14 Feb Holistic Dental Tips for Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us here at Prescott Dentistry! We know that keeping your teeth bright and white is important to you. And we want you to feel confident about your smile. But if you’re thinking of using a whitening product on those precious pearly whites, it’s important to know that many current over-the-counter products use harsh chemicals to bleach your teeth. Instead, we’d like to suggest some natural, holistic dental tips for Valentine’s Day that can help your teeth and smile shine—naturally.
Oil Pulling
This is an ancient practice with modern benefits. Oil pulling removes bacteria and toxins from the mouth. While there is not yet much scientific evidence that oil pulling whitens teeth, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence. To use this method, swish about a tablespoon of coconut oil for 20 minutes each morning before eating or drinking. Don’t have time? Doing it in the shower is a great option! If this is difficult, start slow. You can start with 5 minutes and add an additional minute each day.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help scrub stains from your teeth. It also creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, combating acid and preventing the buildup of bacteria. To use this remedy, make a paste by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with one to two teaspoons of water. Use this paste to brush your teeth a few times a week.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild whitening agent that can help with stains on the teeth. Be sure to use a 1.5% solution, since anything stronger can irritate the teeth. Most drug stores sell 3%, but you can dilute it with an equal part water. You can also use it as a mouthwash before brushing your teeth. Or, you can mix it with baking soda (2 tsp. hydrogen peroxide with 1 tsp. baking soda) and use it as a toothpaste. Prescott Dentistry uses a peroxide-based gel for gently whitening your teeth professionally.
Prevent Stains
The best way to keep teeth white is by preventing stains in the first place. Limit drinks like red wine, coffee, and soda. When you do drink these, be sure to swish with water immediately afterward and follow up by brushing your teeth within thirty minutes. Drinking them with a straw can also help. Avoiding smoking is also very important, as this can cause yellow stains to the teeth.
These holistic dental tips for Valentine’s Day can help keep your teeth looking and feeling their best—and not just for this February holiday, but all year long! Whether it’s for a special someone or for yourself, keeping your smile in great shape is a worthy pursuit. Regular brushing and flossing are essential, and remember to keep up with your twice-a-year professional cleaning visits with us here at Prescott Dentistry. We also welcome your inquiries about our cosmetic dentistry services at your next visit!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/14/2019) Pixaby