The Benefits of Natural Oral Care Products

We’re all looking for ways to improve our health, and one way to do that is to move to natural products. 

You might already be looking at the ingredients in the foods you eat and watching your skincare to avoid toxic chemicals. But moving to natural oral care products is possibly the easiest way to boost your oral health, which affects the rest of your body, too.

A healthy smile not only makes you look better (and younger), but it reduces the strain on your gums, jaw muscles, and everything connected. Something as ‘simple’ as bad breath turns into gum disease over time, and that problem brings serious complications, from bone loss to infections that spread.

Luckily, with a few natural oral care products, you can improve your overall health and enjoy these benefits, too!

1. Healthier Gums

Contrary to popular belief, healthy teeth start at the gum line. Yes, it’s vital to brush your teeth and keep the enamel clean and protected. But the gum tissue is the seal that holds the roots and crown in place. 

The barrier of healthy gum tissue prevents bacteria and food particles from entering the teeth and begins decaying them from the inside. Using a natural oral care flosser made from bamboo or another eco-friendly material does the job of removing excess plaque, and debris brushing misses.

Another way to improve your gum health naturally is by eating certain foods that support gum health, such as:

• Fresh fruits and veggies
• Foods high in calcium, like milk, yogurt, and cheese (although you want to brush after eating these foods because they attract bacteria)
• Nuts
• Whole grains

These foods have vitamins and minerals that promote healthy teeth and gums. Follow your meals up with plenty of water to flush out the bacteria, remove food from your teeth, and keep your body hydrated.

2. Whiter Teeth

Many natural kinds of toothpaste have ingredients that promote whiter teeth at the same time they’re cleaning your enamel. Whitening toothpaste works by gently scrubbing the external layer of enamel free of built-up debris, and there are various natural products to choose from.

Consider skipping the charcoal whiteners, though, as experts suggest they may be too abrasive for daily use.

On your quest for the best natural toothpaste to give you whiter teeth, look for ingredients such as:

• Coconut oil
• Sea salt
• Tea tree oil
• Baking soda

You’ll also see ingredients like peppermint, spearmint, and strawberries for fresher breath and a yummy flavor. While you’re improving your health, you’ll be creating a whiter smile you can taste. It’s a win/win solution.

3. Less Damage and Discomfort

Are you dealing with regular morning headaches, tooth sensitivity, and upper body discomfort? You could have a condition called bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding.

Bruxing happens when you clench your jaw and grind your teeth subconsciously, usually in your sleep. Because you don’t realize you’re doing it, the strength of your jaw muscles can cause substantial damage to your teeth and everything connected to them.

Over time, those movements erode your enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. They begin to break down the protective layers that keep your gum tissue sealed tightly, and bacteria enter and thrive inside the teeth. If you have dental work, like fillings or crowns, regular grinding will damage them.

The Grinding Effects Spread Beyond Your Teeth

In addition to teeth damage, your jaw muscles become stressed and painful. Your temporomandibular joint (responsible for opening and closing the mouth) becomes inflamed, which leads to mild to severe pain. And the muscles connected to your jaw, like your neck and shoulders, start to hurt.

An easy natural oral care product that reduces these symptoms is a night guard. This dental appliance slides over your upper or lower teeth and is worn while you sleep. It keeps the top and bottom teeth from touching, stopping that damaging clenching and grinding behavior.

Wearing the night guard consistently gives your muscles time to recuperate and get back to normal. You’ll notice fewer headaches, less tension in your neck and shoulders, and less discomfort throughout your body. And since the grinding messes with your sleep, you’ll likely notice more energy due to better rest!

One simple change in your routine with a natural oral care night guard comes with all these benefits and more.

Conclusion

Finding natural ways to get healthier begins with what you put in your mouth, and that’s not just food-related. The oral care products you choose to make part of your daily regimen matter. From your floss and toothpaste to your night guard, simple changes can have major positive impacts.