Just to clarify, I’m a nutritionist, not a dentist. The advice I’m sharing today isn’t meant to replace your dentist’s advice. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting a new routine.
Today, I’m discussing some natural ways to care for your mouth, more specifically, your oral microbiome. These tiny microbes can greatly influence your overall health. Your mouth offers valuable insights into your general health, though it often goes unnoticed.
Let me explain – your mouth is buzzing with billions of bacteria, with 400 to 700 different species, plus viruses and fungi. These are primarily found on your tongue, packing about 100 billion bacteria per gram of plaque! They also settle on the insides of your cheeks and in every corner of your mouth.
The state of your mouth has links to various health conditions, from heart disease to premature births, low birth weight, pneumonia, and endocarditis. Conversely, certain health issues also affect your mouth’s health, such as diabetes and immune deficiency diseases like HIV/AIDS. Even pregnancy can influence your oral health.
I recall developing periodontal pockets in my gums when I was pregnant with Vienna – not pleasant! Pregnancy can lower immunity, causing inflammation due to increased opportunistic bacteria. I tackled this by oil pulling daily, and the pockets vanished within weeks. Natural remedies for the win!
Since adopting a natural approach to health, I’ve switched to natural toothpaste, ditched strong mouthwashes, opted for plastic-free floss, occasionally scrape my tongue, and use essential oils in my mouth. I’ve been using natural oral products for over a decade and still visit the dentist every six months. This approach works for me as I haven’t had teeth or gum issues since switching to natural products.
Why go natural for oral care? To steer clear of harmful chemicals! Here are my favorite natural oral care products.
First, let’s talk toothbrushes. You’re likely aware of the excessive plastic waste in oceans contributing to harmful microplastics. These tiny particles have been found everywhere—sea floors, polar ice in aquatic life, food, drinking water, and even the air we breathe. They endanger the environment and humans, as they persist and don’t easily degrade.
That’s why I recommend avoiding plastic toothbrushes. Instead, opt for sustainable bamboo toothbrushes, like the lovely ones from Oth for both adults and kids. Plus, they have charcoal-infused bristles that help whiten teeth. Alternatively, consider an electric toothbrush, which lasts for years. Although there’s some plastic waste from the brush head, it’s much less than a full toothbrush, and every bit counts!
Here are some clean toothpaste options from brands I love—and I’ve tried them all! Living Libations offers Tooth Truth Powder + Polish and Frankincense Paste for sensitive teeth. Both are wonderful products packed with ingredients that promote oral health. If you’re new to natural products, starting with the toothpaste is easier than the powder, which takes some getting used to. The frankincense paste offers a unique, pleasant taste and features a great blend of biome-friendly essential oils. It leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean. You can use this link for a 15% discount on Living Libations products.
Green Beaver is a good starting point if you’re currently using Crest or Colgate. It feels and tastes like toothpaste without fluoride or harmful chemicals. Green Beaver is a Canadian company, and founder Alain has been on the Joyous Health Podcast discussing beauty industry secrets. You’ll find Green Beaver toothpaste at health food stores or large grocery stores.
You can also make your own with this DIY toothpaste recipe.
Let’s talk dental floss. We’ve all seen pictures of marine life affected by dental floss—it’s either in landfills or oceans, contributing to the microplastic problem. Please stop using plastic dental floss! It’s linked to PFAs, which can damage the liver, harm the immune system, and even lead to cancer. These chemicals persist in the environment for ages, just like those in non-stick cookware from past decades.
The floss shown in the above photo is unavailable now. I’ve switched to this plastic-free floss.
Living Libations’ Happy Gum Drops and Wild Child Gum Drops for kids are great alternatives to mouthwash for instant fresh breath! I rub a drop on my gums—same for Vienna! On rare occasions when I’m too tired to brush (it doesn’t happen often), I use this on my teeth and gums. The essential oils are naturally antibacterial and support the oral biome. Use this link for a 15% discount.
I also recommend a DIY mouthwash—using two of my favorite essential oils, cinnamon, and cloves! Clove oil is a staple in my medicine cabinet due to its many uses, like easing toothaches and supporting a healthy oral microbiome.
That’s a wrap! These are my favorite natural oral care products from amazing local Canadian companies. I hope you enjoy them and get inspired to try something new!
I also suggest tongue scraping. I didn’t include a photo because I’m not using mine currently, but I used to do it regularly when I’d find residue on my tongue in the mornings.
Wishing you a healthy, bright smile!
As for fluoride treatments at the dentist for Vienna and me, I always decline them. Vienna has never had fluoride, and she never will. I’m okay with the slight exposure from polishing paste, as we avoid it otherwise.
You’re welcome!
Thank you so much for this helpful information! I’m definitely going to try some of these products. Which toothpaste is best for kids? Are the “Wild Child” drops enough for a child’s toothpaste, or should I add something else?
My daughter uses Green Beaver. Sorry, I should have mentioned that in my post. I will update it. She uses the adult version because she likes the mint, not the “kids” version. Plus, she loves the drops!
Thanks, Joy! I’ve been searching for a good sustainable dental floss. Your post is much appreciated!
That’s great to hear! You’ll love Oth!
This is super helpful, thank you! Do you have a favorite biomedical dentist in Toronto or do you go to a regular dentist?
I go to a regular dentist who skips the fluoride rinse for me. I’ve been looking for a holistic dentist and found one in the Junction but haven’t yet gone there, and I’m overdue for a cleaning—it’s been over a year.
The mouth care products from the Thieves line are fantastic—they incorporate several essential oils vital for health. The Thieves Whitening toothpaste is my favorite. There are different options, including kids’ toothpaste. Although the mouthwash is effective, you only need a tiny amount. I use regular dental floss—yikes—but it works best for me. However, friends love the Thieves floss, which is infused with essential oils. I absolutely believe in natural products. While I still use some plastic floss due to its efficiency in my dental routine, I’ve seen a significant improvement in the color of my teeth. They were a light yellow before using it. It boosts my confidence and comfort immensely.
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