The following article was written by Heather Paul in completion of requirements to become an IABDM Certified Biological Hygienist. Congratulations, Heather!
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Hi! I’m Heather the Hygienist, and I’ve been a dental hygienist for over 20 years. When patients would ask me what mouthwash I recommended, I was never able to suggest any of the commercial products on the market today because of all the harmful and toxic ingredients in them (that’s why I created my own).
Most people do not realize the link between your mouth and your overall health. Underneath your tongue is the most vascular area of your whole body. That’s why if you put a nitroglycerin tablet under your tongue, it bypasses your GI tract and goes right into your cardiovascular system. So if you are using commercial products (even some so-called natural ones), then think about what you’re putting into your body sometimes two and three times a day.
The most common ingredient in commercial mouthwash is alcohol. Alcohol is linked to BOTH throat and mouth cancer. It is extremely drying to the oral mucosa in your mouth and is very harmful. Another ingredient to watch out for is something called Poloxamer 407, as it has been linked to breast cancer. There is also sodium saccharine which is a known carcinogen, coal tar dyes that are banned in other countries, and something called methyl salicylate, which is toxic to the blood, lungs, nervous system, and mucous membranes. Also, there is another nasty chemical to watch out for called cetylpyridinium chloride or CPC. This is found in pesticide, and yes, in one of the most popular commercial mouthwashes on shelves today.
Of course, we are all familiar with fluoride, which, prior to the creation of the FDA in 1938, was used as a rat poison but was grandfathered into the system. Harvard studies show that fluoride reduces your IQ, and other studies confirm higher incidences of bone cancer among other cancers.
What are the effects of continual use over a lifetime with these commercial products? Unfortunately, there are ZERO long term health studies on the overall effects of these chemicals in our system. Just look at the back of your toothpaste box. It says HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED, CONTACT POISON CONTROL. Gee, I wonder why! Stay informed and be your own health advocate.
Thankfully, there are more natural products on the market today that do not contain these chemicals. The safest and most effective base for a mouthwash is colloidal silver. It has been around for well over a thousand years and is used in burn units and diabetic wound centers for its healing properties. Silver is naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and antifungal. It is safe to use with mercury (silver) fillings as well, unlike a hydrogen peroxide base that leaches mercury into your system.
Since colloidal silver kills only the anaerobic bacteria (the bad bugs), it is safe to use daily, and you will not become immune to it. The bacteria that CAUSES gum disease is also linked to strokes, diabetes, heart attacks, coronary artery disease, blood clots, pancreatic and colorectal cancer, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and preterm, low birth weight babies. True health really STARTS with your mouth because if you have gum DISEASE, you have a disease in your body. There are no magic fences in your body, so it travels through your blood stream.
Unfortunately, over 75% of the American population have some form of gum disease. People who are suffering from gingivitis or periodontal disease are usually lacking CoQ10 and Vitamin C in their bodies, according to scientific research. If you give your body what it needs, it always tries to heal itself. That’s why it’s important to not just use natural based products but to address the root cause with proper supplements.
Even if you don’t currently have gum disease, keeping your mouth super healthy by using clean products will be essential to your overall health. Remember…Simply Silver…simply smile!
Blessings,
Heather the Hygienist
Image by jchwhite, via Flickr