A clean mouth is a giant step toward good oral hygiene. Alongside brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, the mouth needs a little extra love to keep oral bacteria from growing. The teeth, gums, and tongue all need some attention. There are too many odor producing bacterias that can form within the mouth that create bad breath. There are also food type products like herbs and oils that can help keep the mouth clean. Take a look at these great tips that will ensure a healthier, cleaner mouth and fresher breath.
1. Rinse your mouth with water after eating. When you rinse your mouth, it removes remaining food particles, including loose particles logged in between the teeth. Using tap or bottled water invites a cleaner oral environment for brushing and flossing. You can also use salt water to rinse the mouth because it contains antibacterial properties. A salt and warm water rinse actually increases the pH balancing levels in the mouth that are needed to prevent harmful bacterial germs from being produced.
2. Try to brush your teeth after each meal, but at least twice everyday. Use toothpaste brands that contain a high fluoride content and contain salt and baking soda. Brushing is not only good for the teeth, but you are also keeping your gums healthy. Diseases of the gums can lead to other problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and even a stroke. If your teeth and gums are unhealthy, the plaque bacteria and tartar that builds up can cause tooth decay and it can find its way into the bloodstream and create infections. Try to brush with a soft bristle brush or an electric toothbrush, so that your gums are not scraped or scratched. Generally, brushing helps to remove plaque and remember to floss and rinse after brushing.
3. Massage your gums and teeth with beneficial oils that help maintain good oral health. Many essential oils contain properties that are antibacterial in nature and help fight bacteria and plaque that builds up. Safe herbal type oils include peppermint, spearmint, clove, rosemary, myrrh, lemon, and cinnamon. These essential oils contain properties that strengthen gums, fight bad breath, whiten teeth, have pain killing properties, great antiseptics, heal oral sores, and are antimicrobial.
4. Tea tree oil has been used for many years to treat gingivitis and plaque bacteria. This oil can kill off antibiotic resistant bacteria, it reduces bleeding of the gums, and reduces any inflammation caused by plaque. Tea tree oil is available as a gel and also as a mouthwash, to keep the mouth clean and hygienic. Check with your dentist before using Tea tree oil because it is quite strong and you may need to mix it with other products like peppermint or coconut oil, and/or dilute it with water.
5. Use baking soda to help prevent bacteria from living and growing inside the mouth. Brush your teeth with a little bit of baking soda and dilute it with water to rinse with. Baking soda kills the bacteria that causes bad breath, it cleans away plaque, heals mouth sores, and whitens the teeth. It is non-toxic and is mild enough to be used on the gums and tongue. Baking soda neutralizes odors that can form within the mouth and helps to maintain a level pH balance in the mouth.
6. Use a tongue scraper to keep food and beverage deposits from creating acidic bacteria. For example, the small bumps and ridges that cover the tongue is an acidic environment that bacteria loves to thrive on. When particles of food and drinks remain within these ridges and bumps, the bacteria forms a sulfur compound environment that releases bad odor. Using a tongue scraper helps to rid the tongue of these remaining bacteria elements, for a clean and healthy mouth. Tongue scrapers are a healthy option for a clean mouth, but they should not be used everyday.
Remember to keep your body hydrated. Drinking water throughout each day keeps the digestive system healthy, while also hydrating the skin. Drinking lots of water also keeps the teeth white. The more bacteria that is rinsed or flushed off your teeth and out of your mouth, the less risks of gum disease and the less chance of bad breathe.
To learn more about how to keep your mouth clean and schedule a dental cleaning, contact us today at Lifetime Smiles. We’re here to help!
