The enzymes in saliva can help break down plaque and flush out food particles. Warsowe recommends the use of two particular enzymes to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Minute amounts of lacto peroxidase have a devastating effect on the principle damaging oral bacteria, streptococcus mutans. Papain , an enzyme derived from papaya, commonly used as a digestive aid, effectively dissolves protein before it has time to become food for bacteria that secrete plaque and acid as waste products. That's the enzymes in your saliva at work.
Papain accelerates the process.
When it comes to preventing tooth decay and gum disease, conventional mouthwashes may contain as much as 30 percent alcohol to kill germs. Numerous studies have linked high alcohol content to oral cancer. Other ingredients commonly used in natural dental care products for their soothing and infection-fighting properties include calendula, tea tree oil, aloe, propolis, chlorophyll, neem and chamomile . Aloe gel from that poky little plant that sits on your kitchen windowsill has powerful anesthetic, antibacterial and tissue-restorative properties. Ancient folklore and modern research prove aloe's ability to heal burns and soothe itching or stinging pain, according to Rodale's Encyclopedia .