Did you know that our teeth make up only a quarter of our mouths? While brushing, flossing and rinsing regularly are key for keeping your teeth and gums in top shape, there’s more than meets the eye for keeping your whole mouth healthy. Here are several tips for making sure your teeth, gums, tongue and your whole mouth is as healthy as can be – that go beyond the regular ABCs of dental care.
- Turmeric
Turmeric will stunningly amplify the healing and whitening properties of toothpaste. Personally, I see results immediately after using. Simply dab your brush with paste, apply some sprinkles of “the golden spice,” and get brushing. I love using turmeric to brush because of its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. (NOTE: Turmeric has a tendency to stain surfaces, so don’t be alarmed when you see your toothbrush and sink covered in yellow spots. These can be easily wiped away with soap and water.)
- Floss
Flossing twice a day removes the gunk and garbage that your toothbrush can’t reach. However, I personally find flossing (after brushing) a metaphorical pain. To make it easier, I’ve started flossing while I take my shower in the morning. You should also check out this Dentist in Colorado Springs for regular check-ups to keep your teeth healthy.
- Meals
You’ve heard “brush twice a day” ever since you understood what words meant. However, when you’re trying to save your teeth and gums—fast—you need to up your game. Brushing 10 minutes after every meal is more realistic.
- Salt Water
I’ve had gingivitis quite a few times in my life, and the dentist always recommended me to swish saltwater to reduce my bleeding gums. You don’t have to wait until your gums are bleeding to benefit from swirling a tsp. of saltwater in a cup of warm water. Because it promotes healing, it’s a great addition to your brushing routine.
- Oil Pulling
Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. This means it’s great for removing plaque, bacteria and other toxins from your hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. For example, crooked teeth are positioned awkwardly, and brushes have difficulty cleaning around them. Braces would fix the problem resulting in a straighter smile, so if you’re from California you can get braces in San Diego from Acceledontics which will help you get a better smile.
Oil pulling helps because it is a liquid that covers every area of your mouth. Simply melt one tbsp. of coconut oil, let it cool down, and swish it in your mouth for 15 minutes. Spit out and rinse.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera (also called “elephant’s gall”) is known the world over for sunburn pain relief. There’s more to it than that: it can actually help kill bacteria (in most forms). This eliminates bad breath in an instant! Simply rub the pulp of the plant on your teeth and gums and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse.
- Calcium
Calcium, as we know, strengthens bones and teeth. What if you don’t like milk or are lactose-intolerant? Healthier alternatives for getting your daily dose of calcium include:
- Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Fortified orange juice
- Enriched breads and grains
- Diet
It’s no secret that the food we eat plays an instrumental part in our lives. From affecting our moods, our emotions towards ourselves and others—and even our mental strength—there is no part of life that food hinders. Oral health, in particular, takes a beating when we eat unhealthy goods – processed and canned foods especially. One simple way to boost your overall health is to drink more water. Is that too boring? Add a few slices of lemons to the glass.
Conclusion
Last (but not least) is to visit your dentist twice a year for regular check-ups and cleaning. He/she will be able to clean for you if you are physically unable to. These are just a few basic things that are easy for you to do to keep your teeth and gums as healthy, and attractive, as possible.