Few experiences are more painful than toothaches and mouth-related problems, so a healthy, happy mouth is probably high on everyone’s list of best hygiene goals. And why not? Think about it: digestion begins in the mouth, so what better area to focus on to keep illness at bay!
According to the World Health Organization, “60–90% of school children and nearly 100% of adults have dental cavities that often lead to pain and discomfort.” Good oral hygiene helps to prevent the plaque and tartar that cause gum disease and tooth decay, and it can help to ward off bad breath.
Let’s look at some of the tools we can use to ensure a healthy, happy mouth:
Nontoxic toothpaste and dental probiotics
We’ve been told for years that we need to use fluoride toothpaste, but more and more evidence is surfacing that fluoride is a toxin that creates more bad than good in the body. There are several non-fluoride toothpastes, such as Kiss My Face’s fluoride free gel and Dr. Bronner’s All-One, both of which I use. Dental probiotics and periobiotics claim to prevent bacteria-related oral health problems like gingivitis, bad breath, and periodontitis.
Oil of oregano
Oregano oil has antimicrobial properties that destroy the germs that can create periodontal disease. Apply a small amount of the oil to your finger and rub it gently onto the surface of your gums or teeth to kill germs and combat destructive bacteria. Hey, remember to rinse your finger well afterwards!
Non-alcohol mouthwashes
Some researchers are concerned that long-term use of oral hygiene products that contain alcohol may increase the risk of oral cancer. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) claims that it’s okay to use alcohol rinses. Here are several natural choices to replace alcohol rinses.
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses reduce bacteria and plaque, which cause gingivitis and gum disease. Brands like Tom’s of Maine tout natural, alcohol-free mouthwashes.
- Health aficionados create their own herbal mouthwashes from herbs like rosemary and peppermint along with cinnamon and clove essential oils. I can’t speak to the tastiness of such concoctions, however. 🙂
- Colloidal silver is known for its ability to destroy bacteria and fungi. As such, it’s an ideal natural product for a healthy, happy mouth (and teeth and gums!) because it can prevent plaque and reduce cavities and gum disease. You hold the liquid under the tongue for 30 seconds and then swallow it. Caveat: colloidal silver is not for long-term use. At most, it should be used for 14 days at a time, after which you take a break.
- A small amount of hydrogen peroxide (H202) diluted in water has been proven to be an effective mouthwash. The key here is “a small amount” used after brushing and flossing. Expect H202 to foam as it kills germs, bacteria, and viruses in your mouth.
Tongue scraper
In the beginning, I doubted the benefits of tongue scraping, but now I’m a believer! A good tongue scraper removes any coating on the tongue that can cause bad breath, and it can work as efficiently as the best mouthwash. It enhances our taste buds so that we truly savor our food, and it helps to remove undigested food particles from the tongue. You simply position the scraper as far back on your tongue as is comfortable and then gently scrape it forward. Do this 3 or 4 times and then rinse.
Brushing and flossing
I’ve always been curious about different types of toothbrushes, so I tend to have at least two in use: manual and electric. Especially after oil pulling, a manual toothbrush that fits the mouth with ease will clean your teeth efficiently. An electric toothbrush, however, is often more effective in helping to reduce plaque, especially in hard-to-reach back teeth.
Daily flossing is a goal that pays huge dividends in clearing out food from crevices that brushing might miss. A good, waxed floss is an important ally in fighting tooth decay and bad breath.
Tell me about your arsenal of tools to maintain a healthy, happy mouth! What are your top three tools?
Dental probiotics? I have those! And Cassidy uses Oil of Oregano. He smells like a pizza after it! My dentist said a non-alcohol mouthwash is best. I am all about the oral hygiene so I loved this post! It really pays off.
Tamara recently posted…I’m No April Fool!
LOL Re: Cassidy smelling like pizza! Good to know you’ve got oral hygiene high on your list of good health practices, Tamara. It truly does pay off.
I am a faithful flosser because I married one, and his good habit rubbed off on me. I also use an electric toothbrush because I have sensitive teeth and receding gums, so it’s gentler than a manual brush. I’m intrigued about tongue brushing – I’ll have to look into that!
Dana recently posted…The Quote Wall
Tongue brushing is worth a try, Dana. I can’t honestly say I do it daily, but when I do, my mouth truly does feel better, fresher, and healthier. I like that your hubby’s good habit made a difference for you too!
Hi Alison! I always try to remember to brush my tongue and cheeks too. Maybe a scraper would be good too? My dental hygienist told me to stop using mouthwash, it was actually turning the back of my teeth a black/brown color. (I used Crest) I don’t know if that’s a common thing, but I know I had to stop using it.
Good information here!
Ceil
ceil recently posted…When ‘Good Enough’ Becomes Great
I’m liking the idea of including the cheeks, Ceil. Good one! Interesting re: the mouthwash affecting the back of your teeth. I remember the dentist once telling me that some of my teeth had that problem. I wonder if it was mouthwash-related too?
Alison Hector recently posted…Here’s to a healthy, happy mouth!
It took me a while to get on a regular flossing routine. My hygeintist was on for steady for about 2 years before I mentally committed to flossing once daily. Now I keep floss picks in my lunch bag for after lunch as well. I have used a tongue scraper for years now. I must admit, I thought this post was going to be about getting rid of potty mouthes! A hit dog will holla, right. I’ve been working on that flaw of mine but any who, I was still happy to read this 🙂 !
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I’m here cracking up because I was going to give the blog post a different title that would have been more along the lines you’re thinking of. I’m a hit dog too in this regard, but I’m getting better. I’ve toyed with the idea of carrying floss picks but I have a really cool floss that has a mirror attached and is super flat to fit in my mini-cosmetics pouch in my bag. It’s worked well for me so far.
Alison Hector recently posted…Here’s to a healthy, happy mouth!