Healthy Teeth Naturally
Stop Putting This in Your Mouth:
The Hidden Dangers of Modern Oral Care
What if your toothpaste, floss, and even your dental checkups are quietly making your health worse—not better?
Modern dental care is a paradox. We’re told to obsess over oral hygiene with chemical-laced products, yet walk into almost any dentist’s office and what do you see? Bowls of candy in the waiting room. “Cleaning” products loaded with chemical dyes, synthetic alcohols, and harsh foaming agents. Mouthwashes full of toxins.
It’s worth asking: how does any of this make sense? If oral health is supposed to be the foundation of whole-body health, why are the very products pushed at us filled with ingredients that damage our microbiome, disrupt hormones, and even weaken teeth over time?
The truth is simple: the modern dental industry isn’t built on prevention. It’s built on treatment—and on selling products that keep you stuck in the cycle.
So let’s break down the biggest offenders. Then I’ll share exactly what I use and the protocol I follow to actually support strong teeth and gums—for real.
1. Fluoride in Toothpaste, Water & Dental Treatments
Fluoride has been marketed for decades as the magic bullet for strong teeth — but the science tells another story. It’s a neurotoxin. Chronic exposure has been linked to thyroid disruption, hormonal imbalance, bone damage, and even lowered IQ in children.
And it’s not easy to dodge. It shows up in:
Most conventional toothpastes
Public water supplies
High-dose dental treatments
So here’s the real question: why would you willingly brush, rinse, and swallow a known neurotoxin twice a day — in the name of “health”?
Better swaps: fluoride-free toothpaste, remineralizing tooth powders, and prioritizing mineral-rich foods for true oral health.
2. Plastic Floss = Microplastic Mouth
Most commercial floss isn’t as “clean” as it seems. It’s usually made from nylon or plastic, coated with petroleum-based waxes, and sometimes even PFAS (“forever chemicals”). Every time you floss, there’s a chance you’re dragging microplastics straight into your gums.
To make matters worse, some floss brands add artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and dyes — which means more toxins getting absorbed directly into your bloodstream through sensitive gum tissue.
Cleaner alternatives:
100% silk floss
Coconut-oil-coated floss without synthetic additives
Your mouth deserves better than plastic and petroleum.
3. What’s in Your Gum?
Think chewing gum is harmless? Think again.
Most conventional gums are packed with artificial sweeteners (like aspartame or sucralose), plastic-based gum bases, chemical flavorings, and even endocrine disruptors. In other words, you’re basically chewing a piece of flavored plastic — and those compounds can absorb directly through the tissues in your mouth and into your bloodstream.
If you’re chewing gum to “clean your teeth” or freshen your breath, you might actually be doing more harm than good.
Cleaner alternatives:
Chew on fresh mint leaves
Try mastic gum (a natural resin with dental benefits)
Fresh fennel seeds or cardamom pods (traditional breath fresheners)
Simply rinse with filtered water and a pinch of sea salt
Small swaps like these not only keep your breath fresh but also spare your body from unnecessary toxins.
4. What Actually Keeps Teeth Clean: Diet First
Since moving to an animal-based diet, I’ve noticed dramatically less plaque, stronger gums, and naturally whiter teeth—without relying on toothpaste.
Here’s why: real, nutrient-dense foods like grass-fed beef, liver, raw dairy, and eggs deliver the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K2) plus key minerals like phosphorus and calcium that your teeth need to remineralize and stay strong. Compare that to a processed or plant-heavy diet—loaded with phytates, oxalates, and sugar—which rob your body of minerals and leave your teeth vulnerable.
What Weston Price Discovered
Dentist and researcher Weston A. Price spent decades traveling the world studying traditional diets and dental health. He found that populations eating traditional diets rich in fat-soluble vitamins and minerals had strong teeth, wide dental arches, and minimal cavities. Meanwhile, modern diets high in refined flour, sugar, and processed foods led to narrow jaws, crooked teeth, cavities, and other dental problems.
He also highlighted that:
Fat-soluble vitamins are key. Vitamins A, D, and K2—found in nutrient-dense animal foods like liver, egg yolks, fish, and grass-fed butter—regulate calcium metabolism and help properly mineralize teeth and bones.
Whole, traditional foods protect dental health. Raw milk, organ meats, fermented foods, seafood, and bone broths were all associated with excellent dental health, while industrialized diets caused deformation of facial structures and higher cavity rates.
Early diet matters. Malnourished mothers produced children with weaker teeth and higher susceptibility to dental disease, showing that nutrition impacts generations.
Takeaway: Dental health isn’t just about brushing or flossing—it’s a reflection of systemic nutrition and overall health. Modern processed diets can damage teeth even with “perfect” oral hygiene. To really protect your smile, prioritize nutrient-rich, traditional foods and think beyond the toothpaste tube. Want to see exactly how to build a nutrient-rich, animal-based diet that supports teeth, gums, and overall health? Check out my Animal-Based Diet Guide for simple, actionable steps to eat for strength, vitality, and long-term wellness.
5. My Natural Dental Routine
I’ve cut the chemicals and gone back to basics, following a consistent, low-tox routine that works with my body—not against it:
Floss and brush after my first and last meal of the day
Use a boar’s hair bristle brush for its natural texture
Silk floss to avoid microplastic exposure from nylon
Skip toothpaste most days — just warm water and gentle brushing
Occasionally use Dr. Bronner’s or a homemade blend when I crave that minty clean feel
I still see a dentist every 6 months—but one who gets it. She rinses my mouth with ozonated water, uses unscented pumice and a manual scraper, and avoids fluoride entirely. Her office strikes a great balance between modern tools and holistic awareness, making my visits feel supportive—not toxic.
Paired with a nutrient-dense, animal-based diet, this routine isn’t just “cleaning your teeth”—it’s helping them stay strong, healthy, and naturally white from the inside out.
6. Still Experimenting with Natural Toothpaste? A Word of Caution
Many natural pastes can still be too abrasive or contain essential oils that irritate sensitive gums. I’ve also heard that oil pulling isn’t always beneficial if your teeth don’t need it, and even activated charcoal or baking soda may not be ideal—it can depend on your specific oral microbiome.
From my experience, some natural brushes can be too soft. You do need a bit of abrasion—not harsh, but enough to remove minimal plaque effectively.
I’m still experimenting with DIY toothpaste versions that support the oral microbiome without stripping enamel or making things worse—stay tuned for updates.
In the meantime, remember: less is more.
Final Thoughts
Clean Teeth, Clean Body
Your mouth is the gateway to your body—and it shouldn’t be a battleground of chemicals.
If you’re tired of the toxic loop of modern oral care, start with your plate. Shift toward real food, question the products you’ve been sold, and simplify your routine.
Because the cleanest teeth often come from the cleanest lifestyle—not the flashiest tube of paste.
Let your body speak. Your mouth is trying to tell you something. Are you listening?
Lindsay
