Dental DIY: Take Care of Your Mouth the Natural Way

Dental DIY: Take Care of Your Mouth the Natural Way

As seen in Your Smile, ValleyLife Magazine.

Looking for natural, at-home ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums? Dr. Steven Hever lets us in on some naturopathic, do-it-yourself ways to maintain oral health.

CONCOCT AN HERBAL CURE: Herbs promote oral health by tightening gum tissue, promoting circulation or removing plaque. Licorice root, for example, not only tastes pleasant, it's anti-inflammatory, antiobiotic and inhibits plaque growth. Resins also enhance oral health - try myrrh, bloodroot, propolis, usnea or plantain.

GET THE MOST OUT OF EXTRACTS: Many plants' essential oils are naturally antibacterial and antiviral. These oils include tea tree, peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus, orange, clove, cinnamon, ginger, sage, rosmeary, thyme, anise and fennel. Echinacea extract fights bacteria; aloe vera sooths mouth tissues.

CREATE YOUR OWN ORAL DEVICES: You can easily incorporate natural tools into your daily oral-hygiene routine. Make your own by placing undyed wooden toothpicks in a glass jar and covering them with an essential oil. Let them soak in the oil overnight, then let them dry before using them.

MAKE YOUR OWN TOOTHPASTE: Mix a small amount of baking soda with just enough hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. You can also add small amounts of zinc sulfate, folic acid (grind these to a powder), peppermint oil or vitamin E.

MIX YOUR OWN MOUTHWASH: Did you know that herbal teas or extracts can serve as mouthwashes? You can also prepare homemade rinses by steeping dried herbs (try thyme, sage, fennel or ginger) in vodka or apple-cider vinegar.

AND A CAVEAT: It's important to be careful when using herbs; they can be toxic if used excessively. It's recommended, then, that you research the herbs that interest you and consult a qualified professional. Naturally.

Dr. Hever is a graduate of University of the Pacific dental school, one of the best in the country. He has been a dentist for years and has a wide range of experience in different areas of dentistry, from cosmetic and restorative dentistry to surgical treatments and root canals.