Tooth Scrub

Usual tooth karma creeping up on me....so always on the look-out for more natural ways of looking after my teeth.

So here's a very simple scrub you can use for your teeth which will help keep them clean and invigorate the gums. All you need is white clay (powdered form: argilla), and tea-tree oil. After you've brushed your teeth (and why not, flossed as well) just take a table-spoon of clay in your hand and 3 drops of tea-tree oil (check it's a good quality oil that can be used internally, not the cheap stuff you buy for burning in oil burners!) and just mix the two together in the palm of your hand.

Then, using your finger, rub your teeth and gums with it...mmmm....doesn't it look looooovely! You'll find that you will start salivating profusely (slight exhageration), so just use this super-natural mix of stuff to swoosh it around in your mouth a bit before spitting it out.

You can use this scrub every day: it's a natural antisceptic and after the initial investment in the ingredients, it's cheap and long-lasting.

Teeth and No Tears

I was sitting in a park yesterday elegantly enjoying my ice-cream, when I bit upon an especially crunchy piece of....piece of what? Was it a cone? Was it a hazelnut? NO! It was my tooth! Shiver quiver....I get chills down my spine at the mere thought of it! It wasn't my real tooth, but that famous piece of resin that acted as a replacement tooth after my fall in Ecuador (see the Teeth and Tears post for the full story).
This time I didn't shed a tear, nor did I experience any sort of emotion. I was actually on my way to the cinema and just thought I'd go to the movies and think about my half-tooth later on. I even took a photo of myself, mainly for the thrill I will get in seing my sister's look of horror when I show it to her.
My aunt had the good sense to tell me to call the dentist, who only had a free appointment next week OR within 15 minutes....so we jump into a taxi and rush off to the dentist! (missed out on the movie). One hour later I walked out with a "new" tooth, much better than the last job he'd done at sticking on my Ecuadorian piece of tooth (because I threw that one in the bin...I hope! I have a slight doubt I may have swallowed it). Point is I didn't bother looking for it...it's time was most definitely up.

Anyway, various things happened at the dentist, mainly regarding realisations about today's society: the main conclusion is that we have to become "everything-ologists". Let me explain: it's as though people do the bear minimum, minimum effort for (let's be truthful) extremely mediocre results. If, for example, you happen to break a tooth (and this is just an example), and your dentists works away at it for an hour and then asks you to look at it, do not think you're wrong in seing that he has done a very mediocre job, and DO direct him in his craft.
If, for example, you happen to break a tooth (and this is just an example), and you notice a little porosity where he (or she) has just been working, don't hesitate to ask him what (on earth!) it is....he may just fix it!...and in the end feel really happy about the job he's done. Well, good for him.

I hope you've managed to read between the lines.

As my philosophy teacher in India used to say, modern-day society produces INSTRUMENTS: a million knives, a million forks, a million torches, a million lawyers, etcetera, etcetera....A lawyer is no grander in scope than a knife is at doing its job. So if and when we choose to put ourselves in the hands of instruments, I wouldn't do it with the blind faith and surrender that our grandparents may have had. An instrument must be put to good use. We must somehow become "everything-ologists", and develop at least a questioning power - not to become doubtful and overquestioning cynical meanies, but to have the awareness that instruments will, if allowed, do the bear minimum.

Gums and Oils

An anonymous has left very helpful guidelines on gum health and hygiene, so here goes!

• Cinnamon oil is good for gums : it is an antiseptic that helps kill the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
  
• Aloe Vera: Speeds healing of damaged gum tissues, counters infection, irritation and inflammation.
  
• Tea tree oil: helps kill infective microorganisms including those responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.


• Echinacea: tones gums and helps fight infection.


• Mint: helps tonify teeth and gums.


• Myrrh: fights infection of mouth and gums.


• Apple cider vinegar can be used for teeth whitening and gum infiammations.

Teeth and Tears

I have always loved going to the dentist...I know it may sound strange, but it's true.

And it is with great shame that I must confess the following: I went to the dentist today and cried. Why? Because he was manoeuvering in between two of my front teeth, and the one that I had broken (and then repaired) in a bycicle accident in Ecuador..well, it popped out! I think I was taken back to that moment, and started reliving the trauma, the nightmare of losing a front tooth! Childish, I know. To my defense, I wasn't weeping or anything, just a couple of shy tears rolled down, much to the amusement of the assistant dentist who said "Why are you crying? You'll be even more beautiful than before!". Yeah, like that's possible.

All of this drama to issue a word of warning: I have deleted the posts on home-made toothpaste and powder because bicarbonate soda is not good for your teeth. I was very enthusiastic about them because they really whitened my teeth -- but not everything that shines is a healthy tooth. Bicarb soda is highly abrasive and can ruin your tooth enamel...not to worry. I will try to find a solution that doesn't use the soda. Actually, does anyone know of what essential oil is good for your gums? I've apparently brushed my teeth with too much violence and my gums have suffered.

Back to dentists...and travelling: I went and fell on my face in a nasty bycicle accident in Ecuador (5 years ago), and had a lovely local dentist rebuild one of my teeth for the price of $20. (this little guy on the left is sort of what I looked like...except that I wasn't so happy). My friends, don't let the price fool you. I've had that tooth in for the past 5 years, and remained intact until 10:23 am today (more or less). So: may I advise you to take a trip to Ecuador to have any important tooth jobs done? My dentist was really lovely, very hygienic studio, and well...the price speaks for itself -- for what you're going to spend on dental care in your country, you may as well get a trip to Ecuador as part of the price).