Lots of cool coloring pages, puzzles, word searches related to dental health in grades K-5.
http://www.dent.umich.edu/media/teachoralhealth/activities.html#worksheets
I have recently been on a homemade toothpaste kick that has changed the way I think about my daily dental regimen. I have always HATED brushing my teeth at night. That awful slimy, dry-mouth icky feeling in the morning makes me skip proper dental care more often than I should at night. I have used natural fluoride free or fluoride containing toothpastes for several years and still suffer with the same lack of desire to brush and floss twice a day. My son loves the Weleda salt toothpaste and it does great for him, but it is very expensive and only found at natural grocery stores such as Whole Foods.
A few weeks ago I was searching for some information about fluoride and thyroid function interference for a friend and searching for oral care alternatives at the same time I happened to receive an email from one of my favorite blogs about natural cosmetics showing how she makes homemade tooth powder (http://toxicbeautyblog.com/healthy-teeth/healthy-teeth-the-natural-way/). Check it out as Robin has a great video of how she makes her tooth powder.
Well, geeky scientist that I am, I had to experiment with the right homemade toothpaste recipe that suited my preference for taste, texture, appearance, dental needs and SCIENCE to back it up. Simply mix the ingredients using a popsicle stick and store in an airtight container. I like to make smaller batches that last 2-3 weeks rather that big batches. While the essential oils inhibit bacterial growth, I like each family member having their own personal favorite version of toothpaste/powder to use (basically I don’t want to share with my kids- yes, I admit it)
So spend the holiday break experimenting with your favorite natural toothpaste recipe. Whether you want to avoid fluoride toothpaste, need an addition to your oral care routine, want to save money on oral care, want a fun project for your family or just need something when you run out of toothpaste, have fun with these favorite recipes of mine.
For fun or stocking stuffers, sign up for the Glee club to receive a buy 2 get 1 free coupon in your email for Glee Gum. The sugar-free peppermint is sweetened with xylitol and tastes great. They also have the only natural bubble gum flavor without artificial colors or sweeteners. Find it at Whole Foods, EarthFare or natural grocery stores for $0.99 per box.
-Renee
www.thetakebacktour.com
Toothache/sensitive tooth toothpaste recipe
1/3 cup baking soda
1 TSP coconut oil
1 TSP xylitol
2 pinches sea salt
2 drops tea tree oil
5 drops myrrh oil
7 drops clove oil
¼ cup aloe vera gel
Everyday whitening/fresh breath toothpaste recipe
½ cup baking soda
1 TSP coconut oil
1/8 TSP sea salt
2 drops tea tree oil
5 drops myrrh oil
2 drops clove oil
12-20 drops peppermint oil (if no access, try 16-25 drops pure peppermint baking extract)
2-3 TSP xylitol
¼ cup aloe vera gel
Everyday whitening/fresh breath tooth powder recipe
½ cup baking soda
1/8 TSP sea salt
2 drops tea tree oil
5 drops myrrh oil
2 drops clove oil
12-20 drops peppermint oil (if no access, try 16-25 drops pure peppermint baking extract)
2-3 TSP xylitol
SHOPPING LIST
Tea tree oil- CVS, Lowes Foods, Kroger, Whole Foods, EarthFare, online
Xylitol- baking aisle at Whole Foods, EarthFare, natural food stores, grocery stores
Aloe Vera gel- Fruit of the Earth brand in Wal-mart, Target
Baking soda- baking aisle of most stores
Sea salt- baking aisle of most stores
Myrrh, peppermint, clove essential oils-Whole Foods, EarthFare, natural food stores, online at wfmed.com or amazon.com
SOME SELECT REFERENCES
Herbs in Dentistry Int Dent J. 2011 Dec;61(6):287-96. Epub 2011 Nov 3.
Xylitol has been shown an effective fluoride alternative as it does not promote tooth decay and inhibits plaque causing oral bacteria. It’s use is being considered increasingly for clinical use by dental professionals to treat global dental caries issues.
Pickett FA. Nonfluoride caries-preventive agents: new guidelines. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2011 Nov 1;12(6):469-74.
Coconut oil is a natural antioxidant. Coconut water has been found to be better than standard media for storing avulsed teeth (knocked out teeth) until they can be re-implanted. Comparison of coconut water, propolis, HBSS, and milk on PDL cell survival. . J Endod. 2008 May;34(5):587-9. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2008.01.018. Epub 2008 Mar 19.
Sugar Alcohols, Caries Incidence, and Remineralization of Caries Lesions: A Literature Review Kauko K. International Journal of DentistryVolume 2010 (2010), Article ID 981072, 23 pagesdoi:10.1155/2010/981072Mäkinen
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2010/981072/
George J, Hegde S, Rajesh KS, Kumar A. The efficacy of a herbal-based toothpaste in the control of plaque and gingivitis: A clinico-biochemical study. Indian J Dent Res [serial online] 2009 [cited 2012 Dec 18];20:480-2. Available from: http://www.ijdr.in/text.asp?2009/20/4/480/59460