No one would argue that brushing and flossing are the backbones of home dental care. But most conventional toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market are laden with unnecessary and sometimes harmful ingredients. Although you\u2019re not supposed to swallow toothpaste or mouthwash, they still can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream because the products come into direct contact with the mucous membranes of the mouth.<\/p>\n
Almost all conventional (and even some natural) toothpastes and mouthwashes contain the detergent and foaming agent sodium lauryl\u00a0Sulfate<\/a>\u00a0(SLS), which has been linked in recent studies to recurrent aphthous ulcers, more commonly known as canker sores. Artificial sweeteners, such as saccharine, and artificial colors are found in almost all conventional mouth-care products. Most also contain fluoride, which is toxic if swallowed – that\u2019s why fluoride toothpastes are required by the Food and Drug Administration to carry poison warning labels. Although studies show that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, controversy exists over the safety of fluoride because it has been linked to immune dysfunction.<\/p>\n Natural toothpastes rely instead on cleansing agents ranging from the commonplace but effective baking soda, salt and\u00a0Bentonite<\/a>\u00a0Clay<\/a>\u00a0to the more esoteric, including bamboo powder, yucca and peelu, a soft tree fiber. Natural toothpastes and mouthwashes are sweetened with vegetable\u00a0Glycerin<\/a>, stevia or xylitol, none of which fosters bacteria growth. Xylitol, a natural sugar made from\u00a0Birch<\/a>\u00a0trees, has been shown in studies to actually prevent tooth decay and gum disease.<\/p>\n Essential oils, such as\u00a0Anise<\/a>,\u00a0Cinnamon<\/a>,\u00a0Clove<\/a>,\u00a0Eucalyptus<\/a>,\u00a0Fennel<\/a>,\u00a0Lavender<\/a>,\u00a0Peppermint<\/a>,\u00a0Rosemary<\/a>,\u00a0Spearmint<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Tea Tree<\/a>, are used to flavor natural mouth-care products and have the additional benefit of busting bacteria.\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0often found in natural toothpastes and mouthwashes include\u00a0Echinacea<\/a>\u00a0(Echinacea<\/a>\u00a0spp.),\u00a0Goldenseal<\/a>\u00a0(Hydrastis canadensis),\u00a0Green Tea<\/a>\u00a0(Camellia<\/a>\u00a0sinensis),\u00a0Myrrh<\/a>\u00a0(Commiphora spp.) and\u00a0Neem<\/a>\u00a0(Azadirachta indica), all of which have potent\u00a0Antimicrobial<\/a>\u00a0properties.<\/p>\n Although dental floss seems an unlikely source of toxic chemicals, many brands\u2019 nonstick coatings contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which have been linked to\u00a0Cancer<\/a>. Healthier choices are natural dental flosses made with vegetable waxes and\u00a0Beeswax<\/a>\u00a0and flavored with essential oils.<\/p>\n Home Basics for a Healthy Mouth<\/strong><\/p>\n Caring for your teeth is more than just a vanity. Recent research has shown the health of your mouth has far-reaching effects on your overall well-being. It\u2019s long been known that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, but in the past decade gum disease has been shown to possibly be a contributing factor in heart attacks, strokes and respiratory diseases.<\/p>\n Early signs of gum disease, called gingivitis, include sore or bleeding gums and\u00a0Bad Breath<\/a>. Most of the time, gingivitis can be healed with daily brushing and flossing to remove bacteria, along with twice-yearly professional dental cleanings. If left untreated, however, gingivitis can lead to a more serious stage of gum disease called periodontitis. At this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that collect food and bacteria. Inflammation and infection below the gum line break down the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place, which can result in tooth loss. Adults also are prone to tooth decay when vulnerable roots are exposed to bacteria along receding gums.<\/p>\n It takes only a few minutes a day to properly care for your teeth. Brushing and flossing sweep away plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Because plaque forms continuously, it\u2019s essential to brush and floss twice daily. Choose a soft toothbrush (a hard toothbrush can wear away tooth enamel, erode gums and cause tooth sensitivity) . Dentists recommend brushing for a full two minutes, 30 seconds in each quadrant. The correct brushing technique is important: Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and brush in a gentle, circular motion. Finish by brushing your tongue to remove bacteria lurking in the crevices.<\/p>\n Even the best brushing technique won\u2019t remove bacteria hiding between your teeth and under your gum line, and that\u2019s why daily flossing is critical. To floss correctly, curve the floss around each tooth and gently under the gum line, following the contours of the tooth on both sides.<\/p>\n Although mouthwash isn\u2019t a substitute for thoroughly cleansing your teeth, it can provide a refreshing finish to your routine and is excellent to use between meals if you don\u2019t have time to brush. An herbal mouthwash also can help tighten and heal gums and fight bacteria.<\/p>\n Make Your Own Mouth-Care Products<\/strong><\/p>\n There are many excellent natural herbal mouth-care products available on the market, but you also can make your own with simple ingredients.<\/p>\n Mint<\/a>–Myrrh<\/a>\u00a0Toothpowder<\/strong><\/p>\n This old-fashioned toothpowder doesn\u2019t have the consistency that most people associate with toothpaste, but it leaves your teeth feeling clean. If you like a sweet toothpowder, add \u00bd teaspoon of stevia powder.<\/p>\n Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. To use, place 1 teaspoon of the powder into a small bowl or the palm of your hand. Wet your toothbrush, and dip the toothbrush into the powder. Brush and rinse thoroughly.<\/p>\n Herbal Healing Toothpowder<\/strong><\/p>\n This combination of\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0helps heal mild to moderate cases of gingivitis by tightening gums and fighting bacteria. It\u2019s very astringent and doesn\u2019t taste great, but it does the job.<\/p>\n Mix all ingredients together and store in a tightly covered container. To use, place 1 teaspoon into the palm of your hand or a small bowl. Wet your toothbrush, and dip the toothbrush into the powder. Brush your teeth and gums thoroughly with the powder and rinse well.<\/p>\n Citrus\u00a0Mint<\/a>\u00a0Toothpaste<\/strong><\/p>\n This toothpaste is more similar to commercially available toothpastes because of the sweet flavor and smooth consistency, provided by vegetable\u00a0Glycerin<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mix all ingredients together thoroughly in a small bowl. Store in a small, tightly covered container. To use, scoop approximately 1 teaspoon out of the container and place on your damp toothbrush. Brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly.<\/p>\n Simple Tooth-Whitening Treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n Although this won\u2019t give you the same dramatic results as the bleaching kits available at drugstores and from your dentist, it will result in a brighter smile.<\/p>\n Mix ingredients together in a small container. Wet your toothbrush, and dip into the mixture. Brush your teeth for two minutes. Rinse thoroughly.<\/p>\n Citrus\u00a0Mint<\/a>\u00a0Mouthwash<\/strong><\/p>\n This mouthwash leaves your mouth feeling clean and refreshed, and the essential oils help combat bacteria.<\/p>\n Combine essential oils with vodka and store in a tightly capped bottle. To use, dilute 1 tablespoon mouthwash in 1 cup water. Stir well. Use as a gargle and mouth rinse and do not swallow.<\/p>\n Spicy Sweet Mouthwash<\/strong><\/p>\n This mouthwash requires a couple of weeks for the\u00a0Spices<\/a>\u00a0to steep in the alcohol.<\/p>\n Place vodka and\u00a0Spices<\/a>\u00a0into a small glass jar, tightly lidded. Steep for two weeks, giving the jar a shake daily to keep\u00a0Spices<\/a>\u00a0from settling. Strain and pour into a glass bottle. To use, dilute 1 tablespoon mouthwash in 1 cup of water. Use as a gargle and mouth rinse and do not swallow.<\/p>\n Antiseptic<\/a>\u00a0Mouth Rinse<\/strong><\/p>\n The\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0in this formula help fight bacteria and heal tender, bleeding gums.<\/p>\n Mix tinctures with vodka and store in a tightly capped glass bottle. To use, mix 1 teaspoon of mouthwash in 1\/2 cup of water. Rinse your mouth thoroughly for 30 seconds and do not swallow.<\/p>\n 12 Best Mouth-Care\u00a0Herbs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Aloe (Aloe Vera<\/a>). With its soothing anti-inflammatory properties, aloe gel helps heal gum inflammation. If you have a fresh\u00a0Aloe Vera<\/a>\u00a0plant, cut off a leaf, slice it, and apply the gel from the inner leaf directly to the affected area. You also can use pure bottled\u00a0Aloe Vera<\/a>\u00a0gel.<\/p>\n Calendula<\/a>\u00a0(Calendula<\/a>\u00a0officinalis). With soothing, anti-inflammatory properties,\u00a0Calendula<\/a>\u00a0helps heal irritated, tender gums. It also has mild\u00a0Antiseptic<\/a>\u00a0action. A cup of warm\u00a0Calendula<\/a>\u00a0tea is a simple mouth rinse for sore gums.<\/p>\n Clove<\/a>\u00a0(Syzygium aromaticum).\u00a0Cloves<\/a>\u00a0are rich in eugenol, an excellent topical anesthetic. A toothache always warrants a visit to the dentist, but you can temporarily numb the pain with\u00a0Clove<\/a>\u00a0oil. Dip a cotton swab into\u00a0Clove<\/a>\u00a0essential oil and gently rub the painful tooth and gum with the oil.<\/p>\n Echinacea<\/a>\u00a0(Echinacea<\/a>\u00a0spp.). As a powerful immune-stimulating herb,\u00a0Echinacea<\/a>\u00a0helps combat infection. To help heal gum inflammation, add \u00bd teaspoon of liquid extract to \u00bd glass of tepid water, rinse your mouth and then swallow the mixture. Repeat three times a day until the infection subsides.<\/p>\n Goldenseal<\/a>\u00a0(Hydrastis canadensis). Rich in astringent and\u00a0Antimicrobial<\/a>\u00a0compounds,\u00a0Goldenseal<\/a>\u00a0often is included in commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes. It\u2019shelpful both for preventing and healing gum problems.<\/p>\n Myrrh<\/a>\u00a0(Commiphora spp.) is one of the best\u00a0Herbs<\/a>\u00a0for healing bleeding gums and mouth ulcers, and helps combat the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Add\u00a0Myrrh<\/a>\u00a0liquid extract to mouthwash or use powdered\u00a0Myrrh<\/a>\u00a0in a homemade toothpaste or poultice for healing gum infections.<\/p>\n Neem<\/a>\u00a0(Azadirachta indica). Highly regarded for centuries in Ayurvedic healing as a premier\u00a0Antibacterial<\/a>\u00a0herb,\u00a0Neem<\/a>\u00a0is included in natural toothpastes and mouthwashes to help prevent plaque.<\/p>\n Oregon grape root (Mahonia spp.).With a high\u00a0Concentration<\/a>\u00a0of\u00a0Antimicrobial<\/a>\u00a0compounds, Oregon grape is excellent for helping to prevent and heal gum problems. Because of its astringent properties, Oregon grape also helps heal bleeding gums.<\/p>\n Peppermint<\/a>\u00a0(Mentha piperita) is a favorite ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes.\u00a0Menthol<\/a>, the ingredient responsible for the flavor of\u00a0Peppermint<\/a>, is an excellent breath freshener. Add a couple of drops of\u00a0Peppermint<\/a>\u00a0essential oil to a glass of water and use as a mouth rinse.<\/p>\n Sage<\/a>\u00a0(Salvia officinalis). The strong astringent properties of\u00a0Sage<\/a>\u00a0have made it a favorite herb for helping tighten the gums and soothe a sore mouth. A warm tea made from\u00a0Sage<\/a>\u00a0makes an excellent mouth rinse for helping heal the gums.<\/p>\n Tea Tree<\/a>\u00a0(Melaleuca<\/a>\u00a0alternifolia). A potent\u00a0Antimicrobial<\/a>,\u00a0Tea Tree<\/a>\u00a0essential oil fights the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Add 3 drops of\u00a0Tea Tree<\/a>\u00a0essential oil to \u00bd cup of tepid water and use as a mouth rinse.<\/p>\n White oak (Quercus alba). Strongly astringent white oak\u00a0Bark<\/a>, used in a mouth rinse, is helpful for healing swollen, tender and bleeding gums.<\/p>\n \u2014\u2013\n
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