How to Improve Oral Health & Its Critical Role in Brain & Body Health

Oral Cavity Critical for Overall Health

The oral cavity’s role in overall health is significant as it impacts cardiovascular, metabolic, and brain health. Unfortunately, its connection to mental and physical well-being is often not fully recognized.

Tooth and Mouth Biology

The oral cavity, a warm, moist environment teeming with bacteria, is a delicate access point where bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums. Proper pH levels are critical for maintaining oral health and allowing natural healing with minimal scarring, as pointed out by Huberman.

How Cavities Form

Cavities typically develop from the enamel and move inward toward the dentin. Bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans feed on sugars to produce acids that damage the enamel. When the dentin is unaffected, enamel remineralization is possible. In contrast, advanced cavities often necessitate fillings.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Prevention strategies for tooth decay revolve around managing the mouth's pH and performing thorough oral hygiene.

Brushing and Flossing Properly

To prevent plaque and tartar formation, it is crucial to remove biofilm using a soft toothbrush and correct flossing methods, or as an alternative, water picks. Extra attention to oral care before bed is particularly important.

Xylitol Benefits

Xylitol, found in certain gums, helps to prevent cavities by inhibiting Streptococcus mutans and supporting a balanced oral microbiome.

Toothpaste Considerations

Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for its cavity-fighting properties, but alternatives like hydroxyapatite are available, as is baking soda for a cost-effective option.

Avoiding Harmful Substances

Oral health also depends on avoiding foods and substances that damage teeth, such as acidic foods, sugar, alcohol, stimulants, and tobacco, and choosing the right mouthwashes and cleaning tools.

Promoting Healthy Saliva

Saliva health, crucial for remineralizing teeth and combatting cavities, can be improved by maintaining an alkaline environment in the mouth and being mindful of dietary habits like intermittent fasting and avoiding frequent consumption of acidic drinks.

Gum Health and Disease Prevention

Maintaining gum health is key to preventing systemic issues like Alzheimer's and cardiovascular diseases that are associated with periodontal disease. Measures for gum health include gentle brushing, flossing, and using xylitol for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Affordable Oral Care Options

Affordability in oral care is achievable by using simple products like baking soda for brushing and avoiding superfluous dental products, as suggested by Huberman.

Importance of Routine Dental Visits

Routine dental check-ups are crucial for preventing complications in oral health. They offer opportunities for professional cleaning, evaluating personal oral hygiene practices, and discussing treatments for cavity prevention and tooth remineralization. Huberman stresses the importance of professional assessments for a good understanding of cavity depth and remineralization techniques.