A healthy mouth has a pH range between 7.0 to 7.5. Within this range healthy bacteria like Streptococcus salivarius and Lactobacillus reuteri flourish. Teeth are smooth, white, and cavity free. Every meal we eat or sugary beverage we consume lowers this pH, making an acidic mouth. Hormonal fluctuations like stress, perimenopause, menopause and pregnancy, cause an acidic shift in mouth pH, resulting in greater amounts of opportunistic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans. These grow biofilms (plaque) and promote gum disease (bleeding, puffy gums). If you are looking for an all natural dental care program that can reduce your dental visits and help you keep your teeth as you age, read about the oral health care routine I follow for a healthy mouth:
Brushing
The physical act of brushing helps remove plaque and bad bacteria. If you reach for a conventional plaque fighting toothpaste, you may be reaching for sodium lauryl sulfate, sucralose, PEG-12, propylene glycol and curious copolymers. A natural way to remove plaque is to use colloidal silver or herbal toothpastes with essential oils to target bad bacteria while increasing the beneficial bacteria. Brushing is also an optimal time to help remineralize the teeth. Teeth loose minerals with each meal or hormone fluctuation. Remember, pregnancy creates an acidic mouth. Pregnant ladies need to take extra during this time to support a healthy mouth and strong teeth. If you opt for a whitening toothpaste, know that these can also cause acidity to the mouth.
Swishing
Swishing and rinsing the mouth after brushing further helps remove trapped food from gums. It is also the perfect time to remove bad bacteria from the mouth and remineralize the teeth. Don’t be fooled by words like “Ultra Clean” or “Total Care.” Check the ingredient label for food dyes, artificial flavors, saccharin or sucralose. Look for xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol with a sweet flavor which increases oral pH. Xylitol also fights S. mutans. It encourages saliva formation, remedying a dry mouth. How wonderful! One little thing can do so much for your teeth and gums! You can find xylitol in toothpaste, mouth rinses, chewing gums and mints.
Flossing
Flossing has been found to reduce the degree of gingivitis: bleeding gums which can lead to tooth loss. You should find that after brushing with an antibacterial toothpaste, using an herbal mouthwash and using some type of xylitol, flossing is more of an as needed tool for extra struck food.
Remineralizing Tooth Powder
¼ C Bentonite Clay
3 Tbl Calcium Carbonate
1 Tbl Baking Soda
1 Tbl Xylitol
1 Tbl Ground Cinnamon
1 ½ Tsp Ground Cloves
Combine well. Use 1-2 times a day followed by low fluoride mouth rinse.