Aside from chamomile’s anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and muscle-relaxing properties, it can also be used as mouthwash to treat inflammation of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. [3] X Research source Its active ingredients come mainly from its leaves, which contain 1-2% volatile oils, flavonoids, luteolin and quercetin. [4] X Research source Taheri, J. , Azimi, S. , Rafieian, N. , & Akhavan Zanjani, H. (2011). Herbs in dentistry. International Dental Journal, 61(6) 287-296.
Make sure that you don’t swallow the saltwater. Simply spit it out when you are done swishing it around your mouth.
Use 3 to 6 grams of peppermint tablets or capsules and dissolve in 10 ml of distilled water as mouthwash. Use once a day. Caution: If you have gallstones, consult your physician first before using peppermint extracts.
Sage contains alpha and beta-thujone, cineole, camphor, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids and tannins. These ingredients have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Myrrh contains resin, gum, and nonvolatile oils. The resin component has antimicrobial properties which help the immune system by stimulating activity of the macrophages (type of white blood cell). To prepare the mouthwash, add 30 to 60 drops of myrrh tincture to warm water. Swish around your mouth for 30 seconds. Alternatively, myrrh tincture can be applied directly onto sore parts of the gums. Use a q-tip to directly apply extracts of myrrh.
After brushing your teeth, apply a small amount of natural aloe vera gel directly to the inflamed gums. They will feel instantly soothed. Apply the aloe vera solution twice per day until the inflammation subsides.
Honey can produce hydrogen peroxide and kill bacteria by dehydrating it. It can be used to treat sore gums, ulcers and other problems inside the mouth. Use a q-tip to apply a small amount of 100% pure honey to sore areas inside your mouth. Do this three times a day for five days.
Scaling: Your dentist uses ultrasonic or manual scalers to remove calculus deposits and plaque from your teeth. These calculus deposits are mineralized and cannot be removed with normal brushing. To tell if you have calculus deposits, run your tongue over the back surface of your teeth — calculus deposits will feel rough. Professional removal of plaque greatly improves periodontal health. [12] X Research source Rupesh, S. , Winnier, J. , Nayak, U. , Rao, A. , & Reddy, N. (2010). Comparative evaluation of the effects of an alum-containing mouthrinse and a saturated saline rinse on the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 3(28), 138-144. Polishing: After the calculus deposits have been removed the dentist will polish your teeth. To do this, the dentist or dental hygienist will use a polishing paste and a rubber brush. Polishing pastes contain fluoride to help strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay, and abrasives like siliceous minerals to keep the surface of your teeth smooth and shiny. The smooth surface finish will prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth and gums. [13] X Research source Zanatta, F. , Pinto, T. , Kantorski, K. , & Rosing, C. (2011). Plaque, gingival bleeding and calculus formation after supragingival scaling with and without polishing: A randomised clinical trial. Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry, 9(3), 275-279.
Make sure that your toothbrushing technique is effective in removing plaque and remember to see your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning. Drink plenty of water after eating. This can wash away food particles and the potential for gum-damaging bacteria. [17] X Research source
The best technique for brushing your teeth is the modified Bass Method. [19] X Research source Poyato-Ferrera, M. , Segura-Egea, J. , & Bullon-Fernandez, P. (2003). Comparison of modified Bass technique with normal toothbrushing practices for efficacy in supragingival plaque removal. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 1(2), 110-114. Orient your brush in such a way that its head is tilted at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. This allows the bristles to clean 1 mm below the gum line. Use small, vibratory, circular strokes to remove plaque. After about 20 strokes, do a sweeping motion towards the biting surface of your teeth. For the biting surfaces, do a back and forth brushing stroke. Repeat these steps for all of your teeth.
Get an elbow length piece of dental floss and wrap each end around your middle fingers. Leave at least an inch of floss between your fingers to work with. With the help of your index finger, gently slide the floss in between your teeth, starting at the back. Allow the floss to hug the surface of your tooth and gently slide down to the gum line. Then, drag the floss against the surface of your tooth. Do not force the floss in between your teeth as this could damage your gums and cause bleeding. Repeat the same steps between all of your teeth.
Salt rinses create a diffusion gradient inside the mouth. This means that it causes the bacteria to become dehydrated and die.
