Getting rid of dental plaque naturally, reversing gingivitis, and DIY toothpaste recipes

Dental plaque is a sticky biofilm on your teeth made of calcium and harmful microbes, leading to tooth decay, bad breath, and gingivitis. Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque can persist, mainly due to the complex microbiome in your mouth. Here’s how to naturally combat plaque and protect your oral health.

Natural Toothpaste Mixes for Dental Plaque

Here are two of the most effective toothpaste mixes you can make to fight plaque and tartar:

First Mix:

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1/2 cup of warm water. It’s crucial to fully dissolve the baking soda to prevent it from being too abrasive on your enamel.
  • 1/4 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide, an excellent agent that breaks down plaque and kills bacteria.
  • 1/4 teaspoon of non-GMO ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to strengthen your gums and promote collagen production.
  • You can also add a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or clove for a better taste and fresher breath.

Brush with this mix once a day, making sure to spit it out and rinse well. Plaque starts to harden into tartar in about 12 hours but takes around two weeks to fully calcify. This mix helps prevent tartar from forming under the gums and potentially leading to bone loss.

Second Mix:

  • 2 tbsp baking soda, a natural abrasive that gently scrubs away plaque.
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil, with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, binds the ingredients together.
  • 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil (or tea tree oil), known for freshening breath and killing harmful bacteria.
  • 1 tsp xylitol (optional), which sweetens the paste and starves harmful bacteria.

Melt the coconut oil, mix in the baking soda and xylitol, then add the essential oils. Pour the mixture into a small jar and allow it to cool. Use this toothpaste daily to clean your teeth effectively without any harsh chemicals.

Both of these toothpaste mixes tackle plaque naturally, avoiding fluoride, which might contribute to oral health problems instead of solving them.

Vitamins for Strong Teeth and Healthy Gums

Your mouth needs the right nutrients to stay healthy, and specific vitamins can help fight plaque and gingivitis by strengthening your teeth and gums.

Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is critical for collagen production, which keeps your gums firm and healthy. Without enough vitamin C, gums become more prone to inflammation, bleeding, and eventually gingivitis. It’s also a natural antibacterial agent, which helps reduce harmful microbes in the mouth that contribute to plaque formation. The body produces hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct of vitamin C metabolism, which fights biofilms on your teeth.

Using ascorbic acid (vitamin C powder) in your toothpaste mix can support your gums directly by promoting collagen production and healing.

Vitamin K2 and D3:

Together, vitamins K2 and D3 are essential for directing calcium to your bones and teeth instead of into soft tissues like arteries or plaque. This prevents the calcification of plaque and ensures strong teeth. Vitamin K2 helps with calcium deposition, and vitamin D3 aids in calcium absorption, which reduces the risk of gingivitis and tooth decay. When combined, these vitamins can help remineralise teeth and reverse early decay.

Additional Natural Plaque Remedies

Now that we’ve covered toothpaste and vitamins, let’s focus on other essential methods to maintain oral health:

Boost Probiotics:

Probiotics help introduce beneficial bacteria into your mouth. These healthy microbes can outcompete harmful plaque-causing bacteria, restoring balance to your mouth’s microbiome.

Chew Xylitol Gum:

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that disrupts harmful bacteria’s ability to form biofilms and plaque. Chewing gum sweetened with xylitol can starve plaque-forming bacteria, keeping them in check.

Water Filtration: Avoid Fluoride

Fluoride, found in commercial toothpaste and tap water, is often misunderstood. It hasn’t been conclusively proven to benefit oral health, despite being used for decades. Fluoride used in water supplies often comes from phosphate fertiliser byproducts, not pharmaceutical-grade fluoride used in dental offices. It may increase the acidity of your mouth, contributing to tooth decay.

To eliminate fluoride from your water, install a water filter that specifically removes it. This is particularly important if you want to avoid long-term exposure to fluoride and its potential risks.

Preventing and Reversing Gingivitis Naturally

Gingivitis occurs when plaque builds up along the gumline, causing inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. Plaque left untreated turns into tartar, leading to more severe gum disease. Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed by restoring balance to your mouth’s microbiome and removing plaque naturally.

  • Vitamin K2 and D3 reduce calcium buildup in your gums and help remineralise teeth, strengthening them from within.
  • Oral probiotics can improve your gum health by introducing beneficial bacteria that fight inflammation and control harmful microbes.

Summary of Steps for Healthy Teeth and Gums:

  • Use natural toothpaste mixes with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, coconut oil, and essential oils.
  • Incorporate vitamins C, K2, and D3 into your diet to promote strong teeth and gums.
  • Eat probiotic-rich foods to support a healthy oral microbiome.
  • Chew xylitol gum to disrupt harmful bacteria.
  • Avoid fluoride by filtering your water and choosing natural oral care products.

This multi-pronged approach will fight plaque, reduce tartar buildup, and keep your mouth in optimal health.

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