The Natural Approach: Making Your Own Oral Hygiene Products
Posted on: 1 June 2015
There a wide selection of oral hygiene products on the market, and these have all been exhaustively tested and are safe for regular usage. Having said that, you might be seeking a more natural alternative when it comes to keeping your family's teeth nice and healthy. While commercial products are not harmful, there's a feeling of surety that comes from knowing exactly what goes into the products that go into your mouth. The only way to do that is to make these oral hygiene products yourself, and fortunately, it's really not difficult.
Mouthwash
The key benefit of mouthwash is to introduce an antibacterial agent into your mouth, killing bad bacteria before it has a chance to damage your teeth. It also dislodges debris that might have been loosened, although not removed, by brushing and flossing. You can easily achieve a similar antibacterial effect by using salt and water. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, and rinse as you would with mouthwash. The salty aftertaste is not pleasant, but do not rinse your mouth with water afterwards, as this reduces the antibacterial properties of the solution. The aftertaste will soon fade. This salt solution will not give you the minty fresh breath that mouthwash does, so you might want to take a peppermint oil capsule after rinsing.
Floss
Do you floss enough? It's perhaps an aspect of oral hygiene that many people overlook, as a thorough job can be rather time consuming. A thorough job is necessary to remove debris that your toothbrush is not able to take care of, but floss is not the only option. It represents a small investment, but an oral irrigator can do a better job than floss, and it only uses water. The oral irrigator shoots a small jet of water between your teeth, removing debris without irritation. They're also a better option for those who suffer from sensitive gums and who might avoid flossing due to the fact that it can make their gums bleed.
Tooth Whitener
You might have used a home tooth whitening kit in the past, and while effective, these kits can be rather harsh. Excessive use can in fact strip the protective enamel from your teeth. You can find a natural way to whiten your teeth amongst your kitchen supplies. Mix one part baking soda with one part water (you won't need more than a teaspoon) to make a paste, and then apply it to your teeth using your toothbrush, using a gentle brushing motion. Two minutes will be sufficient. The whitening effect will take longer than chemical solutions and will be far more gentle to your teeth.
It's remarkable to think that your home might already contain the necessary ingredients to make effective alternatives to shop-bought oral hygiene products. It's even better to think that these products are natural and can do the same job without sacrificing quality. For more information, contact a professional, such as those found at Wanniassa Dental Surgery.
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