Natural oral health products gently cleanse teeth and gums, freshen breath and supply botanical antimicrobial compounds.** They help to:
- Maintain healthy teeth and gums.**
- Fight cavities and soothe inflammation.**
- Promote fresh, clean breath.**
What is Oral Health?
In recent years, scientific research has confirmed many connections between oral health and overall health, underlying the importance of keeping teeth, gums and oral tissues clean, healthy and strong. However, most non-natural oral care products, such as toothpaste, floss and mouthwash are made from synthetic – and potentially toxic – chemicals. Common chemical ingredients in these products include triclosan, a hormone disrupter that’s been found to have adverse effects on cardiac muscles; carcinogens such as saccharin, sodium lauryl sulfate, polytetrafluoroethylene and DEA; propylene glycol, a chemical linked to kidney and liver abnormalities; sodium fluoride, an industrial by-product that’s also used as pesticide and insecticide; and petroleum, often used to make and coat dental floss.**
Studies suggest that chemicals used in dental care products add to what’s known as body burden or toxic load, the cumulative effect of regular, daily exposure to the chemicals used to make personal care products. In fact, of the more-than 10,500 chemicals regularly used in personal care and hygiene products, the FDA has only evaluated 11% for safety and health implications. As consumers learn more about the potentially harmful effects of chemicals on the body, many are seeking out safe, natural and effective oral health products.**
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have relied on natural, botanically based ingredients to support a healthy mouth. Today, these ingredients can be found in natural oral care products, including toothpastes, mouthwashes, floss and toothpicks, that gently cleanse teeth, tongue and gums and freshen breath without exposing the body to toxins. Scientific studies support the use of botanicals in oral healthcare.**
Many ingredients, such as tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, coconut oil, and myrrh deliver antimicrobial and soothing ingredients to the gums, reducing inflammation, reducing bacteria and easing the effects of gingivitis. Ingredients such as green tea, coconut oil and xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar, have been found to prevent caries (cavities) and reduce tooth decay, as has supplementation with probiotics. Flossing and using mouthwashes that contain essential oils deliver antibacterial compounds that wipe out the germs that cause halitosis.**
Some of the most popular natural oral health products and ingredients include:
- Xylitol: A naturally occurring sugar found in fruits such as berries and plums, xylitol contains antibacterial compounds that limit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, such as S. mutans and S. sobrins, while also preventing the bacteria from attaching to teeth. Studies indicate that xylitol may slow the progression of gingivitis. Xylitol is available in toothpastes, gums and syrups.**
- Tea Tree Oil: The pungent oil from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree contains inflammation-modulating compounds that have been found to reduce swelling and inflammation in gums, easing the effects of periodontal disease. The oil also acts as a potent antimicrobial and antiseptic, killing a number of viruses and bacteria on contact. The oil is commonly used to coat dental floss, toothpicks and in toothpaste.**
- Green Tea: Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols, or antioxidants that fight the damaging effects of free radicals in the body. In the oral cavity, chewing gum that contains green tea has been found to prevent damage related to oxidative stress and to reduce inflammation related to gingivitis. Studies also show that green tea modifies the structure of naturally occurring sulfur compounds that cause bad breath when present in the mouth.**
- Neem: Neem oil supplies antimicrobial activity that is valued in natural beauty applications for healthy skin, hair, teeth and gums. It is a popular ingredient in natural toothpastes, and may also be applied directly to the teeth and gums. Neem helps to neutralize oral bacteria, thereby fighting development of dental plaque while optimizing overall oral wellness.**
- Propolis: Also known as “bee glue,” propolis is a sticky, resinous substance that bees create from tree sap and use to coat their hives. For more than 2,000 years, humans have used propolis to speed wound healing, as an antiseptic and to promote a healthy mouth and gums. Research shows that propolis speeds healing after oral surgery, reduces the amount of harmful oral bacteria and helps prevent canker sores. In addition, propolis has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.**
- Licorice Root: Licorice root has long been prized in traditional Chinese medicine for its balancing properties; modern studies support the root’s ability to speed the healing of mouth sores. Deglycyrihizzinated licorice (DGL), or licorice root with the naturally occurring substance glycyrihizzin removed, has been found to ease irritation from canker sores. Studies also indicate that rinsing with DGL reduces cavity-causing bacteria.**
- Essential Oils: Instead of synthetic flavors, scents and colors, natural oral care products incorporate essential oils. Common choices include sage, cinnamon, peppermint, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptol and menthol. These highly fragranced oils deliver antibacterial, antioxidant and inflammation-modulating ingredients that promote a healthy mouth and gums while freshening breath. Essential oils may be included in a number of oral care products, including mouthwash, toothpaste, floss and toothpicks.**
- Coconut Oil: Studies indicate that coconut oil contains powerful antibacterial compounds that kill germs commonly found in the mouth, including Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria usually linked to dental caries. Coconut oil also modulates inflammation, soothing irritated gums.**
Oral Health Products
These products are frequently available as toothpaste, mouthwash, gel, syrup, gum, toothpick, dental floss, or powder form.
Oral Health Directions for Use
These products supply varying amounts of active nutrients, so there is no set dosage. Always consult your health care professional before starting supplementation.**
