Oral hygiene

Here are key insights from the Huberman Lab on oral hygiene and its importance:

1. Oral Health Importance

• Oral health is essential for overall body health, impacting not just teeth but also brain and cardiovascular health. Andrew Huberman emphasizes it as a critical component, adding it as the seventh pillar to overall health alongside sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

2. Effective Oral Hygiene Practices

• Brushing and Flossing:

  • Regularly brushing and flossing help maintain oral hygiene, especially important before sleep when saliva production decreases. This reduces cavity formation and helps remineralize teeth. 1

• Tongue Cleaning:

  • Cleaning the tongue is crucial, as it harbors bacteria that can impact breath and overall oral health. It is recommended to gently brush the tongue with a soft toothbrush rather than using a harsher scraper, which can damage the tongue. 2

• Avoiding Harsh Products:

  • Using hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse is discouraged; it can cause irritation and lead to ulcers. Instead, a saline solution is suggested for promoting healthy bacteria in the mouth. 3
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      1

      Tongue Cleaning Insights

      00:52:04
      
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      3

      Oral Health Insights

      01:28:11
      
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      5

      Oral Health Insights

      00:00:00
      
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      6

      Oral Health Essentials

      01:54:17
      

3. Natural Strategies for Oral Health

• Saliva plays a vital role in oral health, aiding in the remineralization of teeth and acting as a barrier against harmful bacteria. Maintaining a healthy environment in the mouth can prevent issues like periodontal disease, which has been linked to serious health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. 4 5

4. Cost-Effective Methods

• Many effective oral health strategies are low-cost or free, such as:
  • Regular brushing with a soft toothbrush and using saltwater rinses instead of commercial mouthwashes, which might harm the oral microbiome. 3 6

5. Awareness of Dental Products

• Be cautious with commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can disrupt the oral microbiome. Seeking alternatives that support oral health without harmful ingredients is essential. 5

These insights anchor the idea that proactive oral health care is not just about aesthetics but fundamentally linked to long-term physical and mental well-being. For a deeper dive into these topics, you can refer to the episodes on oral health on the Huberman Lab.