No one is stealing your dentures. Just wait a few lines and you will understand.

Last week I went to the dentist, which is a story in itself but one which I will spare you from. The hygienist said I had an infection in my gums from not flossing or using mouthwash. So along with a renewal in my effort to take care of my skin, I am making a serious attempt to step up my oral care as well.

Our mouths are full of bacteria. Chock full. It is inevitable and in fact we need some of them to help us kick off the digestive process. However, when unchecked, these bacteria damage our teeth and give us nasty breath. As bacteria “eat” they produce toxins. These toxins damage our gum tissues. That is what makes infected tissue red, swollen and sore. By brushing, we not only remove food that builds up to damage enamel, but we keep the bacteria in check. You should be brushing your gums, tongue and insides of your cheeks as well.

Most toothpastes and mouthwashes are full of nasty chemicals such as Sodium Laurel Sulfate, artificial flavors, aspartame and artificial colors. I also personally think we are exposed to toxic levels of flouride and want dental products without them. These ingredients are passed directly into the bloodstrea, even if you don’t swallow, through the mucosal lining inside the mouth, which according to the Physician’s Desk Reference Handbook, has an absorption efficiency of over 90%. The FDA acknowledges that fluoride poses significant risks to children and therefore required all fluoride toothpastes to carry a poison warning label. I switched to using Tom’s Fluoride-free toothpastes a while ago, but these still have Sodium Laurel Sulfate. Using Tom’s temporarily, I have been on the search for something better.

I was pleased to hear from the hygienist that my teeth were surprisingly clean and tarter free, despite the fact that I haven’t had a cleaning in 2 years and only brush once a day (I know, I know. Naughty Annie). This made me more confidant in the efficacy of natural toothpaste’s cleansing power. I just need to add some antiseptic power. Using Tom’s temporarily, I have been on the search for something better. The antibacterial power of essential oils seem to be the answer.

As I came to understand the use of essential oils, one of the main reasons I choose to go with Young Living was so I could buy “Thieves”. During the 15th century Black Plague in Europe, four thieves robbed the dead bodies left lying in the street, strangely immune to the disease. Upon capture, King James demanded to know their secret. The thieves revealed that they used a blend of essential oils to protect themselves. Dr. Gary Young has developed a similar blend of essential oils and named it “Thieves”.

Thieves contains ~

• Clove - one of the most antimicrobial and antiseptic of all essential oils. Also antifungal and antiviral.
• Lemon - antiseptic, improves immunity, circulation and lymphatic function.
• Cinnamon Bark - one of the most powerful antiseptics known. Strongly antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.
• Eucalyptus radiata - antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory.
  
• Rosemary - antiseptic and antimicrobial.

Here is the beautiful thing about Thieves and other such essential oils; Not only do they have the strong antiseptic and antibacterial qualities of synthetic chemicals, unlike the latter they are also GOOD for your body. The essential oils in Thieves (which is 100% essential oil) fight off bacteria but don’t damage your tissues. In fact, clove oil is one of the strongest antioxidants known, helping your body ward of free radicals along with the bacterial.

Until I get my order of Theives toothpaste and mouthwash, I have started putting a few drops in water and rinsing with that. According to Christine Charles and colleagues in a study published by the Journal of the American Dental Association, “The efficacy of an essential oil containing antiseptic mouth rinse has been demonstrated in numerous double-blind clinical studies.” (2001 May; 132(5):670-5)

In addition to the inclusion of essential oils, the Young Living toothpastes use much smaller abrasion particles. Large particles can damage tooth enamel which is one of your body’s more important “non-renewable resources”.

If anyone wants to order Thieves or anything else from Young Living, I will offer blog readers the preferred customer price through July 15th. Don’t order from the website, or you will have to pay full price. Just email me about it if you are interested.