5 Unexpected Natural Ways to Increase Oral Health

You are an adult so you may not be concerned about developing cavities in your teeth anymore. However, as you age, the chances that your teeth and overall dental health become more vulnerable and compromised significantly rises. These 5 unexpected natural ways to increase your oral health are excellent practices you can try, revisit, or add to your natural oral health routine for optimal results.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient practice derived from Ayurvedic medicine, popular in India. A study published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research described oil pulling as, 

“a traditional Indian folk remedy [used] for many years for strengthening teeth, gums, and the jaw and to prevent decay, oral odor, bleeding gums, dryness of the throat, and cracked lips.” 

This small study showed how swishing a tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil inside your mouth for about ten to fifteen minutes has the capability of “pulling” topical and embedded toxins out of the mouth. In turn, cavities and other oral related compromise could be avoided or repaired.

The study concluded that, 

“The oil pullingtherapy showed a reduction in the plaque index, modified gingival scores, and total colony count of aerobic microorganisms in the plaque of adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis.”

Vitamin D

Some propose that the amount of people deficient in vitamin D is reaching epidemic proportions. This vitamin is mostly produced by exposure to sunlight which many humans avoid due to skin cancer concerns or by spending more time indoors compromising natural production. This mineral is essential for regulating calcium and phosphoric acid two primary components for optimal bone health. 

A study titled, ‘Vitamin D and Dental Caries in Controlled Clinical Trials: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’ published in Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE): Quality-assessed Reviews concluded that,

“Supplemental vitamin D was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of dental caries [cavities] compared with no supplement,”

Talk to your doctor about proper vitamin D supplement dosage however many stick to about 1000 IU (international units) per day. 

Aloe Vera

The prickly aloe vera plant holds substantial healing properties within its rubbery “horns”. Slice one in half and a gooey, jelly-like substance can be scooped out and used on skin burns or taken internally to combat digestive issues. Aloe vera gel or juice may also be helpful when it comes to oral health. 

Published in the Journal of Pharmacy BioAllied Sciences the study ‘Benefits of Aloe Vera in Dentistry’ stated that, 

Gingivitis – It was concluded that A. vera had a significant anti-inflammatory property. Thus, it can be used as an adjunct to mechanical therapy for treating plaque-induced gingivitis. A. vera for the gingivectomy [gum surgery] sites and showed that healing was better and fast.

Periodontitis – It was concluded that sub-gingival administration of A. vera gel results in improvement of periodontal condition. A. vera gel can be used as a local drug delivery system in periodontal pockets.

Tooth Gel – Aloe vera tooth gel is effective in controlling bacteria that causes cavities in comparison to other commercially available toothpaste. A. vera gel’s ability to kill and remove harmful microorganisms is due to compounds called anthraquinones, which are anti-inflammatory. A. vera gel does not contain the abrasives found in most toothpastes, hence less harsh on teeth and it is a better alternative for people with sensitive teeth.

Stay Away From Phytic Acid

Found in wheat, rice, and beans phytic acid may hold possible adverse effects on oral health. Research Gate published a study that stated,

“Phytic acid has been reported to impair the absorption of minerals and trace elements such as calcium, zinc, and iron in humans”

By impeding the absorption of these minerals, over time, it is believed that one of several results could be teeth and jaw weakness. You can try avoiding these foods while practicing one or more of these oral health tips to see if your dentist detects an improvement.

Chewing Gum

That’s right, all those years someone may have told you that chewing gum will cause cavities and now it may actually be good for your teeth, as long as it is sugar-free. Look for gum that contains xylitol or casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate derived from milk. 

In a study by Iranian researchers 60 dental students participated to see if these two compounds could be good for oral health. Published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry, it was concluded that, 

“Daily consumption of chewing gum containing CPP-ACP [casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate] and xylitol significantly reduces the level of salivary S. mutans, but chewing gum containing CPP-ACP can reduce the level of salivary S. mutans in more than xylitol chewing gum.

These 5 unexpected natural ways to increase your oral health hopefully give you some options beyond brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. They are easy, inexpensive, and according to studies as well as anecdotal reports potentially effective.