best floss for sensitive gums

DIY TOOTHPASTE AND POWER WITH BENTONITE CLAY AND ESENTIAL OILS

There are plenty of all-natural toothpaste options available, but they can be expensive! My Homemade Toothpaste Recipe with Essential Oils provides a toxin-free way to freshen your breath. Our family loves using this tooth powder to maintain a healthy, clean mouth.

This recipe includes bentonite clay, known for its detoxifying properties. With a touch of stevia for sweetness and essential oils for flavor, this toothpaste tastes amazing!

THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HEALTH

Oral health plays a vital role in overall wellness, and problems in the mouth can affect the entire body. Oral issues go far beyond cavities and bad breath—over 80% of disease symptoms stem from mouth problems. Gum disease, for example, increases the risk of heart disease (1), and there is even a connection between mouth bacteria and thickened arteries (2).

Unfortunately, many people face disease-promoting dental procedures because they don’t prioritize oral health. By focusing on preventative care, many of these interventions can be avoided. While there are plenty of advanced techniques, it’s crucial to stick to the basics:

  • Brush your teeth – Make sure to brush after every meal. Take your time to remove all food particles thoroughly.
  • Floss regularly – Flossing removes stubborn food bits from between your teeth and stimulates your gums, reducing your risk of gum disease. I recommend flossing at night after eating.
  • Oil pulling – Have you tried oil pulling? It’s an incredibly effective oral health practice to add to your routine. Learn how to get started with oil pulling today.
  • Visit the dentist – Did you know there are holistic dentists? They blend traditional treatments with natural options and often provide alternatives to harmful procedures like mercury fillings. Never skip your dental checkups!
  • Use essential oils for oral health – Certain essential oils are proven to support oral hygiene. These oils are great for homemade oral products like toothpaste or mouthwash.

By incorporating these basic practices into your daily routine, you can help maintain optimal oral health and reduce the need for costly or harmful interventions.

3 HARMFUL INGREDIENTS IN TOOTHPASTE

In my opinion, we should be extra cautious with the oral health products we use since we end up ingesting them. Unfortunately, many store-bought products are filled with toxins. Here are just a few of the harmful chemicals commonly found in most tubes of toothpaste:

FLUORIDE

Fluoride is a harmful ingredient commonly found in most oral care products. For years, oral health specialists believed fluoride was essential for healthy teeth, but we now know that’s not true. Fluoride is classified as a neurotoxic chemical, and consuming too much of it can lead to fluoride toxicity (3). This can affect tooth coloring, kidney function, and more. If you have young children at home, this is especially concerning! Many store-bought toothpaste brands have kid-friendly flavors that encourage little ones to use more than necessary, increasing the risk of fluoride toxicity.

ASPARTAME

You wouldn’t brush your teeth with sugar, so many companies add a sugar substitute called aspartame to improve the taste of toothpaste. Aspartame is often marketed as a low-calorie alternative to sugar, but studies show it can lead to increased food consumption (4). It can also trigger headaches, spiked blood sugar levels, and other side effects (5). In this recipe, we use stevia as a sweetener instead. It tastes better than aspartame, and best of all, it has no harmful side effects!

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE

This toxin is responsible for the foamy texture in most toothpastes. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an environmental toxin that can wreak havoc on your body (6). Interestingly, researchers use SLS to intentionally create skin and eye irritations during product testing. SLS can also cause canker sores (7), which is the complete opposite of promoting oral health! It’s one of the worst toxins for your body and should be avoided at all costs.

NATURAL ORAL HEALTH INGREDIENTS

There’s a better way to take care of your teeth, and it starts with using natural, non-toxic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

  • Essential Oils: Many essential oils have antimicrobial properties, making them ideal for toothpaste. They can freshen your breath, fight plaque, and even help with canker sores. Plus, they add a nice scent! Here are some of my favorite combinations:
  • Peppermint: Fights bad breath, smells fresh, and gives you a burst of energy in the morning!
  • Clove and Orange: A soothing blend for sensitive teeth.
  • Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Orange: Helps with whitening your teeth.
  • Lime, Lemon, and Grapefruit: Great for boosting your mood!
  • Wintergreen: Offers a minty freshness, perfect for tackling stubborn bad breath.
  • Distilled Water: Tap water often contains fluoride, which we want to avoid. It can also have other toxins that contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and birth defects. I recommend using distilled or purified water for the cleanest, safest option.
  • Bentonite Clay: This clay, derived from volcanic ash, helps absorb toxins in the mouth while providing essential minerals that can strengthen your teeth. Bonus: It can also aid in whitening your teeth.
  • Stevia Powder: Stevia is a natural sweetener that helps balance out the taste of bentonite clay. A little goes a long way!
  • Himalayan Pink Salt: Saltwater is often recommended after dental surgery to reduce bacteria (8), and salt is highly effective for combating bad breath. Plus, if you have sensitive teeth, Himalayan salt can help reduce discomfort.

This simple, natural recipe is all you need to promote healthy, toxin-free oral care!

HOMEMADE TOOTHPASTE RECIPE

This DIY is super easy to make! In just a few minutes, you’ll have everything you need to detox your mouth naturally.

To turn the tooth powder into toothpaste, simply add ¼ cup of hot purified or distilled water and 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin, unrefined coconut oil. You can add more coconut oil as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

For added teeth-whitening benefits, open capsules of activated charcoal and mix them into the tooth powder. After using this toothpaste, follow up with mouthwash, and be sure to brush your teeth again after rinsing.

Since bentonite clay can react with metal, it’s important to make and store this recipe in a glass or ceramic container to preserve its effectiveness.

STEP ONE: MIX THE ESSENTIAL OILS

Mix your chosen essential oils in a small glass container or glass measuring cup, then set aside for later use.

STEP TWO: ADD DRY INGREDIENTS

Place the bentonite clay, stevia, and sea salt in a food processor and blend until well combined.

STEP THREE: ADD ESSENTIAL OILS

With the machine running, slowly add the mixed essential oils to the food processor and process for a few more seconds. The mixture should be granular and slightly damp.

STEP FOUR: BRUSH YOUR TEETH

Store the mixture in a glass jar with a lid. To use, apply just enough of the homemade tooth powder or toothpaste to cover your toothbrush. Wet the brush with water and brush as usual.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this all-natural homemade toothpaste and tooth powder is a simple, effective, and toxin-free way to maintain optimal oral health. By using ingredients like bentonite clay, essential oils, and natural sweeteners, you can avoid harmful chemicals found in store-bought products while reaping the benefits of a cleaner, healthier mouth. With just a few easy steps, you can create a product that not only freshens your breath but also supports long-term oral wellness. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what’s in your toothpaste, and feel good about giving your family a safer, more natural option for oral care.

Unveiling the Dramatic Smile Makeover: Before and After Veneers

A dazzling smile has the power to light up a room and boost your self-esteem. Yet, for individuals dealing with dental imperfections like discoloration, gaps, or uneven teeth, achieving that picture-perfect smile can seem like an unattainable goal. Fortunately, the introduction of veneers has transformed cosmetic dentistry and provided a revolutionary treatment that may totally remodel your smile. In this article, we explore the fascinating world of veneers before and after, revealing the astounding outcomes that may be obtained via this revolutionary dental technique.

What Are Veneers Made Of?

Dental veneers are commonly composed of porcelain or composite resin, each of which has certain benefits and drawbacks.

Since they provide the most realistic and durable effects, porcelain veneers are regarded as the gold standard in cosmetic dentistry. These veneers are created from a ceramic material that closely mimics the color and translucency of real tooth enamel. Because porcelain is extremely resistant to stains, patients who have these veneers may maintain their pearly-white smiles for many years with regular maintenance.

There are various processes involved in the creation of porcelain veneers. The dentist will first make a mold of the patient’s teeth using an imprint of the patient’s teeth. The veneers will then be created using this mold by experienced workers at a dental laboratory. Porcelain is layered onto a model of the teeth to make the veneers, which are then fused together and hardened in a high-heat furnace. Once the veneers are finished, the dentist will use a powerful glue to attach them to the patient’s teeth.

Conversely, composite veneers are fabricated from a resin material that is tooth-colored and placed right over the teeth. These veneers may be performed in a single dental appointment and are less costly than porcelain veneers, but they may not last as long and are more prone to stains and chipping.

In order to apply composite veneers, the teeth’s surface must first be roughened with a particular solution, then layers of resin material must be applied, and finally the veneers must be shaped and polished to obtain the desired appearance. Because composite veneers are fabricated right over the teeth, the dentist has more control over the outcome and may make any necessary revisions while the patient is still in the chair.

Who Can Get Veneers?

People who wish to enhance their look but have healthy teeth can consider veneers. They may be used to address a number of aesthetic problems, such as:

  • Discolored or stained teeth
  • Fractured or chipped teeth
  • Between-teeth spaces
  • Teeth that are malformed or excessively tiny
  • Mildly misaligned teeth

Veneers may not be the ideal choice for you if you have serious dental issues like tooth decay or gum disease. Make sure to discuss your alternatives with your dentist.

How Many Veneers Do You Need?

Your unique situation and the goals you have for your smile will determine how many veneers you need. Since your top front teeth are the ones that are most noticeable when you smile, most individuals often receive veneers for them. However, some individuals could also decide to obtain veneers for the rear teeth, the lower front teeth, or other teeth.

One or two veneers may be sufficient to enhance your smile if just a few of your teeth have minor flaws. One veneer could be sufficient to address minor flaws, such as a little chip on one tooth or a faint stain on another.

However, if you have more significant damage or many flaws on several of your teeth, you could need additional veneers to get the desired results. To decide how many veneers you need, your dentist will examine your teeth and talk with you about your objectives.

The size and form of your teeth must also be taken into account when figuring out how many veneers you need. Too many veneers may make your teeth seem thick or odd if you have tiny or narrow teeth. Similar to how too few veneers may produce gaps between your teeth if you have huge teeth, this might change how your smile looks in general.

Before and After Veneers: What to Expect

You’ll normally have a consultation with your dentist before having veneers to go over your objectives and see whether veneers are the best course of action for accomplishing them. To make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to support veneers, your dentist will check your teeth and take x-rays.

Your dentist will next prepare your teeth by removing a little bit of enamel from the front surface of each tooth if you are a suitable candidate for veneers. For the veneer to fit well and to have room, this is important. The imprints of your teeth will then be taken by your dentist, who will send them to a dental lab so that they can make your bespoke veneers. You can be given temporary veneers to safeguard your teeth while you wait and to help you get acclimated to the way they feel and look.

You’ll need to go back to your dentist’s office to have your permanent veneers installed. In order to assist the veneers adhere to your teeth, your dentist will first give your teeth a thorough cleaning and use a specific adhesive. After carefully positioning each veneer on its appropriate tooth, they will cure the glue using a special light.

Your dentist will examine your bite after the placement of your veneers and make any required modifications to guarantee that your teeth fit together correctly. Additionally, you’ll be given instructions on how to take care of your brand-new veneers, including frequent brushing and flossing as well as avoiding certain foods and beverages that can discolor or harm them.

Veneer Benefits and Drawbacks

Like any dental procedure, veneers have both pros and cons. Here are some of the most important things to consider:

Pros:

  • Veneers can improve the appearance of your smile quickly and easily.
  • They are a minimally invasive procedure that requires little to no anesthesia.
  • They are durable and can last for 10-15 years or more with proper care.
  • They are stain-resistant and won’t discolor over time.

Cons:

  • Veneers can be expensive, especially if you need many of them.
  • They require some enamel removal, which can make your teeth more sensitive.
  • They aren’t reversible – once you get veneers, you’ll always need to have them or replace them with something else.
  • They can chip or crack if you bite down on hard objects or grind your teeth.

Compare: Veneers vs. Crowns

Both veneers and crowns are dental procedures that can improve the appearance of your smile. However, there are some key differences to consider:

Veneers:

  • Cover only the front surface of your teeth
  • Require less enamel removal than crowns
  • Are more stain-resistant than crowns
  • May not be as durable as crowns

Crowns:

  • Cover the entire tooth
  • Require more enamel removal than veneers
  • Are stronger and more durable than veneers
  • Can be used to treat more severe dental problems

Talk to your dentist about which option might be best for you based on your needs and budget.

Tips for Maintaining Your Veneers

To keep your veneers looking and feeling great, you should:

  • Brush and floss regularly
  • Avoid hard or crunchy foods that could damage your veneers
  • Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth
  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings

By taking good care of your veneers, you can enjoy a brighter, more confident smile for years to come.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to improve your smile, veneers can be a great option. They’re a minimally invasive procedure that can give you a brighter, more confident smile in just a few appointments. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons and talk to your dentist about whether veneers are the right choice for you. By taking good care of your veneers and visiting your dentist regularly, you can enjoy a beautiful smile for years to come.

FAQs

  1. How long do veneers last? Veneers can last for 10-15 years or more with proper care.
  2. Will getting veneers hurt? You may experience some sensitivity after getting veneers, but this should go away within a few days.
  3. Can veneers fix crooked teeth? Veneers can be used to cover up slightly crooked teeth, but they aren’t a substitute for orthodontic treatment.
  4. How much do veneers cost? The cost of veneers varies depending on where you live, how many veneers you need, and other factors. In general, they can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per tooth.
  5. Can veneers be removed if I don’t like them? Once you get veneers, you’ll always need to have them or replace them with something else – they aren’t reversible.