The Whys and Hows of Organic Oral Healthcare

There are helpful bacteria that inhabit the mouth, these micro organisms protect the teeth and gums and help with digestion, but there is also harmful bacteria in the mouth that can cause cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis and bad breath. What is worse, infection and bacteria in the mouth can also lead to diabetes, pneumonia and cardiovascular disease. Thankfully, there are natural oral health methods you can use along with your high-powered cleaning tools from Pearly Whytes for the perfect oral health:

1. Oil Pulling

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, oil pulling dates back all the way to ancient India. Today, the awareness of its benefits are quickly increasing; natural oil sales have suddenly increased in multitudes. Swishing coconut, sesame or olive oil in the mouth for 10 to 20 minutes pulls toxins from the mouth to prevent oral health issues such as:

• Tooth decay
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Inflammation
• Throat dryness
• Cracked lips
• Cavities
• Acne

Oil pulling also whitens the teeth, boosts the immune system and strengthens the jaw and gums. It also eliminates the need to use conventional mouthwashes that contain toxic substances such as alcohol, formaldehyde, saccharin, sodium laurel sulfate and other harsh chemicals that contribute to migraines, cancers of the mouth, respiratory issues and even make animals suffer as it travels through ecosystem.

2. Tea Tree Oil Floss

Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant and fights against fungi, bacteria and viruses that may be resistant to antibiotics. Opting for tea tree oil floss instead of the chemically waxed mint and cinnamon floss helps to reduce the risk of gingivitis, bleeding gums and unhealthy oral bacteria without inviting harsh chemicals to the gumline that often harm more than help. Tea tree has even been found to reduce gum bleeding in individuals with gingivitis.

3. Camu Camu

Camu Camu is a lemon-sized fruit from the rain forests of Brazil and Peru. This superfood can serve a vitamin C boost without using a synthetic vitamin supplement. Vitamin C reduces the risk of periodontitis, bleeding gums and gingivitis, and Camu Camu contains more vitamin C per teaspoon than any other food source. While getting the actual fruit may be a little difficult if you don’t live near the Amazon forest, there are many sources to purchases organic Camu Camu powder.

4. Abstaining From Unhealthy Foods

Carbohydrates made from white flour break down into simple sugars once they idle in the mouth; opt for products made of organic, non-GMO whole grains instead. Instead of drinking concentrated fruit juices high in sugar, opt for fresh-pressed organic and premium juices to receive essential nutrients without the tooth decaying effects of a high sugar.

5. Organic Toothpaste

Commercial toothpaste contains toxic ingredients such as sodium fluoride, glycerin, dyes, titanium dioxide and sodium laurel sulfate. Create a toothpaste composed of the antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial coconut oil and baking soda, which restores pH balance and presents a scrubbing texture with these easy steps:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• Peppermint oil (this is optional)

Use equal parts coconut oil and baking soda for the portion size you wish for.

1. Mix both components into a container until it forms a paste.
2. Add 10 drops of peppermint oil to mixture for optional taste.
3. Store covered; refrigerate in warmer climates to maintain paste texture.

6. Incorporate Green Tea

Green tea is a tasty and relaxing drink, but it also holds a wide array of oral health benefits:

1. Gum Health - The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea fights gum disease
2. Prevents Cavities - Green tea lowers saliva acidity and controls bacteria to prevent tooth decay
3. Fresh breath - Green tea eliminates the microbes in the mouth that cause bad smells

The most common way to consume green tea is to drink it in hot or iced form, but it is also available in green tea extract capsule form, in concentrate drops and tablet form.

7. Neem Oil

Neem oil is extracted from the neem tree. While this oil has potent antibacterial, anti fugal and antiviral properties, it is not recommended that pregnant women, women who wish to become pregnant, breastfeeding mothers and children should use this product. If you are not in those categories, chewing on neem bark, spreading neem oil on floss or adding neem oil or powder to your toothbrush reduces the risk of gingivitis, canker sores and tooth decay.

As with all situations involving your health, consult with your dentist and primary care doctor for any issues that may arise concerning your oral health if no improvement occurs or the problems worsen. Also, make sure that these remedies do not adversely interfere with current medical conditions and medications. Here's to good health without the side effects of conventional products!

The Whys and Hows of Organic Oral Healthcare is courtesy of The Better Mind Body Soul website