If you want to heal your thyroid, you have to pay attention to how you're caring for your dental and oral health too
"Thyroid dysfunction is the second most common glandular disorder of the endocrine system which may rear its head in any system in the body, including the mouth. The oral cavity is adversely affected by either an excess or deficiency of these hormones." (PMC3169868)
The importance of oral health was not brought to my attention until 3 years ago when I began to hear more about it. And it made so much sense, once I connected the dots. Our digestion for one, starts in the mouth. So shouldn't we also be caring about the products and practices we use that directly affect our entire mouth as well?
As it relates to thyroid health, while treating your thyroid hormonal imbalance can help heal dental ailments, treating the dental problems separately can help you remedy them much faster.
Thyroid Related Dental Symptoms:
In those with Hyperthyroidism, dental symptoms include:
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Accelerated dental eruption
- Susceptible to cavities
- Osteoporosis in the jaws
In those with Hypothyroidism, dental symptoms include:
- Salivary gland enlargement
- Delayed wound healing
- Tongue enlargement
- Gum disease
Below are ways in which you can better care for your oral and dental health, that will greatly benefit your thyroid health and your entire body’s wellbeing as well.
ORAL HEALTH PRODUCTS
Toothpaste Recommendations:
Redmonds
Revitin
Rise Well
David’s
Schmidt’s
Hello
Jason
Auromere Ayurvedic
When looking for a toothpaste, look for ones that are free from damaging ingredients and have sustainable and natural ingredients.
Mouthwash Recommendations:
Essential Oxygen BR
Rise Well
Olas
Schmidt’s
Georganics
Briotech
When looking for a mouthwash, look for ones that are free from damaging ingredients and have sustainable and natural ingredients.
Floss Recommendations:
Silk Floss
Bamboo Floss
Waterpik Water Flosser
When looking for a reliable floss, stay away from plastic flosses such as those from Oral B. Studies have shown that those who used plastic floss overtime had small plastic particulates found in their bloodstream.
ORAL HEALTH PRACTICES
Tongue Scraping:
Tongue scraping is an alternative and holistic practice to remove any residual bacteria from the surface of your tongue. Tongue scraping is meant to supplement a healthy oral routine, one that includes regular flossing and brushing. It is done using a small rounded tool, best to use one made with metal such as copper, versus plastic. Copper is antibacterial and restricts pathogen growth that can lead to bacteria, yeast and viruses.
Benefits:
Improves sense of taste
Improves the appearance of the tongue
Reduces bad breath
Removes bacteria
Decreases oral odor
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is another alternative and holistic practice, that helps to remove excess bacteria from the inside of the mouth. Using sesame, coconut or olive oil, swishing the oil in your mouth encourages the bacteria to be dissolved in the oil, which you then spit out. Oil pulling can also moisturize the gums and encourage an increase in saliva production.
Benefits
Kills harmful bacteria in the mouth
Helps reduce bad breath
Reduce inflammation and promote healthy gums
Reduce plaque and gingivitis
Vitamins & Minerals for Oral & Dental Health
Vitamin A: helps to keep salivary glands active, which helps against tooth decay; saliva helps wash away bacteria from the mouth
Vitamins B2 and B3: helps keep oral inflammation down
Vitamin D: helps the body absorb calcium and boost bone mineral density
Vitamin E: an anti-inflammatory, helps to protect against gum disease
Vitamin K: helps block substances that break down bone and helps your body produce osteocalcin, which contributes to bone strength
Vitamin C: helps strengthen your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth, protects against gingivitis and protects the teeth from loosening
Iodine: has been shown to be more beneficial than fluoride, to protect teeth from decay and gum disease
Iron: helps your body fight off infections and disease, such as gum disease and gingivitis
Potassium: improves bone mineral density
Calcium: supports bone health, hardens the enamel and strengthens jawbone