3 Natural Toothpastes
Posted on: 10 March 2016
If you are trying to embrace a more natural lifestyle, you may be considering making your own toothpaste. Here are a few natural products that you can use as tooth cleaning agents:
Baking Soda
Baking soda makes a great toothpaste for a number of reasons. The white powder is alkaline, so it helps combat the demineralizing acid that is in your mouth. As the bacteria in your mouth feed, they release acid as a byproduct of glycolysis. The acid erodes the tooth enamel, dissolving important minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. Thus, the neutralization of the acid is important.
In addition, baking soda has a slightly abrasive texture. This helps scrub plaque and food particles from the teeth as it polishes the enamel to help whiten it.
To use baking soda as a toothpaste, simply mix it with a bit of water and then apply the paste directly to your toothbrush. You can brush in your normal manner. However, be sure not to apply excessive pressure as you brush. The abrasive texture of the powder can wear away your tooth enamel if you are too aggressive with your brushing technique. In addition, ensure that the paste made from the water and the baking soda remains a bit loose, instead of stiff.
Coconut Oil
Oil may seem like an unusual substance to use as toothpaste. However, the healing properties of coconut oil can be helpful to your oral health.
Coconut oil is antimicrobial. Thus it helps kill bacteria and viruses that may be in the mouth. In addition, the oil is anti-inflammatory. This is important to the health of your gums, since gum disease often begins as inflammation.
To use coconut oil as a toothpaste, simply apply the oil to the bristles of your brush and brush as usual. Be sure not to spit the used oil into your sink or toilet. Since coconut oil is a solid at room temperature, it may harden in your pipes and clog your plumbing.
Turmeric Powder
Turmeric powder is a bright yellow spice that is often used in Indian cuisine. The powder, which is quite staining to clothing and skin, can help brighten tooth enamel. In addition turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Thus, using turmeric as a toothpaste can help kill the germs in your mouth and soothe sensitive tissues.
To use turmeric, wet the bristles of your toothbrush and dip them directly into the powder. Brush as you normally would, but be careful to avoid allowing the turmeric to come in contact with your counter tops or clothing.
To learn more ways to care for your teeth in a natural manner, contact a dentist in your area for a consultation or check out websites like http://greeleydentalhealth.com.
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