Overall, we're still learning which natural ingredients work best to help prevent cavities and gum disease. Fluoride definitely helps you avoid cavities, though. All toothpastes with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance have it.

Peroxide, Tea, and Oils

Some natural or herbal substances, including common foods and drinks, can help clean teeth.

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Peroxide (must be carefully diluted, since it can cause burns to gums at full strength)
• Green tea
• Eucalyptol, menthol, and tea tree oil
• Xylitol gum or lozenges
• Vitamin D

One study suggests that rinsing with green tea extract may help keep your teeth from getting eroded. Another shows it might stop starchy foods, such as crackers or cake, from causing tooth decay. And a third shows that people who regularly drink green tea have healthier gums than those who don't.

Oils such as eucalyptol, menthol, and tea tree, can help kill bacteria in your mouth. This keeps your gums from getting inflamed. You'll find toothpaste and mouthwash with these ingredients.

Xylitol, an alcohol used in place of sugar, may help limit your tooth decay, Shi says. It's sold as a gum or lozenge, but it's not clear just how well it works. One study says it helped cut cavities in adults by only 10%. It can also help dry mouth by boosting saliva.

Vitamin D may be good for your mouth by helping your body kill bacteria. Studies show you may be more likely to get gum disease if you don't have enough of it.

Some foods and drinks that have vitamin D are eggs, tuna, salmon, and fortified orange juice.

Remember, your dentist can help point you to the natural ingredients that are best for you.

Article source:  WebMD