Checking in with the dentist can always feel a little daunting, and you might find yourself sighing with relief when you get the green light that your teeth are looking great. The truth is, how you look after them between these dental visits matters. While professional cleanings and check-ups are important for addressing any potential issues, there are natural ways to support your oral health, such as herbal mouthwashes and proper brushing techniques. These can complement your regular dental care by helping to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and promote overall gum health. Here’s some natural ways to support your teeth and keep those pearly whites shining.
Proper Brushing Techniques
We all know how important it is to brush your teeth each and every day, twice a day. It’s a habit that is drilled into us from a young age. But it’s not just about brushing regularly, it’s just as important to make sure you’re doing it the right way. Proper brushing techniques help you effectively remove plaque and food particles while preserving your tooth enamel and gum health. Here are some key tips for brushing your teeth properly:
- Use the right toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is a great option as it cleans well without irritating the gums. Hard bristles can cause gum recession or cause the enamel to wear down. The ever-popular electric toothbrushes also work and can give an extra thorough clean, as long as you use a proper technique still.
- Right amount of toothpaste: All you need is a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your enamel and prevent decay.
- Focus on whole mouth: To make sure you’re cleaning effectively, it helps to divide your mouth into section. Spend at least 30 seconds on each one (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) and aim to brush the whole tooth. And don’t forget your tongue, which also holds onto bacteria.
- Don’t forget to floss: While brushing is essential, it’s not enough on its own. Flossing daily helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Make sure to gently slide the floss between your teeth and curve it around each tooth to clean effectively.
Herbal Mouthwashes
The next step: mouthwashes. Forget the harsh, flavour explosions that come with many over-the-counter options. Instead, herbal mouthwashes are a natural, gentle way to support oral health. These mouthwashes are made from plant-based ingredients, known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These natural ingredients help reduce the buildup of plaque, fight bacteria, and soothe irritated gums, creating a cleaner, healthier mouth. While they should not replace brushing or professional dental care, herbal mouthwashes can effectively add to your daily oral hygiene routine.
Chamomile is well-known for its soothing properties, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. It’s great for those with sensitive gums or those experiencing mild gum irritation.
Peppermint is commonly used in herbal mouthwashes due to its refreshing taste and strong antibacterial properties. It helps freshen breath and has natural antimicrobial qualities that reduce bacteria and plaque buildup.
Tea tree oil is a potent antimicrobial herb that can help fight harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing the development of plaque, cavities and gum disease. It can even help with bad breath.
Healthy Diet
What you eat has a direct impact on the health of your teeth and gums. A balanced diet can help prevent oral health problems like cavities, gum disease and enamel erosion.
- Calcium is essential for strong teeth and bones, and it helps protect your enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. Enjoy dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt; leafy greens like kale and spinach; fortified plant-based milks (almond, soy, oat); tofu.
- Vitamin D plays an important role in helping your body absorb calcium. Without enough vitamin D, your body may struggle to use calcium effectively, which can lead to weakened teeth and bones. Enjoy fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fortified foods (milk, cereal), egg yolks and sunlight.
- Vitamin C is vital for gum health. Without enough vitamin C, gums can become weak, leading to inflammation and an increased risk of gum disease. Enjoy citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits), strawberries, capsicum, broccoli and tomatoes.
- Magnesium plays a key role in the mineralisation of teeth and bones. This nutrient helps maintain the strength of both, and it supports the body’s use of calcium. Enjoy nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens and legumes.
- Drinking enough water throughout the day helps keep your mouth hydrated, which is essential for maintaining healthy teeth, gums, and overall oral function. Proper hydration contributes to saliva production, which is crucial for natural mouth cleansing, plaque control, and gum health.
Remember, a well-balanced diet supports not only your oral health but also your overall well-being. Alongside a good oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits, making these dietary choices will help you maintain a strong, healthy smile for years to come.
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups
While natural ways to support your teeth, such as proper brushing and herbal mouthwashes are great for your oral hygiene, they should never replace the need for professional dental care. Visiting your dentist regularly allows for thorough examinations, professional cleanings and personalised advice that can prevent dental issues and keep your teeth and gums in top condition.
One of the main benefits of regular dental check-ups is the early detection of dental problems. While you may not always notice issues like cavities, gum disease, or early signs of enamel erosion, your dentist can identify these problems during a routine check-up. Catching problems early means they can be treated before they progress into more severe conditions, saving you time, discomfort, and potentially costly treatments.
Even with a diligent at-home oral hygiene routine, plaque and tartar can build up over time and harden, making it difficult to remove with brushing and flossing alone. Regular professional cleanings, performed by a dentist, ensure that plaque and tartar are thoroughly removed from areas that are hard to reach. This reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues, keeping your mouth fresh and healthy.
Your dentist can also provide tailored advice based on your individual oral health needs. Whether it’s discussing the best brushing and flossing techniques, offering dietary recommendations for better oral health, or addressing concerns like tooth sensitivity or teeth grinding, regular check-ups ensure that you receive expert guidance to maintain a healthy smile.
Enjoy an Integrative Dental Experience
Feeling a little nervous about your next dental visit? Don’t be! Head to Dental and Skin Clinic, where we focus on creating a calming and relaxing environment. We integrate natural relaxation techniques such as aromatherapy, sound therapy, and colour therapy to enhance your dental experience. These optional therapies complement our professional treatments, helping to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and create a sense of well-being, all while ensuring your oral health needs are met with the highest level of care
Contact us to book your appointment and experience the perfect balance of professional treatment and natural oral health support. We look forward to helping you keep your smile healthy and bright!
