Natural Tips for Healthy Teeth
Are you looking for natural options for keeping your teeth healthy?
The first thing to mention in an article like this are the basics, like brushing your teeth properly at least twice a day and flossing to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. Although the standard is to recommend a fluoride toothpaste, I have personally found that using a toothpaste or tooth powder with a bentonite clay seems to do more for me.
For years I have used a fluoride toothpaste, but since I switched over to using a clay based tooth powder, my gums have been more healthy. I don’t mind going to the dentist now, because they usually have good news for me.
Tooth and gum health is connected to overall health and that means taking care of your entire body.
Eating plenty of vegetables in a variety of colors helps to give your body a mix of plant-based vitamins and minerals. Each nutrient has its role in making your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Plant-sourced nutrients are easier for your body to not only digest, but actually absorb and use. Here are some of the specific nutrients found in vegetables that support healthy teeth:
- Calcium: This mineral is vital for building and maintaining strong teeth and bones. It helps strengthen tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of the teeth. Vegetables that are a good source of calcium include broccoli, kale, bok choy, spinach, collard greens and turnip greens.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin is necessary for proper calcium absorption and utilization in the body. It helps ensure that calcium reaches the teeth and bones effectively. The primary source of vitamin D is sunlight exposure, but even this precious vitamin can be found in some plant-based foods, which mostly means mushrooms like shiitake and maitake.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy gums and supporting collagen production, which helps keep the gums and connective tissues around the teeth strong. Vitamin C can be found in many fruits, especially citrus. But since we are focused on vegetables with vitamin C, some great options include bell peppers, cauliflower, tomatoes, cabbage and broccoli.
- Vitamin A: This is another important vitamin that is crucial for maintaining healthy oral tissues. It also promotes saliva production, which aids in protecting the teeth and gums. It can be obtained from foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, butternut squash, red bell peppers and pumpkin.
- Phosphorus: This is another mineral that is important for the teeth. This one also works together with calcium and promotes overall tooth health. Vegetables that are a good source of phosphorus include brussel sprouts and peas.
The focus on healthy eating can make a huge difference in the health of our teeth.
If you are looking for other natural options for tooth health you might also explore oil pulling, which is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil (such as coconut oil or sesame oil) in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes. This technique can help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and promote healthier teeth and gums.
Remember, the important thing is consistency in keeping your teeth clean and giving your body the right nutrients to keep your mouth and the rest of your body more healthy.
By Melanie Skelton, Master Herbalist
