How I Prevent Cavities: My Oral Care Routine

Many years back, I shared my personal journey in strengthening my teeth through remineralization. This topic has sparked numerous inquiries about my dental care practices. Although I am not currently addressing any cavities, this regimen remains vital for maintaining my dental health.

If the concept of remineralization is unfamiliar to you, this article thoroughly explains the process and affirms that restoring teeth is indeed possible. Additionally, an insightful interview with a dentist might shed light on our body’s ability to naturally repair teeth.

Practicing good oral hygiene is essential in preventing dental issues such as cavities, bad breath, gingivitis, and even oral cancer. Oral health significantly influences overall wellness and can be linked to fertility problems, pregnancy issues, heart disease, and more, highlighting the importance of caring for our mouths.

Beyond committing to excellent dental hygiene, I promote oral health through dietary choices and lifestyle habits. A particular podcast guest discusses how maintaining oral health stretches beyond just brushing and flossing. Choosing natural oral care products over conventional alternatives also plays a critical role in achieving healthy teeth and gums.

My Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

Here is the daily oral care routine I adhere to in order to maintain a healthy mouth. This regimen was initially instrumental in remineralizing my teeth years ago. Nowadays, I use it to prevent new cavities. Proper dental care is crucial in both remineralizing teeth and preventing decay.

Morning

Oil-Pulling – As part of my morning routine, I start by oil-pulling with coconut oil and a few drops of Wellnesse Balanced Mouth Blend for 15-20 minutes. I spit it out in the trash and rinse with warm water. It’s important to avoid swallowing the oil to keep oral bacteria out of the body. This practice has significantly reduced plaque and tartar for me.
Mouth Rinse – When pressed for time, I mix a few drops of the Mouth Blend with water as an alternative mouth rinse to conventional mouthwash.
Brush – Subsequently, I brush using a homemade remineralizing paste or tooth powder, along with my Wellnesse Bamboo Toothbrush which has firm bristles. Despite the usual recommendation of soft bristles by dentists, I prefer the cleaning power of firmer bristles. If you’re short on time to make toothpaste, Wellnesse Whitening Toothpaste with hydroxyapatite is a great fluoride-free option, formulated after years of crafting my own.
Supplements – I incorporate vitamin K2-7, which aids in directing calcium to bones and teeth, along with a magnesium supplement, essential for over 600 bodily functions and overall health.
Probiotics – To promote a healthy gut and improve overall well-being, I take a probiotic each morning, including a Wellnesse Oral Microbiome Probiotic to balance the bacteria in my mouth effectively.

Daytime

Hydrate – To foster a healthy oral environment, maintaining an alkaline pH in the mouth is key. Drinking ample water stimulates saliva production, preserving alkaline pH levels. According to a 2013 study, a balanced pH correlates with healthier gums compared to acidic conditions. I aim to drink an amount of water equal to half of my body weight in ounces.
Vitamin D – Essential for dental health, vitamin D is best sourced from sunlight. I try to spend 10-15 minutes outdoors during sunrise and sunset and strive for 20-30 minutes of midday sun exposure as well.

Evening

Floss – To remove food particles and combat plaque, I employ Wellnesse Peppermint Silk Floss, which aids in staving off gum issues like gingivitis.
Brush – Post-flossing, another brushing session follows. For teeth whitening, I occasionally use activated charcoal and sometimes apply Wellnesse Charcoal Toothpaste, often utilizing the Bass brushing technique.
Tongue Scraping – This Ayurvedic practice involves scraping the tongue to eliminate unwanted bacteria, promoting a healthier mouth. I use the Wellnesse Tongue Scraper made from antimicrobial copper for this daily ritual.
Bedtime – I target a sleep time of 10-10:30 pm, advocating for restful sleep and optimal hormone balance, enhanced by applying magnesium spray. If sleep proves elusive, consider exploring these effective sleep-improving strategies.

Oral Health Diet

I aim to incorporate a well-rounded blend of proteins, fats, and vegetables into my daily meals because dietary habits are foundational in remineralizing teeth.

Securing adequate amounts of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and minerals drives my dietary focus on healthy fats and vegetables. Since collagen underpins our bodies’ structures, ensuring sufficient protein intake is vital, striving for one ounce per pound of body weight. Protein and collagen powders supplement my diet.

Minimizing phytic acid consumption matters greatly. When consuming grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes, soaking and dehydrating them helps reduce phytic acid levels.

Sample Diet

The following outlines my typical daily diet aimed at securing the vitamins, minerals, fat, and protein necessary for optimal oral health. After genetic testing, I discovered I possess the FTO genes, and benefit from reducing saturated fat, yet still recognize its health benefits. While individual needs vary, healthy fats and animal proteins remain integral:

3-4 eggs paired with vegetables and meat, or a collagen-based protein shake. Occasionally, I add a nutritional boost to my coffee with healthy fats for breakfast.
Healthy proteins such as grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, or wild-caught salmon included with every meal.
2 cups of homemade bone broth serve as lunch and dinner basics. If pressed for time, my preferred store-bought organic, grass-fed broth is available.
4-6 cups of vegetables, often incorporated into soups or mixed with meats, with an emphasis on leafy greens and colorful options.
2-4 tablespoons of coconut oil.
2+ tablespoons of grass-fed butter.
Coconut-based snacks, like coconut cream.
Diverse healthy fats, including avocados, tallow for cooking, and olive oil for salads.

The Difference of Natural Oral Care Products

Traditional dental care products often contain hazardous substances like fluoride, BPA, sodium lauryl sulfate, and phthalates. I solely use natural alternatives for my dental hygiene, noticing a significant improvement. Transitioning to natural products resolved a gum irritation I had experienced since adolescence.

Should you wish to try homemade solutions, I have crafted numerous recipes over the years. Alongside earlier-mentioned ones, you will find instructions for natural toothpaste and a squeezable alternative. Moreover, a DIY herbal mouthwash recipe awaits.

For those opting for purchase-ready items, I reviewed popular natural oral care brands. After persistently crafting my own home recipes for my family, I established Wellnesse. Our products span toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, and tongue scrapers.

Importance of an Oral Care Routine

Maintaining a robust oral care routine is crucial for both mouth and overall health. Cultivating positive oral habits prevents tooth decay, plaque formation, and gum disease, while fostering general health throughout the body.

Effective dental care encompasses oral hygiene, natural product usage, and dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Combined with frequent dental checkups by a holistic dental expert, this approach best supports sustained oral cleanliness.

What oral care routine do you follow? Have you attempted to remineralize your teeth before, and was it effective?