Holistic Oral Care

Avoid the Dentist Without Ignoring Your Teeth

Nadine Artemis
Copyright 2015 Nadine Artemis

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or
retrieval system, without permission from the author except for the inclusion of brief quotes for
reviews.

This book is designed to provide helpful information and inspiration to our readers. It is sold with
the understanding that the author is not engaged to render any type of psychological, legal, or
any other kind of professional advice.

This book is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat any medical
condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition, consult your own
physician/dentist or licensed health care professional. The author is not responsible for any
specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision and are not liable for any
damages or consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any
person reading or following the information in this book.

References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of
any websites or other sources. The author shall not be liable for any physical, psychological,
emotional, financial, or commercial damages, including, but not limited to, special, incidental,
consequential, or other damages.

Our views and rights are the same: you are responsible for your own choices, actions, and
results. Readers should use their own discernment for specific applications to their individual
situations.

2  
  

Contents

Your Mouth, Your Dentist and Your Health ..................................................................4

Questions to Ask a Prospective Dentist ........................................................................5

Preparing for a Dental Appointment ...........................................................................7

Cavity Creation, Cessation, and Your Invisible Toothbrush .......................................9

Your Mouth’s Microbiome and Dental Dysbiosis ......................................................11

Braces: Heavy Metal or Healthy Mouth? ...................................................................19

Successful Self-Dentistry in 8 Steps ..............................................................................25

Beneficial Botanicals ....................................................................................................27  

3  
Your Mouth, Your Dentist and Your Health

We have been taught to brush twice daily, floss, and visit the dentist to prevent
tooth decay. Yet, the staggering number of cavities, crowns, root canals, and
extracted teeth confirm that something is amiss.

Wearily, we roam the drug store dental aisles searching for solutions. We
purchase countless tubes of paste, we maintain the ingrained hygienist and
dentist appointments, and we brush with daily-diligence for decades; yet the
possibility of periodontal disease percolates. Receding, bleeding gums are the
norm; unexpected cavities form and millions of root canals are performed. The
definition of insanity, doing the same thing and expecting different results,
applies to our current state of dental care.

Your Dental Relationship

Life is a process of relationship. There is no life without relationship. So

relationship is the basis of human existence. Relationship is the most
important thing in life.
J. Krishnamurti

Your town may overflow with dentist offices, and it is important to be aware
that they are not all equal. A Google search is probably not the best way to
select a dentist. Cleanings, scrapings, fillings, extractions, root canals, and
cavitation fillings are serious procedures that should only be consented to
after thoughtful and well-informed consideration. All of these procedures
require a highly skilled dentist who is thoroughly trained in mercury filling
removal, bio-compatible dentistry, and proper extraction methods above
and beyond what was taught in dentistry school.

Beware! Some holistic dentists only offer carrot juice and a tube of Crest while
their office is still using out-dated dental materials and methods.

4  
Questions to Ask a Prospective Dentist

“Do not leave your health in your dentist’s hands and assume all will be fine.”
Hal Huggins, DDS

Your mouth is more than just a beautiful smile; it is the gateway to your body
and your health. It is important that you find an intelligent and compassionate
dentist who practices with the leading edge of optimal dental modalities and will
help you decide with discernment.

Your oral ecology, including cleanings, previous dental work, fillings, extractions,
root canals, and cavitations deserve thoughtful and well-informed
consideration. My goal is to help empower you to create a right relationship with
your mouth and with a dentist. When researching a prospective dentist, the
dentist’s website should be informative (beyond bleaching and veneers), and
when you call the dental practice it is good to ask about the finer details of their
practice. To help you make an informed decision, ask your dentist the following
questions before agreeing to an appointment:

• Do they use water filters that screen out bacteria and tap water toxins?
The water used to rinse your mouth may be laden with harmful bacteria as
bacterium stagnates in the waterlines!

• Do they do Biocompatible Testing on a patient-by-patient basis to check

compatibility with dental materials?
The dentist can test your blood to find out what dental materials your body
can accept. About 60% of dental materials will suppress your immune system.

• Do they use ozone and/or lasers for cleaning areas of the mouth, receding
gums, and newly filled teeth?

• Do they use phase contrast microscopes?

These microscopes allow them to take bacteria from the gum line to
determine the health of the gums long before periodontal disease sets in.

5  
 • Is it a mercury-free dental practice? Do they have a full protocol for
removing amalgam fillings? Is the dentist properly trained in the removal of
mercury?
A comprehensive protocol includes dental dams, oxygen supplied to patient,
vitamin C, and an air filtration system placed near the mouth to suck up
mercury vapors. More than a weekend course or continuing education class,
the Hal Huggins Institute has developed a detailed protocol and training that
will keep you and the dentist safe as mercury is removed.

• Do you they use digital x-rays? Do they use cone beam CT they x-rays?
Digital exposes you to 90% less radiation than traditional x-ray machines.

• What is their position on root canals?

• What is their position on sealants?

• What is their position on fluoride?

• Do they develop a nutrition plan for patients?

• Do they practice Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry?

I recommend that you begin your search by looking for a Biologic Dentistry
practice in your area, calling the Hal Huggins institute is a great place to start.
Beyond the traditional drill and fill dentistry, most holistic-biologic dentists work
with you to pinpoint any underlying cause or issue you may have instead of
selling unnecessary, and possibly harmful, dental work.

Resources to Help your Research:

holisticdental.org
healthysmilesforlife.com

hugginsappliedhealing.com

iaomt.org
orthotropics.com
toxicteeth.org

6  
Preparing for a Dental Appointment

Even if you are giving your teeth a thorough, daily cleaning, if they have been
neglected for a while or you have had previous dental work that is no longer
desired (like a mercury filling), you will need to visit that wonderful new
biological dentist you have found.

Did you know that a person is not allowed to donate blood for 48 hours after
a dental cleaning because the blood is likely to be full of bacteria?

Professional dental cleanings remove tartar deposits on the teeth but cannot
stop the regrowth of acid-loving bacteria. Nor will a cleaning strengthen or
protect teeth. After a deep scaling by a hygienist, oral bacteria are dislodged
and flow into the blood stream, challenging the immune system. The body
responds to this perceived attack by releasing white blood cells to combat
the invading microbes, and one of the results is systemic inflammation. Also,
many harmful bacteria stay in the saliva and will reestablish themselves on the
teeth and in the blood stream.

Prepare for your dental appointments at least three weeks in advance by

doing the following:

● Proceed with the Successful Self-Dentistry in Eight Steps

● Build your immune system with 1000 to 2000 mg per day of vitamin C,
depending on your health and bowel tolerance. Camu camu is a
vitamin C packed super-food. Lipospheric vitamin C has excellent
absorbability, and taking 5/1000mg packets is the closest thing to taking
vitamin C intravenously, which is the most effective method. If you are
going to the dentist for more serious work than a cleaning, be advised
that taking vitamin C orally reduces the numbing effect of Novocain and
anesthetic.

● Check saliva and urine pH with litmus paper, and maintain alkaline
levels.

● Bring your own spring water with added salt for rinsing.

● Anoint gums with a single essential oil or combination serum before,

during, and after the visit. Ask the hygienist to floss your teeth with the
botanical oil, too.

7  
 ● After the dentist, bolster your immune system with extra vitamin C.

If you are only doing the minimum oral hygienic work, i.e. regular cleanings,
you are really just getting your teeth scraped with tools. In truth, there is
probably no better way to remove old, overgrown calculus than to have a
hygienist completely scrape it off. This brings us back to our core focus:
keeping the tooth healthy all the time. If you practice proper gum care,
maintain awareness of alkalinity, brush properly, and floss with botanical oils,
over the course of a few weeks you are going to correct numerous issues that
inhibit the calculus from building up in the first place.

8  
Cavity Creation, Cessation, and Your Invisible Toothbrush

You brush. You floss. And still the dentist finds cavities. How did this happen?

In order to understand the cause of cavities, we must first grasp how the teeth
are nourished and cleansed from the inside out by dentinal-lymph fluid.

Teeth are fed from their roots by the dentinal-lymph system as tree roots draw up
nutrients via the sap. The dentinal-lymph flow is a toroidal system: lymph-liquid
spins inwards and upwards into the tooth’s core, the pulp chamber. It flows
through the tooth and out onto the enamel. Like microscopic sweat, the tiny
droplets coalesce on the surface of the enamel, forming a fluid layer that
prevents biofilm formation and comingles with saliva to lubricate and
communicate with the mouth’s microbiome.

When this secretion is properly metabolized and functional, it acts as an invisible

toothbrush, preventing systemic decay, inhibiting the penetration of bacteria
into the tooth, and neutralizing acids on the tooth’s surface. However, this
dentinal-lymph flow can stagnate or fully reverse. Diet and hormones are the
principle activators of this self-cleansing-system. Certain chemicals and
medication, as well as a diet of processed food, sugar, and carbohydrates that
spikes insulin levels and disharmonizes hormones, causes the dentinal-lymph-
system to reverse. Then, the capillaries in the tooth suck in bacteria and other
microbes from the mouth into the tooth causing infection and biofilm formation
within the pulp chamber and dentin tubules. This self-contaminating system
causes a “leaky tooth,” and it is the genesis of cavity creation.

A cavity is an infection in the tooth. And, like all wounds, it has the ability to
heal. Teeth are alive and can mend! The current condition of your teeth and
mouth can evolve. Dr. Steinman, the same dentist, who scientifically proved the
dentinal-lymph system, showed that including dietary manganese, magnesium,

9  
and phosphorus reduced the decay rate by 86%. Additionally, the former
president of the ADA, Dr. Weston Price, concluded that fat-soluble vitamins K2
and D3 reversed and inhibited decay. Fillings are Band-Aid solutions and are
susceptible to recurrent decay. Yet, when the underlying causes of cavities are
addressed and the dentinal-lymph is restored, teeth will remineralize (though a
large cavity may not heal) and be more resilient to cavities in the future.

This image demonstrates the devastation that results from not understanding
that our teeth are intimately connected to the body, bloodstream, and lymph.
Itis through this systemic connection that some medications and chemicals,
such as antibiotics and fluoride, contribute to brittle, discolored, even crumbling,
teeth by suppressing the dentinal-lymph system. This affects bone mineralization,
nerve health, microbial diversity, saliva pH and volume, and endocrine function.

10  
Your Mouth’s Microbiome and Dental Dysbiosis

Your mouth is the principle portal into your body. It interfaces, absorbs, and
assimilates your world. The endocrine, immune, and digestive systems are
intimately bound to the microbiome of the mouth.
Microbiome is the term for the colonies of trillions of Microbiome: all of
microbes living all over our skin, in our guts and in our the microorganisms
mouths that enable endless essential body functions. that dwell in a
The study of the human microbiome is revolutionary particular
and research reveals that our health depends on a environment
thriving microbiome. We are only 10% mammalian
and 90% microbiome, making us hosts to a bacterial banquet. The key to
vitality in our bodies and mouths is maintaining bacterial balance.

Periodontal procedures and medicants of modern

dentistry disrupt the beneficial biofilms and mutate the Biofilm: a complex
mouth’s microbes. Many of our oral care practices and almost
suppress immunity. Instead, we need to reconcile with impenetrable film
our bacterial community. We need to fluff our flora of bacteria that
and befriend our bacteria. We need to abandon the adheres to a
products, practices, and antibiotics that are making surface
our microbes mutate, mottling our teeth, and
deforesting the flora of our oral ecology.

There are more bacteria in a kiss than there are people on the planet. Our
mouths are a microbial-menagerie. As holobiont human hosts to these
microbes, we have forged an elaborate evolutionary and ancient alliance. A
good host provides a stable, loving home and nourishing food for their flora-
friends. In return, these microbes micro-manage our bodies by digesting food
and secreting beneficial bio-chemicals. They are also sentient-sentinels that
strengthen our immunity while preventing pathogenic periodontal party-
crashers from proliferating and from excreting endotoxins and colonizing the
community.

The key to oral health is maintaining an ecologically balanced and diverse

microbiome. Contrary to this, we have been caught in the dross of carpet-
bombing the biome, practicing a scorched-earth policy of periodontal care.
Chemicals in teeth bleaching, fillings, rinses, and fluoride, the sudsy surfactants;
the antibiotic-atomic bombs on bacteria, masticating meals of glyphosates and
pesticides, root canals festering focal infections, the metallic-mass of mercury,
titanium, and nickel: these have all scorched the hive-intelligence of our oral-
habitat. This defoliation of our flora-nation has made extinct and mutated

11  
microbes, resulting in complex ecological shifts of resident microbiota giving rise
to gingivitis, halitosis, cavities, oral thrush, cankers, and bleeding and receding
gums. And, our mouth, once a moist, microhabitat of homeostasis, becomes an
oxygen-starved-oasis of anaerobic-activity eating away at our immunity and
sending systemic disease throughout the body.

Create a microbtopia for the multitudes of microbes in our mouths.

1. Avoid Root Canals

A root canal is a procedure for infected teeth that kills the tooth by removing its
internal structure including the nerves, pulp-tissue, and blood vessels. The
hollowed out tooth is rinsed, filled with latex and cement, and then topped with
a crown. The purpose of a root canal is to hermetically seal the tooth and save
the chewing surface.

Theoretically, a root canal seems like a good idea, but, clinically, it is a

bacterial horror story. A dead tooth remains in the mouth as an incubator of
infection, a bacterial-breeding ground, and necrotic-nest for pathogens to
grow and spread. This oxygen-starved stagnant tooth becomes a haven for
harmful microbes.

The whole goal of a root canal is to have a non-infected, sterile tooth but the
exact opposite is created; each tooth contains 3 miles of microscopic dentin
tubules that are impossible to sterilize! With the blood vessels removed, neither
antibiotics nor white blood cells can reach the location to fight infection.
Every time a root-canaled tooth is used to chew, bacterial toxins are squirted
into the bloodstream. This toxic, anaerobic infection spreads to the gums,
ligaments, and jawbone. With the nerve tissue removed, there will be no pain
indicating infection.

Dr. Stuart Nunnally conducted tests on root canaled teeth. To qualify, the teeth
had to be symptom-free and show zero signs of pathology on an x-ray. 100% of
these textbook perfect root canals had severe toxic pathogens. There is much
discussion in endodontics journals about the impossibility of sterility in root canal
treated teeth… the information is just not filtering down to all dentists and the
public.

Root canals become focal infections that feed anaerobic bacteria 100% of
the time; however, not all root canals are causing systemic health issues
because of epigenetics and because each person handles toxicity
differently.

12  
2. Interrupt the Quorum Call

Just as toxic-food and chemical irritants induce leaky guts by microscopically

perforating the intestines, the scrubbing and rubbing of our gums with mutating
medicants and caustic chemicals causes leaky gums. Bacteria from our mouth
does not normally enter our bloodstream, but dental procedures and products
can perforate the epithelium, the skin in our mouths, which is only one cell thick,
providing a port of entry into the bloodstream. When the bacteria and plaque
that cause tooth decay and gum disease enter our circulatory system, they
cause a cascade of inflammation releasing cytokines and C-reactive proteins.

For example, even healthy mouths are homes to the cavity causing
Streptococcus mutans. Some research is positing that what might make
Streptococcus mutans virulent is that it’s missing its ancestral bacterial-buddies.
This particular pathogen only causes a problem
Quorum sensing: the
when it forms a biofilm and adheres to the tooth’s
way in which pathogens
surface. Normally pathogens exist in a free-
communicate to co-
floating planktonic state. But when they grow in
ordinate group
numbers, they are able to gain traction by
behavior and regulate
communicating through quorum sensing,
gene expression
enabling them to colonize into a biofilm. Quorum
sensing is the way in which pathogens
communicate to co-ordinate group behavior and regulate gene expression. A
biofilm is a densely packed colony of microbes that adhere to surfaces and
surround themselves with sticky secretions. A mucopolysaccharide plaque layer
is produced around the biofilm colony, which forms a barrier that is not
permeable to antibiotics. And, yet, antibiotics are often prescribed for oral
disease.

Dental plaque is a biofilm that can either entrap existing oral pathogens from
flourishing or provide a refuge for pathogens to hide from alkalinizing salivary
flow. Under healthy conditions, an oral-ecological balance of bacteria keeps
biofilms healthy and stable. But plaque is an ideal nest for germs. This blocks the
teeth from breathing and prevents the saliva and dentinal-lymph-fluid from
doing its job of cleansing the teeth with a protective coating.

To restore balance to the mouth’s microbiome we need strategies to inhibit the

quorum sensing that forms biofilms. We need to clear colonized-citadels of their
powerful cohesion on our mouth’s surfaces and crevices. There is extensive
research going into strategies that inhibit quorum sensing. In various studies,
essential oils such as cinnamon, peppermint, tea tree, frankincense, and clove
showed promising results in reducing QS activity. Clove oil reduced QS by 74%!
These essential oils indicate anti-infective activity that can co-exist with our flora
13  
while cleaning up periodontal-pathogens. Now we have scientific studies
confirming the ancient wisdom of using botanical-biotics to maintain oral-
ecology.

The aromatic compounds of essential oils act as botanical biotics, microbiome

regenerators, and biofilm disruptors. Neem, cardamom, tea tree, frankincense,
and clove tidy up bacteria activity rather than indiscriminately bombing all
bacteria, effectively reducing biofilm formation, specifically biofilms formed by S.
mutans. Cinnamon has shown the ability to penetrate pathogenic biofilms.

Quorum Sensing Inhibitors of rose, thyme, peppermint, tea tree, clove, and
cinnamon can be used to brush teeth and in a serum to massage into gums.
Clove and cinnamon oils must be diluted before using.

3. Eschew Antibiotic Abuse

A healthy mouth is a healthy gut and vice versa. We have gone from a
seemingly Golden Age of Antibiotics to a very real Anarchy of Antibiotic
Resistance. On average, a baby receives 3 courses of antibiotics in the first two
years of life. By age ten, another eight courses. By 20 years, 17 courses, and by
age 40, 30 courses in total!

If you have diligently avoided antibiotic prescriptions, they still seep in by

consuming supermarket food. All antibiotics have their allowable limits in the
food and water supply. Milk can have up to 100 micrograms of tetracycline per
kilo. Antibiotics are indiscriminate assassins. Any surviving resistant bacteria
mutate fast and bask in the empty niches the antibiotics made. Soon
pathogenic biofilms bloom and we no longer have protection from infection.

4. Stop and Seal

Bleeding, inflamed, and receding gums is a sign of

bacterial imbalance and that bacteria may be
entering the bloodstream. Restore integrity to the
epithelium by healing and sealing Leaky Gums and
enabling saliva to protect enamel.

With so many things in our society making our microbes extinct, from Caesarean
births to processed foods, we need to build our bacterial bank account and
fund it with investments of diverse flora.

Stop using synthetic dental care products; they contain ingredients from this
“May be Harmful if Swallowed” category. They offer the illusion of freshness but
14  
disturb oral ecology: sodium laurel sulphate surfactants, glycerin, artificial
sweeteners, and trisodium phosphate. Xylitol pastes contain synthetic
ingredients and a 2-year study showed zero reduction in cavities.

Seek out gum sealers. Soothing serums of seabuckthorn, rose otto, frankincense,
myrrh, and ozonated gel are rich in phytonutrients known for their lipid-soluble
and lymph-stimulating nature that nurtures the epithelium. Mix your own
creations or try a Living Libations combination: Happy Gum Drops, Yogi Tooth
Serum, Ozonated Happy Gum Gel, and Neem Enamelizer.

Alkalinizers, such as baking soda, sea salt, and magnesium are great for brushing
teeth, and they nourish and switch on saliva.

Swishers made of coconut oil and essential oils are great for pulling. These should
be used to swish and spit. Swishers made with probiotics in water with alkalinizers
can be used every day and can be swallowed.

Polish off plaque that can get stained with food pigments using ½ teaspoon of
3% hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of baking soda on a dry electric
toothbrush.

15  
16  
5. Reseed with Prebiotics and Probiotics

Maintain a microbiome of bustling bacteria through prebiotics and probiotics,

as they are microbe multipliers. Prebiotics feed and enhance the growth of
probiotics. For example, chicory root is a prebiotic rich in oligosaccharides.
Probiotics are food supplements with living microbes that are beneficial when
used in adequate numbers.

Lactobacilli (Specifically: L. Fermentum, L. Plantarum, L. Casei, L. Reuteri, L.

Rhamnosus) and Bifidobacterium all showed the ability to adhere to saliva,
inhibit the proliferation of periodonto-pathogens, and reduce cavity-causing
bacteria and plaque.

Researchers are looking for modes of delivery that increase retention and
exposure times of probiotics to the mouth using lozenges. Daily use in diet along
with swishing, implanting, and applying increases probiotic presence in saliva,
dentinal lymph, and the entire GI tract. Successful experiments have applied a
mixture of probiotics after scaling and root planing, called Guided Pocket
Recolonization. A similar treatment can be carried out at home with a blunt
Vitapik syringe, probiotics, and oil.

17  
Here are a few more steps to keep your microbes multiplying:

• Switch on saliva and dentinal lymph with nourishing food and balanced
blood sugar and hormones.
• Fermented foods, rich in probiotics, are a must as part of the daily diet. Try
swishing with unpasteurized sauerkraut juice.
• A deficiency in fat soluble vitamins K2 and D3 can alter gut bacteria. K2 is a
carboxylating osteocalcin; meaning it ushers key minerals into the bones
from the blood, which prevents calcification of the soft tissues and prevents
mouth plaque from turning into tartar.
• Certain enzymes, such as serratia proteolytic enzymes, can clean up plaque
like Pacman and breakdown biofilm barriers.
• Supportive vitamins and minerals of CoQ10, NAC, magnesium, phosphorus,
amino acids, and vitamin C. Find superfoods, herbs, and supplements that
have these, and get it in!

Our bodies are brilliantly designed. When we repopulate our mouth’s

microbiome and activate our invisible toothbrush by eliminating what hinders
the innate functioning of our bodies, the external maintenance of brushing and
flossing is so easy because our teeth are alive and will respond to our efforts! The
current condition of our mouth can evolve, as enamel can be restored, dentine
can be reactivated, saliva can remineralize, and gums can be rejuvenated.

A mouthful of bustling bacteria just might keep the dentist away.

18  
  
Braces: Heavy Metal or Healthy Mouth?

Getting braces is considered a rite of passage for today's teenagers. If you

were like most North American teens, around age 12 you were marched into
an orthodontist's office, and after a few hours of fitting, gluing, and tapping
you walked out with a mouth full of metal brackets, braces, wires and bands
to straighten your teeth. Perhaps even a few of your permanent teeth were
removed beforehand in order to make enough room in your mouth for evenly
spaced teeth.

The medical term for crowded teeth is malocclusion, or bad bite. Today, most
Western children have some form of a malocclusion: an overbite, under bite
or crooked teeth. So, they spend a few years with teeth covered in stainless
steel, nickel, titanium and/or ceramic. There is a story behind modern
malocclusion; a few hundred years ago crooked teeth were an uncommon
misfortune, and a thousand years ago a bad bite was altogether rare.

Malocclusion is more than a cosmetic issue; improperly positioned and

crowded teeth lead to increased tooth decay, cracking, chipping, and
inappropriate wear. A bite that is slightly imperfect can create problems in
the head and neck, like TMJ, teeth grinding, and headaches. When the
upper jaw is narrow the palate is compressed and forms deep, instead of
wide and shallow. The palate is also the roof of the mouth and the floor of the
nasal cavity. If this space is compressed, we end up with pinched airways and
nostrils impeding good airflow. Restricted nasal passageways force people to
sleep with an open mouth to get sufficient air. The rate of sleep apnea, often
characterized by snoring due to open mouth breathing and an obstructed
airway, continues to rise at an unprecedented pace. In the United States, as

19  
many as 15% of adults have sleep apnea.1 Dentist Dr. Strauss, who specializes
in sleep apnea, further validates this thinking by explaining that when the
palate is broad there is more room for teeth and breathing. He explains,

When you look at the percentage of people in civilized societies seeing

orthodontists, and then when you add to it the lack of breastfeeding,
which generally is a positive way of expanding the size of the palate,
moving the jaw further forward and having a larger mouth to hold the
teeth, it's not surprising that so many have sleep apnea in civilized
society.2

Braces Change Faces

We turn to braces to fix our smiles, and we do so in droves. On any given day,
approximately four million people in the United States are wearing braces3 to
correct a malocclusion. While the goal of orthodontic treatment is more than
aesthetic, people who take on the discomfort of braces do so with the goal
of improving their appearance. A person may have perfectly straight teeth
post-braces; still, there is more to good-looks than pretty tooth placement.

The widespread use of braces may mislead us into thinking that orthodontic
intervention is a risk-free fix-all. The orthodontists know better; a signed waiver-
release form is usually required before an orthodontist fits a person for braces.
Outlining the potential issues and risks involved with braces, the waivers
include statements such as these:

● Your mouth is a living system, and how it will respond to medical

treatment cannot be perfectly predicted.
● Growth patterns affecting the facial structures and the teeth can take
unexpected turns and may undermine the goals of treatment.
● Atypical tooth development and unique growth in the jaw may
interfere with treatment.

                                                                                                                       
1"PDA Presents the Facts on Braces." Pennsylvania Dental Association, March 7, 2010.
www.padental.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=PDA&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENT
ID=21503
2 Kurol, J., Owman-Moll, P. and D. Lundgren. "Time-related root resorption after application of a

controlled continuous orthodontic force." American Journal of Orthodontic Dentofacial Orthopedics.

September, 1996:110(3):303-10.
3 Orølla, G. and J. Aarends. "Orthodontic appliances and enamel demineralization. Part 1. Lesion

development." American Journal of Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedics. July, 1998;94(1):68-

73.
 
20  
 ● The mouth is a dynamic system that changes and adapts throughout
life. Changes that occur to facial bones, teeth and jaws after
orthodontic treatment may affect tooth alignment.
● Forces applied to the teeth via braces stimulate cellular responses in
the roots of the teeth, the gums and the tissues around the roots
allowing the teeth to be moved and adjusted. It is possible that the
nerves in a tooth will die in response to these forces.
● Braces may erode the tooth enamel and permanently damage the
roots of the teeth, compromising their viability.
● Teeth adjusted with braces may be more susceptible to damage or
death in a future jaw or gum injury.

Scientific justification warrants these statements. It is important to understand

the implications because braces may be a detriment to your health and
appearance. Research reported in the American Journal of Orthodontic
Dentofacial Orthopedics has shown that the tweaking and torqueing of
braces on teeth damages and shortens the roots of the teeth.4 The same
journal published a study that demonstrated that up to 90% of enamel can
be damaged with fixed appliances like braces, and it happens quickly after
the braces are applied.5 Damage to roots and enamel can be permanent.

Traditional orthodontics, especially with

children, may permanently impair the
appearance of the face. Braces
artificially constrain or redirect the normal
and natural direction of growth,
especially of the jaw. For example, the
upper jaw is pulled back by braces to fix
an overbite6 stunting the normal pattern
of growth. Thus, instead of growing in a
normal pattern, the face grows disproportionately vertical, or long.

                                                                                                                       
4 Kurol, J., Owman-Moll, P. and D. Lundgren. "Time-related root resorption after application of a

controlled continuous orthodontic force." American Journal of Orthodontic Dentofacial Orthopedics.

September, 1996:110(3):303-10.
5 Orølla, G. and J. Aarends. "Orthodontic appliances and enamel demineralization. Part 1. Lesion

development." American Journal of Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedics. July, 1998;94(1):68-

73.
6 Battagel, JM. "The use of tensor analysis to investigate facial changes in treated class II division 1

malocclusions." European Journal of Orthodontics, 1996. (1):41-54.      

21  
Like Pulling Teeth

It is common in orthodontic medicine to extract up to 4 teeth, plus the

wisdom teeth, before applying braces to make enough space in the mouth
for the braces to work. Most orthodontists are taught that the size of our facial
bones is an inherited genetic trait, and their plan of treatment reflects this
belief; if genetics dictates that your jaw is too small for a full, straight set of
permanent teeth, then some of your teeth must go! Even though, as
omnivores, human biology requires jaws wide enough to hold all 32
permanent teeth. Each tooth has a role in the efficient metabolism of food
and in the alignment of facial and cranial bones, in addition to creating an
expressive, 10 tooth wide smile.

The removal of permanent teeth compromises the symmetry, shape and

overall youthful appearance of the face. The aesthetic changes that occur
post-extraction are similar to facial changes in advanced age: a longer, less
full face with lower cheek bones, thinner lips and a nose that is out of
proportion to the face. Add these changes to the vertical growth
encouraged by braces and the result is often a highly out of proportioned
face.

Extraction is particularly problematic with children who are still growing and
maturing. The Metal Mouth Forum, a public forum on braces, offers a warning;
"Extracting teeth from children can result in less than optimal facial aesthetics.
In other words, you child's face may not wind up looking as good as it could
have, because it will grow longer and flatter instead of fuller." 7 An orthodontic
journal, recognizing the vertical growth pattern caused by orthodontia,
conducted an experiment where members of a panel assessed the
attractiveness of face profiles. The panel concluded that longer profiles are
considered less attractive.8

Face First

“Straight teeth do not create a good-looking face, but a good-looking

face will create straight teeth.” Dr. John Mew9

Functional orthodontics (FO) is a new and growing field that harmonizes its
methodology with our biological plasticity to improve the overall look of the
                                                                                                                       
7 Metal Mouth Forum. "Getting Teeth Extracted for Braces."

www.archwired.com/Extractions_for_Braces.htm
8 Lundstom, Anders, D. G. Woodside and F. Popovich. "The perception of facial aesthetics in a young

Spanish population." European Journal of Orthodontics, 2012 (3): 335-339

9 "Mouth Breathing & Facial Development." Buteyko Children. www.buteykochildren.com

22  
face, which also makes space for evenly placed teeth. The chief goal of
functional orthodontists is to protect and promote well shaped faces with
good facial structure and balance. One method used in this practice is
inserting an appliance in the mouth that gently expands narrow arches,
palates, and jaws so that the teeth can grow in straight from the beginning or
greatly reduce the length of time that braces must be worn. Rarely do
functional orthodontists resort to removing permanent teeth.

Dentist and renegade thinker, Merle Loudon, noticed that many of his
youngest dental patients suffered from chronic ear pain and other
development issues, including temporomandibular dysfunction and an
overbite. He designed an effective solution to these problems called Primary
Molar Build-Up.10 The child's primary (baby) lower molars are built up in height
with composite crowns that are cemented to the top of the tooth. The crowns
stay on until the permanent molars grow in. As the permanent molars erupt,
the crowns encourage the lower jaw to grow forward correcting the overbite
and widening the dental arch so that the permanent teeth have plenty of
space. Frequently, primary molar build-up will prevent the child from needing
any braces later in life. This procedure does not require anesthesia, and, in
most cases, it causes little interference with eating. Before you agree to this
procedure, it is important to find out the content of the composite. Porcelain
and plastic composites leak toxins in to the mouth. Accept only biologically
safe composite material.

In 2003, 60 Minutes, a television news program, produced a fascinating

segment on functional orthodontics. Host Peter Overton interviewed
functional orthodontists and a few of their patients to examine the difference
between traditional orthodontic methods and functional orthodontia. In one
dramatic case, Overton talks to identical twins, one treated with traditional
orthodontia and one with functional orthodontia. Before treatment, the boys
were identical. It is easy to tell them apart after treatment; the young man
who was treated traditionally with extractions and braces has a noticeably
smaller chin and weaker jaw. The video segment can be watched on the 60
Minutes website.11

Our facial bones and teeth are alive, and their health and positioning remain
flexible throughout our lives. If you proceed with braces for yourself or your
children, be sure to seek several opinions and carefully consider all of the
options, including functional orthodontia. Ask the orthodontist how the braces
                                                                                                                       
10 London, Merle. "Primary Molar Buildups-Vertical Dimensions."
www.drmerleloudon.com/verticaldimension.htm  
11 sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/article/259072/straight-talk

23  
and other treatments may impair or improve your facial aesthetics. Request
before and after profile pictures of former clients so you can see the change
for yourself. To find a functional orthodontist, contact The American
Association of Functional Orthodontics12 or the International Association of
Facial Growth Guidance Orthotropics.13

We may be able to avoid braces and orthodontic treatment entirely if we

give our bodies the nutrients needed to thrive, and we can help our children,
and our future children, grow beautiful faces that will have plenty of space for
a full set of evenly placed teeth. It is also important to rethink our definition of
a perfect smile. Free yourself and your children from the cookie-cutter
paradigm of beauty promoted by "beauty" magazines, and embrace the
authentic beauty of your own smile and your children's smiles.

                                                                                                                       
12 www.aafo.org
13 www.orthotropics.com
24  
Successful Self-Dentistry in 8 Steps

You may have been brushing your teeth the same way for 10, 20, 40, or 80
years. If so, it is time to breathe freshness into your oral care routine! When you
follow the Successful Self-Dentistry protocol every day, you will be amazed at
how effective it is at preventing decay, gum bleeding, inflammation, and
even the onset of colds.

Ideally, you will complete these steps morning and night because plaque
begins to rebuild within six hours of brushing. After 2-4 days of neglect, gum
tissue sends warnings to your immune system that something is up, and the
immune system responds by sending white blood cells to help out. This causes
a breakdown of the collagen fibers that hold teeth to the jaw bone. Within a
week or two of neglect, biofilm forms bacterial colonies. This is when the gums
may start to bleed, especially when flossing.

The Successful Self-Dentistry protocol will keep your mouth, teeth, gums, and
saliva in such pristine condition that every day your teeth will feel as clean
and smooth as if you have been to the dental hygienist for a cleaning.

The Successful Self-Dentistry protocol will keep your mouth, teeth, gums, and
saliva in such pristine condition that every day your teeth will feel as clean
and smooth as if you have been to the dental hygienist for a cleaning*.

Step 1: The Salt Rinse

Make a saltwater solution to keep in your bathroom (16oz of
spring water to 1oz of salt in a mason jar). Add a drop of Mint &
Myrrh, Yogi Tooth Serum, or Happy Gum Drops. To use the
saltwater rinse, pour yourself a shot glass of the mixture, swish,
swish, swish, and spit.

Step 2: Scraping the Tongue

Scrape the tongue 2-3 times.
Option: add a drop of Mint & Myrrh, Yogi ToothSerum, or
Happy Gum Drops to the scraper.

25  
 Step 3: Brushing the Gums
Brush the gums, paying special attention to brushing gums
towards the teeth and using special care over the gum line. Use
a soft, dry brush and apply a drop of Mint & Myrrh, Yogi Tooth
Serum, or Happy Gum Drops, Ozonated Happy Gum Gel, or
Neem Enamelizer Liquid Polish to the brush.

Step 4: Polishing the Teeth

Polish the teeth with Happy Gums Clay Toothpaste, Frankincense Fresh
Toothpaste, Neem Enamelizer Toothpaste or applying the paste to a dry, round-
headed, electric toothbrush. Or, use a drop of Mint & Myrrh, Yogi Tooth Serum,
or Happy Gum Drops and use with our Tooth Truth Powder Polish, or baking
soda.
Step 5: Checking the Gum Lines
Clean the gum lines of any remaining plaque by using a
rubber-tipped gum tool or sulca brush with a drop of Mint
& Myrrh, Yogi Tooth Serum, Happy Gum Drops or
Ozonated Happy Gum Gel.

Step 6: Flossing
Floss! Even better, floss two times! Apply a drop of Mint & Myrrh, Yogi Tooth
Serum, Happy Gum Drops or Ozonated Happy Gum Gel along the floss.

Step 7: Final Rinse

Use the saltwater mouthwash from Step One. Vigorously swish, and then spit.

Step 8: Extra Care

Use the Vita-pik or an oral irrigator to rinse the gum pockets with salt water and
Mint & Myrrh, Yogi Tooth Serum, or Happy Gum Drops. Massage a drop of Tooth
Serum or Ozonated Happy Gum Gel into gum line and any sensitive areas.

We often fear the unknown, so get to know your mouth! Get a dental mirror
with a light or an intra-oral camera and get yourself acquainted with those
back molars. And, remember to get clean in between! For more information
read the book, Holistic Dental Care: The Complete Guide to Healthy Teeth
and Gums, or visit LivingLibations.com.

*These steps will help you care for your mouth yet do not replace, nor are
they intended to replace the advice of your dentist and hygienist.

26  
Beneficial Botanicals

Nature is the finest attendant to our health. Genuine distillations of plants,

flowers, seeds, roots, and trees have been used medicinally for centuries.
Botanical oils, including essential oils and supercritical extracts, gently,
potently and safely support and protect us from head to toe.

What Goes on the Skin Goes In

It is important to know that everything that is applied to the body, including
the manufactured, synthetic chemicals in perfumes, toothpaste, and lotions,
are absorbed into the bloodstream, cells, and organs -- and often at a higher
degree than eating it. We would not want to put anything in, on, or around
the body that we would not want to eat. Discernment is important.

All botanical oils are antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral; this means they
remove unwanted oral microbes. They maximize the health of one’s oral
ecology by both rejuvenating the gum tissue and increasing blood circulation
to the gums and blood vessels of the mouth. They address the circumstances
that lead to a compromised immune system, including unwanted bacteria,
viral loads, chronic inflammation, and a congested lymph system. The use of
genuine essential oils originated as a medical therapy based on the
pharmacological benefits of essential plant extracts. Sadly, the modern
commercialization and production of synthetic fragrances and flavors has
relegated the aromatherapeutic use of essential oils to a frivolous realm of
perfumery and potpourri.

These special plant extracts are different than herbal tinctures, homeopathics,
or food supplements. They are the distilled essences of the plants that bear
their names. Each authentic essence is distilled slowly and at low
temperatures, capturing the integrity of hundreds of botanical plant
compounds and trace substances known as secondary metabolites.
Secondary metabolites are the plant's adaptogens, and they are different
from the DNA and primary structure of the plant. These adaptogenic
substances are the aromatic hormones, phenols, and pheromones that
attract pollinators, repel insects, and are part of the unique individual
expression of the plant. The molecules in these plant substances mirror our
human hormones, enzymes, and neuro-transmitters, beautifully representing
the biological compatibility between humans and plants. This bio-
compatibility allows them to have a powerful effect on our health.
Essential oils and supercritical extracts are highly concentrated, lipophilic
liquids. For some of the botanicals oils, a whole plant, or more, is required to
create a single drop of oil. Extremely potent, often hundreds of times stronger

27  
than the herbal extract, oils have hundreds of beneficial chemical
components that work synergistically with each other and with our bodies.
The distinctive lipid-soluble nature of essential oils allows them to penetrate
the lipid layer of our skin and gums so that they quickly reach the immune
system. When botanical oils are combined, thousands of plant compounds
create a beneficial mosaic effect; some compounds reduce inflammation,
some are analgesic, and others are antiseptic, etc.

Essential oils in their unique nature are all antibacterial, antifungal, and
antiviral to varying degrees. In the book Beyond Antibiotics: 50 (or so) Ways to
Boost Immunity and Avoid Antibiotics, author Michael Schmidt devotes an
entire chapter to the antimicrobial efficacy of essential oils, he states,

One of the advantages essential oils have over antibiotics is that

bacteria do not develop resistance to essential oils. Many essential oils
exert their antibacterial effect by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to
breathe. On the other hand, antibiotics interfere with the life cycle, or
metabolism of, bacteria, and since bacteria are very crafty creatures,
they change their chemistry and genes making the antibiotic less
effective the next time it is used. As a result, new generations of
antibiotics will need to be developed to stay ahead of these
organisms…another advantage to essential oils is that some actually
stimulate immune function.” 14

High quality botanical oils begin with good soil and organic growing practices
as well as sustainable wild-crafting of the plant matter. Each botanical
ingredient is gathered at the right time of day to ensure the maximum
amount of the aromatic molecules in the part of the plant being distilled. The
right distillation method, long and slow, further ensures that the maximum
amount of compounds and trace elements are captured in every drop.

All essential oils and super critical extracts easily penetrate the lipid matrix of
the gums. They send nutrients to the blood vessels, dentine, nerves, and roots
of the teeth. They stimulate circulation, and get the lymph and dental-lymph
systems going. Some oils, such as seabuckthorn berry, help to regenerate
tissue, including gum tissue. They are also potent in oxygen radical absorption
capacity, or ORAC.15 Clove and cinnamon are also very high in ORAC
capability, and have impressive properties for eliminating bacteria.

                                                                                                                       
14 Schmidt, Michael. Beyond Antibiotics: 50 (or so) Ways to Boost Immunity and Avoid Antibiotics. North Atlantic
Books, 1994: 206
15 Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity

 
28  
Essential oils have a dynamic interaction with the body, both physically and
psychologically. Pure aromatic molecules have a direct route through the
blood-brain barrier into the hypothalamus, the centre of the mind. When the
molecules reach the hypothalamus, the brain releases neurotransmitters,
among them encephalin, endorphins, serotonin, and noradrenalin.
Encephalin and endorphins reduce pain and produce a pleasant, euphoric
state of mind and feelings of wellbeing. Serotonin is relaxing and calming.
Noradrenalin is revitalizing and keeps the mind sharp.

Certain oils also affect the autonomic nervous system to relax the heartbeat,
deepen breathing, regulate the digestive process, and evoke creative
inspiration. They can reach the limbic system in mere seconds, and once
there the aromatic molecules continue their journey towards the lungs where
they pass through the moist delicate walls of the alveoli and into the blood
capillaries. From the capillaries, the tiny molecules flow to the heart,
circulatory, and lymph systems and so access all organs and systems in the
body.

My favorite botanicals for healthy teeth and gums is a combination serum of

the super-critical extracts and essences of seabuckthorn berry, rose otto,
oregano, peppermint, clove, tea tree, cinnamon, and thyme linalool. I also
make an ancient Vedic combination serum of botanicals; it is a potent
combination of the extracts of neem, cinnamon, clove, cayenne, mastic, and
cardamom.

You may want to experiment with a few single essential oils as your body
intuition grows and guides you to the best oils or combinations for you. Before
you put anything on yourself or in your mouth, or in your child's mouth, you
want to know that it is pure and really real. Essential oils available in the
market, even those sold in health food stores, are often of questionable
quality. Mass distilled for the food, flavor and perfume industry, these oils are
cheaply produced, further adulterated in laboratories, and may even be
imitations. Issues with safety and effectiveness make it inadvisable to use low
quality essential oils. Only authentic oils, distilled carefully and truthfully from
organically grown plant matter, can fulfill the promises of plant wisdom.

The following botanical oils are among the best at supporting optimal oral
care.

Cayenne, Capsicum frutescens. Select a super-critical extract

with catalytic, antibacterial, antiseptic, and stimulating
properties. The capsaicin compound in cayenne is also a topical
vasodilator, which stimulates blood circulation. Must be diluted
29  
 Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum. This essential oil
stimulates and tones the digestive tract and has antiseptic
properties that stimulate the phagocytic cellular action of
the immune system. It is also supportive of the nervous
system and helps supplement healthy oral care with its anti-
infectious, antibacterial actions.

Cinnamon, Cinnamomum ceylanicum. True cinnamon bark

essential oil from Madagascar is antiseptic and
antibacterial. It stimulates blood circulation to the gums and
promotes their health and regeneration. Cinnamon is high
in the compounds eugenol and cineol with potent
anesthetic and antiseptic properties that increase the
production of white blood cells. According to the work of
the fouders of modern, medical aromatherapy, Drs
Franchomme and Pènoel, cinnamon bark oil is effective
against 98% of all pathogenic bacteria.16 These oils are very
strong and must be diluted before using.

Clove Bud, Eugenia carophyllata. Clove oil is an analgesic

with an extremely high ORAC. It is distilled from the flowering
buds of the clove tree. Cloves have relieved toothaches
and freshened breath since ancient times. A potent
antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal, clove boosts the
immune system and stimulates blood flow with its botanical
constituents of eugenol, esters, and sesquiterpenes, all of which combine to
create an an impressive action against pathogens and microbes; “it is anti-
parasitic and helps gum infections, toothaches and tonsillitis.”17 Clove oil must
be used diluted.

Mastic, Pistacia lentiscus. Mastic has a long history of use

stemming from ancient Greece. It is a type of resin, similar
to frankincense, that comes from the inner sap of the
mastic tree. It helps maintain the connective tissue in the
oral area, and it and is very good at removing tooth
plaque. Mastic contains antioxidants, antifungal, and
antibacterial compounds. The major antibacterial components of mastic oil
are: α-Pinene, verbenone, α-terpineol, linalool, β-myrcene, β-pinene, limonene,

                                                                                                                       
16
 Schnaubelt, Kurt. Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils. Frog Ltd., 1999: 215  
17 lbid. 216
30  
and β-caryophyllene.18 Like all essential oils, the antibacterial efficacy of
mastic oil is due to all of its components working synergistically. This resin
extract is a potent antiseptic, which inhibits oral bacteria, including the
Helicobacter pylori bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. Mastic oil helps to
harness the blood's front line of defense: leukocytes, or white blood cells, and
the multinucleocytes. This helps to increase the tissues' defense, especially
between the teeth and gums where gingivitis and plaque occur.

Neem, Azadiracta indica. Neem is 'arista,' which in Sanskrit

means “perfect, complete, and imperishable.” It has been
used in Ayurvedic traditions for thousands of years in
agriculture, food storage, and medicine. Many research
studies prove that neem is fungicidal, miticidal, and
antibacterial. It is an ideal remedy for periodontal and
tooth infections. It can be applied locally around the teeth and gums.

The vasodilatation and anti-inflammatory compounds in neem, along with the

pain relieving compounds, can reduce the discomfort of a toothache. It also
prevents cell adhesion and kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Neem
alkalizes the saliva, gums and mouth, and kills the bacteria that cause
Pyorrhea and Gingivitis. It obliterates calcium-forming organisms and the
organisms that cause cavities.

Oregano, Origanum vulgare. Wild oregano oil, harvested

from the mountains of the Mediterranean, has a bounty of
botanical benefits with a broad spectrum of action. It
contains two phenol compounds that contribute to its
medicinal value: over 65% carvacrol and 3.4% thymol.
These phenols possess potent antiseptic, analgesic, and
antibacterial properties. Gerald Smith, DDS, explains, “Basically, oregano
works like an antibiotic,” boosting the immune system.

Oregano has a broad range of antimicrobial activities, effective against

fungus, virus, and bacteria, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and
Pseudomonas aeruglinosa. Wild oil of oregano in oral applications can
improve dental hygiene as it destroys plaque-causing bacteria and reduces
risks of gum disease. Oregano oil must be diluted before use.

                                                                                                                       
18 Koutsoudaki, Christina, et al. "Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil

and the Gum of Pistacia lentiscus." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2005, 53 (20):7681–
7685
 
31  
 Peppermint, Mentha piperita. Mint helps with digestion and
has an analgesic and cooling, anti-inflammatory effect.
Ingesting peppermint oil reduces levels of oxidized fats in
body tissue and reverses declines in glutathione that were
caused by radiation exposure.19 Peppermint oil is widely
available, and for the purest, most effective oil, select
genuine distillation of the fresh peppermint leaves grown in France.

It is important to understand that the peppermint flavoring in commercial

toothpaste is artificial menthol and offers no benefit in preventing gingivitis.
Real peppermint is a potent anti-oxidant and inhibits the bacterium that
causes tooth decay.

Rose Otto, Rosa damascene. An elegant and precious

essence, it takes sixty roses to make one drop of Rose Otto
essential oil! One of the most medicinally valued extracts, it
adds resiliency and elasticity to skin and gum tissue. It is an
effective analgesic and is vulnerary, meaning it speeds up
the healing of tissues with its potent antiviral and antiseptic
properties. It is great for cold sores and cankers. Rose Otto
also has the ability to regenerate connective tissues and tonify the gums.

Seabuckthorn Berry, Hippophae rhamnoides. This incredibly

vital oil, extracted from a berry, is rich in lipids, beneficial
fatty acids, and rare palmitoleic acids. It is perfectly
balanced in omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9. Select a super critical
extract to capture the over 190 bioactive substances from
the edible berry.

Seabuckthorn is potent in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory beta carotene,

carotenoids, and phytosterols that reduces redness and helps heal mucous
membranes. I have been using seabuckthorn since 1994 because of the oil's
ability to regenerates cells, protects against cell water loss, and its richness in
vitamins C, E, and provitamins A and B’s. All of these extraordinary plant
properties contribute to regenerate and revitalize connective and gingival
tissue.

                                                                                                                       
19 Samarth, Ravindra, M. Kumar and P. R. Vivek. “Radioprotection of Swiss albino mice by plant

extract Mentha piperita (Linn.)." Journal of Radiation Research. 44 (2), 2003:101-109.

 
32  
 Tea Tree Oil, Malaleuca alternifolia. Harvested from the
paper bark tea tree, tee tree has been used for thousands
of years as a medicinal plant by the Australian Aborigines.
It is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. The Austrailan
Dental Journal stated that it is “a therapeutic agent in
chronic gingivitis and periodontitis, conditions that have
both bacterial and inflammatory components.”20

Tea tree is full of natural anti-inflammatory agents and contains the plant
chemicals cineol and propanol that can decrease gingivitis and reduce
plaque. Tea tree is also very astringent and antiseptic. In a scientific dental
study, a genuine distillation of tea tree oil (2.5%) proved effective in the
treatment of chronic of gingivitis and inflammation. 21 High in natural anti-
inflammatory, antibacterial constituents of 1.8–cineol, terpinen-4-ol, tea tree
essential oil decreased the level of gingival teeth and reduced plaque scores.
Furthermore, the study showed that a total of 162 oral bacteria isolates
(including streptococcus) were inhibited and rapidly destroyed by tea tree oil
concentrations of less than 2%. The study concluded,

Thyme Linalool, Thymus officinalis linalool. This is a rare variety

of the thyme species. It is both antiseptic and gentle. Thyme
Linalool balances oral salivary secretions, stimulates the
immune system, and acts as a decongestant. Overall, it is a
tonifying and effective immuno-stimulant with anti-bacterial
agents.

All of the botanical oils and combination serums that I recommend have the
same effect and excellent results even though they contain different
synergies. They are great for flossing, brushing, and for keeping gums healthy.
While they keep your mouth clean, they also influence the rest of the body.
So, even if you are only focusing on the teeth and gums, the botanicals and
serums are part of an integrated, harmonious system that benefits your whole
body.

People frequently ask if it is okay to swallow essential oils and super critical
extracts. Yes, it is perfectly safe to swallow them in the “drop” quantities in
which they are used. Essential oils are potent, and oils from health food stores

                                                                                                                       
20 Soukoulis, S and R. Hirsch. "The effects of a tea tree oil-containing gel on plaque and chronic
gingivitis." Australian Dental Journal, 2004: 49: (2):78. Dental School, The University of Adelaide, South
Australia.
21
 Ibid, 78
 
33  
often come with a label cautioning that oils are not safe be taken internally in
any quantity. This is true of the oils that are not a genuine, organic, and
authentic distillation. However, when pure distillations of essential oils are
taken in small quantities (i.e. one drop), most are fine (and often beneficial)
for internal use. In fact, many essential oils are used by the food and flavor
industries. Orange juice is often flavoured with essential oil from oranges, Earl
Grey Tea is flavoured with essential oil distilled from bergamot, and many
liqueurs, confectionaries, chocolates, and flavour extracts use various
essential oils.

DIY Recipe for Injured and Inflamed Gums

½ tsp. purified salt

½ tsp. sodium ascorbate vitamin C powder (not ascorbate or
ascorbic acid)
peppermint essential oil
seabuckthorn essential oil
shot glass
warm water, filtered or spring

This recipe is adapted from Dr. Hal Huggins recommendation to treat

very inflamed gums. Every hour for 2 days, vigorously swish with ½ tsp.
purified salt dissolved in a shot glass of warm water with a drop of
peppermint oil. On the half hour, vigorously swish with ½ tsp. sodium
ascorbate dissolved in a shot glass of warm water with a drop of
seabuckthorn oil. The salt kills unfriendly bacteria, and the sodium
ascorbate rebalances the electrons in the mouth. The peppermint
acts as a little ice cube to reduce pain and swelling, and the rich
omega-oils in seabuckthorn help heal mucus membranes.
 

34  
 Nadine Artemis is author of Holistic Dental Care: The
Complete Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums. She is
also the creator of Living Libations, an exquisite line of
serums, elixirs, and essentials oils for those seeking the
purest of the pure botanical health and beauty
products on the planet.

She is a frequent commentator on health and beauty

for media outlets and her products have received rave
reviews in The New York Times, The National Post and
The Hollywood Reporter. Described by Alanis Morissette
as "a true-sense visionary," Nadine has formulated a
stunning collection of rare and special botanical compounds.

As an innovative aromacologist, Nadine develops immune enhancing

formulas and medicinal blends for health and wellness; her potent dental
serums are used worldwide and provide the purest oral care available. Her
healing creations, along with her concept of “Renegade Beauty,” encourage
effortlessness, eschew regimes, and inspire people to rethink conventional
notions of beauty and wellness.

Nadine's fresh paradigm for beauty and her natural approach to health
presents a revolutionary vision; it allows the life-force of flowers, dewdrops,
plants, sun, and water to be the ingredients of healthy living and lets
everything unessential, contrived, and artificial fall away.

Stay in Touch
Website www.livinglibations.com
Twitter @livinglibations
www.facebook.com/livinglibations
www.facebook.com/SuccessfulSelfDentistry
Instagram @livinglibations

35