Sometimes, it can be fun to mix our own natural alternatives to the over-the-counter products we use every day. If you’d like to join us in doing the same, pull up a chair!
When it comes to mouthwash, industry-leading producers have room to grow towards providing options that are both gentle and antibacterial. Here’s why:
- The mouthwashes you’re familiar with are antiseptic and antibacterial — but they are can be overly harsh on our bodies with extended use
- Pro: They reduce large amounts of bacteria near the gumline, reducing chances of gingivitis
- Con: They kill good bacteria too, which play an important role in fighting pathogens for a strong immune system
- Risk: For certain populations, frequent use of over-the-counter mouthwash is linked to increased risk of prediabetes/diabetes
That’s why today, we’ll be making a gentler alternative. It isn’t a perfect solution — essential oils are also known to affect the “nitric oxide pathway”, same as antibacterial mouthwashes. However, their impact isn’t as extensive.
If you’re ready to channel your inner science student, let’s get started! (If you’re missing any ingredients, you can find them at your local health food store).
Ingredients
| 2 tsp | Turmeric | Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory |
| 2 tbsp | Beet root powder | Helps produce nitric oxide |
| 2 tbsp | Ground cloves | Gentle, anti-microbial |
| 3 tbsp | Baking soda | PH balancing, helps with tooth remineralization |
| 2 tbsp | Calcium carbonate | Helps remineralize teeth |
| 2 tbsp | L-Arginine | Helps remineralize teeth and decrease tooth sensitivity |
| 2 tbsp | L-Citrulline | A precursor to nitric oxide |
| 2 tbsp | Xylitol | Prevents cavities, reduces inflammation, helps remineralize teeth |
| 2 tbsp | Zinc citrate | Anti-bacterial, anti-plaque, helps tooth remineralization, reduces bad breath |
| Filtered water | Must not contain fluoride |
Instructions:
- Add 1 tsp of mixed ingredients to 50 ml filtered water.
- Swish for as long as you can, then spit.
- Use three times daily.
Thanks for joining us!
If you have any questions about the safe use of mouthwash and how it can affect your health, reach out to our Oceana clinic!
About The Author
Dr. Jacqueline Gaudet
Chief Dental Officer - ASAP pathway comprehensive provider
Dr. Gaudet graduated as a doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) from the University of Montréal in 1998. Since then, she has spent thousands of hours on advanced training throughout Canada and around the world.
With experience, she has found that the “drill and fill” approach to dentistry does not make for long term success in dental and overall health. Her research and education has inspired her to take a global health approach to dental care using an evidence-based system to address the whole body.
“Many dental and oral health issues relate to lifestyle habits and/or underlying health issues,” she says. “The goal of Oceana Dental’s comprehensive new patient examination is to find the root cause of disease in the oral cavity so it doesn’t progress and cause more harm to the patient’s overall health.”
Commenting on the pace of technological improvement and the advances in research, she says, “it’s a great time to be a dentist!”
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