Strong, white, healthy teeth is not something that just happens by accident.
Your daily oral hygiene habits play an important role in helping you to avoid cavities, gum disease and maintain that bright, healthy smile.
Beautiful white teeth should be high on your list of self care priorities. After all, your teeth are something you use every day to chew and they're also a genuine reflection of your overall state of health and wellness.
The good news is, it is fairly easy to achieve and maintain healthy white teeth when you practice good quality oral hygiene principles.
Here, we reveal the main factors that cause your teeth to loose their lustre and shine, and three tips to help you keep your teeth white, healthy and strong naturally.
What Causes Tooth Problems?
Over time it is normal for teeth to lose their colour and spark, due to factors such as enamel depletion, as well as diet and lifestyle.
A build up of plaque is a big factor that depletes the appearance and health of your teeth, in addition to the over consumption of items like sugar, coffee and red wine.
Then, there are the daily oral hygiene methods you use to take care of your teeth to help level out these factors.
In the dental world, teeth whitening is now big business. But the problem is, fluoride and other chemicals that contain bleach are used which are less than ideal for a healthy mouth - even though they're still used by millions of conventional dentists around the world.
Some of the best chemical-free alternatives and ways to brighten your teeth naturally, we will share with you here.
1. Use a Natural Bristle Toothbrush
We all know that the single most important aspect to keeping our teeth clean, is to make sure we brush at least twice a day.
However the big problem is with the vast majority of toothbrushes that you'll find on the market today:
- The bristles are loaded with plastic polymers which are harmful to your health;
- The micro-plastics are pure landfill, taking up to 400 years to decompose, harming the environment, animals and the soil.
A great alternative to a regular plastic toothbrush is to use a bamboo toothbrush, because it is biodegradable and sustainable for the environment and much gentler on your teeth and gums. It is also firm and effective for the removal of plaque and stains that can accumulate from the food and drinks you consume.
Coffee, tea, and even red wine, contain an element known as tannins, which are a type of polyphenol (a micro-nutrient available in plant foods) that breaks down in water. Tannins have been shown to cause colour compounds to stick to your teeth - such as the red of the wine, or the brown of the coffee. This can leave an unwanted yellow appearance behind over time when you regularly consume these beverages, if you don't follow some basic tooth whitening protocols.
Brush as soon as possible to minimise stains from foods and tannins.
It's also a good idea to opt for "fluoride-free" toothpaste as well, as this can lead to less chemicals in your body.
The good news is that there are several natural toothpaste brands available these days which you'll find in our store or at good health food stores.
We handcraft a wonderful product called Tooth Fairy Natural Tooth Powder which is a safe alternative to chemical toothpastes and is easy to use both for brushing or as a mouth freshener. Available in both fresh mint and cinnamon/clove, Tooth fairy helps support strong, healthy gums and bright, white teeth, whilst leaving your mouth feeling invigorated, clean and fresh!
2. Ayurvedic Oil Pulling Using Coconut Oil
A traditional Ayurvedic principle, Oil Pulling is a secret teeth whitening remedy that has been used for thousands of years.
Oil pulling, also known as "kavala", is the practice of swishing a tablespoon of raw coconut oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 8-10 minutes before spitting out and rinsing.
Best done in the morning before eating, the coconut oil draws out bacterial and chemical toxins from within the mouth, and removes them via the saliva and tongue. Coconut oil is one of mother nature's most powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal and antimicrobial agents, that can help to strengthen teeth and gums, strip plaque, purify the mouth and brighten your smile.
To oil pull, place one tablespoon of raw coconut oil into your mouth. Swish the oil around your mouth for at least 8-10 minutes, before spitting the oil out. It is recommended you brush your teeth immediately afterwards for the best benefits.
When oil pulling, always choose a raw, cold-pressed coconut oil from a trusted source like the one here in our store at tolmanselfcare.com
3. Activated Charcoal
Derived from coconut husks, pure activated charcoal has been revered for centuries as a natural detoxification remedy for removing foreign substances and toxic poisons from the body.
Today, activated charcoal is making a come back - and one of the most popular uses for activated charcoal is for natural tooth whitening!
When used in powdered form, activated charcoal is wonderful for stripping surface stains from your teeth, halting bad breath and keeping your teeth whiter for longer after brushing.
To use Activated Charcoal, simply dab a damp natural bristle toothbrush into the powder and brush for 3-5 minutes in a gentle circular motion before rinsing thoroughly. If you'd prefer a creamier 'paste-like' consistency, add a small amount of coconut oil to a small dish or directly into your mouth with a teaspoon before you brush with the activated charcoal.
As a teeth whitening protocol, we recommend brushing with Activated Charcoal first, before rinsing and lightly brushing to finish with Tooth Fairy Powder .
Alternatively, you can use your favourite fluoride-free toothpaste such as the wonderful brands we offer in here in our store at tolmanselfcare.com
The Main Take Away
Whilst brushing your teeth every day is probably automatic, taking care of your teeth for a healthy, white smile adds another dimension to your oral self care routine.
Remember, it is normal for your teeth to lose their shine and to even attract stains from tannins and the foods and beverages you consume over time.
However, by following the steps shared with you here, you'll not only greatly assist your teeth to look and feel their brightest and best, you'll also play an important role in helping to avoid cavities and gum disease as well.
Tolman Self Care.
