Dental Plaque

[SuBu]

I've been wanting to share this for some time. I've been raw for three months. I had a small build-up of plaque between some of my front teeth that would drive me nuts. I would scrape at it with a needle, floss, etc. and get as much of it as I could. One day I was flossing and noticed that the plaque was soft and came right out. It's gone--all gone! I check every day waiting for signs of it to return---nothing! I don't know if just being raw removed it or if it had anything to do with the 3 times I oil-pulled. I quit after 3 times because I got a very painful ulcer just below my right tonsil (my "weak" one) that lasted 3 wks. I wasn't ready for anymore detox and was also afraid of losing my fillings ($$). But anyway, I have been stressing so much over not losing weight as fast as I though I should, and then realized that this is something wonderful! I wondered if there was any connection to dental plaque and arterial plaque. I Googled it and there was an article that noted that there might be. That is so exciting! If that is an indication of what might be going on inside of me, it's awesome! Also, putting everything into perspective, I've "only" released 10 lbs in 3 months. Well, that's 1/2 to 1 lb per week. Very healthy. Even though I've got about 60 lbs to shed, I feel so much better about it all now. Perception/Reality. Just wondered if anyone else has noticed anything along these lines.

[beppa66]

I've noticed the same thing with the tartar, way less now! Interesting point about the connection to arterial plaque...I have heard that connection with regard to pregnancy and healthy babies, but not in general.

Congrats on your newfound HEALTH! (and weight loss!)

[iamacranberry]

That's really interesting, and I'd be interested to know what you're eating...because I've had the opposite happen to me. My teeth since going raw are yellower and plaque-ier than ever. And I use the same toothbrush, etc, as before. Same brushing schedule, etc. Thoughts?

[SuBu]

I really have no idea. I eat it all. Fruits, vegs, nuts, oils...It's a complete mystery to me. I don't know what caused it and why it hasn't come back. I thought the oil-pulling might have softened it up, but I only did it 3 times and haven't done it in well over a month. Thought maybe someone else had noticed the same/similar. Everyone here is so knowledgeable and have been through so much, I am sure someone has some simple explanation for both of us!

[freebird]

That's really interesting. I have plaque type issues, but have been oil pulling and salt rinsing regularly as well as taking therapeutic enzymes. I am going through a detox as some of my gums are inflamed and usually my whole mouth would blow up but it just seems to be something my body has to go through gently and get rid of the last bit of yuck maybe? I have noticed that some of my calculus deposits aren't as large as before. Interested to see what others have to say. I have heard about the arterial plaque, dental plaque connection before too.

[iamacranberry]

I suppose until there's an answer I shall continue to brush my teeth like mad...lol

[Day Kaz]

Since going raw, my teeth have become a bit discolored - a grayish hue. Ive been using coconut-oil based toothpaste, glycerin-free. Strange.... I used to have super-white teeth, but I would use the artificial tooth-whitening paste. :confused:

[Finding Me]

I was a smoker for 12 years. I've recently started the oilpulling every morning. I too have noticed a significant amount of tarter/stains on my teeth... gone!! Between a Raw diet, oilpulling, and using Tooth Soap... I've seen an incredible difference and improvement in my teeth.

[iamacranberry]

I tried oil pulling daily for a month...and I'm afraid it did me no good at all and simply cost a lot of money I could have spent on decent food.

[mjhendrik]

Since going raw, my teeth have become a bit discolored - a grayish hue. Ive been using coconut-oil based toothpaste, glycerin-free. Strange.... I used to have super-white teeth, but I would use the artificial tooth-whitening paste. :confused:

I am on my 5th year in raw and I noticed on my 2 year this same teeth coloring. My teeth got a grayish color and were very sensitive to brush. The weird thing is though that I lost some of my enalm in my tooth and after a while it grew back with more white color. My theory is that the weak areas of tooth are beeing removed and replaced with stronger material. Just wait and see what happens. I noticed that the pure salt water or salt toothpast without glycerin is the best for your teeth.
Nice to know that other raw people are also noticing this.
Cheers,
MH

[KittyMommy]

SuBu, I've read in several wellness/health magazines that said dental plaque and arterial plaque are indeed inter-related.

[SuBu]

KittyMommy--That makes me feel wonderful! I began raw to lose weight FAST. Well, that's not happening, but wellness was #2 on my list! Now I look at it with a whole new perspective. Any weight released is a great gift accompanying my extended lifespan. If my teeth are any indication of what's going on in my arteries, I'm amazed!

[KittyMommy]

That's fantastic. Does high cholesterol run in your family. Mines 238!

[SuBu]

Actually, my dr. told me a couple of yrs ago (my last check-up) that I'd never need cholesterol medicine--diet reverses my numbers. But my triglycerides were high--diet will fix that too. But, yes, others in my family have high cholesterol--but obviously, it's diet related! My mother died from complications of diabetes at 61 with all the stuff that goes along with it--high blood pressure, etc. My sister who is 7 yrs younger than me has already had a heart attack and still has a clogged artery. I am the healthy-ish one! And I plan on staying that way!!

[iamacranberry]

Ayyy...yes, I think raw will fix it. Ironic though how my dad who's on medicine for triglycerides still wants to tell me I am malnourished! I don't believe it.