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Why Good Health Begins in the Mouth with Dr Steven Lin #47

Jan 25, 2019 58m 6s 15 insights
“If we have a problem with our tooth, it’s really a sign that things could go wrong later on” Many of us think of the dentist as a place we go when we have a hole in our tooth. The dentist fixes the hole and that’s the end of the story. But dentist, Dr Steven Lin, explains why oral health is really a message of what’s going on in the rest of the body. He believes that we can prevent diseases by understanding the signs and symptoms and recognising that chronic diseases don’t just happen overnight. He explains why good oral health is about so much more than just brushing and flossing – our breathing, our sleep and our nutrient levels all play an important role. We discuss the link between the oral microbiome and the gut microbiome. Steven also talks about the simple strategies that we can all adopt to improve our overall health. This is a really fascinating conversation - I hope you enjoy it! Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/oralhealth Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/ Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/ Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk
Actionable Insights

1. Prioritize Fat-Soluble Vitamins A, D, K2

Consume foods rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2 to fuel your osteoimmune system, protect against tooth decay, and build overall immune resilience. Always consume these nutrients with fat for better absorption.

2. Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods

Incorporate well-sourced, full-fat animal products like grass-raised dairy (butter, full-cream), egg yolks, and organ meats for active forms of vitamins A, D, and K2. Also, include fermented foods like Japanese natto or sauerkraut for K2 (MK7).

3. Minimize Simple Carbs & Sugars

Reduce intake of simple carbohydrates, refined sugar, and simple flours, as they feed decay-causing bacteria and disrupt the oral microbiome balance, leading to tooth decay.

4. Avoid Low-Fat Diets

Steer clear of low-fat diets, as they strip out essential fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K2) which are crucial for dental and systemic defense systems.

5. Practice Nasal Breathing

Engage in nasal breathing during the day and night to protect the oral microbiome from drying out and to ensure efficient oxygen delivery to the body, preventing sleep disorders.

6. Prioritize Sufficient Sleep

Ensure you get enough sleep to maintain a robust immune system, as insufficient sleep can significantly reduce natural killer cells, impacting overall health.

7. Use Microbiome-Friendly Toothpaste

Consider using toothpastes that support the oral microbiome, which contain natural enzymes and proteins, and lack harmful foaming agents, parabens, and other nasties. Look for products with prebiotics.

8. Avoid Alcoholic Mouthwashes

Do not use alcoholic mouthwashes daily, as this practice can reduce oral microbiome diversity and has been linked to an increased risk of pre-diabetes.

9. Address Bleeding Gums

If your gums bleed, consider it a sign of potential gut inflammation and take steps to address your overall gut health, as the oral and gut microbiomes are interconnected.

10. Rinse Mouth After Sugary Treats

Mitigate some of the damage from consuming simple carbohydrates by rinsing your mouth with water immediately afterwards.

11. Nourish Children’s Dental Development

Focus on providing nutrient-rich diets for children to support proper craniofacial growth and dental development, as their systems are hungry for nutrients during this critical developmental leap.

12. Preconception Oral & Gut Health

Before conception, prioritize balancing your gut and oral microbiome to create a healthy platform for pregnancy and fetal development.

13. Vegans/Vegetarians: Monitor Vitamins

If following a vegan or vegetarian diet, be careful to ensure adequate intake of active forms of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K2), potentially through supplementation, and always supplement B12.

14. Address Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy

Pregnant individuals should address any sleep apnea to ensure sufficient oxygen for fetal growth, as low oxygenation can negatively impact baby development.

15. Replace Pregnancy Cravings

During pregnancy, aim to replace cravings for sugary or simple carbohydrate treats with healthier options that still provide satisfaction, focusing on nourishing the body and baby.