Show of hands if you remember this little classic from the 70s 
If you don’t…click on the photo for a short PSA highlighting Mr. Yuck Mouth.
It was kind of hard to take this little guy seriously when you’re a kid. I mean, come on! He’s actually kind of cute!
When I was a kid growing up in the 70s and blossoming into my imperfect self in the 80s, I was blessed to not have any oral/dental issues. In fact, I had pretty nice teeth for a girl who grew up poor and didn’t really have access to or utilize preventive health care. Including dental care. Although I do remember visiting the dentist a couple of times in grade school…but those memories are fuzzy.
It wasn’t until college that I began to appreciate regular dental visits and I fell in love with those twice-a-year cleanings. Seriously! I love the feel of freshly scraped teeth & gums! And it wasn’t until my early 30s that I really began to focus on taking serious care of my teeth. I had some reconstructive care for my pearly whites that cost me a pretty penny. And I left that dental office swearing I would never undergo that type of experience again.
So let me help you out with your dental health. Have you ever seen one of these? I find this chart fascinating! It’s a great visual of how healthy teeth (and gums) are a huge indicator of your overall health.
If reflexology seems a bit too “out there” for you, here’s the science:
Your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts. Your mouth is also a haven for bacteria, and some of these bacteria can cause disease. Your oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
–Endocarditis. This infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium) typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to certain areas in your heart.
–Cardiovascular disease. Although the connection is not fully understood, some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
–Pregnancy and birth complications. Periodontitis (gum disease) has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
–Pneumonia. Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
–Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth (Sjogren’s syndrome). (source: mayo clinic)
Having healthy gums and teeth really isn’t difficult. Like everything else, it takes consistency and incorporating intentional, healthy habits. Here’s my healthy mouth routine that you can make part of your own:
DAILY BRUSHING
USE A MOUTHRINSE (MOUTHWASH)
Mouthrinses (mouthwashes) are not a replacement for daily brushing! This is in addition to brushing. There are two types of mouthrinses: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthrinses are typically loaded with chemicals and components to get your pearly whites whiter. Avoid these – they can do damage and/or weaken your tooth enamel that is designed to protect your teeth. Therapeutic formulas are designed to reduce or control plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. In excess, these can also do more harm than good by breaking down your natural mouth defenses. These are often alcohol-based which can be harmful if swallowed. And most contain artificial sweeteners and ingredients. doTERRA On Guard Mouthwash is alcohol-free, contains natural ingredients, and a blend of essential oils to clean the teeth and gums, reduce plaque, and promote a healthy-looking mouth. Use On Guard Mouthwash after brushing and flossing.
DAILY FLOSSING
This is by far the hardest oral health habit for many people to develop. However, you should strive to floss at least once a day. I like to floss in the evening and I floss before brushing my teeth. Helps to loosen up anything lurking between my teeth and any plaque getting comfy by my gums. There are sooo many types of floss! If you have tight spaces between your teeth, opt for unwaxed floss. This floss is usually thinner and easier to maneuver. However, it also frays easily and can break while using. Waxed floss is great for effortless movement between your teeth. We happen to have some doTERRA On Guard Dental Floss on hand. This was a limited time only item and there’s no indication that it will return as a permanent item. Nonetheless, floss daily!
OIL PULLING
Oil pulling is a 3000 to 5000 years old practice rooted in Ayurvedic holistic medicine. Yet it became popular in the 90s here in the U.S. Oil pulling offers several oral health benefits such as reducing the amount harmful bacteria, making it difficult for plaque to stick to teeth, and restoring a natural pH level in your mouth. It also has also beneficial effects on overall health. The process of oil pulling is quite simple:
-Do it every morning on an empty stomach (before breakfast).
-Place a tablespoon of edible oil (typically sesame or extra-virgin coconut) + 1-2 drops of essential oils. Some of the best to use: Myrrh (overall health), Peppermint or SuperMint (fresh breath), Wintergreen (whitening), Clove (pain, healing), and On Guard (pain, healing). Always a drop of Copaiba too! Put in your mouth and swish it vigorously through your teeth for about 3 to 20 minutes while keeping your mouth closed.
-After you’re done, spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with warm water.
Only use pure, safe essential oils.
Tongue Scraping
Tongue scraping is another practice rooted in Ayurvedic holistic medicine. The idea behind tongue scraping is that overnight, your body processes everything that it consumed during the day, and creates a white coating of toxins that sits on top of your tongue. Tongue scraping is about preventing the reabsorption of the toxins that your body expelled overnight. Tongue scrapers come in many shapes, sizes, and materials.
The most common type is shaped like a horseshoe and made of stainless steel, copper, or plastic. If you want to follow the ayurvedic tradition, opt for a horseshoe-shaped scraper made of copper. Copper is said to have more antimicrobial properties than stainless steel. Here’s a short video on tongue scraping. I prefer to do my tongue scraping AFTER brushing my teeth.
Drink Water
Sounds simple but one of the most effective ways to take care of your mouth. Especially if you can’t brush after every meal. Honestly, I don’t. But if I’ve had dessert with lunch or had coffee and a sweet in the afternoon, I drink a glass of water after to help keep mouth pH as neutral as possible.
Preventive Oral Care
So here’s my step-by-step oral routine:
Upon waking…
1 – Oil pulling.
I use extra-virgin coconut oil.
Daily EOs are 1 drop Myrrh + 1 drop Copaiba.
Bio hack: have oils in bathroom to do oil pull to be consistent! I do oil pull when I wake in the AM and go to the toilet for the obligatory emptying of bladder.
After breakfast & before heading out to work…
2 – Brush teeth
3 – Scrap tongue
4 – Floss
5 – Mouth rinse
6 – Repeat steps 2, 4, & 5 before bed.
Learn more about Essential Oils and Oral Hygiene here
Learn more about Beautiful Teeth and Fresh Breath here
I would love to know if you incorporate any or all of these oral health habits! Share it with us in our private online group or comment below.
And as always when trying something new, start slow and start with one thing. Make that one thing into a habit and then add-on another. Pretty soon you’ll have your own daily oral health routine that becomes second nature.
Choose natural. Live healthy. Laugh often.
Blessings~
Romelia
🙂