Oral health

Oral health means supporting enamel remineralization and a balanced oral microbiome, while recognizing the mouth’s connections to immune and overall health.

• Teeth and fluoride: Teeth continually move between demineralization and remineralization. Fluoride can strengthen enamel, but excessive amounts can be toxic; Huberman suggests checking fluoride levels in tap water when deciding whether to filter it. 1 2
• Early cavities: Small lesions that have not yet become holes and remain within the enamel may remineralize. Fluoride is not the only route: saliva, its mineral content, and the mouth’s pH also matter. 3 4
• Brushing and water: Huberman recommends a soft toothbrush, noting that brushing too hard can damage gum tissue. He also recommends finding out how much fluoride is in drinking water before deciding whether to filter it. 5 2
• Whole-body links: Oral bacteria and gum disease are associated with cardiac and metabolic problems, and possibly neurological disease; Huberman also describes the mouth’s mucosal cells as part of its immune defense. 6 7 8
• Mouth as a gateway: The mouth begins the digestive system, and what happens there can reflect what is happening in the gut. 9