Natural ideas for healty teeth
Keeping your teeth healthy and looking great can cost a pretty penny, not to mention that the added chemicals in toothpastes, mouthwash, and whitening kits may actually damage teeth. Fortunately, there are a few simple, inexpensive, and environmentally sound ways to keep your lovely smile intact.
Brewed Tea
Tea provides protection from dental cavities, but scientists are still trying to figure out what kind of tea and what amount is most beneficial. Regardless, tea delivers fluoride to the mouth. Black tea contains polyphenols, which inhibit the growth of glucosyltransferase, an enzyme that helps plaque stick to teeth.
Cheese
Eating a piece of cheese at the end of a meal stimulates saliva flow, which helps flush away sugars. In addition, research indicates that cheese may reduce enamel demineralization.
Raw Vegetables
Fibrous fruits and vegetables cleanse away sugars and food particles from teeth, and help reduce the buildup of plaque. Vitamin C and beta-carotene found in carrots, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and cantaloupe promote healthy gums.
Peelu
A plant extract native to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, peelu helps whiten teeth, prevent tooth decay, and eliminate toothaches. Peelu is also known to freshen breath and improve the sense of taste.
Perilla
An herb that blocks sugar acids that cause cavities, perilla is also a great source of omega-3s, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), and helps build a stronger immune system.
Xylitol
The human body naturally produces small amounts of xylitol everyday, and is used both as an added sweetener in chewing gum and as a sugar substitute. Studies have shown that xylitol reduces cavities up to 80 percent.
Chewing gum
Sugarless gum, especially if sweetened with xylitol, increases saliva flow and flushes away bacteria and plaque-producing acids. Chewing gum also helps reduce the pain of acid reflux.
Dr Arthur Glosman, DDS, cosmetic “dentist to the stars,” has improved the smiles and lives of patients across the world for 15 years. Dr. Glosman’s Beverly Hills office uses environmentally friendly technology.