Curious about the best natural remedies for optimal oral health? Join me in cherishing a chemical-free approach to a radiant smile. As I’ve researched the negative effects of harmful chemicals on our environment and bodies, it has become easy to move towards being as natural as possible.
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I no longer use commercial toothpaste and mouthwash. It’s been a learning process and will be continuous to accomplish the balance of daily life and the ultimate dream of a chemical-free, and zero-waste lifestyle.
Here’s a disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your oral health routine.
So, what are the best natural remedies for oral health?
My current daily routine involves coconut oil and brushing with a daily rotation of the trio: turmeric, active charcoal, and calcium powder. Every day is a conscious choice for a naturally radiant smile.
Coconut Oil Pull – A Morning Ritual:
My morning ritual transcends the mundane with the ancient Indian practice of coconut oil pulling. Coconut oil is anti-microbial and can reduce the amount of bacteria that causes plaque. Too much plaque, in turn, can cause gingivitis, bad breath, cavities, and other gum infections.
Swishing coconut oil in your mouth, like a mouthwash, swipes away bacteria, lowering the risk of cavities and bad breath. I am eager to try most natural remedies, but the result is what fuels my commitment to coconut oil pull. My mouth feels cleaner, my teeth feel smoother, and any irritation and sensitivity slowly disappear.
I highly recommend it each morning for 15 minutes before drinking or brushing to set the stage for a cleaner mouth. After two weeks straight, you might just feel the benefits, just as I have.
Turmeric – Nature’s Remedy:
Turmeric, a rich orange-yellow root, has also been used as a remedy in India and Asia for thousands of years, addressing various diseases. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties, contributing to improved digestion, brain health, and skin health.
Its remarkable medicinal power lies in its active component, curcumin. Building on the anti-microbial foundation of coconut oil, curcumin amplifies the benefits. It not only removes plaque and bacteria but also reduces inflammation, preventing gingivitis and the risk of cavities.
These are great reasons for turmeric to be in my oral health rotations. Bonus: Some enthusiasts even claim turmeric can work wonders for teeth whitening!
For a simple application, I grab the kitchen spice jar, sprinkle turmeric into my mouth, and gently brush with a wetted soft toothbrush. A quick rinse, and voila! While the toothbrush may be stained yellow, rest assured, your teeth remain unstained.
Active Charcoal – Absorbing Stains:
Active charcoal is a potent element known for its strong absorbent nature. Beyond the foundational steps of coconut oil and the added benefits of turmeric, active charcoal goes further by absorbing surface stains on teeth. It contributes to my brighter smile and also takes the overall effectiveness of the natural remedies in my oral health routine to the next level.
Keeping it effortlessly simple, I dip my wetted soft bristle brush directly into the wide-mouth jar that houses the active charcoal. Carefully maneuvering to prevent any charcoal from cascading onto any fabric (it stains easily), I proceed to brush. A swift rinse follows. While the toothbrush may adopt a black stain, fear not – it won’t transfer to your teeth.
Calcium – Fundamental Contributor:
Calcium is a fundamental contributor to our oral health. This builds upon the cumulative benefits of coconut oil, turmeric, and active charcoal. Calcium carbonate is a mild abrasive nature; it joins in to remove plaque and gently polishes away surface stains. Since calcium is a nutrient that benefits teeth and bones, brushing with it becomes more than routine; it’s a conscious effort towards stronger, healthier teeth!
Simplifying the process, I dip my wetted brush into the calcium jar and proceed to brush. A rinse follows, and the beauty of this step is that there’s no need to worry about staining anything.
Tools to Optimize Oral Health
Tools hold a crucial role in maintaining optimal oral health. Here are the two essential components I’ve incorporated into my routine:
Extra Soft Micro Bristle Toothbrush – A Gental Touch:
To have a naturally radiant smile, I’ve found that the tool matters just as much as the remedy. The extra-soft micro-bristle toothbrush is my gentle companion in this oral health journey.
Its finely crafted bristles provide a soft touch, ensuring a thorough cleaning without being harsh on your enamel and gum.
This extra soft toothbrush leaves my mouth feeling refreshed and my teeth well cared for.
As a caution, it may feel different at the beginning if you’ve not been using a soft bristle toothbrush before, but I promise that you’ll get used to it in a few days, and your gums and teeth will thank you in the long run.
Waterpik Cordless – Precision in Every Spray
To complement the daily trio of coconut oil, turmeric, and active charcoal, I’ve incorporated the Waterpik into my routine. This device adds a precision element to my oral care regimen, reaching areas that traditional brushing might miss.
The powerful and effective stream of water ensures a thorough clean, flushing away any lingering particles and contributing to the overall health of my gums.
It aligns with my commitment to simplicity and effectiveness.
Space is precious when living in a van. The cordless version takes up a smaller space and holds the water in the same handheld piece. Without losing it’s effectiveness, this cordless style makes it a perfect addition to oral health as a van lifer.
Here’s a brief summary of each of the natural ingredients:
1. Coconut Oil:
- Benefit: antimicrobial properties.
- Advantage: Reduces bacteria causing plaque, lowering the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.
- Usage: Swish coconut oil in your mouth, like a mouthwash, for 15 minutes each morning before drinking or brushing.
2. Turmeric:
- Benefit: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
- Advantage: It removes
- plaque, bacteria, and inflammation, preventing gingivitis and reducing the risk of cavities.
- Advantage: It removes
- Extra: Some claim turmeric can also whiten teeth.
3. Active Charcoal:
- Benefit: Strong absorbent nature.
- Advantage: It absorbs surface stains on teeth, contributing to a brighter smile.
4. Calcium:
- Benefit: A fundamental contributor to oral health.
- Advantage: Calcium carbonate, a mild abrasive, helps remove plaque and gently polishes away surface stains.
Essentail Tools:
- Extra Soft Micro Bristle Toothbrush: A gentle touch ensures a thorough clean without compromising enamel integrity.
- Waterpik Cordless: Adding precision to reach areas traditional brushing might miss.
In summary, the best natural remedies for optimal oral health are woven into the simplicity of these ingredients. My pursuit of a radiant smile becomes a mindful journey that embraces coconut oil, turmeric, active charcoal, and calcium powder. When choosing the simplest and most effective natural remedy for oral health, I do not follow any recipes to create a toothpaste. Instead, I choose to brush with a different ingredient each day, rotating between the trio. Beyond the routine lies the beauty in connecting with nature—the art of simplicity reminiscent of ‘dolce far niente.’ So, here’s to the art of simplicity, to the joy of doing nothing, and to a beautiful, and naturally cared-for smile.
Ready to embrace the simplicity of a naturally radiant smile? I am excited for you to start your journey towards chemical-free oral health. I would love to hear about your experience.
Share Your Experience: I invite you to share your personal experiences or tips regarding natural oral care in the comments section below. Whether you have additional remedies, questions, or success stories, your insights contribute to the community’s knowledge.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why did you transition away from commercial toothpaste and mouthwash?
A: My decision to embrace a chemical-free approach stems from a deep understanding of the negative effects these products can have on both our environment and our bodies. I wanted to explore a more natural, sustainable, and holistic approach to oral care for myself and for the environment.
Q: How long does the coconut oil pulling routine take each morning?
A: I recommend swishing coconut oil in your mouth, like a mouthwash, for about 15 minutes each morning before drinking or brushing. This duration allows the oil to effectively reduce bacteria causing plaque, promoting optimal oral health.
Q: Does turmeric really whiten teeth?
A: Some enthusiasts claim that turmeric can work wonders for teeth whitening. While the primary focus is on its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, the potential for teeth whitening is an additional perk reported by some users.
Q: Won’t the active charcoal stain my teeth or toothbrush?
A: Rest assured, the active charcoal is potent at absorbing surface stains on teeth, contributing to a brighter smile, but it won’t stain your teeth. However, the toothbrush may adopt a black stain during use, which is harmless and won’t transfer to your teeth.
Q: How do the extra-soft micro-bristle toothbrush and Waterpik cordless enhance the oral care routine?
A: The extra-soft micro-bristle toothbrush provides a gentle touch, ensuring a thorough clean without compromising enamel integrity. The Waterpik cordless adds precision, reaching areas traditional brushing might miss, contributing to a more comprehensive oral care approach.
Q: Can I follow this routine if I have existing dental issues?
A: It’s always advisable to consult with your dentist, especially if you have existing dental issues. While these natural remedies contribute to optimal oral health, individual situations may vary, and professional guidance ensures a tailored approach to your specific needs.
Pin and share with friends, family, or anyone else who might benefit. Let’s amplify the reach of health knowledge and empower more individuals to take control of their well-being.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is based on personal experiences and research. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The author is not a healthcare professional, and individual results may vary. Any reliance on the information in this blog is at your own risk.
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