The enamel on your pearly whites tends to wear out with age and prolonged usage; which is why it is important to take special care of your teeth. Some of the basic rules of keeping your teeth clean are to brush them at least twice a week and eat foods that help keep them white and strong. While most of us vouch for commercial toothpastes, there are some who turn to ‘gharelu nuskhe’ or home remedies to maintain oral hygiene. One of the age-old home remedies used was that of mustard oil and salt. A mixture of these two ingredients made a thorough cleanser for teeth.

Apart from just yellowing teeth, tooth decay, bleeding and swollen gums have also become a part of the oral health problems. Some of the common reasons for teeth related issues include-

1.High intake of sugary and processed foods

2.Poor oral hygiene and improper teeth cleaning

3.Irregular teeth cleaning and dental check-ups

4.Excess intake of tobacco in any form

5.Consumption of hard water

While these are just a few reasons, there can be more that are attributed to poor oral health.

Mustard oil and salt is an age-old home remedy that is used to clean your gums and remove the plaque on your teeth. Salt acts as a mild abrasive that helps remove strain and brighten teeth. Moreover, it contains a natural source of fluoride, which is a bonus for your teeth and gums. On the other hand, mustard oil helps strengthen your gums and makes it easier to remove the plaque. Plaque is generally formed due to bacteria that is surrounded by fatty membranes. Swishing mustard oil can help loosen the fat soluble bacteria and further avoid gum bleeding. Using both these ingredients can reduce gum inflammation and control bleeding to some extent.

All you need to do is to take a pinch of salt or rock salt, also known as sendha namak and add some mustard oil to it. If you put common salt in mustard oil, you may have to put it under the sun for about two to three hours to make it iodine free. You can also add a pinch of turmeric to salt and mustard oil mixture. Take the mixture and massage it on your gums and teeth using your index finger. Massage for about two minutes and close your mouth for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Use this mixture regularly.

In case of severe oral conditions, make sure you consult a dentist and use this mixture under supervision.