Your oral hygiene is a great place to start when it comes to "topping and tailing" your overall health. It's also a key signifier of certain deficiencies, insufficiencies, and telltale signs of what might be going on inside your body.
First things first - how to care for your health upon waking:
Before you reach for a sip of water, begin by tongue scraping. Use a curved tongue scraper made of copper or stainless steel.
How to tongue scrape.
This is an ancient practice used for thousands of years in Ayurveda. Why do it first thing in the morning? Because overnight, your body detoxes, and those toxins often sit on the surface of your tongue. If you drink water or tea before scraping, you're essentially loosening and swallowing those toxins right back into your system.
Always fully rinse your tongue scraper between each scrape, and give it a deep clean at least once a week. Then move on to brushing.
Why I prefer an electric toothbrush:
It not only sets a timer but also controls the pressure. We often brush too hard and in only one or two directions, whereas an electric toothbrush uses circular motions and can get into the grooves of your teeth more effectively.
Now, what your tongue or gums may be telling you:
If you have bleeding or sensitive gums, this could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, especially in vitamin C, vitamin K, or B12. If you're experiencing this, try increasing your vitamin C-rich foods or consider a supplement. Also, get your vitamin D and B12 levels tested, and supplement accordingly if needed.
Your gut microbiome is also connected to oral health
You might have great oral hygiene habits and still struggle with bad breath (halitosis) or gum sensitivity. This is often linked to gut health. Taking a daily probiotic can support your oral hygiene efforts, helping you enjoy strong gums, strong teeth, a healthy pink tongue (with no white coating), and fresh breath.
Zinc is another key mineral often overlooked when it comes to oral health. It helps reduce inflammation in the mouth, supports gum health, and can help prevent gum disease.
Avoid conventional mouthwashes
Most commercial mouthwashes kill not only the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria that support a healthy mouth. They can also be harsh on your gums.
Personally, I recommend seeing a biological dentist—someone who considers your whole-body health, like the things mentioned here. Instead of simply filling and coating cavities, they aim to understand ‘why’ your teeth may be weakening and how to support not just your teeth, but your overall wellbeing.
How to find a Biological Dentist near you:
