Good oral health is one of the most overlooked self-care area for most of us. According to the ADA, almost 50% of Americans don’t go to the dentist because of lack of money, fear, or the assumption that their teeth and gums are healthy.
Neglecting your oral health may lead to mouth infections and gum disease, or more serious problems other than cavities and missing teeth. Take care of your pearly whites now and you’ll have more years to enjoy flashing your naturally beautiful smile.
Here are 5 all-natural ways to take care of your teeth:
1. Brush your teeth regularly
Your toothbrushing habit is extremely important for your overall oral health. Brush your teeth twice a day and take at least 2 minutes doing so.
Get this recipe to make your own all-natural toothpaste that contains no fluoride, is safe for kids and tastes yummy, too!
2. Floss
Complement your regular toothbrushing habits with flossing! Use a natural, unwaxed floss to really get between your teeth and just below the gumline where food particles, plaque and bacteria like to chill and hang out.
3. Drink lots of water
An average American drinks only approximately 2 cups of water every day. To stay hydrated, drink up at least eight 8 oz. cups of water per day. Besides keeping you hydrated, water also helps flush away bacteria and food left in your mouth.
Develop the habit of rinsing your mouth with water after every meal. This will aid elimination of food bits left in your mouth and speed up the process of tooth remineralization.
4. Chew Xylitol Gum
Xylitol has sugar alcohol which bacteria love, but they can’t break it down, leading to the bacteria starving to death. Chewing xylitol gum helps reduce your risk for developing gum disease and tooth decay. It also facilitates saliva production, increasing the antibacterial powers in the mouth.
5. Oil Pull
This is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that helps keep your oral health in check. Both coconut and sesame oil have antibacterial properties that keep your gums and teeth healthy, while also naturally whitening them. Do this as soon as you wake up.
Read the full article by Grow Network here to learn more about the process of oil pulling and more all-natural oral care recipes.
What is your daily oral care routine? Share it in the comments below!