It's in his kiss…

My 108th (or thereabouts) internet date had come to an end. As I sipped the last of my drink, I couldn’t help it, my heart sank, he wasn’t ‘the one’. It hadn’t been a bad date, but no sparks had flown and my feet were still firmly rooted to the ground. We shared a polite smile as we put on or coats, and as we walked out into the cold I turned to say goodbye and… he kissed me.

Still drunk from the kiss, I stumbled away home knowing in my soul, that this profound moment I had just experienced would change my life forever; he was 'the one'… and it was all in his kiss!

Let’s celebrate the kiss, which has the power to change everything in a moment.

Not only is it Valentine’s day this month, but also Toothache Day (who knew?) so with all things oral being celebrated let’s learn how to keep your mouth healthy and fresh, your teeth strong and gleaming and your lips ready for action.

LIP HEALTH

 

Cold Sores

As these have caused me so much pain and embarrassment over the years, I am very happy to share advice on how to prevent and soothe these nasty buggers.

Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex) are caused by a virus which affects many.  Just about anyone can catch a cold sore. Once you catch one the virus stays in your system and can show its unwelcome head at the most inappropriate moments, and usually lasts up to 10-14 days. So here is some advice on how to prevent and soothe them.

Lysine – this supplement is by my bedside at all times. Lysine is an amino acid, which helps suppress the virus. As a weakened immune system and high stress levels make us more susceptible to cold sores, whenever I am run down, or have had a few too many late nights, I take lysine for about a week to help prevent an outbreak. The sun is a trigger for many also.  The amino acid arginine competes with lysine in body. So, if I eat foods that are high in arginine (crab and mussels are my triggers), I take a lysine tablet to protect myself. Making sure your diet has a higher lysine-to-arginine ratio is advisable – find out the lysine-to-arginine ratio in foods.

As much as I offer good advice about lysine, there have been a few occasions where I’ve not followed my own guidance and I wake up, the panic immediately setting in as I feel that familiar tingle, the daunting heaviness on my upper lip.  The fear then realised, I grab my mirror and see the ugly little blisters already setting up camp on my face… their party has only just begun.

My go-to now is Colloidal Silver. This antiviral and antibacterial liquid can be sprayed on the area, or use a Qtip to apply. It can starve the virus of oxygen – killing it. It also reduces inflammation and pain. My cold sores are never as bad if I begin by using this from the moment I suspect one. Some people swear by Bio-Propolis cold sore treatment too. This can be used at any stage of the infection, and gives a protective, soothing barrier.

Other supplements I include are Vitamin C for immunity, B Vitamins for stress levels and zinc to help heal and repair. Although I find that when eating lots of organic, colourful,  vitamin-rich foods, ensuring that I’m well rested and making the time to unwind is usually enough to keep my lips perfectly perfect.

(It is thought that the myth of vampires may have arisen in the late 17th centuries, as a symbol of the dangers that can arise from kissing.) 

Chapped Lips

I used to always carry a little tin of Vaseline in my pocket for my constantly chapped lips, until I discovered natural beeswax lip balm; it provided an immediate improvement. Although, there are days where I forget to apply it (it’s not a constant necessity!).  I also use a  toothbrush to exfoliate my lips every so often to keep them smooth and kissable.

(The term ‘sealed with a kiss’ originated from Roman times, when many people were illiterate, so to seal a legal agreement, they would kiss it!)

ALL ABOUT ORAL!

It’s important to keep your mouth fresh and clean for cosmetic purposes, but also because dental and oral hygiene have been linked to many chronic ailments such as, heart disease, dementia, arthritis and diabetes.

Oil Pulling

This is an ancient ayurvedic practice for oral hygiene. It is proven to kill bacteria and effectively pull toxins from the mouth. Unrefined coconut and sesame are the the preferred oils – both are naturally antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.  Give it a go for a few days and reap the benefits:

1. Put 1 tsp of oil into your mouth, letting it melt
2. ​Swish around, ideally for 20 mins
3. Discard in a rubbish bin (to avoid clogging up drains)
4. Then brush your teeth as usual

Toothache

Whenever some poor soul comes into the shop with a toothache, we guide them straight to the clove oil. This incredibly powerful and versatile oil has an anesthetic effect, relieving toothache in an instant, while you await a dental appointment. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce any swelling. As it is so powerful, it’s advisable to dilute it in a little coconut oil or water first, dab a cotton swab in the mixture and then gently apply to the affected area.

Because of its antimicrobial properties, clove oil can even be diluted down, mixed with peppermint oil and used as an effective breath freshener!

Mouth Ulcers

It’s important to find out why you have a mouth ulcer, especially if they are recurring. It could be because a nutritional deficiency, stress or some other underlying cause.

When somebody suffering from mouth ulcers asks our advice, we’ll always point them at Super 5 lozenges from Udo’s.  These little pearls contain the 5 strains of friendly bacteria needed for good oral health. Keep your bacteria happy and healthy, and you’ll be happy and healthy too!

You can use home remedies too

• Organic turmeric powder mixed with enough water to make a pastecan then be applied directly to an ulcer. Turmeric is a well known anti-inflammatory and also has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
• Clove oil can relieve the pain and its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties (already mentioned – from the eugenol and phenolic compounds) can help heal the area. Be sure to dilute in coconut oil or water before applying (this is yet another reason for oil pulling with coconut oil – see advice above).
• Raw honey – just place directly on an ulcer. I am never without a good raw honey (Ulmo by Equal exchange being my all time favourite). Not only is it delicious when added to my oats and dressings, but it is also a first aid kit essential due to its high antimicrobial, antibacterial and healing properties.
• Baking soda (1 tsp) mixed with water (1 tbs). Place the paste on the sore, let it dry, then rinse out you mouth with water.  This is antibacterial and the soda neutralizes the acids in the ulcer, accelerating the healing process.

The smile

Finally, for that gleaming smile with healthy teeth, a good toothpaste is obviously recommended. Charcoal toothpastes are all the rage at the moment, having excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as being excellent whitening products. Be sure to buy a natural, toxin-free toothpaste so you are not getting any of the unhealthy preservatives or additives.

HAY-O-KA a local company from Dublin, have brought out a toothpaste made from purifying and detoxifying green clay, sodium bicarbonate, aloe vera, with coconut, clove, ginger and peppermint oil!  I have heard great things about the product and as it contains a lot of the wonderful ingredients I have been mentioning, I now intend to include it in my daily ritual.

I wish you all a very Happy Valentines and Toothache Awareness Day!

It is important to remember if any problem persists, go straight to your dentist or doctor for advice!  Also, please consult your doctor before taking supplements or changing your diet, especially if you are taking any medications or have a medical condition. Some supplements and medications can interact with lethal results.