Taking care of your teeth and oral health is just as important as taking care of the rest of your body. Oral health issues affect billions of people worldwide, which is why it is crucial to take adequate care. Know that caring for your teeth is not a once-in-a-lifetime work; it is an everyday job. Being told you have nice teeth is not your cue to stop. You have to ensure they stay the same or even better.
Your oral health is not just your teeth. It also includes your tongue, gums and palate. While medical intervention is very important in case of moderate to serious issues, mild cases can be catered by home remedies which can be instantly done. A dentist in Lahore shared the importance of good oral hygiene and health. Let’s have a look:
Why Oral Health Is Important?
Naturally your tongue and teeth aid in speech and eating. Without your teeth, chewing can be discomforting and painful, and for some foods, not even possible. It is known that loss of teeth is associated with a shorter lifespan as well.
Good oral health is directly linked to a boost in overall confidence and presentability. Who doesn’t love a sparkly smile, right? Where optimal oral health is aesthetically pleasing, it also prevents any infections that can enter the bloodstream from your mouth. Poor oral health can lead to problems in the digestive system and other cardiovascular diseases such as endocarditis.
Home Remedies For Oral Health
To keep your oral cavity fresh and healthy, here are some home remedies that work wonders.
Cranberries
If you love berries, here’s some good news for you! Cranberries or their juice aids in preventing cavities in your teeth. It is known to contain a compound that kills pathogens which are responsible for causing tooth decay. If you are going to buy cranberry juice from your nearest grocery store, make sure to go for the unsweetened one. The sweetened juice contains a lot of sugar which has a degrading effect on the teeth. This is due to the bacteria that feed on the sugar and produce enamel-eroding acid.
Salt water for gingivitis
A study has shown that if you rinse your gums with salt water, it is extremely beneficial in healing your gums against gingivitis. Salt water is a natural disinfectant and prevents unwanted infections in your body. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and soothes inflamed gums. Reduces bacteria, relieves bad breath and helps ease pain in the gums as well.
It is important to mention here that this is not for everyday use. Rinsing with saltwater daily can have a detrimental effect on the enamel of the teeth due to its acidic properties. Therefore, use it occasionally or in the case of gingivitis.
Oil pulling
Using vegetable or coconut oil to rinse your mouth for at least 5 to 10 minutes is considered a traditional remedy known as oil pulling. It helps pull away bacteria from the mouth and prevents tooth decay and cavities. It is better to cook with these as an alternative healthier choice.
Clove
Cloves are famous for their ability to alleviate toothaches and to keep cavities from spreading. It can be directly put in between the teeth or can be used in the form of an oil. The active ingredient in clove is eugenol which numbs the skin it touches, imparting its pain-relieving properties. Eugenol is a natural antiseptic and reduces inflammation and swelling as well.
You can put some diluted clove oil on to a cotton swab and place it on the affected area for a while. Otherwise you can mix a few drops of concentrated clove oil in water to make a mouthwash.
Guava leaves
Guava leaves are also known for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. If you chew on these leaves in case of a toothache, the pain can be reduced. You can also crush and boil a few guava leaves in water to make an antiseptic mouthwash.
Cold compress
A cold compress is good to relieve pain in the tooth especially if it is caused by trauma. A cold compress will actually constrict the blood vessels in the area and thereby restrict blood flow there. This reduces swelling, inflammation as well as pain. At least hold cloth-wrapped ice over the area for 15-20 minutes multiple times a day to see positive effects.
Tea tree oil
This extract is known to be superior to chlorhexidine in treating gingivitis, an inflamed disease of the gums. You can choose a toothpaste that has this essential oil as an active ingredient.
Hydrogen peroxide rinse
If you want to use this remedy for oral health, make sure to be careful when you are diluting it. You may mix three percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water to rinse your mouth. This mixture may reduce pain and inflammation. It reduces plaque and may also heal bleeding gums.
Final Thoughts
You can prevent mild oral health issues by practicing good oral hygiene and using the right dental products. You also need to take a diet rich in vitamins and minerals in order to prevent gum and teeth issues. In case these remedies do not alleviate the pain, it is necessary that you visit your healthcare provider for medical intervention.
