Avoid costly dental bills with natural remedies

Friday, July 13, 2012 by: Carolanne Wright
Tags: dental bills, teeth, natural remedies

(NaturalNews) Weary of expensive dental work? Try a few simple home treatments that help strengthen teeth and gums naturally. With the application of specific dietary and herbal recommendations, loose and decaying teeth are fortified and healed. By practicing purposeful oral hygiene with a few basic ingredients, worrisome dental problems can be economically resolved.

Dietary choices for strong teeth

A healthful diet is the first line of attack against gum disease and tooth decay. Minerals such as calcium and silica are vital for repairing and rebuilding tooth structure. The herbs oatstraw, horsetail, and nettle are excellent dietary sources of silica. Vitamin C, D, and K are also important for gum health and tooth strength. Vitamin C helps to support the collagen network of the gums. A deficiency of this vitamin will lead to tender gums that are susceptible to bacteria, leading to periodontal disease and tooth loss. For foods that help to cleanse problem-causing plaque, focus on crunchy choices like celery, romaine lettuce, and seeds. Sesame seeds are especially beneficial for healthy teeth. High in calcium, they help maintain bone around teeth and gums. Soaking, dehydrating, and grinding the seeds further enhances the bioavailability of nutrients. For safe sweeteners that will not promote decay, use stevia and xylitol. Also, limit acid-forming foods such as coffee, chocolate, soda, and meat.

Natural therapies for distressed teeth

Amla fruit

Stabilize loose teeth and heal gums by combining a teaspoon of amla powder with one cup purified water. Rinse mouth with mixture once per day. Avoid food or drink for 1 hour after treatment.

Tooth powder

3 parts oak bark
6 parts comfrey root
3 parts horsetail root
1 part lobelia
1 part cloves
3 parts peppermint

A potent remedy by master herbalist, Dr. Christopher, that tightens loose teeth and heals gum infections. Daily brushing with this powder is recommended to maintain a healthy mouth. For severe dental issues, the powder can be placed between the lips and gums of the entire mouth and left overnight six times a week until condition improves.

It is important to note that commercial toothpaste, including natural, fluoride-free brands, contain glycerin which coats the teeth and prevents remineralization. This weakens teeth over time, leading to decay and darkening. Baking soda and salt are both safe alternatives as is tooth soap.

Oil pulling

Deep clean teeth and gums with oil. Instructions according to Earthclinic.com:

First thing in the morning, before brushing your teeth, eating or drinking, take 1 TBSP of sesame or sunflower oil. Put the oil in your mouth, tilt your chin up and slowly swish, suck, chomp and pull through the teeth. Do this for at least 10 minutes. 15 - 20 minutes is better. You want the oil to become a thin, white foam when you finally spit it out.

Herbalists have long recommended certain plants and oils to nurture strong teeth and gums. By combining this wisdom with a dental-friendly diet, a healthy smile can be confidently restored.

Sources for this article include:

"10 Foods for a healthy, beautiful smile: protect your teeth and gums with these stellar foods -Diet and nutrition: how to eat right" Linda Knittel, December 2002. Retrieved on July 4, 2012 from: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_9_32/ai_94639442/

"Restoring the Teeth: Silica Tea" Janet L. Doane, The Healing Feast. Retrieved on July 4, 2012 from: http://healingfeast.com/silicatea.cfm

"Effective Way to Strengthen Loose Teeth" John Schmidt, January 22, 2012, Smith Dental Care. Retrieved on July 4, 2012 from: http://owatonnadental.com

"Oil Pulling Cures" Earthclinic.com. Retrieved on July 4, 2012 from: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/oil_pulling.html

"Brighten Your Smile with Oil Pulling" Bruce Fife, ND, International Wellness Directory. Retrieved on July 4, 2012 from: http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/reviews/oil_pull.htm

About the author:
Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, wellness coach and natural foods chef, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through her website www.Thrive-Living.net she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.

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