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Healthy Teeth the Natural Way

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Tips for Leading a Cavity Free Life

You do this every day... and now new research has found that brushing your teeth each day isn't just good for your smile, it might also reduce your chances of having a heart attack.

Poor oral hygiene is linked to higher levels of risk for heart disease and low-grade inflammation. Over the last 20 years medicine has been increasingly interested in a link between dental disease (periodontal disease in particular) and heart disease.

The benefits of good oral hygiene are demonstrated by numerous research papers on periodontal disease that show the correlation of tooth and gum disease to overall health.

If you are concerned about the health of your teeth and gums, all you need to do is focus on finding the best dental care regimen and apply it consistently.

Although this sounds simple, it takes a considerable amount of research and scientific sources to determine the best non-toxic dental care program. Here are several tips about how to live a cavity free life.

What Causes Most Dental Problems?

Most dental issues are the result of poor diet and chemical reactions that occur within the mouth.

Researchers at Tokyo Dental College noted that more than 300 different species of bacteria are found in populations of several hundred billion in the human oral cavity. They estimated that this number reaches a thousand billion when the mouth is not sufficiently cleaned.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that clings to the surface of the tooth. It is composed of saliva, cells from the tissues of the mouth and living bacteria always present in the mouth. When foods that contain sugars or starches combine with the plaque, acids are produced which attack (dissolve) tooth enamel. The sticky plaque keeps this acids in contact with the teeth, breaking down the enamel and causing cavities.

Good oral hygiene removes bacteria and food particles that combine to create cavities and bad breath.

About Brushing

Tooth brushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health.

Brushing after every meal is recommended and before bedtime because carbohydrates in food and drink can feed oral bacteria and produce acids that lead to cavities. One caution for individuals who eat small meals rather than the traditional three meals per day - brushing more than five or six times may increase the risk of damage to the tooth enamel.

Be sure to use a toothbrush with rounded, soft nylon bristles. Research suggests that no particular configuration of bristles is better than another for removing plaque and food particles.

Studies show that electric and sonic toothbrushes, if used properly, can perform better than manual toothbrushes. The key is to use the brush that best fits your needs.

The Evolution of Toothpaste

The earliest known reference to toothpaste is in a manuscript from Egypt in the 4th century A.D., which prescribes a mixture of iris flowers. Toothpastes came into general use in the 19th century. It is known that twigs were used by Indians from ancient times. Neem tree twigs are said to have good medicinal effects.

Fluoride was added to toothpaste in 1914 and was criticized by the American Dental Association in 1937. It later received the ADA's Seal of Acceptance.

The Pros and Cons of Fluoride

Although brushing your teeth is good, the truth is that most toothpastes are toxic. Just take a look at the ingredients on the label and you will see a warning not to ingest any of it.

Approximately 95% of brand name toothpastes have fluoride. Fluoride has been shown to be beneficial to teeth. However, too little or too much fluoride can be detrimental to teeth. Excessive fluoride ingested by preschool children can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a chalky white to even brown discoloration of permanent teeth. Many children often get more fluoride than parents realize.

Surprisingly, fluoride has never been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, a 1990 study stated that fluoride has been shown NOT to reduce cavities and scientists are now linking it to dental deformities, arthritis, allergic reactions, osteoporosis, and cancer.

Today, a growing number of doctors and researchers are expressing concern over public exposure to fluoride, which has led come cities to vote against water contamination with this chemical. "When folks are fully informed (about fluoride), they usually turn it down," says Jonathon Wright, M.D. of the Tacoma Clinic.

There is no way to know if you are ingesting over the recommended dosage of fluoride. Even if you don't use a fluoride toothpaste, many water based foods contain this chemical.

"Most substances, even water will burst into flame in the presence of pure fluorine gas. A deficiency can lead to tooth decay and osteoporosis, but when ingested in quantities beyond trace amounts, it can cause mottled teeth, and has been associated with Down's syndrome and cancer. All the fluorine you need can be obtained by simply drinking a variety of teas and eating seafood," says Dr. David Stewart.

"If your child is too young or unable to spit out toothpaste, consider providing them with a fluoride free toothpaste or using only a pea-size amount of toothpaste." says John A. Burkhart, D.M.D.

Fluoride - Relative Health Hazard

Fluorine is a naturally occurring element in the earth, but elemental fluorine is too reactive to be found in nature. Fluorine is found in nature as part of the mineral fluorspar. Water in rivers or streams that flow over rocks rich in fluorine-containing minerals such as fluorspar may naturally contain dissolved fluoride.

Relative health hazard:
On a health hazard spectrum of 0 - 3 Fluoride compounds registers 1.5. A score of 3 represents a very high hazard to health, 2 represents a medium hazard and 1 is harmful to health. Factors that are taken into account to obtain this ranking include the extent of the material's toxic or poisonous nature and/or its lack of toxicity, and the evaluation of its tendency to cause, or not cause cancer and/or birth defects. It does not take into account exposure to the substance. Human exposure is reflected in the NPI rank given to this substance. A substance that scores highly as a health hazard is arsenic at 2.3 and one of the lowest scores is ammonia at 1.0.Health Hazard Rating

Conventional Toothpaste

New FDA Warning Labels

Surprisingly, a recent survey at a health food store revealed that 20 or 23 "natural" toothpastes contained sodium lauryl sulfate.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is potentially the most harmful ingredient in personal care products. Because SLS has foaming properties, it is added to toothpaste in order to give the impression that the toothpaste is working. However SLS has been found to be corrosive and harmful to skin tissue says a report by the American College of Toxicity.

Triclosan - the EPA has registered triclosan as a dangerous pesticide, which can be stored in body fat. Long term use can damage the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs, suppress the immune system, and cause hormonal disruption.

Hydrated silica is a whitener that damages tooth enamel and prevents re-mineralization, much like using sand to clean glass.

FD&C Blue Dye #1 and 2 are artificial colorings often found in familiar toothpaste brands. Recent studies indicate that they can trigger a wide range of behavorial, learning and health problems, including cancer.

Sorbitol is a liquid that keeps toothpastes from drying out but could be a laxative and cause diarrhea if they have been swallowed.

The new warnings by the FDA start with: "Keep out of the reach of children under 6 years of age." Obviously, commercial toothpastes are not as safe as we think they are. If you have young children using a toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate, they are at risk.

Dentarome Toothpastes do not contain these ingredients. Instead, they rely on the anti-microbial properties of therapeutic grade essential oils, like wintergreen, clove, and thyme.

What Are the Benefits of Natural Dental Care?

What goes in your mouth stays in your body, even if you don't swallow it. Nancy Rosenberg, president of the Natural Dentist says your mouth and gums absorb ingredients and are a superhighway to every system in your body. Not only your gums able to absorb oral bacteria, they can absorb chemicals in your toothpastes and mouthwashes. Having a healthy mouth can help safeguard your overall health.

What Is a Good Toothpaste?

A good toothpaste has scientific evidence that the product does what it claims to do and is non-toxic. A good toothpaste should not contain harsh abrasives which can wear away the tooth enamel. It should not contain chemicals that will have long-term, negative side-effects as they are absorbed into the body.

Using Essential Oils in Oral Care Products

Essential oils are ideal for use in oral care products because they are antiseptic and non-toxic - a rare combination.

Jean Valnet, M.D. used essential oils for decades in his clinical practice: "Essential oils are especially valuable as antiseptics because their aggression toward microbial germs is matched by their total harmlessness toward tissue."

A 1995 study by Nicole Didry at the College of Pharmaceuticals and Biological Sciences in Lille, France, found that thyme oil at very low concentrations (<500 ppm) killed the pathogenic organisms responsible for tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath.

The Antimicrobial Effects of Thieves Dentarome Toothpaste

Thieves Dentrarome Ultra Toothpaste was tested at Weber State University and found to have potent anti-microbial properties against a wide range of oral microbes that cause oral infections, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases: Streptocuccus oralis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Candida albicans, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus sanguis and Bramunella catarrhalis.

As more toothpaste is used, stronger antimicrobial action is shown. Just 3 mg. shows high antimicrobial activity. No one, not even the commercial leader, Crest, can make this claim. This makes the Thieves formula toothpaste far advanced of anything now on the market. Normal amount to use is 3 grams.

Thieves Dentarome is designed to lessen poor oral health conditions, such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and bad breath, using a preventative approach that keeps these conditions from occurring in the first place.

Dentarome Ultra Toothpaste

Edible Toothpaste

Thieves Dentarome Ultra takes the Dentarome Plus and adds a few key ingredients to create a more potent oral care product. It contains the highest concentration of Thieves oil, infused with Thieves Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash, naturally whitens teeth with the papaya-derived enzyme, papian; and is naturally sweetened with the cavity fighting power of xylitol. Dentarome Ultra also boasts the addition of clove, Eucalyptus globulus, and thyme essential oils.

Theives Dentarome Toothpaste is a product that dentists, oncologists, and users agree makes a difference in promoting a healthy and happy mouth.

This is my favorite toothpaste and I find that children love the taste of it, too. If you have become accustomed to the sweet or minty taste of commercial toothpastes, try substituting a little of this toothpaste each time you brush. It is concentrated so a little goes a long way.

Flossing with Thieves

No oral care regimen is complete without the use of a good dental floss.

Thieves Dental Floss is unique in that it is the only dental floss on the market that is infused with 100 percent Young Living Therapeutic-grade essential oils. Enhanced with Thieves oil blend and peppermint essential oil, this floss combines everything you love about Thieves with the benefits of regular gum care.

Thieves Dental Floss is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to maintain a bright, happy smile.

About Mouthwashes

Mouthwash or rinse is used to maintain oral health and hygiene. It is commonly used after teeth brushing and is swished for roughly a half minute and then spat out.

Mouth rinses sold as antiseptic or anti-plague claim to kill bacterial plaque that cause tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath. They often contain alcohol that can aggravate dry mouth and bad breath. Alcohol in mouthwashes has been found to dramatically increase the incidence of oral cancer and should never be ingested.

Anti-cavity rinses use fluoride to protect against cavities.

Ingredients in commercial mouthwash may be acceptable and safe to use, but chemicals like Benzalkonium Chloride, Cetylpyridinium Chloride. Methylparaben, Fluoride, Sorbitol, Saccharin, Alcohol, Artificial Flavors and Colors aren't something that I'd want to use.

Fresh Essence Plus Mouth Wash by Young Living does not contain these ingredients. Instead it relies on a natural and healthy blend of therapeutic grade essential oils that are safe for ingestion.

Essential oils have proven to be even more effective as antiseptic mouth rinses than even FDA recognized plaque - control antiseptic drugs such as stannous fluoride.

A 1999 study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that an essential oil mouth rinse containing thymol, methyl salycilate (wintergreen), menthol (peppermint), and eucalyptol (Eucalyptus globulus) was far more effective than a stannous fluoride antiseptic.

Thieves All Natural Mouthwash

It's Okay to Swallow

A six month controlled study demonstrated that the essential oil mouth rinse and the chlorhexidine mouth rinse had comparable antiplaque and antigingivitis activity.

Considering that the chemical chlorhexidine comes with the unpleasant side effects of staining teeth and altering taste perception for up to several hours after rinsing, why not choose a natural mouthwash (safe enough to swallow) super-powered with Thieves?

Thieves Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash meets the ADA recommendations but with its special formulation of essential oils, it has unique properties that you won't find in most commercial mouth washes. This proprietary formula provides incredibly fresh breath. The liposome binds the essential oils to the mucous membrane inside the mouth for longer lasting effects on teeth and gums.

Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils versus Herbs

Many people who use essential oils are also acquainted with herbs. Thus, it is easy to assume that essential oils work in the same manner as herbal formulas. This, however, is not the case. Essential oils are highly concentrated forms of fresh or dried herbs. It often takes many pounds of herbs to make a mere ounce of essential oil. Because of their concentrated potency, it takes a small amount of essential oil to support the body's systems and improve immune health.

Unfortunately, many oils touted as essential oils are derived from harsh chemicals, diluted, or copied and produced in a lab. Cheap copies bring cheap results and have the potential to be toxic. Therefore, it is imperative that only the highest grade therapeutic oil be used for effectiveness, and of course Young Living Essential Oils are the highest grade and have the greatest amount of life force of any essential oils on the market. It is the life force of the essential oil that makes it so effective "energetically".

Therapeutic grade essential oils are the basis for the therapeutic benefits, such as a reduction in gum inflammation and infection. This means that health professionals choose them for promoting health and wellness.

Success Stories

1. "Dentarome is an amazing toothpaste. The breath-freshening, teeth-cleansing and plaque-opposing properties of this formula are phenomenal. It is also very rare to see a toothpaste devoid of synthetic or carcinogenic ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, carregeenin and artificial colors." - Terry Friedmann, M.D.

2. Holistic Dentist, Dr. John Roeder recommends the use of essential oils in our home water irrigation system called "The Water Pik". " Essential oils for gum and mouth cleaning are effective because of their "substantivity" (the 'ability to be retained' by the gum tissue).

3. I recently started using Thieves Dentarome tooth paste and mouthwash. I really like both products.

It has been a habit of mine to rinse my toothbrush - a Braun Electric - in between replacements. I would put the brush in a cup of peroxide and see it bubble up with white foam - good I thought, it's really cleaning off those germs! Rinse and add new peroxide until the bubbling stopped.

This past time of cleaning my brush, which is a first since starting with Thieves toothpaste, I was amazed when I dipped the brush in the peroxide that there was no reaction . . .it remained clear! I wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but then decided that the Thieves ingredients are germ killers themselves and none are left to harbor on the brush! What an exciting discovery! And now I know my mouth is equally as clean of germs . . another plus in my book for the Thieves product line. And I have not had a cold to date this season (even though others around me have). - Gail in NH

Discover more about oral care, toothaches, and other conditions at this link.
Oil Testimonials
"Based on the fact that I don't have any tartar on my teeth and haven't had a dental cleaning in 6 years is convincing evidence enough for me that the Thieves Dentarome Ultra Toothpaste and Thieves Mouthwash are completely responsible for eradicating cavity and tartar producing bacteria from my mouth. All the more reason to avoid fluoride and all the other chemicals typically found in commercial toothpastes - yes, even those found in natural food stores as they are not 100% edible like the Thieves toothpaste!" ~ Evelyn

The Keys to Good Health

Healthy eating leads to healthy teeth. Like the rest of the body, the teeth need a well balanced diet.

Consult your health care professional about any serious disease or injury. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe any natural substances such as essential oils for serious health conditions that require professional attention.

Welcome to Natural Dental Care

Recommended Products

Thieves is a registered trademark of Young Living Essential Oils for its proprietary essential oil blend, and is used by permission.

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Disclaimer: All information contained here is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Product Satisfaction Guarantee: If for any reason you are not satisfied with your Young Living products, you may return them within 30 days for a full refund, or within 90 days for a product exchange or credit toward a future purchase.
Organic Products West
Your source for organic health - Mirdza Hayden of CA offers expert advice on the Thieves line.
Organic Products East
Your source for organic health supplies - Yvonne Osinga-Bisk of New York offers expert advice on the Thieves Dentarome line.
Abundant Health
Your source for aromatherapy and natural health accessories.

Dental Health Products at Amazon

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Oral Health Care Updates

Using Essential Oils for Oral Health and Toothaches
This Microsoft Power Point presentation provides an overview of why essential oils are ideal for use in oral care and compares Thieves Dentarome to conventional toothpastes.
Fluoride
If you haven't read the back of your toothpaste label recently, you are in for a shock. If the words "professional help" and "poison control center" don't grab your attention, they should...
Advice from a Children's Dentist
How to raise a cavity-free child.
Review of Dentarome Ultra Toothpaste
Does it clean thoroughly and really whiten teeth...
Reason to Smile
Research at West Virginia University found that a clean mouth may prevent memory loss and more...

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My name is Faye Durham. I am a clinical research monitor and health care consultant in natural health care. I specialize in therapeutic nutrition, aro... more »

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