By now we have all probably heard about the microbiome in our gut and the importance of keeping our good gut bacteria happy and healthy.

But there is another microbiome within our body that is getting a lot of buzz these days as well – our oral microbiome. You read that correctly! Within our mouth, there is a whole world of organisms living and populating this essential cavity. 

After our gut, our oral microbiome is actually the second largest microbial community in our body. In my coaching practice, I work with clients on keeping both the gut and oral microbiomes protected and flourishing. Poor oral health has been linked to:

• periodontal disease
• dementia and Alzheimers
• weight gain
• increased blood pressure
• bone decay
• increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Here are my top tips for taking good care of your oral microbiome:

🦷 Brush and floss daily: Twice a day keeps the bacteria at bay. Proper brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining a healthy oral microbiome, and don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every 3mo.

🥑 Eat a balanced diet: Skip the processed foods and added sugars. Opt for whole foods and plenty of water to fuel your body and support the good bacteria.

🪥 Check your oral care products: Not all mouthwashes and toothpastes are created equal. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes and harsh ingredients that disrupt the microbiome balance. My favorite products for clean oral care are from Biocidin Botanicals.

👅 Scrape your tongue: Many dentists believe that tongue scraping is the most underappreciated aspect of oral care. Tongue scarping is an Ayurvedic practice that clears off debris and bacteria from the surface of our tongue. There is also new research showing a lack of tongue scraping connected to overeating as the taste receptors may be covered by unnecessary biofilm. I use this tongue scraper. 

💋 Use mouth tap: Using mouth tape helps train your body to breathe through your nose rather than your open mouth. Mouth breathers are more likely to have oral health issues and complications, as mouth breathing disrupts the pH of saliva, allowing more bugs and bacteria to thrive. Here are some popular ones on Amazon. 

🧑‍⚕️ Don’t skip dental checkups: Regular visits to the dentist (1-2/year) are key for catching issues early and keeping your oral microbiome in check. Schedule those appointments and keep your oral biome thriving!

Have you heard of the oral microbiome? I’d love to hear how many of these are you already doing, or will begin to try! Comment below.