much cash you've got left after visiting the dentist. I'm not holding back some powerful secret behind the paywall of my coaching services. It is completely feasible that you can learn how to heal...

Spiritual Reasons for Gum Disease

Understanding the spiritual meaning of gum disease The spiritual meanings of gum disease symptoms are often overlooked, yet working with these messages often holds the key to effective healing.  Gingivitis, periodontal or gum disease often begins with gum recession or...

A simple guide to online coaching

Any timezone, any place A consultation with the Holistic Tooth Fairy is nothing like going to the dentist! It's easy, empowering and even fun! All our consultations are done in online video calls which means that you can work with us no matter what country or what...

My 5 Best Websites for Natural Oral Health

As soon as you start searching for information about oral health on the internet you can quickly become overwhelmed by thousands of choices, most of them fronting small dental practices or large toothpaste manufacturers. Almost all offer the same tired mainstream...

Root Cause Netflix Documentary Review

Root Cause is the Netflix documentary stirring up root canal concerns I had to write this Root Cause review because root canals loom big in my life. I’ve had six root canals in five teeth, I still have three in situ. Their origins are, without exception, memorably...

Why is oral health so confusing?

Why is oral health so confusing?

Do you ever feel confused or overwhelmed about what actions to take, which daily habits you should practice, or even what to believe when it comes to your teeth and gums?

There are the mainstream dentists pressuring you with their fluoride treatments and surgical solutions.

Then there are are the biological dentists urging you to remove amalgam fillings and root canals.

Not to mention the infinite variety of toothpaste brands that claim to be remineralizing, whitening, desensitizing, or non-toxic.

There is hype and debate over Ayurvedic oil pulling vs wheat grass swishing.   

There are social media comments advising you to dab on 2% iodine or essential oils

And of course endless questions around whether lasers or stem cells or peptides are going to be the next miracle cure (and when?)!

Over there Ramiel Nagel followers swear by raw milk, but not far away Medical Medium followers swear by celery juice and eschew all dairy.

And what’s up with fermented cod liver oil?

I could go on – This is just the beginning!

Why oral health is so confusing.

Have you ever lost a few hours Googling down an Alt-Oral rabbit hole looking for a simple solution that will solve your teeth problems- just the right toothpaste for example

You probably found lots of conflicting and confusing recommendations waiting to trip you up even though you just wanted something tried and true that works for everyone every time. 

The truth is, although many recommendation have merit for someone, that doesn’t mean every recommendation is appropriate, effective, or even safe for everyone 

That’s because your teeth are part complex system that is influenced by:

  •  your whole physical body, including your posture, your breathing and your gut
  •  your emotional state now and in the past 
  •  your ancestors and your DNA, 
  •  your family history and your past lives
  •  your prenatal experience, infancy and childhood
  •  your energy (in every sense) and the electromagnetic energy in your home
  •  the environment around you and you interact with it 
  •  where you live, when you’ve moved and how you travel
  •  the people who talk to you and people who you kiss
  •  the air that you breathe
  •  the food that you eat and drink 
  •  the supplements you take
  •  the medicines you have taken, now and in the past, whether for oral health or not 
  •  your recreational drugs. including alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine
  •  your attitudes and your beliefs, 
  •  your stress levels
  •  your hopes and aspirations 
  •  what you’re angry about 
  •  what you’re frustrated with
  •  your disappointment and grief 
  •  your fear and anxiety 
  •  the secrets that you’re keeping
  •  what you do every day
  •  and what you don’t do every day.

 All these diverse factors influence your teeth and gums.

If the influences  on your oral health are complex, then the remedy is likely to be complex too.

Even folks who get good results from simple solutions are not necessarily going have that last for their whole lifetime.

 There is no simple solution that will work for everyone- not a toothpaste, not oil pulling, not root canals.

Often our needs change over time. So if you had great results with the oil pulling when you did five years ago but it’s no longer stopping gum inflammation… you need to try something else now.

Why is oral health so confusing

Navigating oral health’s complexities

You are unique and you need a unique approach to healing your teeth and gums. 

No-one else has teeth and gums influenced by exactly the same combination of factors.

What works for your teeth may be quite different from what works for mine, or your brother’s or your neighbour’s teeth. 

You need a personal protocol that includes only those products or strategies that meet your needs and circumstances.

Your effective combination of remedies and strategies will be as unique as you.

 Finding, fine-tuning and implementing the right personal protocol to heal your teeth and gum issues takes time, attention, and persistence.

You have to balance consistency with flexibility.

And I recommend that you include strategies drawn from all four realms of the Holistic Tooth Fairy Way:

Get started now!

I have a couple of free resources to help you find the best signals for your needs, among the static and noise online. 

Holistic Oral Health at Home

This  is a practical workshop to help you

  • Do your own oral health self-assessments to identify any issues
  • Manage issues with holistic home remedies 
  • Prevent dental emergencies with teeth & gum nourishing foods, herbs, and supplements
  • Protect your gums by fine-tuning your oral hygiene habits 
  • Relieve jaw tension to avoid breaking enamel or fillings. 

Listen to Your Teeth

Your intuition can be a helpful guide through the confusing conflicting recommendations about oral helath. My free Masterclass Listen to Your Teeth Masterclass which explains the metaphysical influences on your oral health, and includes a guided meditation to tune into your own intuitive wisdom about what your teeth need.

The meditation is a great resource to help you get intuitive guidance about conflicting or confusing recommendations. 

The Secret Lives of Teeth cover

Learn how to interpret the metaphysical messages of your teeth and gum symptoms!

The Secret Lives of Teeth is a clear and comprehensive guide teaches you a unique, complementary self-help approach to easing toothaches, enhancing enamel and gum remineralization and getting better results with necessary dental treatments. 

Available as a paperback or ebook. 

Has a dentist told you that your cavities or receding gums are your fault because you are drinking too much Coke, you don’t floss enough or you need to stop breastfeeding your baby? And you know that isn’t true!

I’m not going to blame you or shame you.
The underlying causes of your oral health issues are not your fault!

Nature or nurture, ancestry or environment, free will or systemic oppression, unconscious emotions or the degraded food system

These are the factors that make your teeth and gums vulnerable to disease.

Even though your tooth decay and gum disease is not your fault, it is within your power to change.

You can turn your oral health around with natural strategies and healthy habits.

Is there a Spiritual Meaning to Your Toothache?

Asking your intuition about your toothache meaning can put you in touch with the subconscious feelings and thoughts that influence your oral health. Is there something you're not talking about in your life? What are your stress levels day-to-day at the moment? Are you...

Metaphysical teeth: Self-help strategies for oral health

Metaphysics is the study of abstract ideas, concepts and systems.  There is more to teeth and gums than their existence as physical objects within our bodies. Economics, aesthetics, psychology, spirituality, meridians, family stories and cultural myths are just a few...

Political Teeth

What do Nazis have to do with your teeth? A holistic approach to oral health doesn't stop at the boundaries of our bodies (or even at the edge of our aura).  We exist in communities that are connected globally in real time and our mouths are not separate from what is...

How to heal decaying baby teeth

As a parent you want to do whatever is right to keep your baby healthy. You can feel so guilty to see brown spots or cavities developing on your baby's teeth. Yet, discoloration and dental decay can start very young, sometimes within hours of a new tooth erupting!...

Natural solutions for gingivitis or gum disease

What is gingivitis or gum disease? Gum disease or gingivitis covers a continuum of symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum recession and gum pockets which may or may not proceed to ginigivitis and eventually periodontis.  Left untreated the consequences can range from...

How to get rid of cavities naturally, for FREE

I believe in empowering you to be your own teeth healer, no matter how much cash you've got left after visiting the dentist. I'm not holding back some powerful secret behind the paywall of my coaching services. It is completely feasible that you can learn how to heal...

Spiritual Reasons for Gum Disease

Understanding the spiritual meaning of gum disease The spiritual meanings of gum disease symptoms are often overlooked, yet working with these messages often holds the key to effective healing.  Gingivitis, periodontal or gum disease often begins with gum recession or...

A simple guide to online coaching

Any timezone, any place A consultation with the Holistic Tooth Fairy is nothing like going to the dentist! It's easy, empowering and even fun! All our consultations are done in online video calls which means that you can work with us no matter what country or what...

My 5 Best Websites for Natural Oral Health

As soon as you start searching for information about oral health on the internet you can quickly become overwhelmed by thousands of choices, most of them fronting small dental practices or large toothpaste manufacturers. Almost all offer the same tired mainstream...

Root Cause Netflix Documentary Review

Root Cause is the Netflix documentary stirring up root canal concerns I had to write this Root Cause review because root canals loom big in my life. I’ve had six root canals in five teeth, I still have three in situ. Their origins are, without exception, memorably...

Your Own Oral Unawareness

Your Own Oral Unawareness

What’s your level of oral unawareness?

Are you someone who rarely looks inside your mouth, at least not further than the front teeth that show when you smile?

Do you pay attention to how your teeth and gums feel when there’s no discomfort?

When your teeth feel sensitive, do you buy a numbing toothpaste?

When your teeth hurt, does your dentist offer drilling and filling as the only real solution.

You probably know that you have to scrub away bacteria from your teeth, but you probably weren’t taught to nurture the complex, and mostly helpful microbiome, that makes up your oral environment.

You probably know that sugar affects your oral health but did you know that grains do too? What about the role your teeth and gums play in your digestion and immunity?

Teeth and gums play a critical role in your overall wellbeing, yet a culture of dental disconnect means most people don’t really understand or prioritise their oral health.

When will the dentist be safe?

Where does oral unawareness come from?

Dental-Medical Divide

Historically the dentistry has been disconnected from medicine.

This disconnection is evident from many angles, from education and training to insurance coverage.  

Dentists aren’t usually trained or encouraged to address environmental or systemic influences on oral health such as nutrition, stress, breathing or sleep.

Their education about prevention is mostly limited to the dangers of sugar and the necessity of flossing.

Instead, dentists are taught to perform surgical repairs and to use industrial chemicals (including neurotoxins such as mercury and fluoride). (2)

Dentists are the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, and yet there is no one telling you not to jump in the first place.

In recent decades medical researchers have found links between teeth and gum problems and many systemic diseases including; 

  • heart disease,(3)
  • diabetes, (4)
  • Alzheimer’s Disease,(5)
  •  rheumatoid arthritis,(6)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (7)
  •  and low birth weight (8)

Although it’s now more common to recommend gum treatment before cardiac surgery, few other disease protocols include addressing oral health.

This mouth-body disconnection is just as apparent in complementary health as in mainstream medicine.

Complementary health modalities rarely include more than cursory attention to oral health in their training. This means that most natural health practitioners don’t feel confident to diagnose or remedy teeth and gum problems.

Cosmetic Focus

Dental disconnect is not just institutionalised at the professional level. Somewhere along the way, oral health products got categorised with cosmetics and beauty rather than health and wellbeing. (1) 

Toothpaste, mouthwash and other oral hygiene products are often regulated with skin cosmetics rather than alongside food, even though both go in your mouth. 

Teeth whitening products marketed to improve the visual appeal of the mouth, are often far too harsh for teeth with discoloration caused by demineralisation and can dangerously unbalance the delicate oral microbiome in your mouth.

Even though the mouth is the gateway to the digestive system and consists mostly of permeable mucus membranes, mainstream toothpaste and mouthwash routinely includes ingredients that are not considered food-safe (9).

Many dentists now routinely recommend cosmetic procedures. They’re up-selling their services to us by making us feel bad about how our teeth look. 

Did you know that a lot of cosmetic dental procedures actually damage the health of our teeth and gums? 

For example:

  • many orthodontic treatments involve extracting healthy teeth,
  • dental (and over-the-counter) whitening treatments weaken tooth enamel,
  • veneers and crowns involve shaving off the enamel surface of our teeth, permanently damaging the structural integrity.

Of all the ways that dental disconnect is harmful, the most insidious may be the deliberate damage to teeth for profit, marketed by preying on our insecurities about appearance.

So what can you do about oral unawareness?

If you stay disconnected from your mouth for too long, your teeth or gums will probably start trying to get to get your attention with uncomfortable or damaging symptoms.

Practicing connection with your body means you can pick up messages from your mouths while they are still quiet and gentle. 

What’s the best way for you to practice connecting with your teeth and gums?

Here are three practical things you can try to help reconnect with your oral health. 

  • Do a bit of research into oral health, going beyond ‘how to get a whiter smile’. As you do, pause to pay attention to a single, slow, gentle breath before and after you read or watch something new.

  • Sit outside on the earth and sink your attention into your root chakra. Feel the minerals in your teeth align with the minerals in the ground below you.

 

  • Look at your teeth lovingly every time you brush and floss. With relaxed curiosity ask, what do you need today? Notice any thoughts, memories, images, or sensations that cross your awareness.

 

Check out Listen to your Teeth, my free Masterclass which explains more about metaphysical influences on oral health, and includes a guided meditation to tune into your own intuitive wisdom.

The Secret Lives of Teeth cover

Learn how to interpret the metaphysical messages of your teeth and gum symptoms!

The Secret Lives of Teeth is a clear and comprehensive guide teaches you a unique, complementary self-help approach to easing toothaches, enhancing enamel and gum remineralization and getting better results with necessary dental treatments. 

Available as a paperback or ebook. 

Has a dentist told you that your cavities or receding gums are your fault because you are drinking too much Coke, you don’t floss enough or you need to stop breastfeeding your baby? And you know that isn’t true!

I’m not going to blame you or shame you.
The underlying causes of your oral health issues are not your fault!

Nature or nurture, ancestry or environment, free will or systemic oppression, unconscious emotions or the degraded food system

These are the factors that make your teeth and gums vulnerable to disease.

Even though your tooth decay and gum disease is not your fault, it is within your power to change.

You can turn your oral health around with natural strategies and healthy habits.

Is there a Spiritual Meaning to Your Toothache?

Asking your intuition about your toothache meaning can put you in touch with the subconscious feelings and thoughts that influence your oral health. Is there something you're not talking about in your life? What are your stress levels day-to-day at the moment? Are you...

Metaphysical teeth: Self-help strategies for oral health

Metaphysics is the study of abstract ideas, concepts and systems.  There is more to teeth and gums than their existence as physical objects within our bodies. Economics, aesthetics, psychology, spirituality, meridians, family stories and cultural myths are just a few...

Political Teeth

What do Nazis have to do with your teeth? A holistic approach to oral health doesn't stop at the boundaries of our bodies (or even at the edge of our aura).  We exist in communities that are connected globally in real time and our mouths are not separate from what is...

How to heal decaying baby teeth

As a parent you want to do whatever is right to keep your baby healthy. You can feel so guilty to see brown spots or cavities developing on your baby's teeth. Yet, discoloration and dental decay can start very young, sometimes within hours of a new tooth erupting!...

Natural solutions for gingivitis or gum disease

What is gingivitis or gum disease? Gum disease or gingivitis covers a continuum of symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum recession and gum pockets which may or may not proceed to ginigivitis and eventually periodontis.  Left untreated the consequences can range from...

How to get rid of cavities naturally, for FREE

I believe in empowering you to be your own teeth healer, no matter how much cash you've got left after visiting the dentist. I'm not holding back some powerful secret behind the paywall of my coaching services. It is completely feasible that you can learn how to heal...

Spiritual Reasons for Gum Disease

Understanding the spiritual meaning of gum disease The spiritual meanings of gum disease symptoms are often overlooked, yet working with these messages often holds the key to effective healing.  Gingivitis, periodontal or gum disease often begins with gum recession or...

A simple guide to online coaching

Any timezone, any place A consultation with the Holistic Tooth Fairy is nothing like going to the dentist! It's easy, empowering and even fun! All our consultations are done in online video calls which means that you can work with us no matter what country or what...

My 5 Best Websites for Natural Oral Health

As soon as you start searching for information about oral health on the internet you can quickly become overwhelmed by thousands of choices, most of them fronting small dental practices or large toothpaste manufacturers. Almost all offer the same tired mainstream...

Root Cause Netflix Documentary Review

Root Cause is the Netflix documentary stirring up root canal concerns I had to write this Root Cause review because root canals loom big in my life. I’ve had six root canals in five teeth, I still have three in situ. Their origins are, without exception, memorably...