“Oral health is inextricably linked to all aspects of brain and bodily health both in the short term and long term and is perhaps the most overlooked aspect of mental health and physical health.” – Andrew Huberman
Recognising its importance, Huberman adds oral health as the seventh pillar of mental and physical well-being - alongside sleep, sunlight exposure, nutrition, exercise, stress management and socialisation/connection. His simple tips include:
01 Maintain an alkaline mouth — Reduce the consumption of acid foods like soda, citrus fruits and sugary snacks. If consumed, be sure to rinse with water after consumption, or even better, brush your teeth.
02 Maintain mouth moisture by nasal breathing — A moist mouth ensures enough saliva, which is vital for digestion, washing away food particles and bacteria, and reducing tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva also neutralizes acids, maintaining a balanced pH to prevent enamel erosion and cavities.
03 Take breaks from eating to boost saliva and support pH —Giving your mouth breaks from eating and drinking allows your saliva production to stabilize. Constant snacking or sipping can keep your mouth in a perpetual state of acidity, which is harmful to your teeth.
04 Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes — Alcohol-based mouthwash can dry out the mouth and strip away the protective mucosal lining, disrupting the balance of beneficial bacteria and leading to a compromised oral microbiome. This increases the risk of irritation, infections, and other oral health issues. Our Peppermint Botanical Mouthwash does not compromise the natural PH of the mouth with its alcohol-free formula whilst enhancing longevity of fresh breath.
This episode will be of interest to everyone seeking to improve their physical health, mental health, and lifespan, given the critical role that oral health plays in all of these. Listen here to learn more.
