It seems these days everyone is taking an interest in experimenting with DIY concoctions of all types. Every day, more Americans become interested in more natural approaches to living. People are making their own soaps and cleaning products instead of purchasing commercial brands. For some, it is a matter of curiosity, and for others, it may be a matter of cost. Many individuals enjoy discovering home remedies that work as well or better than the commercial product.
It is important to know the materials you are working with. Safety is always a big concern. When it comes to making your own toothpaste, being safe is paramount. You may be wondering, what can possibly go wrong with homemade toothpaste?
Protect Your Teeth
Some ingredients you may use in creating your own toothpaste could do harm to your teeth without your awareness until it is too late. Certain substances can be bad for your tooth enamel, while others may change the balance of bacteria in your mouth and kill off good bacteria, creating an environment that leaves your teeth more susceptible to decay.
We do not often realize how delicate the ecosystems of life can be. The human body is an amazing organism that operates on very precise balances. Inflammation, sickness and disease can develop when our delicate systems are off by only a few degrees.
Your mouth is home to several hundred species of bacteria. Some are good, and some are harmful. When the oral environment is balanced, these bacteria live together, and the harmful ones are kept in check. If an imbalance occurs, harmful bacteria could take over and create a hostile environment. Suddenly you have sickness, disease and inflammation in your mouth.
Certain substances such as essential oils, acidic ingredients and hydrogen peroxide can cause harm to the oral environment. They can alter the microbiome of the mouth, as in the case of essential oils, or do harm to tooth enamel, like hydrogen peroxide, when used on a regular basis.
Knowledge is Power
Before making your own toothpaste, talk with your dentist to find out if the ingredients you are thinking of using will be good for your teeth and oral environment. It is wonderful to find ways of making products that are cost-effective and successful for the purpose they were created. Just make sure that your homemade products are not doing more harm than good.
Ask Dr. Antoinette Liles about the most effective ways to keep your oral health at its best. After all, your best oral health is one of our main priorities.
