Green Your Oral Hygiene

It may be uncomfortable to discuss, but it must be addressed…bad breath. To combat it good oral hygiene is extremely important and should be taken seriously. Studies have shown that the icky, nasty, inflammatory, gingivitis bacteria, if left unchecked, can leak into your bloodstream and find its way to your heart, where it could quite possibly be a contributing factor in heart disease. But many traditional oral care products contain additives and chemicals that can be harmful. Fear not, for I have powerful, eco-friendly options to help you in your quest to curb mouth nasties by improving your daily oral habits.

Your first consideration should be proper tools.

1. The toothbrush. It’s important to choose one that feels good in your grip with bristles that are not too harsh, although your dentist should guide you, most dentists recommend bristles that are soft to medium. My static toothbrush of choice is made by Preserve. These eco-friendly toothbrushes are made from recycled yogurt cups, have tiered bristles for thorough cleaning, are BPA free, and completely recyclable after use. Way cool! I originally thought the curved handle was a bit weird, but it really does help reach all the nooks and crannies.

Or try a rechargeable battery operated option like the Philips Sonicare Xtreme Toothbrush. I was turned onto it by a friend who described it as a massage for your teeth and gums, so of course I had to try one. He was right! The sensation is extremely relaxing and my teeth definitely feel massively cleaner after using.

2. Toothpaste. Personally, I require a toothpaste that provides relief for my sensitive teeth and gums but doesn’t contain a bunch of chemicals and stuff I don’t need. I found that Jason’s Oral Comfort Plus CoQ10 Gel Toothpaste works for me. It is fluoride-free and contains Aloe Vera, anti-bacterial Perilla Seed Extract that helps block sugar acids that form tartar, and unlike other toothpastes that use harsh abrasives to whiten, it contains natural whiteners like Bamboo powder, silica, and calcium carbonate. And because I know you were wondering, CoQ10 is a coenzyme essential in the healing and rebuilding of cell tissue and provides the necessary energy needed for gum tissue to defend and rebuild itself. Plus it has a very nice minty flavor that is not medicine-y like other natural toothpastes I’ve tried.

My next recommendation isn’t necessarily eco-friendly, but hey, I’m not perfect. My dentist recommends that I use Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste because of a few, ahem…cavities this year. It contains ingredients that harden enamel to protect it from erosion caused by acidic food and drink, fluoride, potassium nitrate to relieve sensitive teeth, and it is free of sodium lauryl sulfate, a harsh detergent and ingredient dentists say can irritate the gums and mouth, and possibly contribute to painful canker sores. Owee!

The next must have in your good oral health regimen…

3. Dental Floss. Plaque is bad mojo. This sticky gunk, when left on teeth, forms tartar. It is considered the major source of bad mouth mojo in that these pathogens, fancy word for yuck mouth nasties, cause gingivitis, a mild form of periodontal disease. A surefire way to stay on top of plaque buildup is regular visits to your dentist, daily brushing, and flossing after every meal. Two natural options to try are Radius Natural Silk Floss, spun in natural beeswax that aids in sliding through tight spaces. Or Radius Cranberry Coated Floss, natural silk floss coated with pure unsweetened cranberry essence, which is removed during flossing and deposited on the gums to help break up plaque. Radius reports that “Research has shown that the proanthocyanidins present in cranberry essence are effective in reversing and inhibiting the clumping of bacteria that cause plaque and subsequently may help in maintaining good oral hygiene.” I’ve not personally tried the cranberry version, I wonder if it actually tastes like cranberry. Anybody?

Now, to be completely honest, sometimes I just don’t feel like being bothered with flossing. No real good reason, just…well, because. I told my dentist that once, and after she finished laughing she suggested that I try using a Waterpik on those occasions. I opted for the inexpensive Cordless Dental Water Jet, one charge lasts a whole week or more so you use less electricity. It took a little finessing the first time I used it as I kept squirting myself in the eye and giving the whole bathroom a spritz. FYI, close mouth and lean over sink when using Waterpik.

Finally…

4. Mouth Rinse. This last one came as a battle of wills in my household. We’ve been through several, but there is one that stands above all others in my book. The Natural Dentist Mouth Rinse does not contain alcohol, artificial ingredients, or foam building Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (see comment above). It’s packed with cleansing Echinacea, Goldenseal, Grapefruit Seed Extract, soothing ingredients Aloe Vera Gel and Calendula, and Chlorophyll for additional breath freshening power. I didn’t know until I started research for this article that is was selected as an “Oprah’s Best” #1 Mouth Rinse. All that aside, it works! It finds whatever yuckies are left over from flossing and gets them gone! My personal flavor choice is Peppermint Twist which leaves my mouth feeling fresh and minty. Be sure to check out their FAQ’s page. It contains a wealth of information about their products and general dental care. Click here to download a $1 OFF coupon.

So, now that I’ve shared with you my personal oral hygiene tips you have all the good oral ammo you need to fight bad breath and improve your dental care.

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