1. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health, especially with regards to the food you eat. Therefore, the food you take impacts your whole mouth (teeth, gums, palate and tongue) in many ways. Eating healthy, balanced food will give you strong healthy teeth and gums.. Consider the following healthy foods for strong teeth and gums:

• Milk and dairy products like cheese, cheese has enzymes that fight tooth decay
• Vitamin-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables
• Foods with high phosphorus content such as fish and egg

2. Rinsing With Coconut Oil

Oil pulling has been around for thousands of years and it is claiming resurgence. Coconut oil has lauric acid which kills the bacteria that causes tooth decay and caprylic acid which is anti-fungal. It has been shown consistently to reduce gum inflammation and bleeding and as a side perk can possibly whiten your teeth. Coconut oil will leave you less vulnerable to inflammation and tooth ache.

3. Always Clean Your Tongue

Sometimes you may forget to clean your tongue; or you may even avoid doing it, while questioning its relevance. As a matter of fact, cleaning your tongue is recommended by holistic dentists as it leaves your mouth totally clean. The tongue has finger-like projections also known as your taste buds and food and bacteria can get trapped. If you are a novice, use a gentle scraper, like you get in our office that is flexible and effective, we’ll show you how to use it!

4. Rinse With Salt Water

Every time you have a dental procedure, consider rinsing your mouth with sea salt rather than taking anti-inflammatory pills (these drugs actually harm you in the end). All you need to do is dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse. The salty water soothes your gums and lowers inflammation. Furthermore, salty water increases alkalinity in your mouth, and thus helps curb the growth of bacteria. Just be careful to clear it with your doctor if you have high blood pressure.

5. Floss More Often

You may be brushing your teeth after every meal, but how often do you floss them? Flossing is just as important as brushing, as it helps remove food particles stuck in between your teeth, thus helping in prevention of tooth decay and plaque formation. Our hygienists can show you how.

How to Flow Correctly Video From Our Holistic Hygienist

6. Replace Your Mercury Fillings

Do you have mercury fillings in your mouth? It’s a good idea to get them evaluated! The latest studies are showing the more mercury or “silver” fillings you have the higher blood mercury level you have. The concern is that Mercury is deemed toxic and can adversely affect your health. Getting them SAFELY removed by an accredited and experienced holistic dentist will prevent further exposure to this neurotoxin.

7. Get In Touch With a Holistic Dentist

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! You may do everything to take care of your mouth, but once in awhile you may have an issue that requires expert-attention. Therefore, my recommendation is that you visit a holistic dentist at least two times per year. This is the best way to prevent a problem which is certainly easier than treating one.