One of the most overlooked and underestimated areas when it comes to our health is our mouth. Often times we think just brushing and whitening our teeth is enough. That’s a huge misconception when it comes to optimizing our oral health.

We think everything is fine when it looks good on the surface until that day we wake up and feel pain. Trust me when I say toothaches are not fun. I worked in the dental field for 15 years and let me just tell you, I have seen some stuff! That is why we wanted to share this guide to help you optimize your dental health from home.

Take a look at this image… What is the first thing that comes to mind?

To most people, the room in this picture creates immediate fear and anxiety but it doesn’t have to be. The goal is to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and check-up. If we maintain that schedule and do what we need to do at home, there shouldn’t be any reasons for major dental procedures.

Here are your 5 ways to optimize your dental health from home.

I am no longer pursuing that career but I learned a few really important things I would like to share with you. I noticed there are 5 most commonly asked questions when people visit the dentist. Before we get started, I want to clarify something. This article is to show you ways to take care of your teeth in between your routine dental checkups. We are not saying you should do these instead of seeing your dentist.

5. What is gum disease?

There are two types of gum disease.

Gingivitis is a mild form and causes gums to bleed easily and become swollen and red. This happens when you don’t brush as well as you should.

Periodontitis is when gingivitis gets under the gums and allows the toxins from bacteria to irritate the gums. It starts to destroy gums and bones around the teeth leading to mobility.

Infection occurs during this process and causes inflammation that can get into your bloodstream and head to your heart. Studies have shown a direct link between gum and heart disease. Maintaining your dental cleanings and proper home care will prevent any diseases. Healthy gums, healthy heart!

poor dental health
poor dental health

This picture above is a good illustration of gingivitis and the start of periodontal disease. If you have any of these symptoms, you should speak with your dentist.

4. What can I do about bad breath?

It is possible that bad breath is a sign of a more serious health problem. One being gum disease or poor home hygiene. When old food hangs out between your teeth, bacteria can grow inside your mouth cause bad odors. Smoking and a poor diet also contribute to bad breath.

Using an antibacterial mouthwash helps temporarily. Brushing 2x a day and flossing along with visiting your dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and checkup will do the trick. Tongue scrapers are good to use and will scrape off any bacteria and odor off your tongue.

3. Why do I need to floss?

(I’m not talking about the dance)

Flossing removes food and plaque from between your teeth. You should floss at least once a day to prevent cavities and gum disease. By flossing, we can prevent gum disease by 80% according to the American Dental Association. It also reduces your chance of getting cavities between your teeth.

2. How can I safely get whiter teeth?

I can totally understand why some people want white teeth. Our teeth become discolored and stained for several reasons. Mainly from what we eat and drink like coffee, tea, red wine and foods with dyes. Smoking is also a big reason.

There are several options from in-office treatments provide by your dentist to DIY home remedies. No matter what you choose, most whitening procedures are safe.

Your dentist will have a solution but it might be a little costly depending on his method. You can also try a whitening toothpaste, OTC whitening strips or activated charcoal treatments. You should always stick to an ADA approved method and consult your dentist with any questions.

You may experience a little sensitivity if any. Using a desensitizing toothpaste will help with any sensitivity. After your whitening session is complete, be mindful of foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. You can touch up every now and then to maintain your results.

Lady with white teeth

1. What is Coconut Oil Pulling?

Coconut oil pulling has become a very popular home remedy over the past few years but it’s nothing new. This goes all the way back to our ancestors as a traditional remedy to treat and prevent dental issues as well as maintaining good dental health. The toothbrush wasn’t invented until 1930 and flossing wasn’t a thing back then so what did our ancestors do prior?

We automatically think they had nasty and rotted teeth right? Well, as a matter of fact, they didn’t. They ate much differently then we do, and they didn’t have access to processed, sticky, acidic and sugary foods as we do now. They are REAL food! And they used the oil pulling method.

Coconut oil pulling is a great way to remove bacteria and promote healthy gums. It has also been proven to be as effective as flossing and can naturally whiten your teeth. Coconut oil pulling has many benefits.

Benefits Of Coconut Oil Pulling:

It is awesome for oral detoxification. Coconut oil pulling works by cleaning your mouth by literally sucking out toxins resulting in a clean environment. That’s simply done by swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10–15 minutes.

You still need to brush, floss and maintain your checkups with our dentist but adding this to your regimen will definitely optimize your dental health and take care of all 5 of the questions we discussed in this article.

Take a look at this product and the amazing reviews on Amazon.

Coconut Oi Swish

This brand uses 100% vegan and the highest quality ingredients. It tastes great and comes with a money-back guarantee.

VIEW ON AMAZON HERE

If you are looking to optimize your health, taking care of your teeth is a part of that. Our bodies were perfectly designed and have interconnections with other parts. Poor dental health can lead to heart problems, diabetes or other health issues.

In order to prevent these problems, you must take care of your teeth and gums. I hope this article helped you think of ways you can optimize your dental health so you can live your best life possible.

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Now it’s your turn

I hope you enjoyed this post intended for an optimal life.  

Now, I would love to hear from you:

Which supplement from this post are you excited to try?

Let me know by leaving a quick comment below.


Supplement Disclosures 

In general, vitamins are safe for people to use, though you should always check with your doctor before beginning a new supplement. Some vitamins can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, which can occur due to long-term use of corticosteroids, an HIV/AIDS infection or organ transplants.

You may also need to avoid some supplements if you have an artificial heart valve; in rare cases, these bacteria can infect your heart muscle, and patients with artificial valves have an increased risk of this complication.


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15 Comments

  1. Really important post. I find most people neglect their dental care until there is a problem. I work really hard with my kids on daily dental care and it’s importance. Also I have tried to coconut oil pulling with just straight coconut oil and I though it was so gross. I will try the rinse you recommend.

    • Hi Marina! I agree. Some can be a little unpleasant but if you know in your mind what the benefit is and why you are doing what you are doing, it makes it a little more tolerable. Thank you so much for reading this article. Let me know how you like it!

  2. wow I feel like coconut oil does everything! Never thought it could help teeth so much. Awesome post!

    • Monica! Coconut oil is life!! LOL. Thank you for reading! I’m so glad you enjoyed it

  3. I am interested in trying oil pulling. I’ve heard and read so much about it but I think I need to get over the texture/taste thing first!

    • That’s awesome Shelby! For me personally, I can get past any unpleasant taste if I know why I am doing what I’m doing. I know this adds amazing benefits for my dental health. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I hope all goes well!

  4. This was an awesome post! I’m always looking for more natural products to use at home for myself and my kiddos. I’m so excited I found out about this coconut oil treatment you mentioned. I would really love to try that. I’m going to start today and see if it helps improve our gum/oral health. Thanks for the great info

    • This is such an awesome comment. I am excited to hear this. I hope all goes well for you and your family.

  5. Great post. I need to take better care of my teeth. I am definitely interested in trying out the coconut pulling!

    • Hi Lorena! I really appreciate you asking the time to read and comment on this article. Let me know how you like the oil pulling when you get it.

  6. Excellent information. I have heard about the coconut oil pull. I would like to try that one. Thanks for sharing.

  7. Dental health is so important to your overall health. Thanks for sharing so many great tips.

  8. I’m so happy I came across this post. I used to practice oil pulling and since having my son and starting a business, it just got overlooked. I did have amazing benefits when I did and want to resume doing it. Also, thanks for the tip on tongue scraping.

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