We asked Thom atย Catalyst & Flow about the importance of good oral… hygiene, that is:
“If the eyes are the window to the soul, than the mouth is the window to overall health.
Think about it, your teeth, gums & tongue are exposed to many substances. Food, drinks, and, if you’re lucky, other fluids & goodies.
The quality of these substances combined with oral hygiene have a hugely significant impact on the structure & biodiversity of your oral microbiome.
That’s right, we don’t just have a gut microbiome. There is the oral microbiome, dermal (skin) microbiome and vaginal microbiome to name a few.
Like the gut microbiome, the health and strength of your oral microbiome has a systemic impact on your overall health. Good oral hygiene can be preventative against chronic conditions. In fact, the same plaque that can build up on and in-between teeth has been linked to CVD, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
My top oral (hygiene) tips are:
๐ฆท Brush twice a day โ I use a soft bristled brush to protect my enamel, and one with a tongue scraper. Brushing and scraping disrupts the build-up of harmful plaque and bacteria. I also use the Grants natural, fluoride-free tooth paste as fluoride can kill beneficial bacteria in the mouth & gut
๐ฆท Floss once a day โ I used to use a charcoal floss to avoid the coating on regular floss, but it wasnโt as effective. Pick your battles!
๐ฆทNO MOUTHWASH – it will ruin your enamel and kill off good bacteria in both your mouth & gut
๐ฆท Use a straw โ if youโre having sparkling or acidic drinks (e.g., kombucha, soda water, lemon juice & hot water in the morning), use a straw so the liquid bypasses your teeth and doesnโt touch the enamel
๐ฆท Avoid/reduce sugar โ bacteria LOVE to munch in sugar, so they will eat the sugar that can stick to teeth and gums causing decay
๐ฆท Find a good holistic dentist โ WTF is that?! A holistic dentist views your oral health and jaw structure as part of your overall health, not in insolation. E.g., open mouth breathing & snoring while asleep can reduce oxygen getting to your brain (thatโs an issue!)
I go to the Sydney Holistic Dental Centre. They are EPIC! I get an oral cancer check-up & clean every six months.”
Catalyst & Flowโs specialist areas of focus include menโs health (both general & hormonal), gut & digestive health, autoimmune condition, stress & anxiety management, insomnia & fatigue.
As an introductory offer, Thom is offering 25% off initial consultations for new clients.
For more details and to book a consultation head on over toโฆ
- Online:ย www.catalystandflow.com
- Email:ย thom@catalystandflow.com
- Instagram:ย @catalyst_and_flow
