Healthy mouth, healthy body: the critical information you need to know
Optimizing Dental Health
Did you know that the health of your mouth can have a big impact on your whole body? A poor dental and oral microbiome can actually drive the progression of chronic diseases. When the balance of bacteria in the mouth is off, it can lead to inflammation and weaken the immune system. Keeping infections in check is a key part of reducing disease risk.
Research has linked dental infections, especially periodontitis, to a number of serious health issues, including:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other digestive disorders
- Headaches and migraines
- Certain cancers
- Heart disease
- Cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s
- Diabetes
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Complications during pregnancy, such as low birth weight
- Other systemic illnesses
Your mouth is also a major entry point for toxins, so using clean, non-toxic dental products is another important step in protecting your health.
Drs. Alexandra Mele and Paul Despres recommend the following tips to help support a healthier mouth—and a healthier you!
Daily Dental Care
DO:
Choose a Toothpaste Without Fluoride or Triclosan. If fluoride is considered toxic when swallowed, why is it ok to brush your teeth with it? There are studies showing overexposure can lead to health concerns like osteoporosis. If triclosan has been banned from many products, why is still found in some toothpastes? Brands we like: Dr. Jen, Boka
Floss Daily: Supports a healthy oral microbiome and prevents gingivitis. Brands we like: CocoFloss.
Stay Hydrated: Helps maintain normal saliva production and saliva naturally protects your teeth.
Brush Before Your First Meal or Drink: Brushing first thing in the morning removes plaque and bacteria, reducing the microbes that can feed on what you eat and breakdown your teeth.
Brush For FOUR (NOT TWO) Minutes: 2 minutes isn’t long enough to fully disrupt plaque and biofilms. You will notice a difference in how your teeth feel if you do four minutes!
Brush Gently: You don’t need to press hard—gentle pressure is enough.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Gentle brushing protects enamel better than hard scrubbing.
Optional: Massage Your Gums Daily: Stimulates blood flow and supports gum health, helping to prevent periodontal disease.
Optional: Try a Probiotic Mouthwash: Swish and swallow to help support a healthy oral microbiome.
DON’T:
Use Conventional Mouthwash: Daily brushing is enough for most people. Many mouthwashes contain toxic ingredients and can disrupt the oral microbiome.
Use Teeth Whitening Products: These often contain harsh bleaching agents that can weaken and damage enamel.
OK:
Oil pulling can be helpful, but… don’t do it every day as that can over time disrupt the oral microbiome.
Eating and Nutrition
A Whole Foods Diet is the Best
Chew Your Food: Digestion begins in the mouth with the release of digestive enzymes and mastication. Chew thoroughly to help your stomach and small intestine improve digestion.
Limit Snacking: Frequent eating increases acid exposure. Eat carbs with meals when saliva production is highest.
Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks: Reduce intake of alcohol, soda, citrus fruits, iced tea, and other acidic drinks that can erode enamel.
Avoid Sugary and Refined Foods: Helps lower your risk of cavities.
Important to Choose the Right Dentist
A good dentist will listen to you, is open-minded, and follows the latest research. While we recommend a “trained biological dentist” the title doesn’t always guarantee they follow the best practices.
In general we recommend dentists that:
- Know when a root canal or tooth extraction is absolutely necessary.
- Use ceramic NOT amalgam fillings.
- Limit/avoid using anything with fluoride.
- Use ozone as an antimicrobial
- Use laser therapy for accelerating healing post surgery.
Potential dentists:
- We are still looking to connect with dentists in our area and vet them before recommending them to patients.
- For now we recommend finding a trained biological dentist at: www.theSMARTchoice.com.
Special Recommendations
For Removing Amalgam Fillings:
- Please meet with us first to create a detox and remineralization treatment plan prior to getting any amalgam fillings removed. It’s VERY important to prepare your detoxification pathways for several weeks before you remove any amalgam fillings or else it may cause more harm than good.
For Sensitive Teeth:
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste with nano-hydroxyapatite such as Dr. Jen or Boka.
- Massage a dab of this toothpaste onto teeth and gums.
- Avoid hard brushing, whitening products, acidic toothpastes, and harsh mouthwashes.
- For additional dental health support you can try a with B12/folate mouthwash (swallow after rinsing), calcium/magnesium supplements, EFAs, and probiotics.
Only Get A Root Canal If Absolutely Necessary:
- Signs you may need a root canal:
- Spontaneous, constant pain
- Pain worsens with hot foods or liquids
- Tooth feels “too long”
- Pain intensifies at night
- Signs it may be “reversible pulpitis” (no root canal needed):
- Mild pain only with cold
- No spontaneous or nighttime pain
Tooth Extractions Should Include Periodontal Ligament:
- If you get an extraction, it’s important for the dental surgeon to also remove the periodontal ligament or you are at a higher risk of continued issues such as pain and cavitations.
For Adults Over 35 Getting Cavities:
- This can be a sign of demineralization issues and your body is stealing minerals from your teeth to use them elsewhere. This can also be a sign of a diet high in sugar and/or acidic foods.
Your Chronic Disease Could Be Due To a Cavitation
Dental cavitations are hidden infections or areas of necrotic bone in the jaw that can occur after improperly performed root canals, extractions, or other dental procedures. These lesions may contribute to a wide range of chronic health issues, including migraines, fatigue, autoimmune conditions, and persistent pain.
If you’re managing a chronic illness and not seeing improvement despite treatment, it may be worth investigating whether cavitations are a contributing factor. Cavitations are more common than many people realize. Diagnostic tools such as cone-beam CT scans or medical thermography can help detect these hidden infections and guide appropriate treatment.
