The oral microbiome has only been getting the attention it deserves as of lately. Before, both the information and the products that we would find for oral care were, well, pretty basic. I still remember the add where a “dentist” brushed a giant tooth the size of my head (not sure whose it was) and showed how great that toothpaste worked.
*This post contains affiliate links but all opinions are my own*
You had like three options of toothpaste, either for whitening, anti cavities, or sensitive teeth (all fluorinated and proud to be). That was it. Endless options of mouthwash that sting even more than the tequila shots you used to drink in your 20s. And of course, your regular plastic-y dental floss.
But of course, as more research is being done, and lets face it, easier ways to educate the public than with giant teeth on a tv ad, we are learning new things about our mouths and well, our oral microbiome.
I’m not gonna go all nerd on you because sadly I am no nerd. But if we really think about it, our mouths are like the door to our digestive system. And through it stuff (food) from the outside gets inside our bodies. Yes our skin kinda does this too but its not the same ya know?
This is where, to me, gets kind of crazy. I don’t remember exactly where but I have read that we have more bacteria than human cells in our bodies (does that make us bacterias? I have no clue.) But one common misconception that at least I did have, was that all of the bacteria lives in our gut. Wrong. They also live in our mouths and our skin. I don’t know if they live anywhere else, but if they did I wouldn’t be surprised. But as with anything, you need a good bacterial balance for it to thrive. Otherwise it is all downhill from there. How? Let me explain.
Imagine how your mouth is full of bacteria, which you need to have healthy teeth and gums. Now imagine how you are killing it everyday with your regular toothpaste and then rinsing it off with alcohol filled mouthwash. Gasp. Some bacteria survives, others don’t, creating a misbalance that breaks havoc on your teeth and gums and the whole thing. So far from making your mouth a favor, you are actually making it worse. Things like alcohol, toxic ingredients and artificial flavors are a cocktail that you don’t want anywhere near your pearly whites.
That is why you need oral care that works with your mouth’s microbiome instead of working against it. Intrigued? Well today is your lucky day for I have just the thing!
Introducing: Terra & co your oral microbiome hero
Terra & Co has done all the research for you and has some pretty awesome products to keep you and your oral microbiome happy and thriving.
Taking into account all of what I just blabbered about above, they created products for a full oral care routine with ingredients that are simple and natural but yet effective. And lucky me I had the chance to try some of them.
Oil pulling oil
First things first, let me explain what oil pulling is. Its a method used to remove toxins, buildup and plaque by swishing oil in your mouth for a few minutes and then spitting it up. That’s the scientific definition of it.
You can use plain coconut oil or you can go above and beyond and use Terra & Co’s Oil Pulling Oil. It has hydroxyapatite, to strengthen teeth and reduce sensitivity, neem oil that helps prevent bacteria to stick to the teeth surface and turn into plaque and hemp oil which is a natural anti-inflammatory. These are only a few of the ingredients of this amazing oil. If you haven’t tried oil pulling, I definitely recommend it. It leaves a pretty awesome sensation in your mouth, like a different level of clean. And by doing it every morning you will notice a difference in your teeth and even tour breath.
Gentle Green Oil Pulling + Hydroxyapatite $40
Dental Floss
I have also had the opportunity to use their dental floss. And let me tell you, if I ever fall in love with a dental floss it will be this one. Made of bamboo charcoal fiber, it makes it easier for debris to cling to it than regular dental floss. Even the wax used for easy gliding is natural, and is infused with peppermint and spearmint oil.
Brilliant Black Dental Floss $10
Tongue Scraper
Lastly I have also tried their tongue scraper, which some of you might not even now these existed. By scraping your tongue you get rid of food particles and gunk that is not as easy to remove by brushing or oil pulling. This will also help freshen your breath by simply scraping your tongue a few times before brushing your teeth. And since it is made of 100% stainless steel it will last a long time and is way more effective than plastic alternatives (also, plastic, ew.)
Gentle Green Tongue Scraper $15
Aside from these incredibly useful products, Terra & Co also carries plastic free toothbrushes, and a toothpaste with hydroxyapatite and activated charcoal. And if mouthwash is a non negotiable for you, they carry mouthwash tablets that dissolve in water. They are still made of gentle non toxic ingredients but will still leave your mouth fresh. They also carry a subscription option so you are never out of your favorite (trust me) oral care products.
It is also very important to note that Terra & Co’s is very committed to sustainability and uses real recyclable materials in all of their products. Since sustainability is something I strive for, I really appreciate the quality of their packaging and their formulations.
