What are some Natural alternatives for Toothpaste

Curejoy Expert Dr.Janardhana Hebbar Explains:

The dental industry has convinced many people to brush twice daily with toothpaste to keep teeth and gums healthy. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Toothpastes actually contain many chemicals and additives that could be harmful or even toxic for your oral and general health. But, certain foods like tea and citric foods can have a naturally cleansing effect on your teeth. Apart from that, you can use one of these natural alternatives to replace your toxic toothpaste:

1. Chew sticks: In places like India, people use natural toothbrushes made from healing plants like Neem, Eucalyptus, Juniper or Fir. They bite and chew on one side, to fan out the twig and use this to brush their teeth and gums. Since these tress contain natural oils, they form a protective layer around the gums and teeth.

2. Salt: You can use sea salt on your toothbrush directly or dilute it in water to use it as a natural mouthwash. It combats bad breath and acts as a disinfectant. It has a natural healing property and removes plaque and tartar.  If you are using rock salt, pulverize it in a blender or roll it on a kitchen board using a rolling pin before using it to brush your teeth.

3. Baking Soda: It helps reduce acids that harm your tooth enamel, removes stains and kills plaque causing bacteria. Hippocrates recommended a mixture of salt, alum, andvinegar as a mouthwash for preventative measures.

-Mix 1/2 cup aluminium free baking soda, 5 drops peppermint essential oil and 2 drops cinnamon or clove essential oil and use it as a toothpaste

-Mix one part salt to two parts baking soda and use it.

-Mix one teaspoon each of ground sage, baking soda, and table salt for using it as a toothpaste.

-Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda as a mouth wash to help sweeten the breath.

4. Essential oils: Peppermint oil, Clove oil, Cinnamon oil, Tea tree oil are some of the essential oils that act as natural cleansers and are also antibacterial and antimicrobial agents. Essential oils such as peppermint and spearmint can be mixed with water to make dental rinses. If you are faced with swollen gums, nightly gum packs made from herbs or herbal infused oils rolled in gauze can be tucked into the corners of the mouth.
   -In ayurvedic medicine, a combination ofturmeric, aloe, willow bark, vitamin E, and powdered alum is used to relieve pain and swelling.
5. Water: Brushing your teeth with water may not have any healing properties, but it will get residual food off of your teeth.
6. Oil Pulling: This is a very effective treatment to clean your teeth. You can usecoconut oil to swish in your mouth for a few minutes and then pit it out. Then, just dry brush or use a peppermint oil to brush (helps freshen breath).