Home remedies for tooth care

Brushing and rinsing do more than give you a healthy smile; they may also improve your long-term health. Many illnesses, some of them serious, can get their start in your mouth — reason enough to keep it clean.

People have believed for centuries that bad teeth signify bad health. It was only recently, though, that we identified the scientific connection: gum inflammation. The theory is that bacteria from dental plaque seep into the bloodstream via inflamed gums and produce enzymes that make blood platelets stickier and more likely to clot, contributing to the hardening of arteries.

The good news is that this risk factor can be easily controlled. Healthy teeth and strong gums are the product of conscientious care and good nutrition. To the chagrin of children, sugar is the number-one enemy of our teeth. Sugar damages teeth in two ways: by interfering with the absorption of calcium and causing tooth decay. Milk products, on the other hand, contain a healthy load of calcium, which hardens your teeth. To keep your gums healthy and strong, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; the vitamin C they contain is a fountain of youth for your teeth.

• Good tooth care does not end with tooth brushing. Cleaning between your teeth at least once a day with dental floss is essential. Guide the floss between teeth and wrap it in a "C" shape at the base of the tooth, slightly under the gum line. Slide the floss up to the top of the tooth several times. Finish by rinsing your mouth.
• Recent findings indicate there's no difference between a regular or electric toothbrush when it comes to thorough cleaning. Because of their rapid, rotating motion, electric toothbrushes clean effectively in a much shorter time — but brushing carefully for two to three minutes is equally effective. In either case, replace your toothbrush every two months.
• Halitosis is often caused by a coating on your tongue, but it's simple to remedy with a tongue scraper. Just slide the scraper over your tongue three to four times, twice a day.

• Fresh breath is guaranteed with a toothpaste made mainly from healing earth and sea salt. Mix together 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces) of fine healing earth and two millilitres (1/2 teaspoon) sea salt and dribble in enough boiled water to make a creamy liquid. Add two drops each of peppermint and tea tree oil.
• For a gum-strengthening tooth powder, finely grate 40 grams (1 3/4 ounces) of dried orange peel and mix with about 30 grams (one ounce) of dried peppermint leaves and 10 grams (1/3 ounces) of sea salt. Store in a screw-top container. When brushing your teeth, just sprinkle a little powder onto your moistened toothbrush.
• For a whitening tooth powder familiar to your grandparents, mix one small container of baking soda with two to three drops of caraway oil. But don't use it too often; the acidifying ingredients in baking soda can hurt tooth enamel.
• You can also whiten your teeth — and strengthen your gums — by rubbing them with the inside of a lemon peel. Alternatively, brush your teeth occasionally with warm sage tea.