Some estimates show that 90% of American adults over 30 years old have some degree of gum disease, and most of them don't even know it.
Common symptoms of gum disease include swollen gums, bad breath, bleeding or receding gums, and loose teeth, among others. Most of us just accept many of these symptoms as inevitable or "normal," but in fact, gum disease is actually a pretty serious condition. Research has found that bacterial issues in our mouths can lead to inflammation, which has been linked to heart disease, cancer, and more.
As with just about any type of disease, the further that gum disease progresses, the harder it is to treat. Prevention is always the best "cure," and reversing gum disease early on can help keep it from developing into a more serious problem.
There are a number of things you can do to prevent gum disease, and of course, it all starts with your diet. Eating lots of foods high in sugar or processed carbs can lead to problems in your oral health. By improving your diet and taking a few other steps to protect your oral microbiome, you can provide your gums with the opportunity to heal themselves naturally.
Below are a few tips for healthier gums, as well as a simple all-natural tooth powder recipe that can help keep your mouth clean and healthy - without all the chemicals and other junk found in commercial toothpastes.
Another way to prevent plaque is to brush your teeth with natural toothpastes or powders that are free of sugars, glycerine, and potentially harmful chemicals that are often found in commercial toothpastes. It's surprisingly easy and affordable to make your own tooth cleaning powders and pastes - and you'll save a bundle too!
Below is a simple recipe for natural tooth powder. If you prefer toothpaste, you can also find a recipe for making your own here.
Natural Tooth Powder Recipe
Makes 1/2 cup.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons bentonite clay
- 1 Tablespoon baking soda
- 1 Tablespoon powdered cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon xylitol powder
- 2 Tablespoons calcium and magnesium powder
- 10 drops of thieves essential oil
- 20 drops of peppermint essential oil
To Use: Wet your toothbrush in hot water and dip it into your homemade powder. Brush for at least 2 minutes. Rinse with cool water. The powder can be used daily and is good for both kids and adults.
While you may have to spend a bit up-front for all the ingredients, once you have them, you'll most likely have enough to make your own tooth powder for several years!
To your (oral) health,
Rose.
Recipe Source: TheGrowNetwork.com