Dementia and Oral Health: The Brain's Hidden Culprit

1. Dementia and Oral Health Connection

Did you know that 1 in 9 people at the age of 65 have dementia? By age 85, it's 1 in 2. By the time symptoms show, two-thirds of the brain is already damaged. These days dementia has been diagnosed in people in their 50s, 40s and even in their 30s. It is sometimes called early onset dementia. A wide spread dementia epidemic is upon us. Keep in mind, prevention is easier than reversal. Medical science can only manage, not cure. 

Why am I discussing dementia now? Because my mom is currently living with her sister, who has serious memory loss issues. Every day, I hear distressing stories about the challenges of living with a person who has dementia. Obviously, I wanted to look into the ways to prevent this devastating disease.

A diet high in raw fruits, vegetables, greens, nuts, and seeds can be a very effective step toward preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, a healthy gut has been shown to be effective against Parkinson’s disease. Those of us who eat very healthily can experience a sense of relief.

At the same time, several studies have found associations between periodontal disease (gum disease) and cognitive decline, including dementia. Periodontal disease is linked to chronic inflammation, which may contribute to cognitive impairment. The findings suggest that chronic oral inflammation preceded the diagnosis of dementia.

We also know that the sugars most responsible for causing cavities and gum issues, ranked from most to least harmful, are sucrose, glucose, and fructose.

Now consider this: many people shifting to raw foods mention munching on fruit practically every hour. It's not hard to see why – fruits are delicious, bursting with intense flavors. Especially for those transitioning from a Standard American Diet (SAD), sweet fruit is a more palatable and familiar option compared to kale or broccoli. 

I love fruits and consume them abundantly, as do many of you. This recent research, which links oral inflammation with dementia, provides us with yet another incentive to diligently care for our gums and teeth, particularly if we consume plenty of fruits. It prompted me to seek additional preventive measures to maintain our oral health in optimal condition.

In my research I stumbled upon an intriguing remedy for healing gums that was widely used in ancient times but has since been forgotten: rosehips.

2. Ancient Secret to Healthy Gums

Rosehips have been mentioned in various historic works for their medicinal and nutritional properties. Notable mentions include "Naturalis Historia" by Pliny the Elder (77 AD), "The Canon of Medicine" by Avicenna (11th century), and various other medieval herbal texts. These works highlight the traditional uses of rosehip in medicine and nutrition.

The ancient Greek philosopher and naturalist Theophrastus, from the 4th century BCE, extensively described the plant in his treatise "Natural History." In a herbal guide from 1563, the use of rosehip powder is mentioned as a remedy for strengthening gums.

Why rosehip is good for your gums? It's because of its high vitamin C content. Vitamin C possesses antioxidant properties that combat infections and promote the development of resilient, healthy gums. Topical application of vitamin C powder is known to soothe and address irritation or infection in the gums.

When we say vitamin C, the first thing that comes to mind is citrus! But no! Most fruits high in vitamin C, such as oranges and lemons, are notably acidic due to the presence of citric acid. Citrus makes the enamel on your teeth softer. Apparently, the citric acid in fruit can temporarily weaken tooth enamel.

However, with rosehips you get all the benefits of vitamin C, without damaging acidity. Rosehip is the vitamin C champion. Just think about it, 100 grams of dried fruits contain 18 daily doses of vitamin C! This is 50 times more than in a lemon and 10 times more than in black currants. It's truly impressive.

Vitamin C:

• Aids in wound healing for gum tissue.
• Reduces the risk of gum diseases.
• Acts as an antioxidant to protect gums.
• Helps produce collagen, which supports gum structure.
   

I decided to incorporate a generous quantity of high-quality rosehip powder and rosehip oil into our all-natural BrilliBright Toothpaste. Each ingredient has been carefully selected to promote your oral health.

Dental Tip

Here's an effective trick to maintain healthy gums: Before bedtime, dip your favorite interdental brush into our toothpaste and use it to clean between your teeth. Do not rinse afterward.
 

By leaving the toothpaste overnight, the ingredients, especially rosehip powder, will continue working on your gums. In the morning, your mouth will feel fresh instead of experiencing "morning breath."

Additionally, any coating or film on the tongue, often caused by reduced saliva production during sleep, allowing bacteria to thrive, will be eliminated or reduced. More tips in my ebook The Raw Food Diet and Your Compromised Teeth.

Keep in mind: The main ingredient in BrilliBright Toothpaste is Virgin Coconut Oil. The consistency of coconut oil varies with temperature. It softens in a warmer weather and hardens in cooler weather. 

3. Miracle of Radiant Complexion
Here's an excerpt from my ebook Guide to an Ageless Face:⁠

"Rough, dry skin? Pigmentation? Wrinkles? Loose skin? Your skin is capable of repairing these conditions. Your skin is amazingly resilient. Given time, the right foods, and the right training, and your ageless face will reveal itself."⁠
⁠
Don't search for a miracle product or high-tech gadget promising quick fixes for your aging concerns. The true miracle lies in your skin's remarkable ability to rejuvenate itself. Harness this power through daily skincare, and your consistency will yield results.⁠ Watch my recent video on the left.

Here is an email I received recently, that means a great deal to me.

“Hello Tonya!

...I have read all of your books and taken in all of the information that you
offer. I appreciate so much that you show us what to do and it does work with
consistency. I like it that it's simple, cost effective, and achievable.

Thank you for shining even more beautifully as you age. It gives me the encouragement that I need that getting older will be fine and using natural methods at home is the best way. Thank you for doing the work that you do. It's made a huge difference for me.
Sincerely.” -M