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The Ultimate Oral Hygiene Routine for Fresh Breath

Writer's picture: Brandon AhmaudBrandon Ahmaud

Updated: Oct 29, 2023

Peace God! I want to share my personal oral hygiene routine with you. This routine is designed to keep your breath fresh, whiten your teeth, and eliminate harmful bacteria from your mouth using natural ingredients. It has worked wonders for me, and I highly encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the same benefits.


(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details)

 

Regular Flossing for Oral Health

Flossing is not only the initial step but also a crucial component in my daily oral hygiene routine. By diligently flossing, I ensure the thorough removal of any plaque or food particles that might be lurking between my teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. To achieve this, I have chosen Eco-Dent floss, a high-quality dental floss that not only effectively removes plaque but is also vegan-friendly.


To ensure effective flossing, it is essential to use the correct technique. Gently guide the floss between your teeth, making a C-shape around each tooth and sliding it up and down. Avoid snapping the floss, as it can cause gum irritation. If you find traditional floss challenging to use, consider alternative options such as floss picks or water flossers.


Brushing your Teeth

I brush my teeth twice a day. For the first brushing, I use a standard toothbrush with a homemade oil base. The oil base consists of 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of sage, 1/4 teaspoon of Ceylon cinnamon powder, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of clove.


For the second brushing, I use a miswak stick, a natural tooth-cleaning twig made from the neem plant. It is indigenous to various parts of Africa and has antibacterial properties. Neem not only cleans but also strengthens gums.


How to use a Miswak stick
Miswak stick
Miswak Stick for Teeth

To use the miswak stick, peel about 1cm of the outer layer to expose the inner bristles. Soften the bristles by chewing on the tip or using your thumb to separate them. Once the tip of the miswak becomes overused, cut it off and repeat the process. You don't need any toothpaste, just the miswak stick.


You use it in a similar way to a toothbrush, but it is held perpendicular to reach certain angles of your teeth. Check my YouTube video below for a demonstration on how to use it.


Using a miswak may take some time to get used to, as you need to hold it perpendicular to reach certain angles of your teeth. However, I must say that I really love the clean feeling of my teeth after using it.


Oil Pulling for Teeth

Cold Pressed and Unrefined Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil

The best oils to use for oil pulling, a traditional Ayurvedic practice for oral health, are:

  • Sesame seed oil, known for its antimicrobial properties and ability to reduce plaque buildup.

  • Coconut oil, which has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

When choosing oils for oil pulling, it is important to always seek out cold-pressed and unrefined options. These oils retain more of their natural properties and are considered to be of higher quality.


To enhance the benefits of oil pulling, you can also consider adding essential oils such as Clove, Cinnamon, or Oregano. These essential oils not only provide additional antimicrobial effects but also add a pleasant taste to the oil pulling experience.


By adding these oils to your oil pulling routine, you can maximize the potential benefits for your oral health.


How to oil pull

Swish 1 tablespoon of the oil mixture in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Use this time to do other activities like taking a shower, getting dressed, or reading a few chapters of a book.


Once finished, spit the oil into a trash bin to avoid clogging the sink.


The Tongue Scraper

I have been using a copper tongue scraper that I purchased from my local health food store for quite some time now. It has proven to be an essential tool in my oral care routine.


Let me guide you through the step-by-step process of using a tongue scraper:

  1. Start by extending your tongue outwards, ensuring that it is fully exposed and ready for cleaning.

  2. Take the tongue scraper and position it as far back on your tongue as possible. Apply gentle pressure and slowly drag the scraper forward towards the tip of your tongue. This action helps to effectively remove any build-up or residue present.

  3. Repeat this scraping motion around 5-10 times, ensuring that you cover the entire surface area of your tongue. This thorough process ensures that all the unwanted residue is completely eliminated, leaving your tongue looking and feeling vibrant with a healthy pink color.

  4. Once you have finished scraping, it is important to rinse the scraper with hot water. This helps to maintain its cleanliness and hygiene for future use.

The benefits of using a tongue scraper are numerous and impactful. By incorporating this simple tool into your oral care routine, you can experience improved oral health, enhanced breath freshness, promotion of positive digestive health, elimination of toxins, bacteria, and dead cells from the tongue, and even an enhancement in your sense of taste.


Homemade Mouthwash Recipe

Homemade Mouthwash Recipe
Homemade Mouthwash

To prepare a refreshing homemade mouthwash, follow these simple steps:

  1. Boil 2 cups of spring water.

  2. Once the water has boiled, remove from heat.

  3. Add the following natural ingredients for effectiveness: 1 teaspoon of Sage to fight bad breath, 1 teaspoon of Clove for aroma and antibacterial benefits, 1 thumb of Ginger for soothing and reducing inflammation, 2 bay leaves for freshness, and 1 stick of Ceylon cinnamon for taste and combating oral bacteria.

  4. Let the mixture steep for 30 minutes.

  5. Strain the mixture into a clean container.

  6. Add 2 drops of wild oregano oil for extra oral health benefits.

  7. Secure the lid tightly.

  8. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy the benefits of this homemade mouthwash for fresh breath!


Embracing the Power of Herbal Care

In my quest for optimal oral health, I have discovered the incredible benefits of incorporating various basic herbs into my daily routine. These herbs, including clove, fennel, sage, ginger, myrrh, oregano, and Ceylon cinnamon, play a crucial role in my teeth brushing and mouthwash rituals. By harnessing the power of nature's gifts, I have found a simple yet effective way to maintain the health of my mouth.


The practice of using herbs for oral care dates back to ancient civilizations, standing as a testament to their time-tested efficacy. To delve deeper into this fascinating subject, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring the enlightening pages of the book "Dental Herbalism." This insightful resource will provide you with a wealth of knowledge on how herbs can revolutionize your oral hygiene routine.


If you are interested in acquiring herbs in larger quantities, check my affiliate links from trusted suppliers such as Starwest and Mountain Rose Herbs. These reputable sources offer a wide selection of high-quality herbs that can further enhance your holistic approach to oral care.


Importance of Proper Nutrition

What you choose to drink and eat plays a significant role in your overall well-being. Taking care of my hydration is one of my priorities, and I achieve this by consciously consuming more fluids than I do through food. Additionally, I pay attention to the water content of the foods I consume, ensuring that they contribute to my hydration goals. Incorporating a variety of fruits into my diet has been particularly beneficial in maintaining proper hydration levels. Strawberries, pears, and apples, in particular, are known to be excellent for both hydration and dental health.


I have found that avoiding smoking has been immensely helpful in maintaining my overall health. Smoking was never my thing, and I am grateful for that. In the past, I used to be a heavy coffee drinker, but I have since moved on from that habit. It is important to note that excessive consumption of coffee can lead to teeth staining. There are many great alternatives, such as tea. I encourage you to explore different types of tea, including dandelion root tea or teas made from a variety of mushrooms, as they offer additional health benefits to avoid hindrance of oral health.


Check out my YouTube video for more details on Oral Hygiene.


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