Top Ten Tips for Optimal Oral Health


  1. Choose oral health care products that are “edible”. Products that do not have warning signs on them are healthier for you and your family.
  2. Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes. Alcohol dehydrates (dries out) gum tissue and cells in the mouth. It facilitates entry of harmful chemicals into the soft tissue of the mouth. Alcohol can harm composite and cosmetic (white/bonded) fillings.
  3. Prevent and reduce oral inflammation by “mouth cleaning”. Brushing your teeth (try using a dry brush with toothpaste/powder), scraping your tongue and cleaning the crevice between your teeth and gums are all essential to optimal oral health. Inflammation in your mouth means inflammation in your whole body. Studies have shown that inflammation leads to heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, and premature labour/low birth weight in pregnancy.
  4. Put the right fuel in your body. We would not even think to put the wrong fuel in our vehicles, yet we continually put the wrong fuel in our bodies. We wonder why we get cavities or gum disease. We wonder why we have no energy or have tummy troubles. We wonder why our bodies age so fast. Eat foods that are rich in colour, dark green, dark blue, purple, red and orange. Try to eat whole, real foods. Foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Foods that are high in calcium: green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, dried beans, almonds, sesame seeds, seaweeds and some root vegetables. Vegetables that are grown in mineral-rich soil have more nutrients for our bodies to absorb. Foods rich in Vitamin D and Magnesium are required for calcium to be properly absorbed in our bodies. A variety of whole grain foods allow our bodies to get the Vitamin B Complex which keeps our body tissues healthy. Fruit and vegetables high in Vitamin C are crucial to gum health. Eat lots!
  5. Find a balance in your life-style. Make time for work, play, family, exercise, and relaxation every day. Make a list to counteract all those "lists of things to do":
    • What brings joy to your life?
    • What are you thankful for?
    • Are your friendships life-enhancing?
    • When is your next massage booked for?
    • When was the last time you were outside?
    • When was the last time you took three deep breaths?
  6. Chew Xylitol gum, it stimulates natural cleansing of your mouth and prevents cavities.
  7. Drink green tea, you can even swish and swallow.
  8. Take good quality supplements, you are worth it. Consider it part of your necessary food intake for a healthy mouth and body. It is next to impossible to receive all the nutrients we need from food. Some nutrients are needed for daily health and body function. Some are needed to repair previous damage and to heal. Some are needed to prevent and fight disease. Take an "age/activity appropriate" multi-vitamin/mineral.
    Top ten nutrients for Oral Health:
    • Vitamin C - 500-1000 mg
    • Bioflavonoids- 500 mg
    • Coenzyme Q10- 60-180 mg
    • Grapeseed Extract 100-200 mg
    • MSM (methylsulfonymethane) 1000-9000 mg
    • Vitamin E (natural d-forms) Complex and Selenium, Tocopherol-400-800 IU, Tocotrienols-400-800 IU, Selenium-100-200 mcg
    • Calcium and Magnesium, Ca- 1000-1200 mg, Mag--500-600 mg
    • Green Tea Extract 100-200 mg
    • Carotenoid Complex Alpha-bete-carotene complex-10,000-20,000 IU, Lutein 6-20 mg, Lycopene 6-10 mg, Zeaxanthin-30-130 mg
    • B Complex B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 50-100 mg
    Recommendations from Oral Health Bible, Dr. M. Bonner, Dr. E. Mindell
  9. Find a dental hygienist and dentist who work with you to attain optimal oral health.
  10. Remember a healthy mouth can help to give you a healthy body and a longer lifetime!