Can we talk teeth?

Merry Christmas, Misty.

We stopped using toothpaste this summer and switched to using only baking soda spinkled on a wet toothbrush. We make sure our baking soda is wet before brushing. I used to think that it would be too abrasive, but I have found it otherwise. It does whiten the teeth and eliminate bad breath. Some say that baking soda isn’t as effective as we think and is mostly grandmother legend. Well, it has been good to us.

We added Oral B electic toothbrushes to the house. We share the bases and use a large refill package from Costco to supply heads for all nine of us. It helps the children and I realize how much we are brushing. I made a commitment to floss faithfully twice daily as well. I believe that flossing is the most important thing you can be doing.

Because we moved to a new area, I had skipped a couple cleanings and had not seen a dentist in over eighteen months. At my last dental examination I was told that I had a few large gum pocket numbers (depth of normal gum pockets are between 1-3, and I had a few 4s and 5s). So, I was a bit nervous last month when I finally went and saw a new dentist (after my 4 month commitment to floss twice daily while using baking soda to brush). When I had the hygenist asked, “Do you floss,” I had that nervous feeling. I meekly replied, “Yes,” thinking, “Oh, NO!”

“I can tell!” she smiled. “Your teeth and gums look great. And you haven’t seen a dentist in nearly two years?” The dentist did the examination, and with just 1-3 gum pocket numbers, he shook my hand and said to keep doing what I am doing because my teeth and gums are excellent. No, I didn’t tell him about the baking soda.  I am so happy, especially since I have had seven pregnancies that really make my gums bleed. My dd13 had an appointment at the same time, and she had no cavities as well.

Janell

you can also add a florid rinse. I have soft teeth (which is really acidic saliva that makes the teeth soft). You need to get the mouth pH higher. You can also add an all natural product called xylitol mints (find them on amazon). They raise pH and work almost better than fluoride. Walmart sells xylitol gum as well

My two daughters get a grey film on their teeth too. They see their dentist every six months and they just polish it off. The dentist said it is probably something in our water. My children also drink only water and milk and I limit sweets. The dentist was not concerned. Scraping it off gently is probably fine. You could try an electric toothbrush which might get it off easier with less effort maybe.

Oh, and my youngest daughter has a lot of excess saliva and often gets it more concentrated. The dentist said its because she lets her saliva kinda sit in her mouth (she always was a terrible drooler!!). Like I said, they just scrape it off and polish them up and its fine. Sounds like you’re on the right track.

Tara

Just be careful not to get too carried away and scrape the enamel off, because then the grey will stay put!

Lindsey, are the recipes for your shampoo, laundry soap, etc. on the Pennywise Woman blog? If so, would you please post the link? Or, if they’re on your blog….

Thanks!

I think some of these are on Lindsey’s blog.  I’ve made my own deodorant for a year and a half and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  I use coconut oil, a little baking soda and a few drops of essential oil (I use lavender.)  It’s WONDERFUL!  I’ve worn it though hot southern summers and have had no issues at all.  I haven’t made shampoo yet but it’s next on my list.  A local lady makes a very good shampoo bar that I love so I’ve stuck with it.  Lotion is easy to make.  I made a batch of lotion bars and vanilla extract and gave them as gifts this Christmas.  Fun.