If you are working to improve your oral health, you may be surprised that some of the items in your kitchen cupboard can help. Nothing replaces brushing and flossing. However, the following items can give your oral health a boost:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiviral. The oil makes a delicious cooking oil, but it can also be used for oil pulling or for homemade toothpaste.

To use coconut oil for oil pulling, take a tablespoon of the oil and swish it through your teeth repeatedly for 20 minutes. As the oil is "pulled" through your teeth, it traps oral bacteria and plaque that promote tooth decay and gum disease. Due to the liquidity of the oil, it can reach cracks and crevices in your mouth that are unable to be cleaned thoroughly by a toothbrush or dental floss.

Coconut oil can also be added directly to your toothbrush. You can brush with the oil alone or add it to baking soda to form a paste.

Turmeric

Turmeric is the Indian spice that gives mustard its bright yellow coloring. Turmeric offers multiple oral health benefits because it is anti-inflammatory. Many of the problems associated with periodontal tissue are due to inflammation.

Turmeric is also touted for its ability to whiten teeth. To use turmeric for your oral health, dip a damp toothbrush in the spice and brush your teeth thoroughly. However, don't rinse. Instead, allow the spice to sit on your teeth for a couple of minutes. Then, brush your teeth with your normal toothpaste.

Baking Soda

Most people know that baking soda is great for their teeth, but they may not know why. Baking soda is alkaline. It has a pH around 8.3. An acidic substance has a pH that is below 7.0 , anything alkaline has a pH above 7.0.

The demineralization of teeth, which is also called "tooth decay," occurs when acids in the mouth start to dissolve or erode the tooth enamel. Baking soda helps neutralize destructive acid to protect your teeth. In addition, due to the slightly gritty nature of baking soda, when you brush with it, it can gently polish your teeth. In addition, when mixed with peroxide, baking soda can help remove tooth enamel stains and whiten your teeth.

If you are trying to improve your dental health, items in your kitchen cabinets could help. For more ways to protect and improve the health of your teeth and gums, consult with the best dentist in your area.

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