A Natural Guide to Dental & Oral Care

Sep 09, 2025

Written by Alicia Lybeck

When it comes to health, most of us think about nourishing our bodies through food, movement, and rest. But how often do we stop to consider our mouths? Oral health is deeply connected to overall wellbeing, yet it’s often overlooked until problems arise.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best ways to look after your teeth and gums without unnecessary chemicals, and how simple shifts in your routine can make a big difference.

Why Choose Non-Toxic Oral Care?

Many mainstream toothpastes and mouthwashes contain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), triclosan, fluoride, artificial sweeteners, and synthetic dyes. While these are marketed as safe, research continues to show that repeated, daily exposure may disrupt the delicate balance of your oral microbiome and, in some cases, your overall health.

Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Everything you put in it is absorbed not only through your digestive system but also through the thin tissues inside your mouth. Choosing non-toxic oral care is about more than fresh breath and white teeth, it’s about supporting your gut, hormones, and long-term wellbeing.

Why Fluoride-Free?

Fluoride is one of the most debated ingredients in oral care. While it has long been promoted as a cavity-preventing mineral, growing concerns suggest it may not be the best choice for everyone.

Benefits of choosing fluoride-free options include:

Supporting thyroid health: Excess fluoride has been linked to thyroid suppression, which can affect hormone balance.
Protecting children’s development: Overexposure during childhood may lead to dental or skeletal fluorosis.
Reducing chemical load: Going fluoride-free is one way to lower your daily exposure to unnecessary additives.

Instead of fluoride, many natural toothpastes use minerals like calcium carbonate, magnesium, or hydroxyapatite to strengthen and remineralise enamel which offers protection without the risks.

Keep Brushing Simple and Consistent

We’ve all been told since childhood to brush our teeth twice a day. This remains the foundation of any oral care routine, but the products you use matter.

Choose a natural toothpaste free from harsh foaming agents, artificial flavours, and unnecessary additives.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect enamel and gums. Bamboo toothbrushes are an excellent eco-friendly choice.
Brush gently and thoroughly, covering every surface of your teeth for about two minutes.

Consistency is more important than perfection here. Twice daily brushing, with the right tools, is one of the simplest ways to support long-term oral health.

Tongue Scraping

Tongue scraping may seem like a new trend, but it’s a practice rooted in ancient Ayurvedic tradition. The tongue accumulates bacteria, food particles, and toxins that contribute to bad breath and oral imbalance.

By gently scraping your tongue each morning, you:

Remove build-up that brushing alone can’t remove.
Support a cleaner mouth environment and fresher breath.
May even enhance your sense of taste.

A simple stainless steel tongue scraper is all you need. It takes less than 30 seconds and leaves your mouth feeling noticeably fresher. Once you start tongue scraping, I promise you will never go back.

Flossing

Flossing can feel like a chore, but it’s one of the most important habits for oral health. Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of tooth surfaces while flossing gets the rest.

Regular flossing helps to:

Prevent plaque build-up between teeth.
Support gum health and reduce bleeding gums.
Lower the risk of cavities in hard-to-reach spaces.

If flossing feels tricky, floss picks or a water flosser can make the practice easier and more consistent.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is another Ayurvedic practice that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves swishing a tablespoon of oil — often coconut — around your mouth for 5–15 minutes before spitting it out.

Benefits of oil pulling include:

Reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Naturally freshening breath.
Supporting gum health.
Gently whitening teeth over time.

If you’re new to oil pulling, start with just 2–3 minutes and gradually increase. Always spit the oil into the bin, not the sink, to avoid clogged drains.

The Role of Diet in Oral Health

Natural oral care isn’t just about what you put on your teeth — it’s also about what you put in your body. Your teeth and gums thrive on nutrient-rich, whole foods.

Calcium and Vitamin D support strong enamel and bone health.
Vitamin C helps protect gums and connective tissues.
Magnesium supports tooth remineralisation.
Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables help fight gum inflammation.

On the other hand, regular consumption of sugary drinks, highly processed foods, and acidic snacks can increase the risk of decay and imbalance in the oral microbiome. Think of your diet as part of your dental routine too.

Lifestyle Habits That Support Oral Health

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of filtered water helps wash away food particles and keeps saliva flowing which is your body’s natural defence against decay.
Chew fibrous foods: Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, or celery help naturally clean teeth.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Both can damage oral tissues and increase the risk of gum disease.

Start Small & Start Today

If you’re new to non-toxic oral care, begin with one simple change:

Swap your toothpaste for a fluoride-free, toxin-free option.
Add tongue scraping into your morning routine.
Try oil pulling once or twice a week.

These small shifts build into a healthier, more holistic routine over time.

Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall wellbeing. By choosing non-toxic, fluoride-free products and incorporating simple daily habits, you can support not just your teeth and gums but your gut, hormones, and long-term health.

At Her Holistic Store, we’re here to make that journey easier by offering toxin-free options and gentle education to guide you every step of the way.

Shop our non-toxic Dental & Oral Care range here.

Her Health Journal