Flash your natural pearly whites

Importance of good oral care

Throughout history, people have used everything from honey and oil to charcoal, baking powder and salt to clean their teeth. Thankfully, things have improved significantly, but tooth decay and bad breath remain common human conditions, so putting in twice-daily sessions at the basin is still mandatory. Why? Because thorough brushing and flossing removes food and bacteria from our mouths.

What’s happening in there?

Tooth decay begins when we eat and food gets stuck in our mouth and between our teeth. If that food is not removed properly, it rots and allows bacteria to thrive in the mouth. Bacteria can cause bad breath, or worse, weaken the enamel layer of the tooth and cause cavities (or holes).  

Cavity culprits

Acidic foods like refined sugar, alcohol, carbonated drinks and peanuts create an environment that makes it even easier for cavity causing bacteria to thrive so keep them to a minimum to save repeat visits to your dentist.  

What we should do?

Most oral health experts advise a twice a-day bathroom session of brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash. This routine helps to remove food deposits that gather around the gums and between the teeth. Brushing has the added bonus of stimulating blood flow in the gums and oral tissues, which helps to heal wounds.

The natural alternative

These days most toothpaste and mouthwashes are created with long ingredient lists of chemicals. Fluoride is in most commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes but recent studies have found that fluoride is linked to several body and mind issues including memory loss, so many people now want to stay clear.

Common ingredients in toothpaste

• Polishing agents: designed to help your toothbrush remove gunk from your teeth.
• Surfactants: an ingredient that produces foam.
• Humectants: for moisturising and preserving.
• Thickeners: for paste consistency.
• Flavour: for good taste.
• Fluoride: to strengthen teeth.
• Sweetener: for sweetness
• Artificial colouring: to make your toothpaste look good. 

Most of these ingredients are far from natural. The good news is that natural toothpastes can still have the same oral care properties thanks to their hard-working naturally-derived ingredients.

 Ingredients that are naturally good for teeth

On the ingredients list of natural toothpastes you’re likely to find:

• Aloe Vera: its ability to prevent and heal cold sores, gingivitis and blisters as well as kill bacteria, means aloe vera is often used in natural toothpaste. It improves gum conditions and prevents bad breath. 

• Organic Peppermint oil: added to toothpaste for more than its fresh taste, Organic peppermint oil inhibits growth of some bacteria and is high in vitamin C and A. It also has trace amounts of nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium and omega 3.

• Parsley: rich in the green pigment chlorophyll, parsley is a powerful breath freshener.

• Thyme: a natural antiseptic and antifungal ingredient, thyme is often used in mouthwashes such as Riddells Creek Mint Mouthwash. Added bonus; it’s great for preventing oral thrush.

• Sodium bicarbonate: Great for whitening teeth and neutralising acids, sodium bicarbonate is a mainstay in many natural toothpastes such as Riddels Creek Toothpaste. High acid levels create a breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to cavities and gum disease so it’s wise to keep things neutral.

• Calcium carbonate: not only does it polish teeth and remove plaque, calcium carbonate also strengthens teeth by providing calcium.

Hold the sugar

Natural tooth care products do not contain any sugar – and most don’t have artificial flavours. Their tastes can be a bit sharper than ordinary toothpaste, but they won’t contribute to raising the acid level in your mouth.

Tips for zapping bad breath

• Floss teeth daily to remove food between your teeth where ick-smelling bacteria flourishes

• Drink water to help produce saliva – the mouth’s natural cleaner. 

• Wash your mouth out with a mouthwash that contains natural breath-freshening ingredients such as parsley, fennel or peppermint. Riddells Creek Mouthwash ticks the boxes.

• Avoid acidic food and drinks, such as garlic, carbonated drinks and wine.

• Carry a mouth spray in your bag to get rid of any unwanted odours post-lunch. Try MiEssence Breath Fresh Spray.

The great debate: Fluoride in toothpaste & mouthwash

Although fluoride has long been touted as a good tooth fortifier, it is now considered by many as a cumulative poison. The debate over fluoride being added to our drinking water and oral care continues (if fluoride is being added to our water supply, do we really need it in our toothpaste and mouthwash as well?), but it’s well documented that large doses can be harmful, particularly to children. As a result, many health experts recommend only consuming trace amounts of fluoride to prevent accumulation in the body and potential body and mind issues such as memory loss, learning difficulties and diminished bone strength.

If you’re keen to steer clear of fluoride, you can rest easy on the Naturally Safe site. None of our natural toothpastes have fluoride. Here are three we recommend: Baby Organics Orange Toothpaste, MiEssence Mint Toothpaste, Riddells Creek Toothpaste.