Did you know that oral health is an important determinant to overall health? In fact there are several strains of bacteria in the mouth and having a balance in the oral microbiome is just as important as balance in the gut microbiome. 

So how can you improve your oral microbiome? Here are a few easy steps:

1. Don’t over brush your teeth – overbrushing can lead to gum recession and gum inflammation. Use a soft-bristled brush and replace it 1-2X a month. You could also invest in an electric toothbrush.
2. Try oil pulling – take a tablespoon of coconut oil and let it melt in mouth and then swish around for 10-20 minutes. This is easy to combine with taking a shower but make sure to spit it out into the garbage and not down the drain.
3. Floss to get the big food particles out and use a water pik for the rest – Keep your floss on the counter next to your toothbrush, not in the drawer, so that you remember to use it.
4. Use a liquid silver spray (we sell one at our office by Designs for Health) as a mouth rinse instead of the chemical alternative. Rinse for 60 seconds and then swallow. 
5. Try a Periobiotic toothpaste (we sell one at the office by Designs for Health). This toothpaste contains a specific Lactobacillius strain that has shown to compete with unhealthy strains of oral bacteria like streptococcus mutans.
6. Brush your teeth 1-2X a week with activated charcoal to whiten your teeth naturally. Activated charcoal binds to and removes toxins from the body.

Now I would love to hear from you! What is one thing you can start incorporating for better oral health? Leave a comment below and I'll be back next week with another edition of Doctor as Teacher Tuesday!

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