We have been taught from a young age that our teeth need to be taken care of with regular and proper brushing. This task is part of our daily routine and we are all well aware of unpleasant consequences if we neglect it. With teeth brushing, we mostly remove harmful plaque that accumulates on and around our teeth. But sometimes brushing isn’t enough.
Certain unpleasant problems in our oral cavity are caused by bacteria that feed on the food debris accumulated in dental plaque. A large part of the plaque is indeed removed by teeth brushing but some still remains in places inaccessible to the brush. This is where bacteria continue to multiply unhindered. If we do not stop them in time, various inflammations appear sooner or later. So what combat tactics to use to win not only the battle but the war all along?
Fighting bacteria in the oral cavity is not an easy matter. It is not easy to find a product that is gentle enough, will not damage the sensitive oral mucosa, and will effectively destroy bacteria. The industry has responded to this challenge with mouthwashes. They promise fresh breath and the destruction of bacteria in the oral cavity. At first glance, this looks appealing but as always the devil hides in details. They ‘forget’ to tell us that the pH of a lot of mouthwashes is 4.3 to 5.0, while the pH of saliva is 6.4 to 6.8. Mouthwashes are therefore more acidic than our saliva, which means that a regular use of such acidic mouthwashes can change the natural acidity in the oral cavity. The result can be dehydration of the mucous glands which can no longer produce enough saliva. Consequently, our mouth, which is no longer protected by enough saliva, may be more exposed to bacterial attacks.
Fortunately, there are natural solutions that can help us avoid such problems. Rinsing our mouth often enough with natural teas and herbal extracts, as well as with natural hydrosols, may be the first choice. High-quality distilled natural hydrosols, which do not contain added preservatives, are becoming more and more important. Hydrosols of sage, oregano, hyssop and thyme all have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Their pH is similar to that of saliva, they are strong enough to fight bacteria, while not damaging the mucous membranes. If we blend them with a touch of refreshing peppermint hydrosol, we create a mixture that also pleasantly refreshes our breath. It is recommended to gargle a mouthful for a few minutes and then spit it out. Hydrosols can help with all types of inflammation in the oral cavity, but the most recommended is of course a preventive use. Why should we go to a war if we can use diplomacy?
Hydrosols are not new in the market. They can be found in every well-supplied organic store, drugstore or in the online offer. It is even better if you find a trusted distiller yourself. But choose carefully. In particular, check the expiration date of hydrosols and the fact that they contain no additives. Believe me, our oral cavity will reward our efforts!