1. Start with Oil Pulling in the Morning

Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing oil (typically coconut, sesame, or sunflower) in your mouth for 5–20 minutes. This simple habit helps remove toxins, reduce harmful bacteria, and support gum and overall oral health.

How it helps:

• Binds to and removes bad bacteria and plaque
• Supports a healthy balance of oral microbes
• Moisturizes the mouth and promotes fresh breath

How to do it:
Swish several drops of OraRestore or 1 teaspoon of organic coconut or sesame oil in your mouth upon waking (before eating or brushing), for 5 to 20 minutes, then spit it out. Rinse with warm water and continue with your routine.

2. Use a Natural Toothpaste with Remineralizing Ingredients

Skip conventional toothpastes filled with fluoride, SLS, artificial sweeteners, and dyes. Instead, choose a holistic toothpaste with gentle, non-toxic, and effective ingredients like:

• Hydroxyapatite (a blend of micro and nano hydroxyapatite is most effective for remineralization)
• Calcium carbonate or bentonite clay for gentle polishing
• Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or clove for antimicrobial support
• Xylitol to reduce cavity-causing bacteria

Brush twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristled brush and circular motions that gently massage the gums and clean all tooth surfaces.

3. Floss (or Use Alternatives) to Remove Debris and Bacteria

Flossing is essential for cleaning areas your toothbrush can’t reach. The primary purpose of flossing daily is to disrupt the bacterial life cycle. It helps to prevent plaque buildup, gum inflammation, and the growth of harmful bacteria between teeth.

Choose natural, waxed silk floss, corn-based floss, or even a water flosser if string floss is difficult. Floss gently once per day, ideally before bed, to remove food particles and keep your gum tissue healthy.

4. Rinse with an Alcohol-Free, Holistic Mouthwash

Many commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol and synthetic ingredients that can disrupt the oral microbiome and dry out the mouth. Holistic mouthwashes are formulated with plant-based antimicrobials, alkalizing minerals, and soothing botanicals to freshen breath, fight bacteria, and support healing.

Look for mouthwashes that include:

• Xylitol or erythritol (natural sugar alcohols that reduce plaque)
• Aloe vera (soothing and healing for gums)
• Trace minerals or ionic minerals (for remineralization)
• Herbal extracts like echinacea, myrrh, or calendula
  
  

Use once or twice daily after brushing and flossing, or whenever you need a refreshing cleanse.

5. Stay Hydrated and Stimulate Saliva

Saliva is the body’s natural defense mechanism against cavities and gum disease. It helps neutralize acids, remineralize enamel, and flush away bacteria. Dry mouth, on the other hand, can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath, and tooth decay.

Support saliva production by:

• Drinking plenty of filtered or spring water throughout the day
• Chewing xylitol gum or sugar-free mints
• Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery
• Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners that dry out the mouth

6. Nourish Your Teeth from Within with the Right Diet

What you eat directly affects your oral health. A mineral-rich, anti-inflammatory diet helps prevent decay, rebuild enamel, and support healthy gums.

Eat more of:

• Calcium- and phosphorus-rich foods: leafy greens, almonds, dairy, eggs, bone broth
• Vitamin D: wild-caught salmon, sardines, mushrooms, sunlight
• Vitamin C: bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli
• Antioxidants: berries, turmeric, green tea
• Healthy fats: coconut oil, avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds
  
  

Avoid or limit:

• Refined sugar and high-carb snacks
• Processed foods and seed oils
• Acidic sodas and sugary beverages
• Sticky dried fruits and candies

7. Support the Oral Microbiome

Just like your gut, your mouth has a microbiome—a delicate ecosystem of bacteria that help maintain oral balance. Holistic oral care focuses on supporting good bacteria, not just killing bad ones.

To maintain a healthy oral microbiome:

• Avoid products with triclosan (chlorinated compound), chlorhexidine (broad-spectrum antiseptic agent), or strong alcohols
• Eat fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt
• Use oral probiotics
• Choose toothpastes and rinses with prebiotics or pH-balancing minerals
  
  

Balancing your oral microbiome helps protect against cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath.

8. Mind Your Stress and Sleep

Stress and poor sleep weaken the immune system, increase inflammation, and contribute to conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding), which can erode enamel and damage the jaw.

Incorporate stress-reducing practices into your daily routine:

• Meditation or deep breathing
• Regular movement or yoga
• Getting at least 7–9 hours of restorative sleep
• Using a night guard if you grind your teeth

Good sleep and lower stress support not just your oral health—but your whole body.

9. Tongue Scraping for Fresh Breath and Detox

Your tongue can harbor bacteria, food particles, and toxins. Tongue scraping is a simple practice that helps detoxify the mouth, improve taste, and reduce bad breath.

Use a stainless steel or copper tongue scraper every morning before brushing. Gently drag it from the back of your tongue to the front 2–3 times, rinse, and continue with your oral routine.

10. Don’t Skip Regular Check-Ins with a Holistic Dentist

Even the most diligent at-home care can benefit from professional guidance. A holistic or biological dentist can offer biocompatible treatments, early detection of imbalances, and natural alternatives for common procedures.

Schedule a dental check-up at least once or twice a year, or as recommended, to ensure your holistic efforts are on track and to catch any issues early.

A holistic oral care routine is about more than avoiding cavities—it’s about aligning your daily habits with your body’s natural ability to protect, repair, and maintain oral health. From oil pulling and natural toothpaste to mindful eating and microbiome balance, these simple, effective habits can make a powerful impact on your long-term well-being.

By integrating these practices into your daily life, you're not just supporting your teeth and gums—you're caring for your whole body in a conscious, natural way.