Some people view chemical additives as harmful to their body and to the environment. Thus, when it comes to the products that they use for their personal hygiene, they may prefer natural alternatives. Here are a few naturally occurring items that can be used to support your oral health.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, which is formally called sodium bicarbonate, is a natural compound that can be used as an alternative for commercial toothpaste. The baking soda has a high pH, so it helps to neutralize bacterial acids. Also, the coarse, powdery consistency of the baking soda helps it to clear plaque and food particles from the teeth. The baking soda even helps polish surface stains from the tooth enamel. 

To use baking soda to clean the teeth, you should mix it with enough water to form a loose paste. If you apply the powder without first mixing it with water, the abrasiveness of the baking soda may erode the tooth enamel or irritate the sensitive gingival tissues. 

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil or other natural oils can be used to help clean the mouth through a practice called oil pulling. During an oil pulling session, oil is swished about the mouth for a period before being discarded.

It is important to avoid swallowing the oil. As the oil makes contact with the surfaces of the oral cavity, it traps oral bacteria and helps dilute stains that may have accumulated in the pores of the teeth. 

When the oil is released from the mouth, all of the trapped contaminants are removed. As a result, the mouth is cleaner and fresher. Still, it is important to brush and floss thoroughly after oil pulling. 

Hydrogen Peroxide

Instead of conventional mouthwash, you can rinse with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution after brushing and flossing. The peroxide helps to kill residual bacteria and whiten the teeth. 

You can mix a three-percent solution of the hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water and swish it about the mouth for a minute or so. The peroxide mouth rinse can reach areas of the mouth that are often missed by a toothbrush or string floss.

A hydrogen peroxide solution can even be added to the reservoir of an oral irrigator and used during water flossing. The concentrated stream of the diluted peroxide helps to flush bacteria from below the gum line. 

To learn about additional natural ways to improve the health of your mouth, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.