Q Do you have any tips on what natural remedies I should use for healthy teeth and gums?

A This is a question I get asked often by patients for a number of reasons.

Sometimes, people are just curious and want to try nature-based alternatives to mouthwashes and toothpastes — using household ingredients they may find in their kitchen — and at other times, people have tried them and genuinely prefer them!

Eating fruits and vegetables that have vitamin C in them are a great way of ensuring that your gums stay healthy.

It keeps them protected against cell damage and makes them more resilient to bacteria, especially crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery and carrots.

There are more natural alternatives to using mouthwashes such as sesame oil and coconut oil.

Sesame oil has the qualities to remove toxins and plaque, give your teeth and gums a protective coating and prevent dental decay.

Coconut oil is antimicrobial and helps to keep your gums healthy as well as preventing food particles from sticking to your teeth.

You could also use the fresh gel from the aloe vera plant to brush your teeth and if your gums are damaged or infected, they even help to speed up the healing process, too.

The first and probably most important step is to ensure that you eat a healthy diet to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

This means avoiding excess sugars and making sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, using a fluoride toothpaste.

* For more information about dental issues, contact Synergy Dental Clinics Bolton, email bury@synergydental.org.uk or go to synergydental.org.uk/dentist-in-bury