This got my wheels spinning… I like to think I’m doing oral hygiene correctly — but in the same way I like to think that frosting-covered pastries are a healthy way to start the day.

Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify + Whitening Two- Step Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify + Whitening Two- Step

Plaque bacteria can build up at the gum line, which can lead to issues like cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.I’ve always known, in my heart of hearts, that I could be doing more to take care of my mouth, but I've been keeping that thought buried deep next to my list of childhood embarrassments. Because of how it’s formulated, the Crest Gum Detoxify line of toothpastes can effectively clean and protect your mouth. I used this toothpaste for 3 days and stopped because I started to feel tingling/burning feelings around my gums. They also recommended that I chew gum with xylitol (a natural sugar alternative) because it neutralizes the acidity from foods we eat AND keeps plaque from sticking to our chompers. Turns out, if I’m not brushing for at LEAST two minutes twice daily (TBH, my average time is all of 40 seconds), “first comes gingivitis, which is an inflation of the gums, and once your gums inflame, they start to pull away from the root’s surface.

Crest Pro Health Ultra Gum Detoxify Toothpaste (4-Pack, 5.2 Crest Pro Health Ultra Gum Detoxify Toothpaste (4-Pack, 5.2

So, I kept a closer look at the things I was eating, drinking, doing, and what could be causing my seizures. The most common fluoride compounds found in dental hygiene products are sodium flouride, sodium monofluorophosphate and stannous flouride (citations 1,2). Turns out, if I’m brushing twice a day and flossing once, that's only doing the bare minimum, according to Catherine and Cynthia. Thickening agents: Used to make the toothpaste more viscous, making it easier to place on a toothbrush. When saliva, food, and fluids combine in your mouth, they produce the nutrition that allows plaque bacteria to grow and produce harmful toxins.Provides a protective shield against sensitivity, whitens the teeth by lifting stains, and eliminates plaque. Since it’s 2018 and living our truths is trendy, I decided it was time to find out exactly what I needed to do to make my mouth healthier.