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Episode
Why Your Dentist Should Be Thinking About Your Brain, Sleep, and Nervous System
~72 min
Episode Brief·YouTube

Why Your Dentist Should Be Thinking About Your Brain, Sleep, and Nervous System

Ben Greenfield
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TL;DR

The four things you'd lose by not watching

4 items

TL;DR

The four things you'd lose by not watching

4 items
1

Bioesthetic dentistry focuses on restoring biological form and function to the mouth, considering the jaw, muscles, and posture, not just aesthetics. It involves a multi-step process including an orthotic appliance to stabilize the jaw before rebuilding teeth.

2

Myofunctional therapy, often paired with bioesthetic dentistry, trains the tongue to rest properly on the roof of the mouth, which is crucial for proper swallowing, chewing, breathing, and even vagus nerve stimulation. It addresses issues like tongue ties and weak tongue muscles.

3

Ayurvedic principles are being integrated into dental practice, particularly for individualized care, diet recommendations (e.g., avoiding incompatible food combinations like fruit and dairy), and herbal remedies like Triphala for oral health.

4

Common oral care mistakes include using toxic products, rushing brushing, improper toothbrush angle (45 degrees to gum line, 90 degrees for inner front teeth), and incorrect flossing technique (C-shape to hug the tooth, not just pop in and out) and not scraping the tongue.

Protocols

Concrete recipes — what, when, how much, and why

6 items

Bioesthetic Dentistry Process

WhatA multi-step process to restore biological form and function to the mouth, starting with a comprehensive evaluation, ensuring gum and teeth health, using an orthotic appliance to stabilize the jaw, and finally rebuilding teeth.
WhenOngoing, often over several years, with multiple adjustments.
DoseInitial exam: 1.5 hours. Appliance wear: until jaw muscles and joints stabilize. Total process: can take years.
For whomIndividuals seeking comprehensive dental restoration, those with worn teeth, jaw pain, or those who want to ensure long-term stability of their dental work.
WhyTo create a stable foundation for any dental work, ensuring the jaw, muscles, and joints are in balance before rebuilding teeth, preventing future wear and tear.
CaveatsIt's a long process, especially if traveling for appointments. Requires consistent adjustments and patience.

The process begins with an extensive 90-minute initial examination to gather records and understand the patient's current state. The second crucial step is to establish a solid foundation by ensuring gums and teeth are healthy, addressing any cavities or gum disease. Following this, an orthotic appliance (similar to a mouthpiece, not Invisalign) is worn, often at night. This appliance is designed to allow the jaw muscles and joints to find their most balanced state. This phase involves numerous adjustments until the system is stable, meaning the jaw closes consistently in the same spot, and forces are evenly distributed. Only once this stability is achieved, verified by measurements and lack of further adjustments, are teeth rebuilt to restore missing enamel and create a stable bite that correlates with the now-balanced joints and muscles. This meticulous approach aims to prevent the common issue of dental work being 'ground away' due to underlying biomechanical problems.

Personal experience

Ben Greenfield underwent this process, wearing an appliance that required frequent adjustments as his biomechanics changed. He noted feeling like he had an 'alien in his mouth' initially after the final teeth were placed, highlighting the significant adjustment period.

So the first process was getting uh getting to know you. Like the first exam that we did on you was like about an hour and a half getting records to figure out where you are. Uh then the second step would be to make sure we have solid foundation for whatever we build would be getting the gums and teeth healthy.

Also said
“And then you wear an appliance. Um that appliance is a almost like an orthotic device.”— Introduces the key tool used in the stabilization phase.
“And then we we because my biomechanics were changing over the time that we did this like for for better but we kept having to come in and do measurements and change until we got to the point where basically correct me if I'm saying this the wrong way like my jaw was good enough to be able to fix my teeth.”— Illustrates the iterative and adaptive nature of the appliance phase.

Myofunctional Therapy (Tongue Training)

WhatTraining the tongue to rest properly on the roof of the mouth (tip, middle, and back suctioned to the palate) with lips closed and teeth not touching, to improve swallowing, chewing, eating, and breathing.
WhenAll day and all night, unless eating or talking.
DoseInitial evaluation: 90 minutes. Ongoing exercises and stretches.
For whomAnyone with tight jaws, improper tongue posture, TMJ, or those who have read 'Jaws, the Hidden Epidemic'. Especially important for children for proper facial development.
WhyProper tongue posture is crucial for airway health, facial muscle development, proper digestion, and vagus nerve stimulation. It addresses issues like tongue ties and weak tongue muscles.
CaveatsIf a tongue tie (frenum attachment) is too tight, a frenectomy (laser release) might be needed, followed by specific stretches and exercises for healing.

Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the tongue to its optimal resting position: suctioned against the entire roof of the mouth (palate), with lips closed and teeth slightly apart. This seemingly simple action is fundamental for correct swallowing, efficient chewing, and unobstructed breathing, impacting overall airway health. The therapy addresses underlying causes for improper tongue posture, such as weak tongue muscles (tonality) or restricted mobility due to a 'tongue tie' (frenum attachment). If a tongue tie is present, a frenectomy (laser procedure) may be performed to free the tongue, followed by guided exercises to ensure proper healing and increased range of motion. This practice is not new, with historical roots in midwifery, and is considered the natural form of oral function, exemplified by breastfeeding. The importance of this extends to the entire body, as the tongue is connected via deep fascia all the way to the toes, meaning tongue dysfunction can contribute to pain and restriction elsewhere in the body.

Mechanism

The tongue suctioned to the palate creates a vacuum seal, supporting proper swallowing and breathing. Strengthening the tongue and improving its mobility allows it to maintain this position. This posture also stimulates the vagus nerve, calming the nervous system. Furthermore, the tongue's connection via fascia to the entire body means proper tongue function can alleviate issues like knee or back pain.

Personal experience

Ben Greenfield learned about this only five months prior to the podcast, despite being in the health sector. He received online guidance and exercises from Cat after his dental work to adjust to his new bite and improve tongue function.

So, a myootherapy session is basically I'm training you to keep your tongue up on the roof of your mouth. So, it's not enough to just keep the tongue up, the tip of the tongue up on the roof of the mouth. You actually want to put the tongue, the tip of the tongue, the middle of the tongue, and the back of the tongue up suctioned lightly on the pallet so that your teeth aren't touching. Your lips need to be completely closed. And then that tongue is suctioned up.

Also said
“The airway is one of the most important aspects of the human body that we need to be evaluating at a very young age.”— Highlights the critical importance of airway health from an early age.
“So if you're having restriction in your knee or knee pain, joint pain, back pain, it could actually be stemming from your tongue.”— Illustrates the far-reaching systemic impact of tongue function.

Proper Chewing Technique

WhatUsing front teeth for tearing (e.g., meat) and back teeth for chewing, ensuring food is chewed thoroughly to a 'soup' consistency before swallowing. Eye teeth (canines) guide the jaw for even motion.
WhenDuring every meal.
For whomEveryone, especially those with digestive issues or worn-down teeth.
WhyThorough chewing aids digestion, prevents issues like undigested food in stool and potential digestive tract irritation (e.g., diverticulitis). It also stimulates facial muscles and bone loading for proper development.
CaveatsModern diets of soft, processed foods can lead to weak jaws and improper chewing habits.

Proper chewing involves a clear division of labor: front teeth for tearing (like meat off a bone) and back teeth for grinding food into a liquid-like consistency. Many people, especially those with worn-down teeth, mash food rather than chew it effectively. The 'eye teeth' (canines) play a crucial role in guiding the jaw's motion, ensuring that when the jaw moves side-to-side, the back teeth disengage, preventing uneven wear. This guidance helps maintain a vertical chewing pattern rather than a damaging lateral one. Chewing food thoroughly is vital for digestion; undigested food can lead to digestive problems and nutrient malabsorption. Furthermore, consuming crunchy, hard foods provides necessary bone loading stimulation, which is essential for the proper growth and strength of facial muscles and jawbones, a concept highlighted in books like 'Jaws, the Hidden Epidemic' regarding the impact of soft modern diets on facial development.

Mechanism

The 'cusps' (mountains and valleys) of the back teeth are designed for efficient grinding. Eye teeth are longer and guide the jaw in an even, side-to-side motion, disengaging back teeth during lateral movements to prevent wear. Chewing crunchy, hard foods provides bone loading stimulation, essential for strong facial muscles and proper jaw development.

Personal experience

Ben Greenfield noticed a significant change in his chewing after his dental work, using his back teeth more effectively and achieving a 'liquid goo' consistency before swallowing. He also observed the disappearance of undigested food in his stool, which he previously attributed to leaky gut.

So the front teeth are for tearing. So you can chew with the you can tear with the front teeth. Chewing is for the back teeth.

Also said
“So, the fact that you said your food was a consistency of soup is really good. That's what you want. You want to chew your food enough. A lot of people are not chewing their food enough.”— Emphasizes the desired outcome of proper chewing.
“What you were noticing with your eye teeth is actually one of the principles of bioesthetics is um we the eye teeth are actually a little longer and they're the ones that guide our jaw in an even motion left and right.”— Explains the biomechanical role of eye teeth in chewing.

Mindful Brushing Technique

WhatBrushing for at least 2-4 minutes, twice daily, with specific angles: 45 degrees towards the gum line for most teeth, and 90 degrees (straight up and down) for the inside surface of the lower and upper front six teeth.
WhenMorning and night, sometimes at lunch.
Dose2-4 minutes per session.
For whomEveryone.
WhyProper angle ensures cleaning of both teeth and gums. The 90-degree angle for front inner teeth targets areas prone to plaque buildup due to salivary glands.
CaveatsMany people rush or are not mindful, missing areas or using incorrect angles.

Mindful brushing involves paying close attention to every part of the mouth for an adequate duration, ideally 2-4 minutes. A key aspect is the correct angle of the toothbrush: 45 degrees towards the gum line for most teeth, ensuring both the tooth surface and the gum margin are cleaned. For the inside surface of the lower (and upper) front six teeth, a 90-degree (straight up and down) angle is recommended. This specific technique targets an area particularly prone to plaque buildup due to the presence of salivary glands underneath the tongue, which can deposit calcium and phosphorus, leading to increased mineral accumulation on these teeth. The pH of saliva also plays a role; more basic saliva tends to correlate with more buildup, while acidic saliva is linked to more cavities. The goal is to prevent plaque accumulation and inflammation by effectively cleaning these specific areas.

Mechanism

Angling the brush towards the gum line effectively cleans the sulcus (the pocket between the tooth and gum), where bacteria can accumulate. The specific 90-degree angle for the inner front teeth addresses the increased plaque buildup in that area, which is influenced by salivary glands that release minerals (calcium, phosphorus) into the saliva. More basic saliva pH is associated with more buildup.

Personal experience

Dr. Loud uses her red light therapy session as a timer for her 4-minute nightly brushing. She focuses on areas she commonly sees patients miss, like the inside of the gums.

So, I guess it just depends on which toothbrush you're using. Because if you're using an oral B, it's 90° towards the gums. If it's any other toothbrush that's a regular toothbrush, it's 45 degrees towards the gum line.

Also said
“And then on the inside like that. And a trick you can do with a lower front will go like this like correct 90°.”— Provides specific instruction for the inner front teeth.
“So, there's a wait, say that again. There's a salivary gland and it it causes calcium to build up on the teeth. Yep. It it causes a little bit more buildup to build up on the lower front six teeth.”— Explains the physiological reason for specific brushing technique in that area.

C-Shape Flossing

WhatFlossing by hugging the side of each tooth with the floss in a 'C' shape, going all the way around and slightly under the gum line, rather than just popping the floss in and out.
WhenDaily.
For whomEveryone.
WhyTo introduce oxygen under the gum line to kill anaerobic bacteria that cause bleeding and gum disease, and to remove plaque, not just food debris.
CaveatsMany people don't floss long enough or properly. Water picks do not replace flossing, though they can be beneficial in addition, especially for deep pockets or implants.

C-shape flossing is a technique where the floss is wrapped around the side of each tooth, forming a 'C' shape, and then moved up and down, extending slightly below the gum line. This method is crucial because its primary purpose is not just to remove food particles, but to introduce oxygen into the subgingival (under the gum) area. The bacteria responsible for gum bleeding and disease are often anaerobic, meaning they thrive in oxygen-deprived environments. By introducing oxygen, flossing effectively kills these harmful bacteria. This technique also ensures thorough plaque removal from the tooth surfaces that a toothbrush cannot reach. While water picks can be beneficial for cleaning deep pockets or around implants, they do not fully replace the mechanical action and oxygen delivery of C-shape flossing.

Mechanism

Anaerobic bacteria, which thrive without oxygen and cause gum bleeding, are killed when oxygen is introduced under the gum line by proper flossing. The C-shape technique ensures the floss wraps around the tooth, effectively cleaning the entire surface and reaching slightly below the gum line to disrupt bacterial colonies.

Personal experience

Cat uses her index fingers to reach the very back teeth, closing her jaw halfway and moving it towards the side she's working on.

Yes. C Cshape flossing. You want to hug the side of the tooth with the floss. You don't just want to pop the floss in and pop it out. Flossing is one of those things that people don't want to do. So, you have to force yourself to do it. It is important to get the floss underneath the gum line.

Also said
“So, you're getting oxygen under the gum. Really? So, oxygen So, if the bacteria that causes bleeding is anorobic, they thrive without oxygen. So when you're flossing, you're introducing oxygen under the gum line, which is going to kill the anorobic bacteria that thrive.”— Explains the primary mechanism and benefit of flossing beyond food removal.
“So if you imagine a tooth, you're hugging the side of the tooth with a floss all the way around the side of the tooth. And then you're going up and down.”— Provides a clear visual description of the C-shape technique.

Tongue Scraping

WhatScraping the tongue to remove debris, bacteria, and 'amma' (toxic residue) that accumulate overnight.
WhenMorning and night.
For whomEveryone.
WhyRemoves bacteria that can contribute to cavities and bad breath, and eliminates toxins deposited by the liver during detoxification. The color and thickness of the residue can indicate gut health and digestive efficiency.
CaveatsStore the tongue scraper away from the toilet to prevent contamination.

Tongue scraping is recommended both morning and night to remove accumulated debris, bacteria, and 'amma' (toxic residue) from the tongue. According to Ayurvedic principles, the liver detoxifies overnight, depositing toxins into the gut, which can manifest as a coating on the tongue. This coating, which can vary in color (e.g., yellowish-green for sluggish liver, white for heavy toxins), is a breeding ground for bacteria. Scraping effectively removes this layer, reducing the overall bacterial load in the mouth and preventing these toxins from being re-ingested. It's more than just cleaning; it's a daily detoxification practice that can offer insights into gut health and digestive efficiency. Copper is a preferred material for scrapers due to its antibacterial properties. Proper storage of the scraper, away from potential toilet contamination, is also advised.

Mechanism

During sleep, the liver detoxifies and dumps toxins into the gut, which can be deposited on the tongue. This 'amma' (undigested toxic residue) creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Scraping removes this layer, reducing bacterial load and preventing its reintroduction into the digestive system. The material of the scraper, like copper, can also have antibacterial properties.

So tongue scraping is super important because the tongue [snorts] is like a sponge that sits in our mouths and we spend so much time brushing and flossing with the with the bass method and the C-shaped flossing and everything that takes a long time. But at the end of your routine, you also want to ensure to scrape your tongue to remove any debris that's been sitting on the tongue all day.

Also said
“At night our liver detoxes. So it removes the toxins from the system, dumps it back into the gut and the mouth being the first part of it. Uh those toxins can be deposited on the tongue.”— Explains the Ayurvedic rationale for tongue scraping related to detoxification.
“Is this why a lot of the tongue scrapers are made out of copper because it's antibacterial? Uh, yeah. Copper is really great.”— Confirms the benefit of copper as a material for tongue scrapers.

What's new

Personal practice updates, fresh positions, predictions

4 items

Bioesthetic Dentistry Explained

0:03:00

Bioesthetic dentistry goes beyond biological dentistry by focusing on restoring the biological form and function of the mouth, including the biomechanics of the jaw, muscles, and their connection to overall body posture.

Why this matters: It's presented as a more comprehensive approach than typical 'holistic' or 'biological' dentistry, emphasizing long-term stability and function over purely aesthetic outcomes.

Background

The speaker initially used terms like 'holistic' or 'biological' dentistry but learned 'bioesthetic' was more accurate. This approach is based on Dr. Robert Lee's work studying healthy bites, joints, and teeth.

Bioesthetic dentistry is described as encompassing biological dentistry but extending further to analyze and restore the fundamental biomechanics of the mouth. It's not just about using natural materials or avoiding toxins, but about understanding how the bite connects with the jaw and muscles, and how this supports the entire body's posture. The goal is to restore natural function, with aesthetics being a secondary outcome. This approach aims to prevent dental work from failing prematurely due to underlying biomechanical imbalances, ensuring that investments in a 'beautiful smile' are sustainable.

Personal experience

Ben Greenfield has been undergoing bioesthetic dental work for about three years, flying back and forth to Phoenix for treatment, indicating a long-term, involved process.

So, biothetic dentistry is not exclusive of biological dentistry. Uh, it kind of encompasses that and uh biothetic dentistry focuses on restoring a biological um form and function in the mouth.

Also said
“So we look at the how the b the bite connects with the jaw and muscles and how that supports the whole posture of the body. Um so it's more like focused on function and then from when we store somebody's function that aesthetics is secondary.”— Highlights the functional and holistic aspect, prioritizing function over aesthetics.
“So, if I understand correctly, like holistic biological dentistry, you're using natural materials that are compatible with people's biology. you're not using some of the things people talk about now that you'll find some modern dental offices, you know, metals or, you know, not using ozone or lasers or some of the cool tools you have around here. But then bioesthetics involves a deeper investigation of the actual biomechanics of the mouth.”— Clarifies the distinction between biological and bioesthetic dentistry, emphasizing biomechanics.

Ayurveda Integration in Dentistry

0:17:00

Dr. Loud is integrating Ayurvedic principles into her dental practice, focusing on individualized care, diet, lifestyle, and herbal recommendations to address oral health issues like dry mouth and cavities.

Why this matters: This represents a novel approach to dental care, moving beyond conventional treatments to incorporate ancient holistic wisdom for systemic health.

Background

Dr. Loud began studying Ayurvedic medicine due to patients, particularly the elderly, suffering from dry mouth and cavities despite good diets and hygiene, seeking more ancient methods to help.

Dr. Loud is in her second year of Ayurvedic studies, aiming to become a 'doctor of Ayurvedic medicine' (though the title is restricted in the US). She envisions this knowledge allowing her to provide truly individualized care, recommending specific herbs, practices, and food combinations tailored to each patient's constitution. This goes beyond typical dental advice, delving into the root causes of oral issues through a holistic lens. For example, she now advises against combining fruits with dairy or vegetables, and meat with dairy or potatoes, citing these as incompatible food combinations that can lead to digestive issues and contribute to systemic problems that manifest in oral health.

Personal experience

Dr. Loud has changed her own eating habits based on Ayurvedic principles, such as not combining fruits with other foods. Ben Greenfield notes that he has experienced stomach upset from combining fruits and dairy, validating the concept.

I think it's already making a big difference for my patients because I'm I'm still a newbie. I'm only in my second year of Ayurvedic studies. But uh one one of the things that um pushed me toward Ayurvedic medicine is we have so many patients that are elderly with suffering with dry mouth and a lot of cavities yet they seem to be eating pretty decent diets and they brush like crazy because they don't want to get cavities yet every 6 months they have a problem.

Also said
“truly being able to do more individualized care and knowing um what herbs to recommend for certain people, what practices, what and then food combinations. Really truly doing individualized care for every patient when it comes to their diet, lifestyle, and herbs.”— Explains the practical application of Ayurveda in her practice.
“For example, I don't combine uh fruits with anything. That's a big no no. So, often times people make smoothies with fruits and dairy. That's a bad combination because fruit will ferment the dairy and then it'll sit and sit in your stomach.”— Provides a concrete example of an Ayurvedic dietary principle.

Oral Microbiome and Systemic Health

0:22:00

The oral microbiome significantly impacts systemic health, with specific bacteria linked to conditions like Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and gut issues. Salivary DNA tests can identify problematic oral bacteria.

Why this matters: Emphasizes the critical connection between oral health and overall body health, moving beyond just teeth and gums.

Background

The discussion arises from Ben Greenfield's 'swish and spit test' and the growing awareness of the oral-systemic link.

The speakers confirm that the bacteria in the mouth have qualitative links to various systemic diseases. They regularly see associations between oral bacteria and conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer's, citing ongoing research. They use specialized salivary DNA tests to identify specific oral bacteria related to gum disease, rather than general genetic tests like 23andMe. Based on these results, they recommend antimicrobial therapies and proper oral hygiene practices, including disinfecting toothbrushes and changing heads monthly, to reduce bacterial load. This highlights that oral health is not isolated but deeply intertwined with the body's overall well-being.

Absolutely. There are a lot of articles currently that show associations between um like diabetes for example um Alzheimer's and the oral cavity. And so um and there's more studies coming out as we speak regarding these systemic links with the different bacteria.

Also said
“It has to be a special test that's looking for specific bacteria that are related to the oral cavity.”— Clarifies the need for specialized oral microbiome testing.
“So, we look at the bacteria that are related to gum disease and we discuss um the different numbers with patients. So, if they have uh low, medium or high numbers, we talk about that and then we talk about the systemic links based on the bacteria that are present in their mouths.”— Explains how they use the test results to inform patient care.

Dental Work and Nervous System/Sleep

0:39:00

Improper dental work or an imbalanced musculoskeletal system in the jaw can negatively impact the nervous system, vagus nerve function, and sleep quality, potentially leading to issues like low HRV.

Why this matters: Connects dental health directly to nervous system regulation and sleep, areas often overlooked in conventional dentistry.

Background

Ben Greenfield asks about a friend experiencing low HRV after dental work, prompting the discussion.

The experts confirm that dental work, if not done properly, can cause inflammation in the gums, raising inflammatory markers. More significantly, an imbalance in the musculoskeletal system of the jaw can disrupt the vagus nerve. This disruption can lead to issues with nervous system balance, manifesting as low Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and poor sleep quality. The constant muscle contraction in an imbalanced jaw can interfere with brain function and prevent deep sleep. Proper tongue posture, achieved through myofunctional therapy, is also highlighted as a way to stimulate the vagus nerve and calm the nervous system. This emphasizes that dental interventions have far-reaching effects beyond the mouth itself.

Personal experience

Ben Greenfield experienced severely disrupted sleep (down to two hours a night) for the first three days after his extensive dental work, which improved once his mouth adjusted, illustrating the immediate impact on the nervous system and sleep.

It could. I've actually seen it. uh and um if the work was not not done properly it can cause problems with the gums so they can get a lot of inflammation so inflammatory markers go up the other thing is the muscularkeeletal system isn't imbalance it could throw off the vagus nerve and through that um I don't know exactly how that precisely works but that could affect HRV also or the sleep so they don't get deep sleep because the muscles of the jaw are constantly trying to figure out where to put the teeth.

Also said
“Yeah. Another thing is if your tongue is wandering in your mouth because you just had dental work done and you're pushing into those teeth. Your tongue isn't up on your pallet, remember? So, you're not going to stimulate the vagus nerve. When you put your tongue up on your pallet, it actually does stimulate that nerve.”— Explains how tongue posture directly influences vagus nerve stimulation.
“Yeah. Yeah. That actually happened to me. I think I told you this cat for like the first 3 days after I left here. My sleep just went to crap. And and then once my mouth got used to everything, I feel great now.”— Provides a personal anecdote illustrating the immediate impact of dental work on sleep.

Recommendations

Products, supplements, and tools mentioned in the episode

5 items

Oil Pulling with Ozone Oil

Practice

As part of an Ayurvedic oral hygiene routine, Ben Greenfield practices oil pulling with ozone oil.

vs alternatives

Compared to regular coconut oil pulling, ozone oil pulling is implied to be a more advanced or beneficial practice for oral health.

Personal experience

Ben Greenfield started oil pulling with coconut oil, then switched to ozone oil pulling, alongside tongue scraping, as part of his Ayurvedic routine.

Uh now I do ozone oil pulling and tongue scraping but what's the link between Ayurveda and dentistry?

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Triphala with Ghee or Honey

Supplement

An Ayurvedic practice for detoxification and bowel movement.

Triphala, known for detoxification and promoting bowel movements, is very drying. To counteract this, it should be taken with a 'carrier' substance. For most people, especially those with a lean constitution, a teaspoon of ghee is recommended. For individuals who are overweight, a tiny bit of honey is suggested, as honey has a 'scraping action' that helps remove blockages.

Personal experience

Ben Greenfield tried dry powdering Triphala and found it 'nasty' and drying, confirming the need for a carrier.

And the bitter taste. That was it. Oh, okay. Yeah. the bitter taste. It's It's like it pulls and like tightens your gum tissues and it's antibacterial. Interesting. So, the uh the the combination of those reminds me of another combination you told me about tripfola because it's very drying. I actually tried to dry powder it once. It was just nasty. Have you guys used before? Yeah. Yeah. And and it does really help with like a morning bowel movement or it's it's known to help with detoxification, but you said you're supposed to take it with like a teaspoon of ghee depending depending on your constitution. For you probably with ghee, but somebody that's overweight maybe a tiny bit of honey.

Also said
“But if you're taking like a capsule or powder of trfila, something oily or something liquid along with it, otherwise it's going to kind of dry out the digestive tract a little bit.”— Explains the rationale for combining Triphala with a liquid/oily substance.
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Oral Probiotics (Probiora Pro, Biocidin Botanicals Dental Flora Probiotic)

Supplement

To populate the mouth with beneficial bacteria and fight off harmful ones.

Oral probiotics are distinct from gut probiotics and are specifically formulated to introduce good bacteria into the mouth. They are typically taken after brushing and flossing at night, either chewed or allowed to dissolve, to help rebalance the oral microbiome.

Yeah. So, one of the things that we recommend, of course, um also looking at the patient's diet to address their gut health, but there are oral probiotics. They're a little bit different than the one that you would take. That's more for the gut, for the urinary tract. But um these are special oral tablets and you place them in your mouth after brushing and flossing at night and you can chew on them or let them dissolve and they actually uh populate the mouth with good bacteria to help fight off the bad ones.

Also said
“Do you know um what type of brand or what type of strain you'd be looking for? Um there are two that we really like. There's Probiora Pro and then also one by Biocid and Botanicals, the dental flora probiotic.”— Provides specific brand recommendations.
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Feno Electric Smart Toothbrush

Tool

A smart electric toothbrush that uses foam and has a smart scan feature.

The Feno toothbrush is an electric smart toothbrush that uses toothpaste foam and is designed to clean the entire mouth simultaneously. It features a 'smart scan' capability that allows users to scan their teeth and tongue after brushing, providing a readout of their oral health. However, this feature requires Wi-Fi connectivity.

vs alternatives

Ben Greenfield contrasts it with traditional water picking and flossing, which he finds time-consuming.

Personal experience

Ben Greenfield has been using the Feno for 10 days and reports incredible results, noting improved gum health and reduced plaque levels. He appreciates its efficiency, allowing him to multitask while brushing.

I mean, I'm now to the point where I I might have passed you up because I'm using an electric smart toothbrush now. It's this called a feno. You literally put toothp tooth foam on it cuz I hate to water pick floss. It's like just timeconuming. So anyways, you put this entire uh in this case probably it is an appliance in your mouth. Yeah. And it's covered in bristles and then you press the button and and you've put foam on it beforehand and it just does your whole mouth all at once.

Also said
“This is not custom to your mouth, but it has what's called a smart scan feature on it which allows you to scan your teeth and your tongue after brushing. And that's the only thing that I don't like about it so far is I don't have Wi-Fi at my house because I'm just a lite and you have to have Wi-Fi to use that feature.”— Describes the smart features and a personal caveat.
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Disinfecting and Storing Toothbrushes

Practice

Essential practices for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing bacterial reintroduction.

It's crucial to store toothbrushes away from the toilet or in a protected area to prevent contamination from airborne particles. Additionally, disinfecting the toothbrush head regularly, perhaps by soaking it in hydrogen peroxide, and replacing it monthly (or after being sick) is important to reduce bacterial load and avoid reintroducing bacteria into the mouth.

Another thing that um that I suggest doing is also storing your toothbrush away from the toilet or just somewhere more protected to prevent any debris or anything from collecting on the toothbrush head.

Also said
“And um another thing I would say is to change your toothbrush head after you're sick just so that you're not reintroducing bacteria back into your mouth.”— Adds the recommendation to change toothbrush after illness.
“I think soaking your toothbrush head in maybe like hydrogen peroxide and then rinsing it after that would be a really good idea to just ensure that the bacteria you're actually killing the bacteria that are on the toothbrush.”— Suggests a method for disinfecting toothbrushes.
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Disclosed sponsorships1speaker disclosed

Triphala with Himalayan Pink Salt and Black Pepper

Supplement Sponsored · disclosed

An Ayurvedic herbal combination for oral health.

DisclosureDr. Loud mentions 'Designs for Health has trfila'.

Triphala, combined with Himalayan pink salt and black pepper, can be used as an astringent powder to brush teeth. This mixture helps reduce inflammation and infection in the gums, acts as an antimicrobial to prevent plaque formation, and provides a refreshing, bitter taste that tightens gum tissues.

Personal experience

Ben Greenfield tried dry powdering Triphala once and found it 'nasty' due to its drying nature, but acknowledges its benefits.

A new thing I learned is Trifola. Um, you've heard of Yes. Yeah. Designs for Health has trfila. So combining trfolo with h sea salt, not sea salt. Yeah, Himalayan pink salt and black pepper. Uh it's like aringent. So it drives up any type of inflammation, infection in the gums and it's super refreshing and it prevents plaque from forming because it's antimicrobial.

Also said
“You make that as a powder. You can make it as a powder yourself and brush with it. Interesting. And the bitter taste. That was it. Oh, okay. Yeah. the bitter taste. It's It's like it pulls and like tightens your gum tissues and it's antibacterial.”— Describes the preparation and specific benefits of the powder.
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Notable quotes

Lines worth pulling out — contrarian, specific, or perfectly phrased

6 items
The airway is one of the most important aspects of the human body that we need to be evaluating at a very young age.
Highlights the critical, often overlooked, importance of airway health from early childhood.
So if you're having restriction in your knee or knee pain, joint pain, back pain, it could actually be stemming from your tongue.
A surprising and counter-intuitive claim about the far-reaching systemic impact of tongue function, linking it to distant body pains.
Myofunctional therapy isn't new. I just want to add that it's actually like goes back to ancient times where midwives would actually keep a fingernail long so that they could snip which I hate saying the word snip but they could cut the front of underneath the tongue if the baby wasn't latching on the breast enough.
Provides historical context for myofunctional therapy, showing it's an ancient practice, not a modern invention.
So, in a healthy person like you, you can eat those things now and then, but somebody that's dealing with uh medical issues, they really need to be careful to stay uh away from incompatible food combinations.
Offers a nuanced perspective on dietary rules, suggesting flexibility for healthy individuals but strict adherence for those with health issues.
So, you're getting oxygen under the gum. Really? So, oxygen So, if the bacteria that causes bleeding is anorobic, they thrive without oxygen. So when you're flossing, you're introducing oxygen under the gum line, which is going to kill the anorobic bacteria that thrive.
Explains a less commonly known, yet crucial, mechanism of flossing beyond just removing food particles.
At night our liver detoxes. So it removes the toxins from the system, dumps it back into the gut and the mouth being the first part of it. Uh those toxins can be deposited on the tongue.
Provides an Ayurvedic explanation for morning tongue coating, linking it directly to liver detoxification and systemic health.

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Topics covered

bioesthetic dentistrybiological dentistryholistic dentistrymyofunctional therapyoral facial myologistjaw exercisestongue exercisesorthotic appliancejaw stabilizationtongue tiefrenectomyfascia connectionoral systemic connectionayurvedic medicineincompatible food combinationstriphalahimalayan pink saltblack peppergheesalivary dna test
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