There are a lot of DIY, natural oral health care fads out there on social media and the internet. While some of them are harmless, others might do more harm than good. As your local dentist in Flagstaff, we want to reinforce that the following tips should not replace, but rather support daily brushing and flossing. And for optimal oral health, you should always schedule your bi-annual cleanings!
To Kill/Remove Harmful Bacteria
Saltwater mouth rinse. Regularly gargling with pink Himalayan salt water can assist in removing bacteria from the teeth and gums, which helps in preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar. The minerals found in Himalayan salt also aid in remineralizing tooth enamel.
Chew xylitol gum. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar that has been proven to lower the presence of dental caries (cavities) and restore tooth enamel by producing a more alkaline saliva that remineralizes the teeth.
Oil pulling with coconut oil. The results of a 2016 study with 60 participants showed that oil pulling with coconut oil can reduce the number of harmful bacteria found in the saliva and can help support proper oral hygiene. Additional benefits include reducing bad breath, preventing cavities, reducing inflammation, and whitening teeth. Swish 1 tbsp of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes and spit out in the trash (oil can clog your sink). Add a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil for a more palatable flavor.
Drink green tea. According to a 2012 study, regularly drinking green tea can protect against cavities, gum disease and bad breath by reducing oral bacteria. It can even lower your chances of developing oral cancer.
For Fresher Breath
Tongue scraping. Halitosis, or bad breath, is associated with the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that are released by the harmful bacteria we have in our mouths and on our tongues. While brushing and flossing helps to get rid of a majority of bacteria on the teeth and gums, tongue scraping further reduces the undesirable bacteria in your mouth.
Homemade minty mouthwash. If store-bought mouthwash is not your thing, there are still ways to reap the minty-fresh benefits while making your own mouthwash. Simply combine 1 cup purified water, 2 drops tea tree essential oil, 4 drops peppermint essential oil, and 2 teaspoons baking soda, and store in a glass jar.
For an Overall Healthier Mouth
Replace your toothbrush regularly. When you brush your teeth, you are scraping away food debris and harmful bacteria. For this reason, you’ll want to replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) every 3-4 months. Always thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after use and store it in a vertical position, with the bristles positioned so they can air dry.
Buy toothpaste WITH fluoride. There has been much debate about the effects of fluoride on dental health. While research has shown that fluoride in the water can be problematic for overall health, your teeth need some fluoride. Fluoride in toothpaste helps to strengthen tooth enamel and does not pose any harm because it is not ingested.
Eat a healthy diet. A well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet that is loaded with alkaline foods helps to maintain a good PH balance in your mouth. A healthy saliva PH reduces the damage of harmful bacteria.
Fermented foods & probiotics. The mouth requires good bacteria to promote a healthy oral cavity. Both oral probiotics and the natural probiotics found in fermented foods help to populate the mouth and entire body with beneficial strains of bacteria.
Come in And See Us!
If you are in need of a bi-annual cleaning or other dental treatment, give Country Club Dental a call today to schedule an appointment. We are now seeing patients for all dental treatments and procedures with the exception of cosmetic dentistry.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/2/24). Photo by Marko Blažević on Unsplash.
