Kelsey is our lead dental hygienist at Natural Dentist Associates. She is a thorough and caring dental hygienist, and we are lucky to have her. Kelsey prides herself on providing top notch dental care while keeping patient comfort in mind. She loves getting to know each patient as an individual, and looks forward to hearing about the latest vacation, new home, career change, or addition to the family. At the end of the day, she thrives on providing healthy smiles her patients can feel confident showing.
When Kelsey is not at work, she enjoys staying active through hiking and Orangetheory classes. Aside from fitness, she is an avid explorer. Kelsey travels often and embraces the opportunity to learn about new cultures and gain new experiences. Ask her about her latest adventure at your next appointment.
Here is a look into Kelsey’s daily oral care routine:
Morning: Kelsey rinses for 30 seconds with RisWell mouthwash and brushes for two minutes with the Oral B iO electric toothbrush using RiseWell toothpaste in mint flavor. She then flosses with Radius dental floss.
After Lunch: Kelsey brushes with her Radius foldable toothbrush and mini RiseWell toothpaste. Then follows up with a quick floss.
Evening: Before bed, Kelsey rinses with RiseWell mouthwash, then brushes with her iO electric toothbrush and RiseWell toothpaste. She alternates between the Radius dental floss and her waterpik. At night, Kelsey adds in a quick tongue scraping and finishes off her routine with an application of MI Paste before a good night’s rest.
October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and a great time to reinforce good oral hygiene. Like the rest of our body, our mouth, teeth, and oral systems are a living, changing environment. Not to mention, a breeding ground for bacteria.“I am constantly amazed at how powerful a predictor of health your teeth are.” -Dr. Joseph Mercola
When oral care is neglected, it’s not just teeth and gums at risk. By allowing the buildup of bacteria in the teeth, mouth, and gums, we endanger our heart, kidneys, lungs, brain, and various other organs and systems. Inflammation, swelling, and bleeding in gums can transport harmful bacteria from the mouth into the bloodstream. Considering the stakes, preventative care is incredibly important to oral and overall health and wellness.
There are many natural options to promote healthy teeth and gums for robust oral health. Here are a few of our favorites:
Brushing
Brush for two minutes at least twice daily at a 45-degree angle, using a soft-bristle toothbrush to help reduce gum swelling. We recommend the Oral B iO electric toothbrush. If you can sneak in a third session, brushing after lunch is helpful.
Non-toxic Toothpaste
Choose toothpaste that is free from fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate. We love RiseWell toothpaste because it contains hydroxyapatite which is helpful for remineralizing teeth.
Floss
Floss twice a day, up and down, while hugging each tooth. Flossing helps to remove plaque and debris that cannot be reached by brushing alone. If you are unsure whether you are flossing correctly, ask your hygienist to show you at your next dental cleaning appointment. We recommend using a non-toxic and non-coated dental floss, like Radius or RiseWell brand. If you don’t like to floss, try a Waterpik instead.
Mouthwash/Rinse
After brushing and flossing, rinse with a non-toxic mouthwash to help inhibit the growth of bad bacteria, leaving the mouth healthy and fresh. We like RiseWell’s pH balancing mouthwash that is naturally alkalizing.
Tongue Scraping
Tongue scraping is an ancient technique that helps rid the buildup of food, bacteria, fungi, and dead cells at the back of the tongue. It can also reduce bad breath and stimulate the taste buds to better perceive tastes.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is another ancient practice. The process involves rinsing/swishing 1 tablespoon of oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes at a time. The oil helps to pull bacteria from between teeth and under gums. Do not gargle or swallow, and always spit the used oil into the trashcan. Spitting in the sink will clog your drain.
Saltwater Rinsing
Saltwater rinsing soothes the gums and helps to alkalize the mouth. The alkalinity helps to kill acid-producing bacteria that can cause dental decay and disease. Saltwater rinses reduce inflammation and promote good oral pH.
MI Paste
MI Paste contains Recaldent, a special milk-derived protein that releases calcium and phosphate to the surface of the teeth to remineralize and replenish. Adding MI Paste to your oral care routine can help alleviate dry mouth, reduce acid levels, and help with tooth sensitivity.
Vitamin D3 with K2
Vitamins D3 and K2 work together to carry and deposit calcium to teeth and bones where it can be properly absorbed. This bone building combo helps to build new dentin, slow tooth degradation, and help kill cavity-causing bacteria.
A Good Diet
It is important to avoid sugary or acidic food and drinks that can cause tooth decay. Eating a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and whole foods can help prevent gum disease, and promotes whole body health.
COMING SOON
The Natural Dentist Associates holistic product store is currently under construction. Stay tuned for the ability to purchase your favorite natural products on our website to be shipped to your front door!
Thank you for being a valued member of our dental family. Please give us a call if you have any questions or if we can be of any assistance whatsoever.