Why is it we never really talk about natural solutions and alternatives for oral health?

We talk about the fluoride in our water and the poisons in our food, but what about our pearly whites?

Oral health is really important. It’s not just about having a beautiful movie-star smile (no one’s teeth are really that white anyway!). The health of our mouth can affect our overall well being. In fact, it’s thought that our dental health is related to our heart health! But then again, what part of our body isn’t connected to all the other parts?

I’m not the perfect picture of oral health — I have a few fillings. But I’m working on overhauling my dental routine to keep my pearly whites healthy and happy.

Thankfully there are many different ways to care for our mouths naturally and organically. Here are a few of my favorites:

Herbs 

That’s right, there are herbs perfect for promoting a healthy smile!

According to my favorite herbal book, sage is helpful in cleansing and strengthening the gums and fighting bad breath. Peppermint is also known for freshening breath and, along with clove, soothing tooth aches.

Speaking of clove, this herb kills bacteria and leaves mouths feeling clean and refreshed. Similarly, cinnamon is also a powerful herb that battles bacteria (and tastes good, too!).

I buy almost all of my herbs from Bulk Herb Store. They’re a family run business and located here in my home state of Tennessee! I’ve been purchasing from them for years — everything from books, dvds, and tools to herbal tea mixes, bulk herbs and herbal mixes, and heirloom seeds.

Natural Toothpaste 

I stopped using fluoridated toothpaste a long time ago. If I can’t swallow more than a pea-size amount of something without calling poison control, I am not at all comfortable with putting it in my mouth.

Instead, I prefer natural, fluoride free options. When I first made the switch I started using Tom’s of Maine, a very popular and well known brand which can be picked up on store shelves in many places. Not a bad choice by any means, but I then switched to making my own following a recipe from Bulk Herb Store. Their recipe uses bentonite clay, cinnamon, clove, celtic sea salt, stevia, water, and baking soda. Nothing funky in that mix, and it tastes great!

Lately, due in part to a busy schedule, I’ve been using an essential oil toothpaste from my favorite essential oil company. It contains a blend of cinnamon, clove, peppermint, myrrh, wild orange, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils and is fluoride-free. It also contains calcium to promote re-mineralization of teeth.

Essential Oils

Essential oils, like the ones in the toothpaste I’m currently using, harness the power of herbs and concentrate them so that a drop or two can go a long way. These are the quickest and easiest way to access the benefit of plants.

These oils can be used in making homemade toothpaste and mouthwash (in place of herbal infusions) to promote healthy teeth and gums. Clove oil is also a popular home remedy to sooth an aching tooth. It’s naturally antioxidant rich and promotes healthy circulation, cardiovascular health, and a healthy immune system.

Knowledge

Knowledge is the best thing you can equip yourself with to empower you to take your oral health into your own hands. The tips I’ve listed here just brush the surface!

I’m no expert, but the really great news is this: There is a free Holistic Oral Health Summit taking place September 28th to October 5th!

This summit will feature several experts discussing topics such as oil pulling, the link between oral health and diseases like cancer, autoimmunity, and heart disease — plus a ton more. This is such an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge on natural, holistic oral health to keep your mouth — and your body — healthy.

Click the image below to register for free.

I’m always stoked to see opportunities like this for learning and taking our health into our own hands. Because no one else knows our bodies like we do.

And did I mention it’s free?

Cheers