Living Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 7

IS THERE A TIME THAT’S BEST TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH? The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day. One of those times should be at bedtime, because if certain foods and drinks sit in your mouth for an extended duration they will create a serious threat to gums and teeth. Keep a toothbrush at work to brush after eating. Place two drops of dōTERRA On Guard® on the bristles, and massage them into the teeth and gums. Brush your tongue while including dōTERRA On Guard, Cinnamon, or Peppermint to promote clean and crisp breath. Toothpaste that is designed to neutralize low pH and freshen breath is excellent. To promote cleanliness try adding 3–4 drops of Melaleuca (Tea Tree) essential oil, or dōTERRA On Guard and Spearmint on the toothbrush before adding your toothpaste. Chew only sugarless gum (preferably one with xylitol). Chewing gum stimulates saliva, buffering the pH of the mouth, and reducing plaque. Kids’ mouth guards are usually quite dirty. Try soaking the mouth guard in cool water with 5 drops of dōTERRA On Guard and Peppermint. Swish with a mouth rinse. Try making your own: add 2 teaspoons of salt to 4 cups of warm water and mix well. Let cool if desired, then add 5 or more drops each of Melaleuca, dōTERRA On Guard, Cinnamon, and Peppermint and 2 or more drops of Clove. Rinse for 30 seconds two times per day. This rins H\