Tips and Tricks for a Healthy Smile All Year Long

Concerns have come regarding the potentially toxic effects of fluoride. Several studies have linked it to drops in IQ, and we know that it kills both the good and bad bacteria in the mouth. While fluoride has traditionally played a role in preventing tooth decay, some patients prefer, and we recommend, alternative methods for maintaining oral health. Below is a list of best practices that can help prevent cavities without relying on fluoride.

Fluoride-Free Cavity and Gum Disease Prevention Best Practices

1. Maintain Consistent Oral Hygiene

• Follow the 2-2-2 rule. Brush twice per day for 2 minutes and visit your dentist for check ups at least twice per year.

2. Use a non-fluoride toothpaste with hydroxyapatite as a good alternatives to fluoride to help remineralize teeth. Some examples include: Risewell, Dr. Jen’s, Boka, and Supermouth just to name a few.
3. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth.

• Proper flossing technique includes using the floss to “scrape” the in-betweens of the teeth, not just snapping the floss in and then immediately out.
• Chew sugar-free xylitol gum and candies periodically. Xylitol has been shown to inhibit Streptococcus Mutans, which is the main bacteria the causes tooth decay when in the presence of sugar.

4. Reduce consumption of sugary foods and beverages, especially sticky candies and sodas.
5. Avoid acidic foods and beverages.
6. Get a saliva test to evaluate the types of bacteria that make up your oral microbiome.

• Certain groups of bacteria “red complex” are more destructive to the gums and bone. These bacteria have also been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and travel throughout the body contributing to inflammatory load, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and heart disease.
• If “red complex” bacteria are present we have a protocol to help reduce or even eliminate them.

7. Use a tongue scraper or brush your tongue to reduce overall bacterial load.
8. Use an oral probiotic (a dissolvable lozenge which repopulates healthy oral bacteria) to promote a healthier microbiome.

• The oral cavity has its own microbiome just like the gut has a microbiome with good bacteria and bad bacteria.
• Examples of oral probiotics include Probiora, BioGaia and StellaLife

9. Avoid the use of mouthwashes with alcohol, make sure they are alcohol-free.

• Alcohol kills all bacteria, good and bad, which disrupts the entire oral microbiome. The goal is to maintain good levels of good bacteria

10. Ensure you breathe through your nose during sleep.

• Mouth breathing at night wreaks havoc on your teeth and gums.
• Saliva is a natural buffer against acids which are produced by bacteria which breaks down enamel.
• Get a sleep study or evaluation at your dental office if you have poor sleep quality or snoring.
• Use lip tape to keep your mouth closed while sleeping, if necessary. (Ask us how, if you need help with lip taping.)

11. Address dry mouth by staying hydrated. For medical conditions, use saliva substitutes if needed.

• Some great products for this are Dr. Jen’s Dry mouth gel or Stella Life rinse.

Preventing cavities without fluoride is possible with a combination of good oral hygiene, healthy eating habits, regular dental visits, and natural alternatives. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards maintaining strong, healthy teeth!