In our day and time people become more and more inclined to try the organic approach in almost all aspects of their lives. From cooking and eating to using natural ingredients as skin care and cosmetics, we see a rise in popularity of bio products and around-the-house items. Dental care makes no exception to this rule. While nobody ever dreams of recommending people to stop brushing, flossing and seeing their dentist regularly, many specialists began focusing on natural / organic products that can maintain our dental health without much effort.
This trend has the support of many specialists in the field and comes during a time when it is clear there is no way for us to escape pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Not so long ago, we talked about the best nutritious habits and their positive impact on your dental health. Today we will take a step further and look at some natural / organic products you probably already have in the kitchen and their benefits for oral hygiene and dental health maintenance. Such remedies, while not meant to replace professional dental care, can bring your smile back.
Natural Products to Take into Consideration
If you are a fruit and veggies lover, you will be happy to know that you can use some of these natural wonders to keep your gums healthy and your teeth whiter.
- Strawberries – we already pointed out that eating strawberries is one of the healthiest habits you can engage into, as they boost your oral and general state of health. However, you can simply cut a strawberry in half and rub your teeth and gums with it. The skin and the vitamin C will clean your teeth and strengthen your gums.
- Lemon – have some lemon peel prepared and massage your teeth and gums with it. Such a daily simple remedy helps you keep tartar and plaque at bay. You can adapt this healthy habit to your tastes and replace lemons with oranges if you like the latter more.
Fruits are not the only natural products that can maintain your dental health inside and out. There are also a handful of herbs and spices that have been used for centuries as antiseptics, anti-inflammatory remedies, antiviral, and antibacterial and so on. If you love to cook with spices, make sure you put aside some of them to incorporate them into a mouthwash or organic toothpaste or use base essential oils.
- Cinnamon – a classic in its own right, cinnamon powder or essential oil acts as a powerful oral health sustainer. It has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. If you want to make sure you don’t develop or contract gingivitis (as gingivitis can be contagious in case you didn’t know), mix cinnamon oil / powder in a home-made mouth wash and keep your mouth, teeth and gums as healthy as they can be.
- Clove – clove oil has been used in dentistry for over a century and is approved as a professional anesthetic. Being one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world of essential oils, clove needs to be carefully dosed. However, 2 drops of clove oil mixed in a mouth wash also containing 3 drops of cinnamon oil and 3/4 teaspoon of boric acid solution, all combined with 2 teaspoons of sugar and 4 cups of water make a powerful daily mouth and gums treatment. Clover is also a reputable agent that can keep at bay a Candida infection.
- Rosemary – this spice turns food into tantalizing miracles, but it also does wonders for your teeth and gums. It has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Rosemary can be mixed with lavender and peppermint (1 teaspoon of each) and used to make a tea infusion. You can wash your mouth with the strained liquid every day to fend off bacteria and halitosis.
- Thyme – besides its many uses in the kitchen, thyme is known as a good remedy for canker sores. These mouth sores can be caused by a great deal of factors, from bacteria or viruses to gastric problems. A quick remedy is represented by a mix of thyme (1 tbs) and a boiling cup of water. After 15 minutes of steeping you can wash your mouth this liquid.
- Sage – this is a well known herb for its healing properties. Make a strong tea of sage and add sea salt to it. Refrigerate the liquid to have at hand as you should wash your mouth with it two times a day after you brushed your teeth. Both sage and sea salt are powerful antiseptics that lower inflammatory processes and help you strengthen your gums with their astringent properties.
Keeping Your Dental Health at Home with Kitchen Items
As you may have heard already, there are a few natural products that are universally recognized for their healing and cosmetic properties. Among all, coconut oil, baking soda and peppermint stand out as a holy trinity of excellent dental care. There are dozens of recipes for toothpaste, mouth washes and local treatments (for toothaches or mouth sores) combining these three ingredients. They are also used as beauty products and ingredients for natural skin care.
As we said, such remedies don’t replace your dentist, your healthy dental habits or your medical treatment (in case you develop periodontal diseases and so on). They can be used as natural, affordable and at-hand adjuvant for oral hygiene and a healthier mouth and lifestyle.