by : David Villarreal

With dozens of published medical articles that tout the benefits of oral hygiene to prevent heart disease, the importance of brushing and flossing - and doing so with natural ingredients - takes on an entirely new meaning.

Studies have long revealed a correlation between periodontal disease and health problems, including diabetes, stroke and heart attack. Since practicing good oral health can aid in your overall well-being, the question then becomes: What more can you do?

Ridding your mouth of disease-causing bacteria is more than just brushing with commercial toothpaste, since some may contain harmful or toxic ingredients. Many people opt instead for natural, herbal-based toothpaste for optimal health benefits.

Key ingredients to look for when choosing natural toothpaste with essential oils are eucalyptus, green tea, spearmint, rosemary, lavender and peppermint. By simply being more selective with which toothpaste you choose for your family, you can ensure that you don't swallow toxic chemicals and that they don't absorb into your bloodstream.

Estrella, a California-based company specializing in a holistic approach to dentistry, offers all-natural dental care products for those who are concerned with how brushing and flossing can affect their overall health. Its top ingredients include green tea, lapacho, grapefruit seed extract, carrageenan and oceanic trace minerals.

Benefits to these ingredients include:

&bull Stevia: Inhibits dental decay; known for its antibacterial and hypoglycemic properties.
&bull Lapacho: Increases blood flow to tissues while providing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral benefits.
&bull Green Tea: Reduces plaque-forming enzymes. Contains natural fluoride and helps to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.
&bull Oceanic Trace Minerals: A good source of trace minerals that our bodies can't produce.
&bull Calcium Glycerophosphate: Offering calcium to help maintain strong teeth.
&bull Grapefruit Seed Extract: Boasts a unique compound used to help fight plaque, decay, toothaches and gingivitis.

for additional information about our professional-strength natural oral care products.