Tooth Talk
When was the last time you looked at your tongue? I don’t mean sticking it out to give it a quick scrub with your toothbrush, or trying to see the very tip while peering over your nose. I mean really having a good, long look at your tongue. This is not only the strongest muscle in the body (based on its weight) but it is a huge indicator of your overall health. The tongue has many relationships and connections to your body... I won’t go too far in depth because I’m not an expert on this myself but if you are curious, definitely do some research on Chinese Medicine and how doctors can make diagnoses based solely on the color and lighting of your tongue.You’d be surprised to know what you can learn about your body from the inside!
Your mouth does more than just chatting: it hosts an enormous residence of microorganisms and is constantly regulating bacteria and toxin levels. Living in California and having an acupuncture student as my best friend has taught me lots about health and the importance of a natural approach to taking care of your teeth! Here are some tips I’ve picked up and started to incorporate as part of my daily routine:
Be Flossome
Dentist: “So when was the last time you flossed?”
Me: “Uhh… last time I was here…”
If I’m being honest, I’m not a fan of flossing. It’s tedious, I get annoyed with holding onto the flimsy string and when I wait too long, my gums bleed. Not cute. BUT, we must floss. It gets all the gunk out of your teeth, helps with your breath and is super important for keeping your gums nice and pink and healthy.
*Pours coconut oil on entire life*
Including my mouth. Oil pulling is something I’ve only recently started to do consistently, but have noticed a difference in the cleanliness of my mouth and the shininess of my teeth. (Because who doesn’t want shiny teeth?) I don’t do it for as long as I should because ain’t nobody got time, but consistent oil pulling helps eliminate toxins (like the ones that give you cavities) gives you fresher breath, and helps whites your teeth!
Not a Fan of Fluoride
Use all natural toothpaste, people! Take a gander at the ingredients in your toothpaste and try to search for tubes without Fluoride, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Triclosan and Sodium Hydroxide. I read an interesting article about a link between chin acne and fluoride, and then started to research... There is a longstanding debate about the pros and cons of fluoride, and I opt for more natural toothpastes (but to each their own- find whatever works for you, just be sure to do some research on ingredients!) It always helps to look for antibacterial agents and fresheners like licorice, eucalyptus and peppermint. I have been recently using Tom’s, but there are so many options for all-natural toothpastes.
Friendly Bacteria
Take an oral probiotic! This is something you should be doing every day anyway for your overall health. There are probiotics in pill form, they exist in cultures in yogurt and are in the good bacteria found in fermented foods (think sauerkraut and kimchi.) Kombucha drinks also help regulate the party that’s always happening in your mouth (and in your belly.)
Vitamin Bounty - Women's Pro-Daily - 10 Billion CFUs - $23.74
Pearly (Black) Whites
I was recently sent some amazing products from a company called Carbon Coco. Inside the package I found a cute, round container filled with black powder (activated charcoal) and a bright blue toothbrush made with bamboo bristles. Black powder to make my teeth white? I will admit, I was skeptical, even after seeing the videos on Instagram where people’s mouths were completely black and then magically displayed teeth even whiter than before.
Activated Charcoal Tooth Polish - $39.95
The black dust doesn’t smell or taste like anything and is made from organic coconut shells. There’s also some bentonite powder and lemon myrtle mixed in. I dipped the blue brush and instantly turned my mouth, tongue, and teeth black. I brushed for about a minute and a half (Carbon Coco suggests two) and then rinsed, rinsed and rinsed. I followed by a normal brushing with my own toothpaste and then rinsed again. My teeth were GLEAMING. Really! After one use I could honestly see a difference in the brightness and whiteness of my pearly (black) whites.
Warning: you must rinse this product A LOT, as residue tends to stick in and around your gums. Also, be gentle when you brush, my gums were a little sensitive directly after brushing/rinsing.
I have used lots of different whitening techniques in the past: The infamous Crest White Strips - slowly peeling them off my teeth and feeling as though I was tugging all of my enamel with it. Another adventure was a $5 whitening kit from Walmart which contained mostly hydrogen peroxide. I bought one professional (very expensive) whitening treatment from my dentist, various toothpastes/mouthwashes, etc.
I can’t wait to try Carbon Coco consistently to see what happens, but my teeth did look whiter after just one use. This company is great because it’s 100% natural and LOTS of people have tried it, so you know it’s legitimate. Check out their website and Instagram page (@carboncocoau and @carboncocoresults) for testimonials, more products (I can’t wait to try the toothpaste and the Oil Pulling Pack) and information about their company.
14 Day Organic Oil Pulling Pack - $34.95
Overall, be mindful of your mouth, as it's such a vital and telltale sign of how healthy you are. Floss every day, think "all natural" when it comes to toothpastes and eat whole, nutritious food. Always comment or email me with any questions!
besos,
Krafty