10 Tips For A Healthy Smile

Get a Perfect Paste Aloe Vera is a good ingredient to have in your toothpaste and mouthwash, thanks to its healing and soothing properties on gums, says holistic dentist Dr Tom Nyerges. Other ingredients to look for include silicia for whitening, vitamin K to keep your gums in tip-top condition, and tea tree oil, which is a natural antiseptic.		Be Happy With Herbs For a caffeine-free lift in winter, drink herbal teas. They are a great substitute for colas, cofee and tea, which, if taken with sugar harm the teeth and undermine the immune system. If you're tired try peppermint, dandelion or detox blends. Unlike tea and coffee they won't stain teeth.
Love Liquorice If you suffer from mouth ulcers try taking liquorice. Used in Chinese medicine this herb contains flavanoids that help combat bacteria responsible for mouth and stomach ulcers. Chewing two tablets daily will accelerate the healing process and prevent the ulcers from returning.		Floss Clean between your teeth daily using either floss or inter-dental mini-brushes advises Margaret Ross, president of the British Dental Hygienists Association. This, in addition to brushing removes plaque. And if you can't resist sugary foods and drinks, only eat them at mealtimes to prevent decay.
Chew Properly Chewing thoroughly promotes the production of saliva, which combats bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Aim to drink 1.5 litres of water each day to ensure adequate saliva production.		Curb Your Sweet Tooth To beat sugar cravings it is essential to keep blood sugar levels steady. Always eat breakfast, avoid sugary drinks (including alcohol) and dilute fruit juice. Finally, eat small meals each day no longer than three hours apart.
Start Early Find that happy buzz when you first get up in the morning. Try skipping, dancing about, bouncing on a mini trampoline or going for an early morning run. Alternatively, do yoga indoors for 10-20 minutes before your shower - you'll soon notice the difference.		Count Your Blessings 'A simple shift in perspective can be enough to lighten your mood. Even if 70% of their life is going well, many people concentrate on the negative 30%. A good way to combat this pessimistic outlook is to make a list of three things you are grateful for each day. This places you in a more positive position from which you can tackle all your problems.' Vera Peiffer, author of Positive Living.
Go Holistic Some dentists offer homeopathy as an alternative to drugs. 'Homeopathy is safe, has no side effects and can be used to treat body and mind' says Dr Nyerges. 'For example, we may use arnica to reduce bruising after an extraction and the remedy gelsemium to help with anxiety.' To find a dentist qualified in homeopathy visit www.bhda.co.uk		Combat Cold Sores Taking a lysine supplement can help to tackle unsightly cold sores. This amino acid has been found to prevent the recurrence of this all too common problem. Lysine, which cannot be made by the body, is also found in beans, dairy, fish and meat. Garlic, lemon balm and zinc are also recommended. Reduce stress, sunlight, chocolate and peanuts.