Hello there,
If you have been with me for a while you will know that I love to talk about detoxing. Today I'm sharing with you the importance of detoxing your mouth to not only promote healthy oral hygiene but also to promote the overall health of your body.
It is said that the bacteria in your mouth are the starting point for many diseases in the body. Just think how much information can be gathered about your body from a single saliva test in your mouth.
Did you know that your tongue is your first line of defense in your immune system?
Good oral hygiene is important for the health of your gums, your teeth and to eliminate bad breath. Poor oral hygiene can lead to problems with diabetes, heart disease, and other issues.
Having a healthy mouth, free from bad bacteria, toxins and unwanted debris can have a profound effect on your overall health, which is why we want to detox any unwanted nasties.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice to naturally remove bacteria and toxins from the mouth. The oil used has antibiotic and anti-viral properties that also help remove plaque, reduce tooth decay and whiten teeth. Oil pulling involves swirling one tablespoon of good quality coconut oil around your mouth and between your teeth for between 5 and 15 minutes, before spitting out out the oil (to remove the toxins and bacteria).
A very convenient way to do oil pulling is by using a Keeko Coconut Oil Pulling pack. The Keeko packs have essential oils and herbs added to the coconut oil and are specifically designed to help you clean and detox your mouth and teeth.
Charcoal
Charcoal is a well-known detoxifier. Charcoal has a powerful ability to adsorb toxins, unwanted chemicals, bacteria, and poisons. Using charcoal to brush your teeth can deeply clean and whiten teeth. Charcoal can eliminate bad breath and due to its high pH levels and minerals, it may fight future cavities. Charcoal can help break down coffee, wine, smoking and food stains on teeth.
We love Magic Mud Tooth Powder because it is an ultra-fine powder that combines charcoal and bentonite clay (as well as other herbs and oils that help to detoxify the mouth). The clay helps to re-mineralise enamel (as shown in lab tests). Magic Mud Charcoal is used once a day in place of toothpaste.
Biodegradable Charcoal Toothbrush
30 million plastic toothbrushes are used and disposed of by Australians each year, amounting to approximately 1,000 tonnes of landfill each year! This is probably the single biggest reason I love this biodegradable toothbrush.
Magic Mud Bamboo Toothbrush is probably my current favourite product on the Nourishing Hub. This brand new eco-awesome toothbrush is sustainably produced from plant-based plastic and responsibly harvested bamboo. What a relief to know you’re doing something to reduce landfill waste. The soft nylon bristles are infused with activated charcoal do help detox your mouth and naturally whiten teeth.
Tongue Cleaner
Tongue scrapers (tongue cleaners) can help to remove toxins and build-up on your tongue that can inhibit your taste buds from working effectively. Once these are removed you can enjoy the better taste and enhanced flavours. Tongue cleansing can slow the growth of plaque and improve immune function. Our recommendation is Dr. Tung's Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner. These use high-grade stainless steel because it is impervious to bacteria and is more comfortable and gentle on the tongue than plastic.
Dental Floss
Dentists and dental hygienists swear by it for good oral health. Dental Floss naturally helps to remove debris from between your teeth that contribute plaque build up and cavities. Flossing enables you to get to where your toothbrush can't reach. Flossing can also help to reduce gum disease.
Our pick is AloeDent Dental Floss. This 30-metre floss is flavoured with natural aloe, mint and coated with natural beeswax to help inter-dental movement.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another one of nature's detoxifiers is apple cider vinegar, which can be an effective way to remove stubborn stains and whiten teeth naturally. Apple cider vinegar works as a natural antibiotic to cleanse teeth and gums.
Be sure to choose a raw unfiltered cider vinegar (such as Dr. Braggs), as this contains the 'mother' or the bug. The 'mother' is full of beneficial enzymes, pectin, and trace minerals. It is these properties that help to detox the harmful bacteria and promote the good probiotic bacteria in the mouth.
To use as a tooth whitener or to detox your mouth you can add some vinegar to a cloth and rub it on your teeth, or you can dilute 2 teaspoons of vinegar with a 1/4 cup of water and use it to rinse around your mouth (you can swallow it at the end for extra health benefits). For both options brush your teeth and rinse your mouth afterward. The vinegar is an acid and can remove enamel from your teeth if used too often or not rinsed properly.
Ditch The Listerine Mouthwash
Did you know that Listerine was actually formulated as a floor cleaner? This is true and this might explain the harsh chemicals and alcohol still in its ingredients list today.
When you have Listerine mouthwash you swirl it around your mouth and under your tongue, which is a highly absorbent part of the body. There are mucous membranes beneath your tongue and a plethora of capillaries - making it a very direct route to your bloodstream (this is why you often take medicine under your tongue). Ask yourself this - do you want the chemicals in Listerine in your bloodstream?
Researchers at Harvard University found that people who used mouthwash twice a day were around 55 percent more likely to develop diabetes or dangerous blood sugar spikes, within three years because the mouthwash killed both good and bad bacteria. Our pick is this Alcohol-Free Magic Mud Mouthwash using charcoal and cinnamon.
I hope this gives you a little insight into some of our favourite ways to detox your mouth.
Have a beautiful day!
Simone
