Isn't it a wonder that despite the advent of latest tools for oral hygiene such as toothpastes and mouthwashes and the advancement in dental science, more people suffer from tooth and gum related diseases today than ever before?

It is now a widely recognized fact that tooth decay is really a disease of the modern civilization. Modern diet and an overemphasis on refined foods, cereals, processed or synthetic foods lead to a condition of spongy and receding gums. Various gum diseases such as pyorrhea and gingivitis are also a direct consequence of our modern living habits.

Processed and synthetic formulations such as mouthwashes and chemical-based toothpastes most often aggravate the problem that they claim to correct. Very often the consequences can be even more severe. The Dept. of Health and Human Services (USA) has issued warnings that alcohol in mouthwashes is linked to both oral and throat cancer. Fluoride in toothpastes has already been linked to cancer.

The ethanol in mouthwash is believed to allow cancer-causing substances to permeate the lining of the mouth. Moreover, acetaldehyde which is a toxic byproduct and a carcinogenic can accumulate in the oral cavity as the mouthwash is swished around.

The bottom line is why use these toothpastes and mouthwashes, when in fact nature has provided a wealth of herbs and fruit that have a phenomenal effect on oral health with absolutely no side effects. These "miracles" of nature are so powerful that our forefathers have used them for thousands of years. As an example, just try pressing a clove between your teeth in cases of toothaches and feel the pain vanish!!

In a study to determine the most effective method for reducing plaque formation and the level of bacteria on teeth surface it was found that micro-organisms found in inflamed gums are resistant to antibiotics but not to antibacterial plant extracts like Neem. And unlike antibiotics, antibacterial plant extracts produced no allergy in the gingival that could inhibit their effectiveness.

The Ayurvedic and medicinal properties of the Babul tree (Acacia Arabica) are also well known. This natural ingredient strengthens the root of the teeth, cleans and maintains the whiteness of the teeth.

Neem Twigs have been used by thousands of people for hundreds of years as an extremely effective method of total oral hygiene.

Clove and its oil is an absolute wonder therapy for toothaches and gum disorders. It is an excellent pain reliever and often dentists use it to numb the gums prior to administering a shot. Besides this clove oil is also useful in relieving sore throats and is a powerful breath freshener.

Besides, neem, babul and clove, there are several vital herbs and natural oils that work wonders on tooth and gum health. A mixture of Eucalyptus, clove, and Spearmint is extremely potent in eliminating harmful bacterial build-up in the mouth and a very good cleansing agent.

Majuphal is a fruit that has a remarkable astringent property and it reduces over secretion of mucous. It's haemostatic property ensures its beneficial effect on bleeding gums and on gingivitis.

The Catechu (Khadir) bark is extremely beneficial in cases of toothache and spongy gums. Ginger oil is an astringent for teeth.

Ginger is an excellent astringent wash for the teeth while lemon is a good whitener.