Most of us have heard from our dentists how important it is to brush and floss our teeth every day. However, more and more research is showing just how strong the connection between oral hygiene and overall health is. Numerous studies, including research from the American Heart Association, link oral dysbiosis to disruptions in the gut microbiome. In addition, poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
So, what more can we do? Let’s explore additional ways you can support your oral health through nutrition and simple daily practices.
Helpful Nutrients
B Vitamins
B vitamins play a significant role in oral health and immune function. Specifically, they help maintain healthy gums, support saliva production, and reduce inflammation. As a result, these nutrients may help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and oral thrush. Over time, these issues can lead to swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, and even tooth loss. Low B-vitamin levels have also been linked to an increase in canker sores and ulcers.
Therefore, it is essential to choose a high-quality B-vitamin complex to ensure you are getting all the B-vitamins, as each one plays a unique and important role in both oral and overall health.
You can find our recommended supplement here: Activated B-Complex | Daily Manufacturing – Natural Health Strategies
Calcium
Calcium, as many of us know, plays a significant role in tooth and saliva health. In particular, it helps strengthen enamel, which serves as the protective barrier against cavities and bacteria. Additionally, calcium supports the remineralization process, helping repair early signs of tooth decay. At the same time, sufficient calcium levels help maintain jawbone density, reducing the risk of tooth and bone loss.
Importantly, the type of calcium matters. Min-Col Forte is our go-to. It is a highly absorbable, neutral source of calcium made from soft rock phosphate. Because of its stability, it is especially effective for supporting tooth and enamel health.
You can find Min-Col Forte here: Min-Col Forte (100 Capsules) | Daily Mfg – Natural Health Strategies
Lifestyle Habits
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth to help remove bacteria and improve oral hygiene. Typically, coconut oil is preferred due to its antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. As you swish, the fats in the oil bind to harmful bacteria and plaque, helping remove them from the mouth. Therefore, this practice may reduce bad breath, help prevent cavities, improve gum health, and reduce plaque buildup.
How to Oil Pull:
- Take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- Swish in your mouth, gently moving it around your teeth and gums for 10–15 minutes (do not swallow)
- Spit it out into the trash (not the sink, as it can clog pipes)
- Rinse your mouth
- Brush your teeth as usual
Check out this oil pulling solution from GuruNanda here: Coconut + Farmed Mint Pulling Oil | GuruNanda
Tongue Scraping
Tongue scraping helps remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue. As a result, it can improve bad breath, reduce the risk of cavities, and support the integrity of tooth enamel. For best results, practice tongue scraping first thing in the morning, even before drinking water, to remove buildup and prevent it from reabsorbing into the body.
You can purchase a tongue scraper here: Dr. Tung’s Copper Tongue Cleaner
Neem Oil
Neem oil offers a variety of oral health benefits. For example, it reduces the ability of bacteria to cling to teeth and form plaque, which may help prevent cavities. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe inflamed or bleeding gums, toothaches and reduce sensitivity.
Neem oil applications:
- Use a neem oil–formulated toothpaste
- Apply neem oil directly to sensitive areas
Consider this Neem Oil Blend: The Goodbye Company Gum Disease Tincture
