Whether you are young or old, it’s easy to get into the Halloween spirit. It is fun and exciting to dress up and embrace all things scary, but this day is really all about the candy. A child loves the opportunity to walk door-to-door in costume and retrieve candy from those eager enough to pass it out. Adults will walk by a bowl of candy in the office, sneakily grabbing a couple every now and again. Parents may even take some select treats out of the Halloween night’s big haul!

A good bag full of treats is hard to resist. Although the various candies can taste amazing, they often come with a cost: dental problems. A new report found that 35% of Americans have experienced candy-related dental issues. Dentists encourage people to make smarter choices when it comes to which candy they choose to enjoy. Daily or frequent consumption of candy will result in negative consequences for the teeth. According to that new report, the following dental issues may be caused by candy.

Tooth Pain

If candy causes damage to your teeth, fillings, or crowns, you can experience general tooth pain. If you bite into some candy and crack your tooth, it can be extremely painful. A cracked tooth that cracks all the way to the root or nerve can be excruciating and typically requires immediate dental work. 

Chipped Or Cracked Tooth

Not all chips or cracks go all the way down to the tooth’s root. Some people easily chip their teeth on lollipops or other hard candies and don’t fix the chip for months! It is very difficult to chip a tooth and not notice! That said, you can chip part of a tooth while eating and not notice it because it may not hurt. If you don’t address the problem and don’t see a dentist soon after chipping or cracking a tooth, you run the risk of nerve exposure or infection. A cracked tooth loses the outer layer, the enamel, and a cavity can progress at a quicker rate. 

Jaw Discomfort

When you chew hard or sticky candies, you put unnecessary stress on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These are the two joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. If you repeatedly chew hard or sticky candies, you may lead to TMJ pain. Plus, hyperextending for opening the jaw wide to eat larger candies can increase general jaw discomfort. 

Teeth Sensitivity

Bacteria in the mouth can metabolize into simple carbohydrates (sugar) and lower the overall pH in the mouth. An acidic environment can erode the enamel on your teeth, which makes them more sensitive to tooth decay. Even if the bacteria doesn’t metabolize into sugar, it can cause sensitivity to other areas without enamel. Your teeth “feel” via tiny tubules in the dentin layer of the mouth. These tubules have fluid in them, and that fluid can expand or contract in response to cold or hot liquids, sweets, or other food items. People with gum recession are typically more susceptible to tooth sensitivity. 

Gum Infection

Although the report didn’t mention gum infection as a dental issue caused by candy consumption, it is a possible outcome. Little pieces of candy can get trapped between the teeth in the gums or in gum pockets, where floss cannot reach and remove the candy. If candy remains wedged under the gums or between the teeth, you can experience cavities or a periodontal abscess, which is a localized gum infection. 

Damaged Fillings Or Crowns

If you eat sticky candy and you have a filling or crown, you run the risk of pulling out a piece of the filling or crown. If the candy does pull out the filling or crown, the sugar from candy can become trapped in the tooth, which can lead to tooth decay. Candy doesn’t directly harm filling or crown material in that way because decay develops differently. Candy typically infects the tooth at the margin of the filling or crown (where the tooth meets the crown or filling).

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Are your teeth looking a little longer these days? If so, you may need to change some lifestyle habits because your gums may be receding. Receding gums can increase your risk for sensitivity, cavities, and tooth loss. Although gum recession is a gradual problem, you don’t want to let it get out of hand. 

What Are Receding Gums?

Gum recession is a form of gum disease that occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth. If left untreated, the gums can recede so much so that the roots of the teeth become exposed. That can cause irritation when brushing, eating, or drinking liquids at varying temperatures. 

Gum recession is most common in people over the age of 65, but it can affect people of all ages. You are more likely to develop receding gums if you had braces or other orthodontic treatment, periodontal disease, or use chewing tobacco. Interestingly, brushing your teeth excessively or having a lip or tongue piercing also increases your risk of receding gums. About 88% of people over the age of 65 have gum recession on one or more teeth, and you can learn about more causes below. 

You Have Plaque Or Tartar Buildup

If you don’t brush and floss regularly, your gums can recede. Dentists explain that poor dental hygiene can cause plaque (a film from bacteria and food) and tartar (hardened plaque that causes tooth decay) to build up along the gum lining. Not only can plaque and tartar inflame the gums, but they can also make them more susceptible to recession. If you want to prevent plaque buildup, brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes at a time. Floss once a day and consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to encourage optimal oral health.

You Grind Your Teeth

Repeatedly grinding your teeth can put stress on your gums, which can cause inflammation and swelling. Over time, that inflammation can cause gums to recede. Bruxism, the technical term for teeth grinding, can happen to anyone, but it typically results from unmanaged anxiety. Most teeth grinders don’t realize that they do it because they usually grind while asleep. That’s why you may wake up with tooth sensitivity or tight jaw muscles. If you have tooth grinding symptoms, consider talking with your dentist about it. You may need to wear a mouthguard at night or practice relaxation techniques to manage stress. 

You Smoke Or Use Tobacco

Smoking causes discoloration of your teeth, but it also affects your gums, especially if you dip (use chewing tobacco). Tobacco reduces immune function, making it more difficult for your gums to fight off infection. That can lead to gum inflammation and gum recession, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obviously, the best way to protect your mouth from this is to stop smoking or using chewing tobacco. There are many methods that can help you stop smoking, but if you do use tobacco, please continue to brush and floss regularly. Don’t forget to get regular cleanings from the dentist as well. 

Your Tongue Or Lip Piercing Is To Blame

This sounds strange, but an oral piercing can actually increase the risk of gum recession over time. The piercing can cause irritation or inflammation that causes the gums to recede. Oral piercings may also cause an injury that damages the teeth or gum tissue. Damaged gum tissue can lead to inflammation and recession. If you have an oral piercing, you have to be extra attentive with your oral care. In addition to brushing and flossing, follow oral piercing cleaning instructions to reduce the risk of infection or gum recession.

You Brush Too Hard

Brushing regularly is a must for optimal oral health, but being overzealous with your brushing can do more harm than good. Aggressive brushing can irritate gum tissue, which causes inflammation that can lead to gum recession over time. If you have sensitive gums, consider getting a soft- or medium-bristle toothbrush to be more gentle on your gums. Always brush your teeth twice per day, but remember to be gentle on your teeth. Use gentle, circular motions with and consider holding your toothbrush differently to reduce intensity. Try to hold the brush with only your thumb, index, and middle fingers. Not only does this give you less leverage, but it may also remind you to go easier on your gums.

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Dental experts agree that your gums should be a beautiful pink. This shade of pink might vary slightly depending on your natural skin tone, but if you notice a different hue, there might be something else going on in your mouth. As it turns out, the tone or tint of your gums can inform you of other health issues, especially if the change in color accompanies other symptoms. In this article, we cover a list of gum colors and what they could mean for your oral health. 

What Color Are Healthy Gums?

Healthy gums are typically pink in color and firm to the touch. Your skin tone may determine the shade of pink. For example, white or light-skinned people tend to have lighter pink gums, while darker-skinned people can have darker pink or pinkish-brown gums. Your gums should be resilient and they shouldn’t move when you touch them or bleed when you brush or floss. Healthy gums are not inflamed or swollen in their natural state, nor are they tender to the touch. Your breath tends to feel fresh with no unpleasant tastes in your mouth. Continue reading to learn more about what your gums can tell you about your health. 

Red Gums

Dentists say that red, swollen gums commonly indicate gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease. Plaque that builds up on the teeth causes gingivitis, and the tenderness of the gums can cause them to bleed when you floss. If you notice red, swollen gums, take action as soon as possible. Gingivitis can worsen over time and lead to gum pain, tenderness, and eventually gum damage or tooth loss. 

Black Gums

Unless you decide to consume a handful of dirt, your gums should not be black. If you notice very dark red, dark purple, or black gums, you most likely have a case of periodontitis. This is a common gum infection that damages the gums and destroys the jawbone, but it is fairly preventable. In addition to the darker-colored gums, you may also notice new spaces between your teeth and a change to your bite. This occurs because teeth start to loosen. Two less common reasons for black gums are smoking or unmanaged diabetes. Tetracycline, an antibiotic, can also temporarily cause gums to take on a back hue. 

Purple Gums

If gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease, gums may take on a purplish appearance. Some dental experts suggest that gums with a subtle purple hue may not always indicate gum disease. The gums must be firm and healthy, not bleeding, for the purplish hue to be acceptable. If you notice purple gums that are puffy and painful, or that pus comes from between the teeth, see your dentist to address the problem. Eating or chewing may also become uncomfortable in this situation.

White Gums

If you notice that your gums have taken on a ghostly white appearance, the problem isn’t usually cause for major concern. Gums can turn white temporarily from excess use of teeth whitening products, according to experts. The chemical bleaching ingredients in these products can also cause gum and tooth sensitivity. Less often, white spots or patches on the gums can indicate leukoplakia, a condition that results from heavy smoking or tobacco use. In some cases, white patches on the gums may indicate oral cancer, but the patch typically feels sore or irritated in this situation. 

Pale Gums

Gums that appear paler than normal may be a symptom of anemia, which occurs when the blood doesn’t make enough red blood cells. Anemia often stems from too-low iron or vitamin B12 levels, and it can cause weakness, pale skin, pale gums, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. If you experience other symptoms of anemia, consider speaking with your healthcare professional to address the issue.

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We all know that we should floss, but seldom do we see that vision through. Most people even lie about how much they floss to their dentists when they ask, “How often do you floss?” There is no point in lying because the dentist looks inside the mouth, only to see mild plaque build-up that may not be there if you floss regularly. 

As much as dentists harp on flossing, are there really benefits to this oral care activity? The American Dental Association (ADA) says that interdental cleaners like floss play an integral role in removing bacteria, plaque, and other debris from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. That’s why most dentists encourage people to floss daily, in addition to brushing. Flossing helps you dig out a lingering piece of popcorn, steak, celery, or carrot chunk. The relief is amazing and you may not get that food piece unstuck with a toothbrush. Aside from getting food out of your teeth and helping your gums feel great, flossing can also lead to the following benefits. 

May Prevent Gum Disease

Plaque doesn’t just stain your teeth or make them look unsightly. Plaque build-up in the mouth can increase the risk of gum disease, which refers to inflammation and infection of the gums. Failure to remove this plaque can cause it to eat away at gum tissue, the primary indicator of periodontal disease. Periodontitis is the advanced form of periodontal disease, and that can result in root canals or extreme tooth decay. An effective way to combat these gum diseases is by flossing on a regular basis because it can help remove bacteria from the base of the teeth. 

May Benefit Your Heart Health

How can flossing your teeth help your heart? Well, a large body of research supports the link between oral health and heart health. As wild as this theory seems, it is actually quite valid. A 2010 review found a strong link between gum disease and heart disease. That doesn’t necessarily mean that gum disease causes heart disease; rather, researchers believe that people who take better care of their teeth most likely take care of their overall health. A 2020 study followed over 160,000 people who kept a strict oral hygiene routine for over 10 years. The results indicated that these participants experienced a decreased risk of heart problems like heart failure and irregular heartbeat. 

Reduce The Risk Of Cavities

Tooth decay can result in cavities, which cause tiny openings or holes in the hard surface of the teeth, also known as enamel. The more plaque on your enamel, the higher risk you are for developing cavities. When you floss at least once per day, you can get rid of hidden food particles and plaque build-up, both of which increase the risk of tooth decay. The toothbrush can’t always reach every part of your teeth, especially between them, which is why the ADA encourages daily flossing.

Helps With Bad Breath

Forget that breath mint and bust out the floss before your big date! A 2013 research review found that you may be able to kick halitosis to the curb by flossing on a regular basis. Even if you brush regularly, bacteria can build up between your teeth. In addition to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, you can experience serious odors if you don’t get rid of bacterial build-up between the teeth. An interdental brush and the occasional use of a tongue scraper can also help keep bad breath at bay. 

Get Rid Of Plaque

As we’ve mentioned throughout this article, the removal of plaque can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It can be difficult to see plaque at first because it is a stick, colorless film that collects around and between the teeth and along the gum lining. The combination of starchy and sugary foods and drinks is a recipe for plaque formation. Bacteria release acids that break down carbohydrates and failure to brush and floss means that plaque can accumulate more easily. If too much plaque builds up, it can harden and turn into tartar, which collects along the gum line. That increases the risk of gum disease!

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You wake in the morning from a deep slumber and the first thought that runs through your mind is: How bad does my breath smell? If you sleep next to a partner, you may quickly cover your mouth before speaking to them. It’s imperative to shield them from that powerful, unpleasant aroma, unless they are into that sort of thing.

Everyone has morning breath to a certain degree, according to periodontists. While you sleep, the mouth dries out and odor-producing bacteria proliferate. The mouth dries out because the normal saliva flow decreases when you are asleep. If you snore or breathe through your mouth while sleeping, there’s a higher chance of having bad breath, when compared to those who breathe through their noses. No matter how you breathe when you sleep, the mouth is prone to dryness and bacterial growth.

The lack of saliva flow may not seem like an issue, but it is. Saliva works to clear out food particles that fuel odor-producing bacteria in the mouth. When there is less saliva in the mouth, the bacteria capitalize. That’s why mouth dryness is the leading cause of bad breath, and more specifically morning breath. 

Causes Of Bad Breath

Mouth dryness isn’t the only culprit. There are other causes that contribute to bad breath, or halitosis, but it depends on the person. Certain medications may increase mouth dryness over night, which worsens bad breath. Older people who take more medications tend to experience worse breath upon waking up in the morning. 

It’s also common for cigarette smokers to have worse breath in the morning. Not only does smoking dry up saliva, but it also increases the temperature of the mouth. This combination makes the mouth the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that make your breath smell foul. If that isn’t on your list of reasons to quit smoking, it should be. 

Lastly, it’s very possible for allergies to cause bad breath. People with seasonal allergies commonly experience postnasal drip, which involves mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This mucus becomes a food source for bacteria. Postnasal drip that gets infected will only increase the presence of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. 

Can You Treat Bad Breath?

There are ways to reduce the effects of morning breath, one of the primary of which is practicing proper oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing before bed helps to get rid of pockets of food that are magnets for bacteria. It’s also beneficial to clean the tongue in the morning to remove any bacteria that accumulate overnight. In order to clean the tongue properly, you’ll need to invest in a tongue scraper, a toothbrush with soft bristles, or even a spoon. 

If the tongue is pink and shiny, it is not harboring a lot of bacteria. If you notice a white film on the tongue, however, it does have bacteria and you probably have bad breath. Want confirmation of that odor? Lick your clean wrist, allow it to dry, and then smell it. You can get rid of the white film by using a tongue scraper or spoon, or simply brushing the tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush. 

This may be a more unconventional approach, but gargling with baking soda before bed may reduce the likelihood of foul morning breath. Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of water and gargle it for one minute. This is completely safe and helps establish and alkaline environment in the mouth, which helps to kill bacteria. 

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Bad breath plagues the masses, being one of the most common oral health problems. Some people are unaware of the foul odor that emits from their mouth. When people point it out, it’s very easy to lower self-esteem and confidence. The last thing you want is for someone to cringe when you open your mouth to speak to them, so if your breath is less than fresh, you need the cinnamon mouthwash in this article.

While bad breath typically results from an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, it can also occur because of poor digestive health. In fact, a common sign of poor digestive health is bad breath. A dietary change can help restore gut health, but this may not always get rid of bad breath. Sometimes, you need to combat the bacteria in the mouth, and that’s where mouthwashes come into play.

Are Mouthwashes Beneficial?

Believe it or not, people have been using mouthwash for thousands of years. According to historical records, people in China used saltwater rinses to combat gum disease over 4,000 years ago. The higher class citizens in Ancient Greece used salt and vinegar rinses to keep teeth clean. The mouth contains tons of bacteria, which is a good thing. Like your gut, however, there are good and bad bacteria present in the mouth. 

Modern day antibacterial mouthwash kills both the good and bad bacteria, which can lead to hazardous bacteria takeover. Additionally, alcohol-based mouthwash can dry out tissues in the mouth, which can irritate mouth ulcers if you have them. If you use alcohol-based mouthwash and drink soda, coffee, tea, or red wine, you may find that your teeth stain more easily.

You need to maintain a regular flossing and brushing routine, in addition to using mouthwash, to keep teeth and gums fresh. Don’t think that mouthwash can take the place of flossing and brushing, which are two essential components of oral care. 

Cinnamon

Historically, people chewed on cinnamon sticks to help maintain optimal oral health. There’s an essential oil in cinnamon that helps to kill bad breath. It does this by killing harmful bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, cinnamon has a potent aroma that works to cover up bad breath almost instantaneously. Cinnamon also contains antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help control tartar and prevent plaque formation.

Turmeric

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Turmeric is a popular superfood, especially for those who want to reduce inflammation in the body. Newer studies found that it may even reduce the risk of periodontal disease and certain oral cancers. Turmeric has also been recognized as an effective, natural teeth whitener. The results may not be instantaneous, but continued use may yield whiter, healthier teeth. 

DIY Cinnamon Mouthwash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Instructions:

• Place a small saucepan over low eat and pour in the water. 
• Add the cinnamon and turmeric and mix well. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let this mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. 
• Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Pour the mixture into a jar and use as regular mouthwash. 
• After you brush your teeth at night, swish the mouthwash in your mouth and spit it out. 

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Bad breath does one thing and one thing only: it makes a bad impression. People cringe at the first scent of foul breath. Some do what they can to bare the onslaught of stench, while others are brutally honest and break the news. Their intentions are good, but it’s all in the way things are worded, right? 

First and foremost, proper dental hygiene is the best way to prevent bad breath. However, you can still develop bad breath if you maintain a poor diet. The two primary causes of bad breath are poor dental hygiene and gastrointestinal issues. Failure to regularly brush and floss contributes to bad breath, but so does an unhealthy diet. Certain foods cause bacterial build up both in the mouth and in the gut; thus, the origin of the foul smell. 

If you want to kick that bad breath to the curb, you need to practice good oral hygiene and eat certain foods. Foods have the ability to establish healthier bacteria and alkaline levels in the mouth and stomach. That’s good news if you’re trying to add more shine to your smile. Continue reading to see which surprising foods help to combat bad breath. 

Cherries

According to several research studies, cherries work eliminate the smell of methyl mercaptan. This is a known gas, which naturally occurs in certain foods like cheeses, certain lettuces, or onions. It has a potent smell and can create bad breath. Snack on a few cherries, suck on the pits, and it should help eliminate the stench. 

Fresh Herbs

Most dentists agree that herbs, specifically parsley, rosemary, mint, basil, cilantro, and tarragon, work to fight bad breath. These herbs contain enzymes that attach to sulfur-containing compounds in the mouth in an effort to neutralize odors. You can eat them, but it’s beneficial to chew on these raw herbs for maximum results. You can also boil some of these herbs, like mint, into a tea and combat the problem that way. 

Fennel Seeds

People in India have used fennel seeds to fight bad breath for generations.The licorice-flavored seeds help to boost saliva production, which naturally lubricates and rinses the mouth. When you frequently rinse the mouth with new saliva, it’s easier to wash away bacteria that causes bad breath. If you don’t want to eat fennel seeds, incorporate ground fennel seeds into smoothies, morning toast, or brew the seeds into smoothies.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy greens offer numerous benefits for the entire body, not just your teeth. They are naturally rich in chlorophyll, which helps to mask stinky breath. Dentists consider chlorophyll to be a deodorizer for your mouth, neutralizing smells. Leafy greens also work to balance pH levels in your mouth, keeping it less acidic. An acidic mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to bad breath. The best leafy greens to consume include spinach, kale, lettuce, arugula, bok choy, okra, collard greens, and chard. 

Apples

While an apple a day may not keep bad breath away, eating an apple may help you combat the problem. Apples contain a lot of fiber, which essentially brushes your teeth the natural way. Fiber increases salivation more than other foods, which helps to wash away bad bacteria. Additionally, fiber helps to move food through the digestive tract, which helps avoid waste accumulation that can contribute to bad breath. Lastly, the crunchiness of apples can help to remove food and other bacteria that gets stuck between your teeth. 

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The biggest meal of the year has come and gone and there’s no better way to follow this day than to floss your little heart out. That’s right, people, we are telling you this because November 29^th is National Flossing Day. We know it isn’t as exciting as National Prank Your Friend Day, or National Leave Work Early Day, but the reality is that flossing on a regular basis has some pretty amazing benefits.

Let’s be honest for a quick second: nobody really wants to floss. Flossing is an oral hygiene routine that is typically done reluctantly. Statistically, the average person lies about how much they floss when they go in for a dental checkup, despite the fact that the American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day for optimal oral health. Dental floss gets into the nooks and crannies that the bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach.

National Flossing Day was established in 2019 to remind people of the importance of flossing, because taking care of your teeth and gums is part of life. Not to mention, a great oral hygiene routine decreases your risk of gum disease or gingivitis, and lessens the chance of you needing expensive veneers in the future. For more reasons why you should be flossing, read about the benefits below.

Flossing Reduces Bad Breath

If you have chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, chewing gum or popping mints all day will not remedy the problem. The smell is always there, and it may be attributed to tartar build-up, which has an unpleasant aroma. Brushing your teeth helps to reduce tartar build-up on the teeth, but flossing removes it from between the teeth and gums. Start flossing at least once a day to help freshen your breath.

Flossing Can Help Prevent Gum Disease

When plaque builds up on or between your teeth, people can develop cavities, but too much plaque can increase the risk of periodontal disease or gum disease. Periodontal disease is an infectious process that can alter the entire structure of the mouth. All you need to do is floss regularly to get rid of the bacteria between your teeth.

Flossing Prevents Gingivitis

Gingivitis is one of the most common oral health conditions, resulting in inflamed gums that are extremely sensitive. In some cases, people with gingivitis experience bleeding gums. One of the easiest ways to decrease your risk of gingivitis is by flossing, which works to remove bacteria around the gum line.

Flossing Helps Control Diabetes

This one is a shocking benefit, but diabetes and flossing are in fact connected. Failure to floss regularly can lead to a faster accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. As it turns out, research has shown that oral bacteria can affect glucose levels in the blood, creating a problem for people with diabetes. In order to help stabilize blood glucose levels, floss at least once a day to remove oral bacteria from between your teeth.

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Have you ever started talking to someone and they quickly made a disgusting face? You begin to feel self-conscious about your breath because the quality of your breath can make or break any interaction. Frantically, you scurry around in search of anything that will turn your breath from bad to good. Help!!!

On National Fresh Breath Day, August 6^th, we encourage everyone to up their oral hygiene routine. When was the last time you brushed? How long did you brush for? Do you floss regularly? How is your gut health? All of these are pertinent questions if the goal is to maintain a fresh and healthy mouth. As many dentists have warned, poor oral hygiene can result in cavities, plaque build-up, tooth decay, or gum disease, all of which can contribute to bad breath. However, bad breath can also be a side effect of certain medications or an unhealthy gut.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath, also referred to as halitosis, affects about 25% of the world’s population. Some people can have a combination of bacteria, which break down food in the mouth, and decaying food, creating a foul odor. People who eat poor diets comprised of a lot of processed foods, refined grains, meats, and sugar can accumulate waste in the digestive tract, causing bad breath. Other causes of bad breath include smoking cigarettes, dry mouth, kidney disease, gastro-esophageal reflex disorder (GERD), or periodontal disease.

Tips To Keep Your Breath Fresh

Floss

This is an obvious answer that nobody wants to hear. Flossing is laborious and irritating, but it’s necessary to keep your mouth healthy. In order to make yourself floss, you have to make it easy on yourself. Leave your floss in plain sight in the bathroom, as opposed to stowing it away in a drawer or behind something in the medicine cabinet. Seeing your floss will register that you need to make it a part of your oral hygiene routine.

Stay Hydrated

If you haven’t figured it out by now, staying hydrated is the answer to a lot of problems. When you drink water, you promote saliva production and saliva works to protect the mouth from germs that cause bad breath.

Eat Some Parsley

We cannot stress enough that parsley is not merely a garnish that goes on your plate. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of parsley can help to keep your mouth clean and fresh. Thoroughly chew your parsley by itself to naturally freshen your breath and promote saliva production. Celery also works to produce saliva!

DIY Recipes To Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Whitening Toothpaste For Sparkly Teeth

Tea, coffee, and other beverages and foods can stain your teeth over time. Keep your teeth white by using this DIY toothpaste. It contains some of our favorite ingredients that naturally work to scrub your teeth clean.

Click here to make the recipe.

Turmeric Mouthwash To Clean Your Teeth

Make this easy DIY mouthwash that helps you fight off plaque and tooth decay. You won’t believe how refreshed your mouth will feel!

Click here to make the recipe.

Antibacterial Mouthwash To Get Rid Of Plaque

Here is a DIY mouthwash that helps to improve the health of your teeth. The best part is that it is free of alcohol and fluoride!

Click here to make the recipe.

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Maintaining fresh oral hygiene should be of importance to everyone. We know some people are resistant to flossing, but keeping your mouth clean and healthy can protect you from gum disease, plaque, gingivitis, and tooth decay. While brushing and flossing are important, gargling with mouthwash can act as a secondary measure to keep your teeth healthy.

Commercial mouthwashes have tons of chemicals, which aren’t good for your teeth. Believe it or not, making your own mouthwash with turmeric is one of the best things you can do for your teeth. Because turmeric is filled with antimicrobial and antiviral properties, it works to remove plaque or any bacteria in your mouth.

Using turmeric mouthwash can help to naturally whiten your teeth and prevent plaque from accumulating. Additionally, turmeric can help to protect people from gingivitis and may be a great natural remedy for bad breath. To make the recipe, see the instructions below.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 2 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional, but adds flavor)

Instructions:

• Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan and then add the turmeric and cloves. After adding these spices, remove from the heat and let the mixture infuse for about 10 minutes.
• Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass jar, and then add the essential oil.
• Take a swig of the mixture and swish it around in your mouth for about 1 minute. Spit it out. Do not swallow this!
• Keep this fresh by storing it in an airtight jar in the fridge.

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