We know this one seems a bit obvious, but it’s still super easy and super important for both your mouth and total body health. As with so many things in life, brushing is something that we tend to rush through and do with the least amount of attention possible. I would encourage you to slow down and take your time. Stand in front of your mirror and look at what you’re doing. Brush your teeth and your gums with the same intention that you had with your last instagram selfie. If you’re using a traditional (non-electric) toothbrush, make sure you are using a soft bristle brush. Also look for a brush head that is small as this is much easier to maneuver in your mouth, even if you think you have a big mouth! Finding a brush that is made of a recyclable or sustainable material is also something I would encourage. Try a bamboo brush or a brush with a reusable handle to reduce the waste. Approximately 1 billion toothbrushes were thrown away in the US last year! If you choose to use an electric brush, I recommend a sonic option as this makes a big difference in the reach of the bristles. The sonic technology actually extends how far under the tissue the bristles can clean, sending sonic vibrations through the fluid an extra 2-3mm past where the toothbrush can reach. I absolutely love the @burstoralcare sonic toothbrush, with its super soft charcoal infused bristles, long battery life, 33,000 sonic vibrations per minute, quadrant time and lifetime warranty. You just can’t go wrong! What do you use for toothpaste you ask...feel free to use anything from just fresh water, home-made baking soda concoctions, clay-based pastes and powders or even some of the new nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes (@boka and @risewell). We don’t recommend using fluoride-containing toothpastes due to it’s neurotoxicity, bio-accumulation, and interference with numerous bodily chemistries. Even some of the essential oils can be a bit harsh on the oral microbiome, so just keep it simple, less ingredients is usually better! The key take-away is that you just need to brush your teeth, at least twice a day. Another thing to consider is that what you’re putting into your body (nutrients from food) is much more of a factor in creating optimal oral health than the products you put on your teeth, we’ll get into nutrition in Tip #7 so stay tuned! Feel free to reach out with questions about any of my recommendations on toothbrushes and toothpaste.
