Sadly, many symptoms of bad oral microbiome health are considered “ordinary,” and for that reason no longer properly addressed.
Here are a few common signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Frequent cavities
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Tonsil stones
- Excessive plaque/tartar buildup
- Chronic dental pain
- Sensitivity to warm and cold
In my practice, we use a saliva check to determine the degree of precision within the mouth. This enables us to pinpoint issues and prioritize the best man or woman protocol.
So, how do you enhance your oral microbiome to prevent ailments and avoid dental issues? Follow those steps.
Steps To Better Oral Microbiome Health (and why it matters)
#1: Use a tongue scraper day by day
Tongue scraping handily takes some seconds a day and has been shown to play a large role in improving oral microbiome fitness.
#2: Floss daily
The best caveat here is to keep away from floss containing BPA and Teflon-primarily based fluorinated chemical compounds (PFASs and PTFEs). Yes, regrettably, that is an issue.
#3: Avoid fluoride
Controversial opinion: Fluoride is a neurotoxin that should be avoided in water, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and many others. I notably cover this science in 10 Toxins to Avoid Before, During, and After Pregnancy.
However, it’s essential to replace fluoride with something else that’s equally powerful.
Most herbal toothpastes aren’t any more powerful than water. Which is why I usually recommend hydroxyapatite!
Hydroxyapatite is a form of calcium similar to what your teeth are made from. It’s been studied in Japan for many years and has been proven as powerful as fluoride for lowering cavities without the toxicity factor.
Check out the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology’s (IAMOT) Fluoride Facts web page for a holistic dental attitude on fluoride. Choosing a toothpaste free of chemical compounds like sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, and plastic microbeads is likewise vital.
Some of my preferred smooth toothpaste brands with hydroxyapatite are
- Boca
- And Bite
#4: Avoid antiseptic mouthwash
In well-known antiseptics, antibacterials, and so forth, they are contraindicated in cultivating a numerous and healthful oral microbiome.
Therefore, antiseptic mouthwash has to no longer be an everyday component until you’ve recently had an oral surgical procedure or have an infection that warrants it.
Need an extra cause to stop? Using mouthwash often has even been proven to increase blood pressure.
#5: Replace your toothbrush head every 1-3 months
Toothbrushes gather bacteria, so it’s quality to update them often. Also, bear in mind where you’re storing your toothbrush (near the toilet?).
I prefer an electric-powered toothbrush, which studies have proven may be a bit higher at decreasing plaque and gingivitis.
There are even biodegradable toothbrush alternatives, so don’t permit a fear of waste to keep you from switching out your toothbrush regularly.
#6: Eat a wholesome diet, decreasing sugars and refined carbs.
Eating this way has advantages for your gut microbiome, which affects your oral microbiome.
Plus, sugary foods were shown to increase terrible microorganisms inside the mouth, resulting in cavities.
#7: Don’t smoke
Smoking is terrible for your health, which includes your teeth, gums, and oral microbiome. It will also increase your risk of a root canal (that you constantly want to keep away from).
#8: Enjoy foods rich in nitrates
Again, we’re not speaking about nitrate preservatives used in processed meats… Instead, eat lots of herbal, plant-based sources of wholesome nitrates discovered in vegetation, ordinarily vegetables.
Eating masses of veggies will assist in optimizing nitric oxide production through the previouslycussed entero-salivary nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway.
#9: Choose your dentist accurately
This is one of the single most crucial selections you’ll make about your fitness and the health of your kiddos.
I am the handiest advocate of seeing a holistic, organic, mercury-free dentist and getting your cleanings and checkups every six months (or more frequently).
These dentists are getting easier to find. However, even though it drains power, I assume it’s well worth it for the sake of your health (and in case you don’t believe me, re-examine my story).
#10: If you have got root canals…
This is controversial; however, many would argue that root canals are a source of continual inflammation and dysbiosis in your mouth. They are first-class preventers (this doesn’t mean you must ignore an oral contamination… the approach is to ask your dentist about options and do something you can to prevent problems in your mouth).
If you already have root canals and are tormented by chronic diseases, especially high blood pressure, a biological dentist or oral surgeon can use a 3-D cone beam CT test to assess those similarly.
Ultimately, root canals can be a massive stress in your frame, and it’s regularly exceptional to have them extracted. The timing of that is something you should talk about along with your biological dentist and functional remedy health practitioner.
Depending on the vicinity, a biological dentist can do an extraction and eventual implants.
