Oral health is so important to our overall well-being – it’s believed that taking proper care of the mouth and gums can help prevent the development of certain issues with digestion, the heart, and other major organs.

What we allow to enter our bodies can affect every aspect of our mental and physical health, which is why I’m such a huge fan of natural, organic food and beauty products – and mouth-care is no exception.

Here are 4 simple changes you can make in order to care for your mouth in the most natural of ways!

1. Start with your toothbrush. Most conventional toothbrushes are made with nylon bristles, which scrape teeth moreso than brush. This can weaken enamel and irritate sensitive gums. Plus, who really wants to be putting synthetic fibers in their mouth twice a day? Not I! Natural bristles are softer and gentler – they actually brush teeth rather than scraping them. I just got my hands on this Swissco toothbrush, and I’m in love. Not only is it made with natural bristles – it’s pretty damn attractive, too.

2. Switch your toothpaste. In most cases, the active ingredient in conventional toothpastes is fluoride, which is thought to interfere with brain and thyroid function, cause bone damage, and cause reproductive issues, just to name a few. Fear not, though, because you don’t need fluoride to properly clean your mouth. I’m a huge fan of the Desert Essence’s Natural Tea Tree Oil & Neem Toothpaste, which is totally fluoride free. It contains neem – an ayurvedic extract used for its dental benefits, as well as baking soda – one of my favorite natural cleansers, and tea tree oil – known for its antiseptic properties. It’s also flavored with wintergreen essential oil, so you definitely get that beautiful freshly-brushed feeling in your mouth. You could also just make your own using those ingredients!

3. Chew on herbs and spices, not gum. I must admit, I do love me a fresh pack of gum, especially when I’ve been traveling. But most gums contain all different chemicals that I’m certainly not proud to be putting in my body. The solution? Chew on some fresh parsley or mint! These two herbs help to fight odor-causing bacteria, leaving your mouth feeling as fresh as ever. Another solution is to chew on crunchy, exotic spices, like coriander, cloves, and fennel. These also contain antibiotic properties to help fight bad breath. The best part about these spices is that they’re totally portable. Carry a small container in your purse and chew all day long.

4. Trade in your teeth-whitening gel for coconut oil. If you haven’t tried oil pulling yet, I suggest you do so the first chance you get. Swishing coconut, sesame, or olive oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes each day can help pull toxins from your mouth — and possibly even your whole body. It can help whiten teeth, prevent dryness of the mouth, prevent cavities, strengthen teeth, and a whole lot more. This technique is like pure magic! Read more about the benefits of oil pulling.