7 Natural Oral Health Treatments to Support Healthier Teeth and Gums

Most people think that brushing their teeth, flossing, and the occasional dental visit are enough to maintain oral health and prevent disease. While these habits are important, they're often not enough.

Your mouth is home to a complex balance of bacteria, and oftentimes, our basic oral hygiene routines don't fully support this balance. So when these bacteria become unbalanced, it can lead to plaque buildup, gum disease, cavities, and other dental conditions.

In previous blogs, we discussed the connection between oral health and whole-body health, as well as the potential risks of dental cavitations and metal fillings. So now, let's shift gears and review seven things you can do to support a healthier mouth.

1. Support Your Oral Health With Oral Probiotics

The mouth contains both helpful and harmful bacteria. Ideally, these organisms exist in balance. However, certain factors can disrupt this balance and allow harmful bacteria to thrive, such as:

  • Diets high in sugar and processed foods

  • Chronic stress

  • Dry mouth

  • Illness

  • Poor oral hygiene

There are ways to support a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, and one of them is using a probiotic called Lactobacillus reuteri (L. Reuteri).

Lactobacillus Reuteri for Gum Health

L. Reuteri is one of the most well-studied probiotics for oral health. Studies have shown that it helps:¹

  • Reduce plaque and biofilm formation

  • Lower inflammation of the gums

  • Decrease bleeding from the gums

  • Support a healthier oral microbiome

For the best results, I recommend allowing the probiotic to come into direct contact with your teeth and gums.

How to use L. Reuteri:

  1. Open a capsule and mix with a small amount of water

  2. Swish in your mouth for about 30 seconds

  3. Swallow

  4. Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward

2. Reduce Harmful Dental Biofilms Naturally with Quercetin and Biocidin

Dental plaque is more than just bacteria sitting on the teeth. Plaque forms a protective structure called a biofilm, which helps harmful bacteria resist removal, even with antibiotics.

Because biofilms can contribute to gum disease, it's important to regularly use treatments that target and help prevent biofilm formation. Two of the treatments I recommend to my patients are quercetin and biocidin.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid found in foods like onions, apples, and berries. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it's been well-studied for its effects on harmful oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis which is strongly linked to gum disease. ²

Research has shown that quercetin may help:

  • Support healthier gum tissue

  • Reduce inflammation

  • Disrupt biofilm formation

  • Support a balanced oral microbiome

Biocidin

Biocidin is a blend of botanical extracts and essential oils used to support a healthy oral microbiome and reduce biofilm formation. It contains a combination of herbs such as bilberry, garlic, oregano, and black walnut, which are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

It's available in multiple forms including liquid, capsules, and oral care products, making it easy to add to your daily routine.

Learn More About Biocidin

3. Try Ozone Therapy for Oral Health Support

Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive form of oxygen with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.³ It's been used in healthcare for years, particularly in Europe and South America.

One of the key advantages of ozone is that it starts to work immediately. Because it's a gas, ozone can reach tiny areas within the teeth and gums that could otherwise not be reached with liquid treatments.

How Ozone Therapy is Used in Dentistry

Ozone therapy is used to both treat and prevent oral health issues. It can help:³

  • Reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth

  • Treat dental caries and tooth decay

  • Support healing after dental procedures

  • Sterilize the mouth for dental treatments

While ozone therapy is most commonly given as a gas, it can also be applied as ozonated water. The type of ozone therapy used depends on the patient and condition being managed.

Benefits of Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy has numerous benefits for oral health:

  • Gum disease support: Ozonated water or gas can be applied along the gum line and oral cavity to help reduce harmful bacteria and fight infection

  • Root canal support: Ozone can help sterilize the canal system, promote healing, and kill bacteria, all while reaching areas that traditional methods may miss

  • Cavity support: Ozone helps treat and prevent cavities by killing bacteria on contact and reaching areas below the gum line and into the grooves of teeth

  • Tooth sensitivity: Applying ozone to sensitive teeth can help strengthen the structure and improve microbial balance in the mouth, which results in significantly less tooth sensitivity

  • Post-procedure healing: After tooth extractions or other dental procedures, ozone can be used to help reduce infection risk and support tissue repair

Gamma Ozonated Oil for At-Home Support

In addition to in-office treatments, gamma ozonated oil can be used at home to support healing after a dental procedure. Simply apply one to two drops to your gums after procedures like tooth extractions to help fight off infection and support healing.

4. Try Oil Pulling

Oiling pulling is a traditional oral hygiene practice that has been used for centuries. During oil pulling, a small amount of oil is swished around the mouth and "pulled" in between the teeth. It's an effective practice that can be used on anyone over the age of five years old.

By doing this, harmful bacteria get trapped in the oil and removed from the mouth. The oil also coats the teeth and gums which helps prevent harmful bacterial buildup and plaque formation.

Other benefits of oil pulling include:⁴

  • Prevention of dental caries, which lead to cavities

  • Decreased oral bacterial counts

  • Reduced gingivitis (gum inflammation) and halitosis (bad breath)

  • Strengthening of muscles of the mouth and jaw

  • Whiter teeth

  • Improved dry mouth/throat and chapped lips

How To Try Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a great way to improve your oral hygiene and can easily be added to your daily routine. Simply take one tablespoon of your oil of choice and swish it around in the mouth.

The most common oils used for oil pulling include:

  • Organic coconut oil

  • Organic sesame oil

  • Organic sunflower oil

It's best to do this in the early morning before breakfast and on an empty stomach. It's recommended to swish the oil in the mouth for 20 minutes, but you can start with 5-10 minutes if your jaw gets sore.

Following oil pulling, spit the oil out, rinse your mouth with water, and then brush your teeth as normal. Make sure to spit the oil out into the trashcan or a paper towel, as spitting it into the sink can clog the drain.

5. Add Green Tea to Your Daily Oral Care Routine

Green tea contains high levels of antioxidants, which are compounds that help reduce oxidative stress and protect our cells from damage. The antioxidants in green tea have been found to inhibit the growth of several harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevent gum disease.⁵

One study even showed that green tea mouthwash is as effective as conventional mouthwash in reducing dental plaque, tongue coating, and bad breath.⁶

To add green tea into your daily routine, try making a pitcher of iced green tea every week. That way, you can easily pour yourself a glass each day. Another option is using green tea mouthwash once a day.

6. Consider Neural Therapy for Oral Health Support

Neural therapy is a specialized treatment used in functional medicine and dentistry to address chronic inflammation, pain, and dysfunction. This is a treatment I offer in my practice for health concerns throughout the entire body.

What is Neural Therapy?

Neural therapy involves injecting small amounts of a local anesthetic (commonly procaine) into specific areas of the body called interference fields.

Interference fields can develop from:

  • Dental procedures like tooth extractions or root canals

  • Chronic infections

  • Scar tissue

  • Ongoing inflammation in the mouth or jaw

These interference fields may contribute to persistent inflammation or impaired healing, and treating them with neural therapy can help regulate a part of the nervous system known as the autonomic nervous system.

How Neural Therapy is Used in Oral Health

In oral health, neural therapy targets specific areas such as:

  • Teeth and gums

  • Jawbone and areas where teeth have been extracted

  • Tonsils

  • Areas containing lymph nodes

  • Facial nerve pathways

Conditions that can be treated with neural therapy include:

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)

  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD)

  • Trigeminal neuralgia

Neural therapy can also help improve healing after dental procedures, decrease inflammation, and support lymphatic drainage.

7. Strengthen the Foundation of Your Oral Health Daily

Even the best natural oral health treatments are less effective without strong daily habits. Here are some ways you can improve your daily oral health routine.

Prioritize Consistent Oral Hygiene

Your daily oral care should include:⁷

  • Brushing twice daily for at least 2 minutes each time

  • Flossing once daily

You should also make sure to replace your toothbrush regularly. I recommend replacing it every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become matted or frayed.

Support Saliva Production

Saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral health. It helps protect the oral cavity by flushing away bacteria and supporting tissue repair.⁸

When saliva production is low and the mouth is dry, harmful bacteria can build up easily, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Here are some tips to support healthy saliva production:⁹

  • Stay hydrated: Aim for 8-12 cups of water each day

  • Stimulate saliva naturally: Chewing xylitol gum can help increase saliva flow

  • Limit substances that cause dry mouth: Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications may reduce saliva production

Address Lifestyle Factors That Affect Oral Health

Several lifestyle factors can negatively impact oral health, including:

  • High sugar intake

  • Teeth grinding and clenching

  • Mouth breathing

  • Poor sleep quality

  • Chronic stress

Addressing these factors can significantly improve your oral health over time.

Don't Skip Professional Dental Care

Routine dental cleanings and exams remain one of the most important ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums. You should aim to get your teeth cleaned at least every 6-12 months. Regular dental cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease and also help prevent progression of oral diseases by identifying problems early on.

Final Thoughts on Natural Oral Health Treatments

Taking care of your oral health doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require more than a good toothbrush.

By supporting your oral microbiome and incorporating natural oral health treatments as advised by your provider, you can make a meaningful difference in your overall health.

If you're interested in seeing what natural oral health treatments you may benefit from, schedule an appointment with me at the link below.

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FAQs: Natural Oral Health Treatments

  • You can improve your oral health naturally by supporting the balance of bacteria in your mouth and working to reduce inflammation of the gums. This includes consistent brushing and flossing, staying hydrated, and incorporating therapies like oral probiotics, oil pulling, and green tea.

  • These natural oral health treatments are meant to support your oral health, not replace professional dental care. Regular cleanings and exams are essential for preventing and identifying issues like cavities and gum disease early. These therapies work best when used alongside routine dental visits.

  • Several natural therapies can help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth while still supporting a healthy balance. These include oil pulling, green tea, ozone therapy, and herbal blends like Biocidin, which all have antimicrobial properties.

  • Holistic (or biologic) dentists focus on using biocompatible materials and supporting whole-body health through dental care. You can find one by searching directories such as the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) or the Holistic Dental Association. It's also helpful to look for providers who offer services like ozone therapy or work closely with naturopathic physicians or functional medicine providers.