Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacteria found in the mouth. Flossing will dislodge the bacteria and any other pieces of food from between the teeth, so it is a very important step with teeth hygiene as these particles of food feed micro-organisms in the mouth. Also, the kind of toothpaste we use is important. Regular toothpaste has glycerin in it, often as one of the first ingredient, and glycerin is the substance that makes it foamy when you brush your teeth. The glycerin leaves a waxy coating on your teeth, and this is why your teeth "feel" soft when you pass your tongue on your teeth after brushing. But this waxy coating traps bacteria against the enamel of the teeth. That is when the bacterias will start eating the enamel of the teeth as it is trap under that coat of wax. That is what cavities are about, it is the bacteria’s eating the enamel of the tooth.
What I suggest is to use an anti-bacterial oil, like Neem oil or oregano oil or a regular bar of soap made with natural ingredients (not glycerin soap). The oil doesn’t have the abrasive effect, but we can use a bit of baking soda on our toothbrush once in a while to have that abrasive effect that regular toothpaste has. That way flossing will dislodge the bacteria and particles of food that feed bacteria that is between the teeth. The essential anti-microbial oil will destroy the microorganisms in the mouth, and the baking soda will gently have an abrasive effect on the teeth to do a deep cleaning by removing residues stuck to the teeth.
And something else about toothpaste, if you read carefully the label, it will suggest that you call poison centre if you swallow it! Just read the ingredients and see if you want that in the bodies of your kids.
Take care and smile!
Louise Grenier
