The natural revolution is a boon for people beginning to become skeptical of conventional health solutions, or just those looking to add something else to their normal routines. One area that doesn’t get talked about nearly as much as it should is oral health. While some of these natural items aren’t a proper substitute for a dentist, they are proven to have a beneficial effect on teeth.
Oral Health: A Natural Approach
Looking for a natural oral health solution? One of your first options is using natural substances that can clean teeth. These include:
- Baking soda
- Peroxide (must be carefully diluted)
- Green tea
- Eucalyptol, menthol, and tea tree oil
- Xylitol gum or lozenges
- Vitamin D
How do some of these work? Green tea extract helps keep your teeth from eroding. Some studies suggest that it may stop starchy foods from contributing to decay as well. Oils have natural properties that kill bacteria, and have been used as anti-infection options for a while. Consider using these for oral care to keep your teeth from getting inflamed.
Another thing to note is that addition by subtraction means a lot when it comes to oral health. This means things would get better for your teeth if you cut down on foods that aren’t great for them. This means not eating lots of sugars (especially refined sugars) as well as eating lots of healthy fats. Make sure that you are getting your recommended amount of calcium as well. Dairy products are the way to go, here, but if you need more help, consider eating leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale.
With this said, the natural products industry is beginning to take note of the interest in oral health. There are now toothpaste and mouthwashes that incorporates some of these ingredients. As a note, though, these do tend to come at a premium price. The best thing that you can do as a consumer is research and decide if the results people are worth the price tag for you.
Probiotics vs. Cavities
This may be a bit of a shocker, but yes, probiotics are being hailed as a potential way to improve your oral health. Probiotics are a type of bacteria that exist within the body. These include many areas like the mouth, stomach, and colon. Outside influences can throw these out of balance. This is where probiotic supplements come in. This is the role of probiotic supplements. They bring back balance to the body’s ecosystem by reintroducing good bacteria.
What does this have to do with teeth? Mouth bacteria can play many different roles, including accidentally dissolving the teeth if there is too much acid in the mouth. This is where probiotics may be able to help. Peridontal disease is caused when plaque is on the teeth and gums for a long period of time. This includes the hardened version of plaque called tartar.
Periodontal disease can take many forms. These range from simple gum inflammation to more extreme cases that may end up costing you teeth. For a long time it was believed that any form of bacteria in the mouth led to these biofilms developing, which in turn led to periodontal disease. What we are learning now is that it may be more of a question of the wrong bacteria versus any bacteria. As a result, probiotics can contribute to the overall bacterial balance of your mouth, keeping your teeth healthy.
A Cosmetic Alternative
It’s important to note that while the natural world has a lot to offer when it comes to your health, but in general, its best used when you are already healthy in a preventative or complementary capacity. If you are already dealing with serious issues, you may want to look for something else. It could be something as simple as clear aligners, or more permanent like dental implants. One example is cosmetic dentistry. According to Dr. Lee Weisbard, D.D.S., a dentist serving the Denver area, the field known as cosmetic dentistry “has been shown to improve a person’s overall health and emotional well being. An improved smile can boost a person’s self-image, making them more confident in their daily lives.”
If your natural means fall short, cosmetic dentistry can be a great way to set up your smile. With a headstart, so to speak, you’ll be able to get that much more of the techniques mentioned here.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
