If you pay attention to the way your body works and educate yourself on wellness, you know that our body’s systems are linked. Our oral health is a key component to overall health that people sometimes neglect. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is important to keep away disease not only from our mouths but also from other organs.
Caring for your teeth and gums is a preventative measure for your overall health. When you neglect your oral health you are open to gum disease, infections, tooth decay and other more serious issues which have been linked to poor oral health. They include heart disease, dementia, diabetes, cancer and stroke. Despite these facts, over sixty percent of Americans skipped their last scheduled dental appointment, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).
If you prefer natural treatments and methods to care for yourself, your teeth and gums are a great place to practice those as well. However it is important to keep your dental check-ups every six months. This is where your teeth get a proper cleaning and your dentist makes sure to catch any possible issues early.
Brush Your Teeth
Brushing is very important for the health of your mouth. You should brush twice a day about two minutes each time. There are choices for natural brushes especially online. The method of brushing is important. Start brushing in the back moving the brush in a circular motion. Be sure to brush the back of your teeth which is just as important as the front. Food and debris build up everywhere. Brush your tongue and cheeks to ensure fresh breath and to lessen bacteria.
Make Your own Toothpaste
If you are concerned about the ingredients in store bought toothpaste, making your own is easy to do. Homemade toothpastes and powders cost much less than store brands. Find a recipe that suits your taste. Most include coconut oil, baking soda and essential oils. They are all natural, safe for children and taste great. You should consult with your
Floss Daily
There has been some controversy surrounding the practice of flossing daily. Some studies show that it does not protect you from gum disease. However, there are no downsides to flossing. It is a great way to get between your teeth to remove plaque, food debris and bacteria. Use a natural, unwaxed floss working it between each tooth and getting below the gum line where things tend to hide out.
Drink Water
As most adults know, drinking eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day is a good goal for hydration. Even though this is fairly common knowledge, most don’t do it. When your body signals you with thirst, you are typically already dehydrated. For tooth and gum health, water is important because it washes away bacteria and food left in your mouth from meals. Also your body uses water to make saliva which has an important function of taking care of the acidity in your mouth and protecting your tooth enamel. A great tip is making sure to rinse your mouth with water after each meal. This one habit will take care of leftover debris and keep your gums and teeth cleaner and healthier.
Use a Tongue Scraper
A tongue scraper decreases bacterial growth in your mouth. This is important because it lessens bad breath and reduces the possibilities of tooth loss, gum disease and tooth decay.
Purchase a copper or stainless steel tongue scraper for easy cleaning and maintenance. Scrape your tongue each morning starting at the back and scraping to the front. Get rid of the buildup and scrape once more.
Make Your own Mouthwash
When you make your own mouthwash, you control the ingredients making sure that it is natural and safe. One recipe to try is mixing 1/2 cup of filtered water, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 drops of tea tree oil, and 3 drops of peppermint essential oil in a glass jar. Shake the mixture, then swish three teaspoons in your mouth each day without swallowing it. The baking soda, tea tree oil and peppermint oil fight bacteria. Plus the peppermint oil gives a fresh taste to the homemade mouthwash.
Using these natural ways to care for your teeth and gums is a great way to boost your overall health in addition to your oral health. Be sure to keep your regular check ups with your local dentist to stay ahead of any possible issues. These habits should begin in childhood and last throughout your lifetime giving you a healthy, bright smile.
Also Read: Teeth Brushing Mistakes You Make Every Day