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Most of us like to think that we are taking good care of our teeth, but many of us are either doing things that will actively harm them – drinking sugary drinks regularly, for example – or simply not doing everything we can to ensure that our teeth and gums are as strong and healthy as they could be.
This is sad because not only will taking excellent care of your teeth ensure that you always have a winning smile, but it will also improve your general health by potentially helping to prevent things like diabetes, oral cancer and even heart disease!
If you want to step up your tooth-care regime (and you probably sho0uld) here are some simple, and natural things you can start doing today:
Visit the Dentist
First of all, it is important to say that no matter what natural measures you take to look after your teeth you should always visit your dentist regularly. If you view this website, you will see that there are lots of things a good dentist can do for you that you maybe couldn’t do yourself. So, do everything you personally can to minimise the amount of treatment you need, but do get your teeth checked by a professional regularly.
Eat a Balanced Diet
It seems to be the answer to everything, but there really is nothing better you can do for your whole body, including your teeth than eat a healthy balanced diet high in fruits, veggies, and whole grains, which will ensure that you have all of the nutrients you need to keep your body strong. If you eat enough of the right nutrients, including plenty of calcium – which you can get from things like greens, chia seeds, beans, and black strap molasses, your teeth will be strong and well-mineralised.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling, which you can read more about here, is an old Ayurvedic practice whereby you swirl oil (preferably coconut or sesame) around your mouth for about 10 minutes to get rid of bacteria and naturally whiten your teeth while ensuring that both teeth and gums are healthy. Use 1 tablespoon of oil and rinse with warm water after swishing.
Drink More Water
Not only will drinking more water help to prevent dehydration and potentially help you feel fuller for longer, but it will also help to dislodge food from your teeth. Water is also vital for the production of saliva and since saliva will neutralise acid in the mouth, that makes it pretty important for proper toothcare.
Make a Natural Mouthwash
Many of the mouthwashes you can bbuy at the store contain harsh chemicals or have been tested on animals. There are also some studies that suggest they could increase your risk of mouth cancer slightly. So, it is a much better idea to go down the natural route and make your own.
Simply mix ½ cup of water (preferably filtered) with a couple of drops of tea tree oil, three drops of peppermint essential oil and 2 level teaspoons of baking soda. Shake, and store in an airtight jar. You’ll be amazed how well it works.
Look after your teeth because you won’t get another set!
