The American Dental Association, or ADA, says that periodontitis, a form of gum disease, may be associated with health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and pneumonia. The ADA further clarifies this statement by saying that an association between the two does not mean that one causes the other. Rather, proper dental hygiene plays an important role in good dental health and quite possibly in your overall heath.
Using olive oil soap has become an option for people who want a natural alternative to traditional toothpaste. All-natural soap does not contain fluorides, dyes, or other potentially hazardous chemicals. Olive oil bar soap, olive oil soap shreds--small balls of soap that dissolve in your mouth--and liquid olive oil soap all act as mild cleansers on sensitive teeth and gums. Though brushing with olive oil soap has become popular, there is not enough evidence to support its use in maintaining proper dental hygiene. Always check with your dentist before using unproven methods as a part of your daily routine.
Step 1
Brush your teeth with olive oil soap bar. Run your toothbrush under a stream of warm water, making sure the bristles get soaked. Rub your toothbrush on the soap bar in a circular motion until enough soap covers the bristles. Glide the toothbrush over your teeth and gums in a circular motion, up and down and side to side for two to three minutes. Rinse your mouth until the soap disappears. An olive oil soap bar should last you six months or more.
Step 2
Brush your teeth with olive oil shreds. Bite down on one olive oil soap shred with your back teeth. Chew the shred for three to five seconds. Run your toothbrush under a stream of warm water for about five seconds then brush your teeth, gums and tongue for two to three minutes until you produce lather. Spit out the foam and rinse your mouth with warm water until no soap remains. One bottle of olive oil soap shreds should last you three months brushing three times each day.
Step 3
Brush your teeth with liquid olive oil soap. Wet your toothbrush for about three to five seconds under a stream of warm water. Apply an amount, about the size of a pea, to your wet toothbrush. Brush your teeth for two to three minutes until the lather covers your teeth and gums. Rinse your mouth until no more soap remains. An eight-ounce bottle of the liquid soap should last three months.
Step 4
Clean your toothbrush regularly to prevent bacteria from spreading. Wash the bristles of your toothbrush thoroughly with hot water after each use and remove all visible particles. Store it upright and away from other toothbrushes. The ADA recommends that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner to decrease bacterial exposure. Do not store you toothbrush in a covered toothbrush container; the moisture makes it a breeding ground for microbes.
Tips and Warnings
- Brush your teeth on a regular basis, two to three times each day. Tooth brushing soaps come in small amounts to ensure freshness and good quality. Purchase enough to ensure you don't run out. Choose an easy-to-hold toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth. Store your toothbrushes upright in a clean container to avoid bacterial contamination.
- Consult you dentist for proper guidance. Keep your toothbrush far away from the toilet to avoid contamination. Avoid hard bristles that may irritate the gums or cause tooth damage
Things You'll Need
- Toothbrush
- Olive oil soap
- Water
References
- American Dental Association: Oral Health Topics
- Science Daily: Tooth Loss and Heart Disease Linked, Even Among Nonsmokers
- PubMed: Effect of Olive Oil and An Olive-Oil-Containing Fluoridated Mouthrinse On Enamel and Dentin Erosion In Vitro.
- American Dental Association: Statement on Toothbrush Care: Cleaning, Storage and Replacement
