Strawberries and other Natural Oral Care Solutions

Introduction

Personal hygiene – especially oral hygiene – can be the cornerstone of good health and great self-esteem. Keeping your body and mouth clean can guard against disease and unnecessary decay. With a renewed interest in natural health, many people are beginning to harness the effectiveness and availability of home health care and remedies. Natural tooth care is one of these most popular areas. The benefits of cleaning and treating your teeth at home include a safer and painless cleaning experience without the use of harsh chemicals. Best of all, the tools that you need for a better smile may already be in your kitchen. These tools, if used correctly, can be effective and permanent ways to keep your smile bright.

Whitening Your Teeth With Strawberries

Strawberries contain the tooth-whitening enzyme of malic acid, which can do wonders for your smile without the harmful chemicals and high cost of formal dental work. To get a pair of pearly whites, puree or crush one strawberry, add ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and mix well. Dip your toothbrush into the mixture, and coat your teeth with it. Let the mixture sit on your teeth for about five minutes before brushing your teeth with your regular toothpaste. The malic acid in strawberries will allow the particles that make stains on your teeth to break away, while the baking soda contributes to a whiter smile, and the brushing will help you remove stain-producing particles from your mouth. Make sure to get all of the mixture off of your teeth and use floss to pick seeds and other remnants from the crevices of your mouth. Be aware that this method should only be used once every seven days, as overuse can lead to the premature breakdown of your tooth enamel.

Eating Cheese to Strengthen Your Enamel

One of tooth enamel's main functions is to protect dentin, the softer, interior part of the tooth that is associated with nerves. Having and maintaining strong enamel means that your teeth will be protected against the abrasive acts of biting and chewing. It can also guard against the properties of acids and other agents that would erode your teeth. Eating cheese containing lactic acid is a natural way to protect against enamel erosion because it can neutralize bad acids, stimulate the production of saliva, and provide your body with tooth-strengthening calcium, phosphorous and protein. It can even reduce the accumulation of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Some popular cheeses that can help protect your smile include Swiss, mozzarella, and strong cheddar. Eating these cheeses after snacking can be particularly beneficial, as the cheese can counteract sugars and other potentially harmful ingredients.

The Apple as a Toothbrush

Apples are considered a natural toothbrush for a host of reasons. The physical act of chewing on an apple can dislodge food particles and reduce bacteria concentrations in the mouth. Like strawberries, apples contain malic acid, which can help remove stains from your teeth. In addition, apples can massage your gums, and its juice can guard against dental problems like gum or periodontal disease. If you don't have any whole apples in your kitchen to eat, you can try swishing some apple cider vinegar in your mouth before brushing your teeth in the morning to help remove stains.

Vegetables Everyday

Increasing your intake of vegetables can be a great way to stay in good health and contribute to oral hygiene. In general, the firmer and crunchier the vegetable, the better it can act as a natural toothbrush, as it moves against your teeth and removes food particles. Vegetables like celery and carrots can be particularly effective in cleansing and protecting teeth. Fibrous fruits, like apples and strawberries, and other vegetables like green beans and cauliflower, can stimulate the production of saliva, which can protect against bacteria and lead to better oral health. Vegetables that are rich in beta carotene can also help protect your teeth when the body converts it into tooth-friendly vitamin A.

Wash it down

Drinking copious amounts of water can act as a preventive measure against staining. The fluoride that is added to tap water can contribute to better oral health by strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. When eating apples or vegetables as part of natural tooth care, be sure to drink a glass of water afterward. The water will help rinse away remaining bits of the fruit or vegetable, as well as protect against the excess buildup of sugars and acids. Water is an essential component to good health, as it's necessary for the body to perform countless basic and complex metabolic processes. Without it, the body runs the risk of infection, disease, and dehydration.

How to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally

TLC Cooking "Whiten Teeth With Strawberries"

Health Benefits of Cheese

Tooth Enamel: What Helps, What Hurts

What Fruits or Vegetables Are Good For the Teeth?

Whiten Teeth With Apples

Water: A Vital Nutrient

Fluoridation