Natural Oral Care for Cosmetic Dentistry
Posted on: 11 November 2016
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Cosmetic dentistry is a popular way to brighten up your smile and improve the aesthetics of your teeth using crowns and veneers. However, despite improving your smile, it's still important to maintain good oral health and protect the gums and enamel, which still have the opportunity to harbour harmful bacteria, which leads to bad odours. Any cosmetic dentist will be able to give you solid advice about protecting your teeth after the surgery, which will help to prolong their life and save you money on replacements.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an old and very effective method of cleaning your teeth, with its roots deep in ancient Indian medicine. It requires you to 'swish' coconut oil around the mouth as a mouthwash, and draw it through the teeth and gums. Coconut oil is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, all of which help to kill off plaque which in turn reduces the chances of tartar build-up, a hard yellow substance made of calcified bacteria that can damage gums and loosen veneer and crown fixtures. Other oils such as sunflower oil and sesame oil can also be used to moisturise the inside of the mouth and minimise inflammation around the gums.
Homemade Toothpaste
Removing stains using natural homemade products makes this daily routine not just enjoyable but tasty too. Coconut oil mixed with mildly abrasive, acid-neutralising baking soda, combines the effectiveness of oil pulling with the stain removing power of shop bought toothpaste, yet without the chemicals. You can even add a couple of drops of essential oil to add a distinct flavour and increase the anti-bacterial properties. Oils such as Eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender make great choices, but be aware of tea tree oil which is great for cuts and external infection, but is poisonous when ingested.
The Natural Tooth Strengthening Agent
Mouthwash is a great supplement for brushing, however using a natural tooth scrub is also effective and also removes harsh chemicals from your oral care routine. Fruits high in vitamin C such as tomatoes and strawberries are great for preventing tartar and gum disease. That's because they help to neutralise toxins that are naturally emitted by bacteria; they're also great at replacing electrons within the body. Without these electrons (which can be lost through an abundance of toxins), cell walls become weakened and frail. Therefore, if you have a diet rich in vitamin C, you'll have less chance of suffering from gum line recession, tartar and gingivitis.