Holistic oral care is more than just brushing and flossing—it’s about supporting your whole-body health through natural, nourishing practices.
Most conventional toothpastes and mouthwashes contain harsh chemicals, artificial ingredients, and additives that can disrupt your oral microbiome (the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth).
But the good news? You don’t need them!
Holistic oral care is about working with your body, not against it. It’s about nourishing your teeth from the inside out, using natural, time-tested ingredients, and embracing a routine that’s as effective as it is gentle. The best part? It’s simple, affordable, and incredibly empowering.
Contents
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- The essential ingredients for a natural oral care routine
- How to care for your oral microbiome with holistic practices
- A DIY toothpaste recipe to get you started
- And so much more!
If you’re ready to ditch the toxins and take control of your smile, you’re in the right place. And if you want to go even deeper—with in-depth holistic practices, a step-by-step holistic routine, and expert tips—be sure to check out my Holistic Oral Care eBook!
Disclaimer: While I am a certified aromatherapist, Ayurvedic health advisor, and trained in holistic health, I am not a dentist or medical professional. This guide is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional dental advice.
Now, let’s dive in!
1. Why Holistic Oral Care Matters
Having healthy, pearly whites isn’t just a beauty trend—oral health is a reflection of your overall well-being.
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. It’s where digestion begins, where the immune system is constantly challenged, and where inflammation can impact cardiovascular health.
When we neglect our oral hygiene, we create an environment for harmful bacteria, which can lead to inflammation, gum disease, and other dental issues.
However, using conventional methods of oral care may not be the perfect solution. The problem with conventional oral care is that chemicals such as sulphates and artificial additives can wreak havoc on your delicate oral microbiome.
Many commercial oral care products contain ingredients that may do more harm than good. The most common ones are:
- sodium laureth sulphate (SLS) as well as sodium lauryl sulphate (used as foaming agent).
- triclosan (a pesticide added as an antibacterial agent).
- parabens (chemical preservatives).
- propylene glycol (a synthetic chemical compound used as surfactant).
- fluoride (to prevent cavities by remineralising the enamel, not a chemical, we’ll discuss this one shortly!).
- artificial sweeteners (for better taste).
A natural, holistic approach is a lot gentler and works with your body, not against it, hence it’s better for your health, teeth, and gums. By focusing on root causes rather than just quick fixes, holistic oral care encourages true, lasting health.
We also focus on natural remedies that may take longer to show results but promote long-term health and well-being. Nature gives us this incredible medicine, so we should make use of it!
Benefits of Switching to Natural & Holistic Methods
Switching to natural and holistic oral care can feel intimidating at first—I completely understand. I went through this myself! I had an allergic reaction to the chemicals in my toothpaste and it took me a while to understand what was going on.
Because, why would something that is supposed to be good for you, harm you? That doesn’t make sense, right? Well, wrong! While the chemicals in commercial toothpaste are effective, they are not the only choice and not the best either!
In the beginning, I was terrified of getting tooth decay when I switched to a fluoride-free toothpaste. A friend of mine had a bad experience, and for a moment, I almost didn’t take the leap!
But oh my—what if I hadn’t?!
Making my own DIY toothpaste was the very first product I ever created, and it led me down this incredible path of natural and holistic health & beauty. Looking back, I can’t imagine where I’d be without it—most likely still struggling with my health.
So, I’m actually extremely grateful to the dental industry for putting all these chemicals in their toothpaste and showing me: this is not the way for you!
And guess what? The tooth decay I feared never happened. Yes, cavities did form later on—but not because I ditched fluoride. At that time, there were other factors affecting my health. Plus, I was able to heal them naturally anyway (you learn how in my Holistic Oral Care eBook!).
2. The Foundations of Holistic Oral Care
I don’t know about you, but I was told: you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day or you’ll get tooth decay! And, ideally, you floss and rinse your mouth with a mouthwash. And this is the one and only way to healthy teeth and gums!
Well, it’s one way, that’s for sure. However, let me ask you this: Why do people still have dental issues even though they’re doing all these things? Why would we still need dentists then, if the products are supposed to get rid of tooth decay, etc.?
Because, my friend, your oral health is deeply interconnected with your overall health, as I already mentioned. Plus, nutrition, hydration, and gut health (proper digestion) have impacts on your mouth.
Why Diet Matters: Foods for Strong Teeth & Gums
Maybe one of the most important key factors to radiant, healthy teeth: Food! A nutrient-rich, well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in oral health—just as much as proper digestion.
Foods rich in vitamins A, C, D, and K2, along with minerals like calcium and magnesium, strengthen teeth and gums. Leafy greens, such as broccoli, kale and spinach, are great examples.
Omega fatty acids and healthy fats are just as important as vitamins and minerals. Examples are fish, nuts, avocados and cold-pressed vegetable oils.
We could dive sooo much deeper into this topic—I could probably write a whole blog post about it (and I might, eventually), but for now, let’s keep it a bit more basic. The most important things to consider are:
- Take a blood test: Check if you have any deficiency (especially the nutrients just mentioned).
- Take supplements, if needed.
- Eat a well-balanced diet that includes ALL nutrients and doesn’t neglect a group!
- Take your time while eating: chew your food at least 20 times.
- Get into stress-relieving exercises such as meditation, Yoga and Qigong.
- Drink enough water throughout the day!
- Avoid processed food (particularly refined sugar) and acidic soft drinks.
The Oral Microbiome: Why Not All Bacteria Are Bad
Bacteria are bad, right? They cause diseases and need to be killed. At least, that’s what we’ve been told. While some bacteria do contribute to disease, not all bacteria in your mouth are harmful—many are essential for maintaining oral health.
Many commercial oral care products are highly antibacterial, packed with harsh chemicals designed to wipe out all bacteria—good and bad. But here’s the problem:
- Killing all bacteria creates an imbalance.
- A disrupted oral microbiome makes us more prone to decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
- This approach ignores the body’s natural ability to regulate itself.
Natural antibacterial ingredients don’t attack blindly—they work with the body to restore balance. For example, when tooth decay develops, it’s a sign of imbalance—too much bad bacteria overpowering the good.
A natural remedy gently removes excess bad bacteria, allowing the oral microbiome to recalibrate. If it wiped out all harmful bacteria completely, you’d be left with an overgrowth of good bacteria—which, surprisingly, can also be problematic.
3. Must-Have Natural Ingredients for Oral Health
Affiliate Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission, if you purchase the linked product, at no extra cost for you.
- Coconut oil (oil-pulling & antimicrobial benefits)
- Bentonite Clay (cleansing and remineralising)
- Xylitol (prevents cavities)
- Essential oils (like peppermint, clove, and tea tree)
These four ingredients are my Must-Have Ingredients for every toothpaste I make, or for when it comes to holistic oral care. If unsure what ingredients to use, stick to this powerful quartet! You can get a full ingredients list in my “DIY Toothpaste Guide” on this blog.
Coconut Oil – Antibacterial and antifungal. It helps fight harmful bacteria and promotes gum health. It is known to reduce plaque buildup and fight gingivitis (and even gum disease), and thus prevent tooth decay.
Clay (such as Bentonite or Kaolin Clay) – Gently cleans the teeth, absorbs toxins, and provides minerals like calcium and magnesium to support enamel remineralisation. Always make sure it’s labelled “food-grade”.
Xylitol – A natural sweetener (but not sugar!) that prevents cavity-causing bacteria from adhering to the teeth and promotes remineralisation. It hinders these bacteria to grow and multiply in your mouth. Over time, the number of bacteria reduces so much that fewer plaque forms, thus fewer cavities.
Xylitol usually comes in a granulated form, so I always grind it into a fine powder using a high-speed blender before adding it to my toothpaste. This makes it easier to mix in.
Essential Oils – A powerful ingredient with different benefits depending on the oil. These ones are my favourites (affiliate links):
- Peppermint – Freshens breath and has antibacterial properties.
- Clove – Helps with toothaches, fights bacteria, and promotes gum health.
- Cinnamon – Anti-inflammatory properties, supports healthy gums and freshens breath.
- Tea Tree – A powerful antimicrobial. It helps combat bad breath, reduce gum inflammation, and prevent infections.
For a detailed recipe, see ‘DIY Oral Care’ below, or refer to my DIY Toothpaste Guide (see link above). I’ve got a few homemade toothpaste recipes here on my blog for you to explore!
4. Natural Oral Care Routine
- Morning routine: Oil pulling, brushing, tongue scraping
- Evening routine: Brushing, flossing, remineralising treatments
- Extra care: Mouthwashes and herbal rinses
There are so many things you can add to complete your holistic oral care routine. For a step-by-step oral care plan and an Ayurvedic routine, check out my Holistic Oral Care eBook!
I prefer to keep things simple and only stick to a few things to incorporate into my routine. This ensures that I’m giving my teeth and gums enough care, but don’t spend too much time in the bathroom.
This works for me because my teeth are generally strong and healthy. Mind you, if you’re struggling with oral health, you may want to consider adding more steps to your routine. Your teeth and gums will thank you for that.
The routines I listed above are a great way to get you started on your path to a radiant smile and healthy teeth. They contain powerful and highly beneficial ancient practices that the Ayurvedic texts (Ayurveda is an ancient Indian Medical System) teach us which I will explain to you now.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a traditional method of holding and swishing oil in the mouth to draw out toxins and support oral health. Traditionally, cold-pressed sesame oil is used, but coconut oil is an effective alternative.
Regular oil pulling can help whiten teeth, freshen breath, and reduce harmful bacteria. This is an excellent method to rejuvenate the gums and teeth. It is also known to help heal cavities naturally!
How to use:
- Hold 1 teaspoon of oil in your mouth and swish it for 5 minutes through the teeth.
- Spit out into a tissue or the bin, not the sink, to avoid clogging your drain.
- Rinse the mouth gently with water.
Tongue Scraping
Tongue Scraping is an ancient Ayurvedic detox practice for better breath and digestion that removes toxins, bacteria, and debris from the surface of the tongue. This simple ritual improves breath, enhances taste perception, and supports overall digestion.
How to Use:
- Use a tongue scraper (affiliate link) made of either stainless steel, gold, silver or copper—no plastic!
- Don’t use your toothbrush to avoid toxins getting stuck in the bristles.
- Ideal time: in the morning after brushing your teeth.
- Scrape the tongue 7 times back to front to gently remove material from it.
- Rinse the scraper after each go.
Remineralising Treatments
If you feel like your teeth need some extra care or if you’re trying to heal cavities naturally, I recommend mixing 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of xylitol (I always grind xylitol into a fine powder using a high-speed blender—this makes it easier to mix in).
For an extra antibacterial boost, add 1 drop of clove or tea tree essential oil.
How to Use:
- Rub the oil onto your teeth and gums at the end of your oral care routine.
- The oil can stay on and doesn’t have to be rinsed out.
- This can be done up to three times daily.
Mouthwashes and Herbal Rinses
Commercial mouthwashes often contain alcohol and artificial ingredients. These synthetic additives can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in your mouth, potentially leading to long-term oral health issues.
Natural herbal rinses offer a gentler, more holistic alternative. They provide antibacterial benefits while preserving the oral microbiome, helping to maintain a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria.
Simple herbal teas or essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, and clove make excellent natural mouthwashes. Check out my DIY Herbal Mouthwash Recipe for detailed instructions, or see the simplified recipe below.
5. DIY Oral Care: Simple Recipes to Get Started
Easy Remineralizing Toothpaste Recipe
makes about 60 ml / 2 oz.
- 4 tablespoons (or 60 g) of bentonite clay, food grade
- 1 tablespoon of xylitol
- 3-4 tablespoons of coconut oil, melted (about 50 g, if solid)
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil (or 5 drops of clove)
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients first, then add essential oil and coconut oil, tablespoon by tablespoon.
- Combine until you achieve a smooth paste.
- Store in a small glass jar (ideally amber, for extra protection from sunlight).
This is my go-to toothpaste recipe that I make every single time. It’s simple, yet very effective. I always recommend people, especially beginners, to keep it simple!
We don’t need a bunch of different ingredients for our homemade toothpaste because, remember, you have to make it every other month! The easier and the simpler the recipe, the more likely you stick to making your own.
Wanna discover more DIY toothpaste recipes?
- Teeth-whitening Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
- Antibacterial Cinnamon Toothpaste
- Herbal Powerhouse Toothpaste with Moringa
- Remineralising Bentonite Clay Toothpaste
- Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Toothpaste
- DIY Natural Tooth Powder
Simple DIY Mouthwash
- 1 cup / 250 ml of distilled or filtered water
- 2 teaspoons of xylitol
- 1 teaspoon of pink Himalayan or sea salt
- 5-10 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- In a glass jar, combine all ingredients and stir until the salt and xylitol dissolve.
- Store in a sealed container, ideally in the fridge. Shake before each use.
You can use this herbal mouthwash up to 5 times daily. However, I recommend using it no more than 3 times per day, and ideally after having brushed your teeth.
6. FAQs & Common Myths About Holistic Oral Care
The answer is YES! The natural ingredients that I list here or in my DIY Toothpaste Guide are all just as effective, if not more beneficial, for your oral care than conventional ingredients!
Just keep in mind, though. Your DIY toothpaste is not a magical cure or remedy and only helps you avoid cavities, just as much as commercial products do. Your oral care routine, your DNA, your diet—all of these play an important role in it as well.
While fluoride can strengthen enamel, many natural alternatives—such as hydroxyapatite, xylitol, and a mineral-rich diet—can support remineralisation and prevent cavities without potential toxicity concerns.
While the enamel doesn’t regenerate like other tissues (just think of a chipped tooth—it won’t grow back), it can be remineralised through a diet rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins D & K2, along with the use of a remineralizing toothpaste.
Oil pulling is a great addition to your holistic oral care routine, but it should be used alongside brushing and flossing, not as a substitute.
Alcohol-based mouthwashes can actually dry out the mouth, leading to more bacterial overgrowth. Herbal and essential oil-based rinses support a balanced oral microbiome without causing dryness.
Scraping the tongue as described earlier is also a great way to keep your breath fresh as it removes any debris or bacteria responsible for bad breath.
Only sugar-free gum containing xylitol can help by stimulating saliva production and neutralising acids. Regular gum with sugar can contribute to cavities.
7. Final Thoughts & Top Tip
Holistic oral care isn’t just about swapping out toothpaste—it’s about embracing a natural, whole-body approach to your dental health.
By nourishing your oral microbiome, using simple, toxin-free ingredients, and being mindful of your daily habits, you’re not just caring for your smile—you’re supporting your overall well-being.
Quick Recap:
- Ditching harsh chemicals and choosing natural alternatives can transform your oral health.
- Your oral microbiome plays a huge role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
- A DIY approach is affordable, customisable, and incredibly effective.
- Small changes, like switching to natural toothpaste or oil pulling, can make a big difference over time.
My Top Tip
Keep it simple. This tip isn’t just gold for transitioning from conventional to holistic oral care—it’s also the key to long-term success.
When you keep things simple, you’re more likely to stick with it. You’re more likely to embrace the change because it’s easy. You’re more likely to integrate it into your routine, and soon, it becomes second nature.
Start small and swap only one product of your oral care routine with a DIY product. Feel the difference this makes and go from there!
When it comes to your routine, do the same thing: add the one method that speaks to you the most. Use it for at least 3 weeks until it’s fully incorporated into your habit before adding the next.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, my Holistic Oral Care eBook is packed with holistic practices for oral care and health. Learn about how the organs are connected to your teeth and how your breath plays an important role in your dental health! Click here to grab your copy and start your journey to healthier teeth!