Alisa Vitti shares some important pointers on oral hygiene for National Dental Hygiene Month and beyond.

Did you know that women are at greater risk for dental problems than men? Sensitivity to certain dental issues can fluctuate based on your menstrual cycle, and there are studies that link oral bacteria with a greater risk for heart disease, which we all know is the number one killer for women.

Bottom line: Your female hormones and your oral health affect one another and need some attention!

We want your pearly whites to be smiling brightly for your nieces and nephews for as long as possible, so please don’t neglect your oral health!

So, Aunties, remember these tips:

1. Care for your pearly whites by brushing and flossing daily. At FLO, we recommend using a non-flouride toothpaste since flouride can interfere with your thyroid function. If you have nieces and nephews staying over for the weekend, talk to them about the importance of taking care of their teeth, and brush your teeth together!

2. Use your hormonal patterns as a guide for when to schedule your cleanings and when to be extra diligent about your brushing and flossing. (See details here.) Try to help alleviate fears about routine trips to the dentist’s office, and if possible, see if you can accompany nieces and nephews to their cleanings or schedule your cleaning on the same day. They may feel less nervous if they have their favorite Auntie with them in the waiting room. Make sure to bring games or fun books to distract the younger fidgeters!

3. Make sure you are using functional foods to keep your hormones stable and learn how to use foods to improve immune response and reduce inflammation that can be a precursor to heart disease.

Since your oral health is so linked up to your reproductive system, it’s essential to be taking care of both. You’ll be helping yourself and the little ones you love!

Alisa Vitti is the founder of FLOLiving.com, a virtual health center that supports women’s hormonal and reproductive health. She is the creator of the Hormonal Sync System, a one-of-a-kind online learning and support program for women in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. For the past 10 years, Alisa has run a thriving women’s wellness practice in Manhattan, helping thousands of women fix their period, protect their fertility, improve IVF cycles, recover from post partum mood, and boost their energy and libido. Alisa has been featured in various media including CBS News, Fox Business News, Huffington Post, Life & Style, Natural Health UK, and FertilityAuthority.com.

Photo: imagerymajestic
Published: October 29, 2013