Do you want to take your oral hygiene up a notch but don’t know how or what to use aside from your conventional toothpaste and floss?
There are several substitutes you can try to keep your pearly whites as clean and healthy as they can be— and you don’t need to look far, as they can be found right in your pantry or cupboard. Check out the following teeth-cleaning solutions. Of course, before trying any of these, you should seek your dentist’s advice.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has natural teeth whitening properties. Simply mix in a tablespoon of water with about half a teaspoon of baking soda and use it to brush your teeth. Make sure, however, not to brush your teeth with it for longer than two minutes. Baking soda can erode your tooth enamel, which protects and strengthens your teeth.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide contains strong bleaching and antibacterial properties, which is why it is widely used by dental professionals. Mix two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon of baking soda, and see the wonders that it can do for your teeth. However, excessive use can be abrasive, so you should do this sparingly, especially if you have sensitive teeth.
Coconut Oil
Oil pulling is a method that involves swishing oil in the mouth for 10 to 20 minutes. Coconut oil prevents bacteria buildup and can also help whiten your teeth.
Sea Salt
Another useful, natural alternative to toothpaste is sea salt, as it can effectively clean all the areas of your mouth and help protect it from harmful bacteria. Just make sure to properly dilute sea salt with water before gargling it, as it can also be quite abrasive to your teeth.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, broccoli, lettuce, and celery, can help you scrape off the harmful plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Aside from being excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, these foods can help stimulate saliva production, which helps keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Professional Teeth Cleaning in Eugene, OR
While the things we’ve mentioned above are great teeth-cleaning solutions, there is no substitute for visiting your dentist for professional cleaning. Dental experts recommend getting professional cleaning twice a year to ensure optimal oral health.
If you’re looking for a reliable dental provider within the Eugene area in Oregon, see Dr. Ari Binder here at 360 Dental. Dr. Binder has spent his career helping men, women, and children achieve beautiful, dazzling, and healthy teeth by providing them with not only high-quality dental services but also useful information to empower them to take better care of their oral health. Dr. Binder works hand in hand with our team to give our patients the best experience and make them look forward to all of their visits.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Binder, call our dental clinic today at (541) 689-1645 or use our convenient online form.