Alternative Ways To Clean Your Teeth

You’ve been using commercial toothpaste your whole life to clean your teeth. It’s hard to imagine that there’s anything wrong with them. But, the truth is they contain certain chemicals that are meant for good but also has its own dark side.

• Fluoride prevents cavities. However, intake of fluoride can damage to the teeth – a condition called fluorosis. Source
• Titanium dioxide gives toothpaste its white color. It maybe dangerous as there is the possibility for it to penetrate the gums and cause cancer. Source
• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate makes toothpaste foam as you brush it. But, they are highly polluting and helps other chemicals to get into your body. It also releases toxic fumes when heated. Source

In this list, we will be mentioning a few alternatives to commercial toothpaste. They are made of natural ingredients and are totally safe.

1. Baking Soda

You can mix a little water into the baking soda to make a paste. Dab your toothbrush on it and brush as normal. Oh, a few drops of peppermint essential oil helps give you the natural minty taste too! This works as the baking soda has mild abrasion properties. It also lowers acidity in the mouth, reduce bad bugs in the mouth and remove teeth stains.

2. Coconut Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is like using mouthwash but with coconut oil. It is a well-known way to detox the mouth. Coconut oil removes plaque, promotes whiter teeth and maintain healthy pink gums.You will only need one teaspoon of oil and swish in your mouth slowly for 20 minutes. Be sure not to swallow it. After 20 minutes, spit it out and brush your teeth with any of the methods listed here.

3. Plain Brush with Water

This is the super low cost way to clean your teeth. The whole objective of brushing is to remove the plaque. You can tell it is plaque as it is white and sticks to the hard-to-reach places of the teeth. The additional minty feel is just a bonus. Together with proper mouth hygiene practice, this method may not be as ineffective as you think. Here’s some tip:

• Swish your mouth with water after a meal to remove the food pieces in your mouth.
• Avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes after eating. The acids in the mouth will weaken the gums. Brushing the teeth during that time will damage your gums.
• Rinse mouth with water regularly to reduce acidity in the mouth.

4. Sea Salt

Sea salt has minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium. These minerals prevent bad breath and strengthens the gums. Iodine content in the salt also helps kill bacteria. All in all, this makes sea salt a good choice for brushing the teeth. It may not be pleasant because it doesn’t have minty smell but it is healthy. Just dab your toothbrush on sea salt that has been mixed with little water and brush as usual.

5. DIY Toothpaste

This DIY toothpaste is formulated by Nadia. Yes, it is brown! It uses all natural ingredients that will whiten and remineralize the teeth. Be sure to check here for the detailed description to make it yourself.

6. Cinnamon Mouthwash

Cinnamon has strong antimicrobial activity on bacteria, thus making it one of the good option for as mouth wash. It can destroy bacteria and prevents cavities. Dilute a drop of essential oil with  ¾ cup  cup of water. Rinse it with your mouth after brushing your teeth.

7. Homemade Clay Toothpaste

The clay used here is the bentonite clay. It can remove toxin and prevent gum disease. It is also rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium for healthy gums. This remedy includes the use of xylitol. It makes the paste taste sweet without the harms of tooth decay. Click here for the full details to make this one for your family.

8. Turmeric and Coconut Oil Toothpaste

Turmeric isn’t just good in curry. It is also has antimicrobial properties that makes it good in preventing plaque build up. What about the coconut oil? Well, coconut oil has lauric acid. This acid too has microbial properties. The viscosity of these ingredients, mixed with baking soda creates the perfect texture for a toothpaste. Checkout here for the detailed steps to formulate this naturally safe toothpaste.

9. Egg Shell Toothpaste

This maybe weird but it’s a pleasant surprise. Egg shells are rich in calcium and other minerals that will proof helpful for your dental health. A study has been done showing that teeth cleaned with eggshell toothpaste has stronger enamels and less plaque build up. Here’s the remedy:

1. Boil and rinse egg shells to kill pathogens.
2. Grind the shells until they turn into fine powder.
3. Mix with two teaspoon of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
4. Brush with the mixture.

Be sure to check this out for other additional ingredients that you can add into the mixture for a more exciting brushing routine.

10. Licorice Roots

Licorice roots can kill bacteria. Their active ingredient licoricidin and licorisoflavan can breakdown the protective layers of the bacteria. Simply chewing one end till the root end becomes loose. The loose root fibers will act as brush. Then, rub it along the teeth and gums gently.

Source

Hope the list here can help you get a healthier life. If you found out more effective remedies to brush your teeth, do kindly share with us in the comments!

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