Strong dental health doesn’t happen by accident. If you want an enviably white and beautiful smile, you need to commit yourself to a thorough oral care routine every day and night. This is important not just for your teeth, but also for the rest of your body! The condition of your mouth influences your overall wellness and quality of life. By following this four step formula, you will be able to successfully protect and support your teeth, gums, and entire body.
Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat
First and foremost, perfect the art of brushing. Twice a day at a 45-degree angle with a soft-bristle electric brush is best. But once you’re done, don’t just put your toothbrush down and rush out of the bathroom. Floss and use a Waterpik to remove bacteria from between your teeth. Follow up your flossing with a warm water and sea salt rinse. No harsh mouthwashes, just gentle salt water to alkalize your mouth and kill acid-producing bacteria. If you’d like your mouth rinse to also freshen your breath, add a drop of peppermint essential oil.
Scrape and Pull, Too!
Tongue scraping and oil pulling are arguably just as important as brushing, flossing and rinsing! Very few people use both of these methods regularly, but the ones that commit to both enjoy incredible oral health and sparkling teeth.
Tongue scraping removes bacteria from the tongue in order to decrease the chances of decay and disease. It can also reduce bad breath caused by everything lingering on the tongue. Oil pulling is an old Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing 1 tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth for 15 minutes. This pulls all bacteria and toxins from your mouth like a magnet. Just be sure to spit the oil out when you are done! When you commit to both of these practices, you will find your gums are less inflamed and your teeth look white and feel cleaner.
Revamp Your Diet
Your food choices dramatically impact the health of your mouth. You already know to steer clear of colas, sticky sweets, and other foods and beverages laden with added sugar. But did you know that purposefully choosing teeth-friendly foods like eggs, beans, poultry, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains can actually strengthen your teeth? Nourishing your body with the right vitamins and minerals will strengthen tooth enamel, stimulate better saliva production, protect the teeth from acid-producing bacteria, and so much more.
Switch to Natural Oral Health Products
If there is flouride in the toothpaste you currently use, it’s time to make a change. Conventional oral care products are commonly formulated with ingredients that have been proven to cause harm to the human mouth and body. You can actually make your own remineralizing toothpaste or purchase holistic products that do not include toxic chemicals.
Of course, visiting the dentist twice each year should always remain a component of your oral care routine. Choosing a holistic dentist like Natural and Cosmetic Dentistry in Clearwater, Florida will also help you ensure that your dentist takes the health and wellbeing of your entire body into consideration. For more advice on healthy oral habits or to make an appointment, call Natural and Cosmetic Dentistry at 727-888-6523.
