My Tips for Oral Beauty

Photo credit: FotoosVanRobin

Stop Stains
My teeth have started to become stained for the first time in my life because I drink so much green juice. The two best tips for avoiding stains after a drink or meal are to use a straw (I use glass straws) and to brush afterward. If you are unable to brush afterward, at least swish with plenty of water.

Prevent Cavities
Brush your teeth or rinse with water after each meal, snack, or juice, particularly if you eat fruit or something sticky that stays stuck on the teeth like dried fruit.

Freshen Breath
Chewing gum or candy (mints) between meals feeds plaque, which can cause cavities. Instead chew on a cinnamon bark pieces, cloves, peeled cardamom pods, or fennel seeds, which kill bad bacteria and give you a sultry and fresh breath.

Eating parsley or mint leaves not only provides excellent nutrients, but also will help you maintain fresh breath. They both contain monoterpenes, substances that travel quickly from your bloodstream to your lungs, where their odor is released via your breath.*
Keep Bacteria in Balance
We need to encourage healthy bacteria to live in our mouth to prevent harmful bacteria from affecting our teeth. Control unhealthy bacteria with healthy bacteria. Take probiotics and eat lacto-fermented vegetables (such as sauerkraut, kimchee, pickles, and sauerkraut). Make your own or look for the brand Rejuvenative Foods at your health food store. You can also wash your mouth with a mixture of probiotic powder and water to prevent plaque build up.

*Linda Knittel, 2002 Weider Publications, 2002 Gale Group