My Daily Oral Health Routine
If I were to ask you what body part can be responsible for heart disease, diabetes, migraines, dementia, and rheumatoid arthritis…would you ever guess your mouth? Poor oral and dental health can be responsible for so much more than cavities and gum disease. Not only is your mouth the first part of your digestive tract, but it's your tool for how you communicate and express yourself to the world. It's pretty important to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible.
The best part is that good oral health does not have to be complicated. In fact, following some simple steps each day and week will make your mouth - and body - healthier. I'm not a dentist nor a dental hygienist however I have really amazing people in my life who are and they give me guidance on this topic. My holistic dental hygienist is amazing and is committed to using natural products on my teeth to have them cleaned and she gives advice on how to holistically manage oral health. You can check out this great interview I did with her HERE.
Better dental/oral health became a priority for me after nursing my three kids for a total of six years. It was the first time ever that I had developed a cavity. Literally, my entire life, I had gone without a cavity. It had been a point of pride for me each time I was at the dentist. My teeth were always so great! Now, I had to stress each time I went to the dentist because of that one dang cavity.
I decided to up my oral health game. Let me share a peek into how I take care of my teeth and mouth on a daily basis.
Morning Ritual
Oil Pulling. While I'm in the shower and getting ready for my day, I oil pull for 15-20 minutes. Swish 1 tbsp of organic coconut oil (mixed with 1 drop of OnGuard* or Peppermint oil*) in your mouth for that time and then spit it into a piece of kleenex to place in trash. Do not swallow or spit down the sink (coconut oil will solidify). { I do this 5 times a week, not every day}
Quick mouth wash with homemade (kept in a small mason jar, it's filled with distilled water, 2 tsp baking soda, 2 drops OnGuard essential oil & 2 drops peppermint essential oil)
Brush my teeth
Evening Ritual
Dinner again is comprised of fats, animal proteins & vegetables.
Floss my teeth {okay, admittedly this probably happens 4-5 times a week and not every day}
Brush my teeth & swish with mouth wash.
*A note on using essential oils. Please only use high quality essential oils that are proven to be pure. I personally recommend doTERRA oils and you can check out my Essential Oils page for more details on why and how to purchase.
Weekly Rituals
2-3 times a week I’ll use activated charcoal on my teeth to help whiten naturally
Nourishment
For optimal oral and overall body health, focus on a diet of vegetables, fats, and proteins.
Add bone broth into your diet 3-4 times a week to help remineralize your teeth
Supplement with Life Long Vitality supplements and Terrazyme Digestive Enzymes
Drink water over any other liquid. Use citrus oils to flavour but without the potential harm of the acid from fruit affecting your teeth
SUPER simple, right? A note on oil pulling. It can seem laborious in the beginning however it fits into you life easily when you can multi-task. {Admittedly, staring at yourself in the mirror while oil pulling is boring...read a book, stretch, shower, get dressed (be careful not to dribble all over yourself...cough cough...speaking from experience), sit in quiet, etc.}
Here's to healthier, happier mouths.