Most everyone wants sparkling white teeth – it looks and feels good. As impressive as a set of gleaming chicklets is, proper oral health is important for other reasons.
Taking proper care of your mouth, including the teeth and gums, should be considered a health priority, as good oral hygiene can help prevent bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay. Good oral hygiene also helps to protect your teeth in your later years.
Research studies have linked poor oral health to some serious diseases. Here are three noteworthy discoveries:
– In 2010, researchers from New York University discovered a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease.
– A research team at Harvard University found strong evidence for a link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer.
– A well-established correlation exists between dental hygiene and heart disease.
How plaque forms
Plaque is a combination of bacteria and food byproducts and proteins, coating the teeth and sticking to fillings and similar dental work. When hardened, it turns into tartar and leads to problems like inflammation and gum disease. Gum inflammation is medically referred to as gingivitis, and it can be treated when detected on time.
What To Do About It
– Brush your teeth at least twice a day
– Use proper
equipment: This means using high-quality toothpaste and a soft-bristled
toothbrush. Battery-operated and electric toothbrushes are more
effective at reducing plaque.
– Use proper technique: Brush the chewing surfaces, both inside and outside the teeth, as well as the tongue.
–
Take care of your equipment: Rinse and store the toothbrush in an
upright position. Don’t cover the brush with anything in order to
prevent growth of bacteria.
– Replacing the brush: It is recommended to replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
Natural Solutions
Here are 4 all-natural mixtures that remove plaque from your teeth!
Recipe #1
Ingredients:
- Anise
- Mint oil
- Lemon
- Water
Preparation:
You have to take anise, lemon, and water and mint oil. Take all the ingredients and mix them with each other very well. Once you have made this mixture, use a few drops of it regularly to rinse your mouth with. It will help you keep a better hygiene of your lips.
Recipe #2
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rosemary
- 1 cup of fresh mint
- 2 cups of water
Preparation:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, adding the mint and rosemary at the boiling point. Allow the mix to simmer for approximately 15 minutes and then drain the solution, keeping only the liquid. Allow the solution to cool, then use it in place of your regular mouthwash daily.
Recipe #3
Ingredients:
- 7 tbsp of coconut oil
- 7 tbsp. baking soda
- Essential oil (tea tree oil or clove essential oil)
- 1 ½ tbsp. of Stevia
Preparation:
(A 2014 study discovered the following about essential oils: they efficiently inhibit plaque, can be used with dental implants, and also inhibit certain problematic bacteria strains. Unrelatedly (but to our benefit!), the scent of lavender oil reduces anxiety and stress!)
Mix all ingredients until the paste has a consistent texture. Use this natural mixture every day instead of regular toothpaste, if desired.
Recipe #4
Ingredient
- Coconut oil
Preparation:
(Dentists and other oral health practitioners have lauded coconut oil for its numerous benefits – fighting bacteria, cleaning the mouth’s orifices, preventing cavities, and whitening teeth.)
Swish around a couple of tbsp. of coconut oil and allow the substance to melt for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with coconut oil daily to improve and maintain oral health!