apple, black tea, lemon, strawberries, raspberries
- A thin slice or two of raw apple after every meal or snack substantially decreases tooth cavities, for children as well as adults.
- Strawberries, raspberries are very useful in preventing tartar from settling on the teeth. Cut either berry in half and rub the fruit over tartar covered teeth, or mash to a pulp and apply with a soft toothbrush and a little water. Let fruit stay on the teeth for as long as possible and rinse only with a little warm water for best results.
- For a good berry mouthwash, mix a cup of berry juice with 1/4 cup of honey and bring to a boil for a second. After the mixture cooled off, add 1.5 cups of distilled water, half a cup of thyme tea, and 4 drops of peppermint oil. For thyme tea bring 1-3/4 pints of water to a boil and steep a dozen sprigs of fresh or dried thyme in it. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for half an hour. Gargle and rinse with the berry-thyme mixture in order to kill all kinds of infections.
- Black tea inhibits growth of bacteria that are common to plaque buildup on teeth.
- To stop gums from bleeding after brushing your teeth, rub the inside of lemon peel over your gums every day. The bleeding will stop after a few days.