Since Grants of Australia’s inception, we have provided consumers with a natural alternative to conventional oral care. Tens of thousands of industrial chemicals surround us in our daily lives, making it difficult to reduce our chemical intake. Toxic load is created from a range of inconspicuous things in our daily life, from the cleaning and personal care products we use each day, to chemicals consumed through our food and drink intake.
Our friend and holistic dentist Dr. Lewis Ehrlich has shared his best advice for conscious consumers looking for natural and sustainable alternatives to fighting plaque, preventing cavities, and freshening breath.
Toothpaste is the one staple that we use daily, twice a day, for our entire lives. The advantage of a good quality natural toothpaste is that it can reduce exposure to some ingredients which may be an irritant to susceptible people. Natural toothpastes will typically also be free from microplastics which can be harmful for the environment.
Grants of Australia harness the power of natural cleaning alternatives like xylitol, baking soda and essential oils. Xylitol, for example, is naturally occurring in most plant material, and has been shown to be very effective in inhibiting the growth of cavity promoting bacteria in the mouth; while essential oils such as tea tree and peppermint are excellent for freshening the breath.
In addition to thinking about what you’re washing down the drain every time you brush your teeth, think about the waste you’re producing every time you turn over a toothbrush, (which we recommend every 3 months, or straight after you’ve had a cold or flu). In Australia alone, 30 million toothbrushes go to landfill every single year. Our toothbrushes are made using sustainably sourced wild bamboo are a great alternative to plastic toothbrushes. They’re also wrapped in hygienic paper wrapping that is 100 percent recyclable.
Breathing through the mouth dries out the saliva and makes us more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Breathing through the nose helps balance out body chemistry, filters and humidifies the air, improves circulation throughout the body and is better for your posture.
The secret to good oral health lies beyond just what you do in the bathroom. Everything from the food and drink you’re consuming to your stress levels and the quality of your sleep can affect the health of your teeth, gums and general health. Your half yearly dental checkup is a good time to talk through these things with your dental practitioner and see where you can make improvements.