Brushing your teeth is an essential part of your daily hygiene routine and keeping your teeth clean and healthy.
However, did you know that there are natural alternatives to brushing your teeth that can help maintain a healthy mouth and fresh breath? Here are ten natural alternatives that you can try today!.
1. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy that involves swishing oil around in your mouth for several minutes. The most commonly used oil for this practice is coconut oil, which has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria.
To try oil pulling, swish one tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes, then spit it out and rinse with water.
2. Chewing sugar-free gum
Sugar-free gum can help stimulate the production of saliva, which can help wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth. Chewing gum after a meal can also help freshen your breath.
Look for brands that use natural sweeteners like xylitol instead of sugar or artificial sweeteners.
3. Drinking water
Drinking water throughout the day can help rinse away food particles and bacteria in your mouth. It can also help keep your mouth hydrated, which can reduce the risk of dry mouth, a common cause of bad breath.
4. Fresh herbs
Chewing on fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro can help freshen your breath while also providing a boost of antioxidants. These herbs contain chlorophyll, which can help neutralize odors in your mouth.
5. Baking soda
Baking soda is a natural abrasive that can help remove surface stains from your teeth and neutralize odors in your mouth. To use baking soda as a toothpaste, mix a small amount with water to form a paste, then brush your teeth as usual.
6. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria in your mouth. To use apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, mix one tablespoon with water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out and rinse with water.
7. Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots can help clean your teeth by stimulating the production of saliva and scrubbing away plaque. These foods also contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy teeth and gums.
8. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic properties that can help kill bacteria in your mouth. To use tea tree oil as a mouthwash, mix a few drops with water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out and rinse with water.
9. Sea salt
Sea salt can help scrub away plaque and neutralize odors in your mouth. To use sea salt as a mouthwash, mix a small amount with water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out and rinse with water.
10. Tongue scraping
Tongue scraping can help remove bacteria and debris from your tongue, which can help improve bad breath. To do this, use a scraper to gently scrape your tongue from back to front, then rinse your mouth with water.