MOTHER NATURE’S NATURAL TOOTH CLEANERS
Our teeth enable us to smile, speak and grind food to eat, so it’s important we take care of them by brushing twice a day. But toothbrushes haven’t always been the same as they are today
Without modern toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss, how did our ancestors keep their teeth clean? Two words – Mother Nature.
PINE NEEDLES AS PASTE
Native Americans used pine needles as an abrasive material to clean debris from their teeth, as well as freshen their breath. Some pine needles may be toxic, and with better methods for freshening your breath on the market today, we don’t recommend you try this at home!
Today, toothpaste is an essential tool in fighting cavities and helping you have a healthy mouth. Learn more about why we’re thankful for modern toothpaste.
FRESH HERBS TO FRESHEN BREATH
Chewing herbs like mint and sage freshen breath au naturale. While we might prefer to swish mouthwash instead of munch on mint, fresh breath is an important part of taking care of our oral health.
TWIGS TO FIGHT PLAQUE
Native Americans opted for smashed hardwood twigs as toothbrushes. Dogwood, oak and maple were just a few of the non-toxic hardwood varieties used 300-400 years ago.
But something twigs miss is the plaque between the teeth. Luckily, today’s floss helps us reach those stubborn spots. There are many good reasons to floss, and thanks to modern inventions, there are also fun ways to floss!
While the Native Americans had resourceful ways to clean their teeth, we are going to stick to our modern oral care products. Maintaining a healthy mouth is important to more than just your oral health – it can also reduce your risk of other overall health issues.
