3 Steps To The Healthiest Mouth (And Less Headaches Too)

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A few months ago, I wrote an article that highlights how the balance of bacteria in your gut can make a difference in your mood, your memory… even treating autism!

Today’s medical study highlights this delicate balance even further.

 

Could it be that the bacteria that live in your mouth affect your body’s health?

Turns out, the answer is yes…

…the bacteria in our mouth can actually trigger migraine.

Here’s how:

 

Nitrates have long been revealed as a headache trigger — found in foods like red wine, chocolates, processed meats and some cheeses, migraine sufferers have long been cautioned to avoid foods containing nitrates.

This latest study might explain why some people get triggered to have a migraine when consuming nitrate laden foods, while others can eat large quantities without fear of an impending headache.

Turns out, migraine sufferers have significantly more types of bacteria in their mouth that processes nitrate into nitrite (nitrate, nitrite and nitric oxide reductase genes) than those who don’t get migraines.

More bacteria releasing nitrites into the person’s mucosal membrane, means more potential for migraine trigger.

 

There are two types of headaches that nitrates can trigger:

  1. an immediate headache (usually more mild) within an hour of consuming nitrate laden foods
  2. or a delayed-onset headache (typically a severe headache, or migraine) 3 to 6 hours after consumption of nitrates.

 

The fact that migraine sufferers have more bacteria in their mouth that is processing these nitrates into nitrites and increasing their absorption would likely increase the incidence of both types of headache, although more studies are needed.

 

The Study (published in mSystems October 2016):

  • Researchers sequenced bacteria from over 170 oral samples of patients.
  • Patients were healthy, between the ages of 20 and 69 years old, had a body mass index between 18.5 and 30, had no history of IBD, diabetes or any antibiotic use within the past year and were either diagnosed with migraine or were classified as non-migraine sufferers.

 

The Results:

  • Researchers found significantly more bacteria that could convert nitrates into nitrites (nitrate, nitrite and nitric oxide reductase genes) thereby increasing those patient’s burden of nitrite exposure.
  • Notably, streptococcus and pseudomonas bacteria were significantly increased, both which are able to reduce nitrate to nitrite.

 

The Bottom Line:

Bacteria play an important role in our health, and in this case, even can impact the amount of pain we feel or the days we lose due to migraine headache.

 

 

Although everyone has millions of bacteria, and hundreds of different species living on and within them, it’s the type of bacteria and the quantity of that balance that can often mean the difference between illness and health.

I personally get migraines several times a year and so did quite a bit of research into finding out what I could do to balance my oral flora and reduce my own chances of getting my next migraine.

 

And guess what?

I found a toothpaste that combines a probiotic and prebiotic designed specifically to enhance the microbiome of the mouth.

I’ve got it waiting for you right here because I’m so in love with this toothpaste after personally using it that I wanted to carry it for you in my shop.

 

It’s part of an awesome holistic, non-toxic tooth whitening and repairing kit.

Because it is natural for our enamel to yellow as we age, it is an instant boost to your appearance to whiten your teeth… making you look years younger. I like it even more than plucking my eyebrows for an instant makeover!

Here is how I boost my whitening and support my oral hygiene naturally:

 

1. Start by oil pulling.

 

I talk about oil pulling with coconut in more detail here… but I basically take a small scoop of coconut oil into my mouth and swish it around my teeth for a few minutes. The oil works to soften any plaque build up on your teeth, and is a FABULOUS healthy fat for your body so the more your oral mucosa absorbs, the better!

Any tarter build up will get softer and easier to remove, your teeth will definitely get whiter and your body will be happy happy happy with the extra coconut oil exposure.

 

2. Swish with a Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash.

 

I use this as a pre-rinse before brushing — I just use a little bit and swish all around, letting it foam all over my teeth and my tongue. I spit out the hydrogen peroxide but leave the foaming bubbles in my mouth… and follow with this:

 

3. Brush with a baking soda tooth powder.

 

I just have found that for teeth whitening, the combo of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda is AH-MAZ-ING. And the added bonus of not having to worry about any additional fluoride exposure is liberating.

If you are using a fluoridated toothpaste, please think again. Fluoride is thinning to your bones and whether you are 20 or 70 you really want to protect the strength and long-term density of your bones. And honestly, medical studies show it’s not that great for your heart either… as I blog about here.

 

So that’s it, folks!

Every morning I brush with the Probiotic Toothpaste

and

every evening I do my 3 step Holistic Mouth Routine (Coconut Oil, Hydrogen Peroxide, Tooth Powder) and I have a healthy white smile that’s always ready to go!

 

Want to simplify even further?

I’ve get the entire kit waiting for you right here.

And I’d love to send it to you.

xoxox, Laura