According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the teeth are connected to all our systems organs and are important to keep our bodies healthy. Unfortunately, keeping our teeth healthy can be confusing due to the multitudes of products that line the store shelves. Perhaps we should be taking care of our teeth naturally because it’s important to limit the harmful chemicals that are in many of the products available today.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a detergent, surfactant, and emulsifier found in literally thousands of products. It’s what makes shampoos and other soaps foam and lather. And isn’t the act of lathering what makes us clean? Well, so we’ve been told. SLS is an ingredient in almost all of your body washes, hand soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, even in the toothpaste you put in your mouth.
SLS is actually derived from coconuts but rest assured it is anything but natural. The manufacturing process called ethoxylstion used to create SLS results in contamination with 1,4-dioxane which is a carcinogenic by-product.
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Fluoride is Healthy for Your Teeth, Right?
SLS is an ingredient in many commercially produced toothpaste and mouthwash. And then there’s fluoride. Yes, it is a controversial topic to be sure. Fluoridation of our public water supplies began in the U.S. in 1945 as an effective method of increasing our resistance to tooth decay. It has become culturally acceptable in many countries in the world and is considered to be a safe and effective addition to our drinking water.
Fluoride can be found naturally in groundwater, sometimes well above the recommended amounts. High amounts of fluoride in the body can lead to severe dental fluorosis, weakened bones, and skeletal fluorosis. The EPA’s scientists from the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory have classified fluoride as a “chemical having substantial evidence of developmental neurotoxicity.”
Why Are We Putting This in Our Mouth?
By no means should fluoride ever be ingested internally. Which begs the question…why are we putting it in our mouths? The gums and interior of our mouths are the one area of our bodies that absorb nutrients and anti-nutrients the most effectively. And kids, well, you know they swallow it… you know they do.
I haven’t found any other benefit on the human body associated with fluoride aside the claim that it’s a good cavity fighter. Seriously though, I’m not a fan of using a chemical that causes brain damage to fight a cavity. And…it’s been well documented that a healthier diet and proper dental hygiene will combat dental problems far more effectively.
So What to Do?
There are more and more all-natural toothpaste brands you can find on store shelves these days. So look for safer alternatives. A good place to get the lowdown on good alternatives is the Environmental Working Group website. You can check out the toothpaste section HERE
Personally, I’m a big fan of all-natural toothpaste and mouthwash. Also, I regularly use a tooth irrigator to clean between the teeth and along the gum line.
You can make your own remineralizing toothpaste out of organic coconut oil, baking soda, calcium carbonate powder, a little stevia powder (yes, we’re all used to our toothpaste having a little sweetness to it) and a few drops of trace minerals. Also, add some essential oils to the mix, peppermint, clove, and cinnamon. All three of these have amazing antimicrobial agents. In fact, clove essential oil is by far the best germ-fighting substance I’ve ever come across. You can experiment with desired flavors. I heard peppermint/orange is good. Have fun with it.
Homemade Toothpaste
- 5 Tbs. Calcium Carbonate Powder
- 3-5 Tbs. Coconut Oil (play with this until you get the desired consistency)
- 2 Tbs. Baking Soda
- 10-15 Drops Essential Oil (optional)
Store in a 1/2 pint glass jar or another container of your choice. I keep a small condiment spoon to scoop out a small amount to put on the toothbrush.
Homemade Mouthwash
- 1 Cup Filtered Water
- 1 Cup 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (make sure it’s no more than 3%)
- 1 Tbs. Raw Unfiltered Honey
- 5-10 drops Essential Oils (optional)
Shake well before use and keep in a cool dry place.
Oil Pulling for Teeth & Gums
Oil Pulling is an excellent way to detoxify your teeth and gums. Simply put a small amount of organic coconut oil into your mouth and start swishing through your teeth. Some folks say for 45 minutes but frankly, I’ve never done it that long. I usually pop some oil into my mouth before I jump into the shower.
I keep an empty large-mouthed bottle in the shower to spit the oil into when I get tired of swishing. The reason being, you don’t want it to go down the drain, as the oil could clog your drain pipes. You’ll notice when you spit it out that it will have a white cloudy appearance. What you’re seeing are germs and toxins that have been pulled from your gums and mouth. So, be careful to not swallow the oil.
Activated Charcoal Removes Toxins & Whitens Teeth
Activated Charcoal is another great substance for pulling toxins from the mouth and gums. Additionally, it’s great for whitening your teeth naturally. While it may sound crazy to use something black to whiten your teeth, it really works. You can make an activated charcoal tooth powder by adding activated charcoal powder, peppermint essential oil and a bit of calcium carbonate powder and stirring it up. To use, just wet your toothbrush and dip into the powder and brush your teeth with it. Unfortunately, it’s a little messy but well worth it to have whiter teeth and a clean detoxified mouth.
Mercury Amalgam Fillings in Your Teeth?
Did you know?…mercury fillings are a major source of whole-body toxicity. And, did you know, mercury can cross the blood-brain barrier causing immunological, psychological and neurological problems? For this reason, I highly recommend seeking out a qualified biological dentist to remove amalgam fillings and replace them with non-toxic fillings. Please be aware that it is crucial to find a biological dentist who is well versed in the safe removal of amalgam fillings.
Because…
Grinding the amalgam will release mercury vapors into the air. For this reason, safe mercury filling removal should include an alternative air source for you, a cold-water spray to minimize vapors, and a rubber dam in your mouth. These precautions will protect you from swallowing or inhaling the toxins. You’ll also need a high powered evacuator near the tooth that’s being treated.
When I had my mercury amalgam fillings removed I received a Vitamin C injection to help my body’s immune response. Importantly, you’ll need to rinse your mouth out immediately following the procedure. Also, make sure to clean your face and change the protective wear after the procedure.
It’s important to limit our exposure to harmful toxins. Our dental care routines can be adjusted to help us limit that exposure.
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- Oil Pulling Benefits For Healthy Teeth & Gums
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- Clove Bud Essential Oil Benefits & Uses
- Thieves Essential Oil Blend Uses & Benefits