Our Top Six Picks for Natural Dental Hygiene
Did you know that having good oral health affects more than just your mouth? It can cause issues with your cardiovascular system as well as your neurological/cognitive functions. As the entry point into our body, it is crucial that we maintain healthy teeth and gums. Natural dental care is great because you don’t have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals. Here are our top picks for natural dental hygiene…
All-Natural Toothpaste
We wouldn’t want to start our list without first mentioning all-natural toothpaste. When looking for all-natural toothpaste you will want to look for a product that does not contain fluoride. This isn’t to say that fluoride is inherently bad. There are just many people who prefer to limit their exposure to it if possible. Look for toothpaste like this one that contains hydroxyapatite which is, essentially, a fluoride alternative. This helps to remineralize your teeth, making them stronger and less prone to tooth decay.
All-Natural Mouthwash
Many types of mouthwash are made with synthetic ingredients that are made in a laboratory and not found in nature. Not only that, but they also contain alcohol which can dry out your mouth and kill both good and bad bacteria. Natural mouthwash is actually easier on your sensitive teeth and gums! Ditch the mouthwash that stings and burns and switch it out for a soothing natural product that does an even better job. Our pH Restore Mouthwash is one of the few of its kind on the market, comes in a reusable glass bottle so you can refill it when you’re out, and it pairs perfectly with our cult classic Protect Remineralizing Toothpaste.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are great for aromatherapy, but did you know that they can also be beneficial to oral health? It can be a controversial topic, since you’re not to ingest essential oils, but they can absolutely be incorporated into your toothpastes and even mouthwashes on occasion. This is why we add certain essential oils to our natural toothpastes.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil can naturally kill the bacteria in your mouth that causes tooth decay and gum disease. It is also known for its numbing properties, which can reduce pain caused by a toothache. Another benefit is that peppermint oil is great at freshening breath!
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, is an earthy, herbaceous, and fresh smelling essential oil that is typically used topically or in cleaning products. However, this oil’s antibacterial properties can helps prevent bacteria that cause tooth decay and can also help with bleeding gums. You do need to be cautious when using tea tree oil, as it is not meant to be swallowed, so it must be spat out if you are using it in a toothpaste/mouthwash formulation.
Clove
Clove oil helps to nourish a healthy oral environment by ridding your mouth of harmful bacteria while fostering the production of healthy bacteria. This healthy bacteria helps prevent tooth decay by balancing the pH in your mouth. Clove is best known as an old, natural toothache relief. The same can be said for its essential oil counterpart.
Cinnamon
Another essential oil that is great for dental health is cinnamon oil. This antifungal and antibacterial oil helps to kill gingivitis. It is naturally antimicrobial, which contributes to its ability to potentially help prevent tooth decay.
Baking Soda
If you are looking to whiten your teeth, look no further than your kitchen cabinet. Baking soda is great for oral health, and that is why we include it in our natural toothpaste. It can also whiten the teeth naturally with less risk of sensitivity, which is a typical side effect of commercial whiteners.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has a surprising effect on dental health. You can minimize fear of your next dentist's appointment if you use aloe in your toothpaste or mouthwash. Using aloe in your mouthwash or toothpaste can reduce plaque and, subsequently, the chances of gingivitis. Aloe can also aid in the reduction of candida in the mouth, which can lead to infections.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is popular for its use in oil pulling. This is done by swirling a spoonful of coconut oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes and then brushing your teeth. By doing this, you kill the bacteria in your mouth which helps reduce your chances of cavities. Oil pulling with coconut oil also helps with bad breath. Be patient with yourself, because oil pulling, which has been around for centuries, takes practice. You likely won’t be able to go the whole 15 - 20 minutes right away, and will need to start slow and low initially.
Natural oral care products are beneficial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By using natural products you avoid all the synthetic ingredients that mainstream products contain. If you haven’t ever used natural dental products before, a great way to start is by replacing each product as you run out. Our natural oral care line has the added benefit of being 100% packaged in sustainable packaging. When it comes to a product that you regularly consume and go through, it’s best to mitigate waste by using reusable bottles/jars/tubes.