Nobody enjoys going to the dentist. People don’t want to sit back in reclining chairs while another person shoves mirrors, drills, suction tubes, or metal picks in their mouths, all the while being asked about their days. We can only make sounds or shake our heads, dentists! Above all else, the news that people don’t want to hear is that they have cavities because their teeth are unhealthy. That’s why reminieralization is such a trending topic in the oral health world.
Let’s Talk About Tooth Health
There’s no denying that brushing and flossing are essential oral care practices to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. One aspect of oral health that is often neglected is diet. While your dentist will tell you to brush and floss to avoid cavities and tooth decay, he or she may not suggest foods that encourage healthy teeth. It is optimal to eat alkaline foods to promote a higher pH environment in the mouth. So many people drink sugary beverages and eat candy or processed foods, which raise acidity levels and strip away enamel as a result. A healthy mouth will have adequate saliva, which deposits minerals on the teeth and remineralizes them in the process.
Brushing Tip: Brush at a 45-degree angle around the gum of each tooth. This is where bacteria like to hide and cause plaque build up and tooth decay. This helps to focus the brushing on the bottom of the teeth and inside the gums.
How Does Remineralizing Toothpaste Work?
As we previously mentioned, diet makes a difference in the health of your teeth, which means that what you put on your teeth also influences them. Most toothpastes contain fluoride, glycerin, or sodium lauryl sulfate, which is the compound that causes foaming when you brush. These ingredients can create a more acidic environment and compromise the health of your teeth. Remineralizing toothpastes use ingredients that supply the teeth with alkalizing minerals that strengthen them. When you start brushing with the toothpaste (below), you should notice a difference in how your teeth feel. Try it and let us know!
DIY Remineralizing Toothpaste
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup virgin unrefined coconut oil
- ¾ cup calcium powder
- 1/3 cup xylitol
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 48 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Place the coconut oil in a heat-safe glass bowl and melt in the microwave.
- Stir the rest of the ingredients into the coconut oil and mix until everything is well combined.
- Pour the toothpaste into a glass storage jar and brush with a small amount twice daily.
