Oral Health

Sponsors: Mateina, ROKA & Helix Sleep

Oral Health Quiz

Teeth Biology, Cavity Repair

Mouth, Gums, Saliva

Sponsor: AG1

Cavity Formation, Bacteria, Sugar, Acidity

Teeth Remineralization, Fluoride, Water

Sponsor: InsideTracker

Tools: The “Do Nots” of Oral Health, Mouth Breathing

Tools: Fasting & Teeth Remineralization; Nighttime Toothbrushing

Proper Teeth Brushing; Tooth Sensitivity & Gums

Bacteria, Plaque & Tartar; Tooth Polishing

Proper Flossing Technique, Waterpik; Children & Flossing

Tool: Xylitol, Bacteria & Cavity Prevention

Toothpastes: Xylitol, Fluoride, Hydroxyapatite

Mouthwash & Alcohol, Antiseptic Mouthwash

Tools: Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide?, Salt Water Rinse

Alcohol-Based Mouthwash, Nitric Oxide

Tools: Canker Sore Prevention & Gut Microbiome; Sleep

Tools: Tongue Brushing; Toothbrush Care

Teeth Sealants; Metal Fillings, Mercury, Mastic Gum; Root Canals

Dentist Visits, Daily Routines & Oral Health

Practices for Oral Health, Oil Pulling

Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

- Oral health is considered the seventh pillar of mental health, physical health, and performance.
- Saliva plays a crucial role in rebuilding tooth strength and supporting the health of the oral cavity and gut microbiome.
- The podcast provides various protocols, including zero-cost and low-cost options, to restore, improve, and maintain oral health.
- The speaker wants to provide zero-cost information about science and science-related tools to the general public.
- The podcast is sponsored by Matina, which makes loose-leaf and ready-to-drink yerba mate, and Roka, which makes high-quality eyeglasses and sunglasses.
- Neglecting oral health can lead to periodontal disease, which is associated with serious health issues such as Alzheimer's and cardiac health problems.
- InsideTracker is a personalized nutrition platform that analyzes data from blood and DNA to help understand the body and reach health goals.
- The speaker recommends using a soft toothbrush, brushing and flossing at night, and avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes.

- The podcast episode discusses the importance of oral health and its impact on overall bodily health.
- Oral health is considered the seventh pillar of mental health, physical health, and performance.
- The oral microbiome, palate, tonsils, and entire oral cavity are important components of oral health.
- Saliva plays a crucial role in rebuilding tooth strength and supporting the health of the oral cavity and gut microbiome.
- The episode provides various protocols, including zero-cost and low-cost options, to restore, improve, and maintain oral health.

- The podcast is separate from the speaker's teaching and research roles at Stanford.
- The speaker wants to provide zero-cost information about science and science-related tools to the general public.
- The podcast is sponsored by Matina, which makes loose-leaf and ready-to-drink yerba mate.
- The speaker recommends Matina yerba mate for its health benefits and taste.
- The podcast is also sponsored by Roka, which makes high-quality eyeglasses and sunglasses designed with the biology of the visual system in mind.

- It is fine to drink tea or coffee, but it is not recommended to sip on them all day or for long periods of time.
- There are certain times during the day when saliva production is at its maximum and has the optimal pH for remineralization of teeth.
- Intermittent fasting or having longer stretches of time without eating or ingesting acidic liquids can be beneficial for oral health.
- Saliva production is dramatically reduced during the night, so it is important to brush and floss before going to sleep to minimize the opportunity for bacteria to feed on food and create acid.
- Brushing and flossing at night is considered one of the most important things for overall oral health care.

- The majority of dentists recommend brushing and flossing twice a day or more.
- Using a soft toothbrush and gentle circular motions is the best way to promote oral health.
- Electric toothbrushes should be used with light pressure and the bristles should be kept on the teeth and gums.
- Brushing the gums lightly can increase circulation and promote tooth health.
- Brushing the gums may help reduce tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and pressure.

- The main goal of brushing is to break up the biofilm layer that bacteria can build up on.
- Strep mutans forms strand-like bacteria that can accumulate and turn into plaque and tartar.
- Brushing and flossing can remove biofilm and plaque, but not tartar.
- Dentists polish teeth to make the surfaces smooth and prevent bacteria from adhering.
- Regular brushing and preventing biofilm buildup is the best strategy for improving tooth health.

- There is debate about flossing in the dentistry field.
- Dentists recommend flossing correctly, gliding down the side of the tooth and using a circular motion.
- Flossing is recommended at least twice a day, or at least once a day before going to sleep.
- Using a water pick is suggested as a gentler alternative to traditional flossing.
- Children younger than six with big spaces between their teeth do not need to floss, but should focus on brushing.

- Xylitol is an artificial sugar that can improve oral health.
- Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that causes cavities, cannot produce acid or grow when it feeds on xylitol.
- Xylitol reduces inflammation in the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth.
- Xylitol can also have positive effects on the gut microbiome.
- It is recommended to start with a small amount of xylitol gum or mints after meals and gradually increase the dosage.

- Xylitol is a recommended sweetener in toothpaste.
- The debate about toothpaste revolves around whether or not to use fluoride.
- Some people are concerned about fluoride's potential health risks.
- Non-fluoride toothpastes often contain hydroxyapatite and xylitol.
- Mild abrasives in toothpaste help break up biofilm.

- The speaker discovered certain oral health products through people in the dental field, but there was no exchange of promotion for information.
- The speaker believes these products are of good quality and uses them personally.
- The speaker acknowledges that there are other sources for non-fluoride toothpaste and oral health products.
- Most mouthwashes, especially those with alcohol, are harmful to oral health and disrupt the oral microbiome.
- The speaker encourages finding alcohol-free and non-antiseptic mouthwashes for freshening breath and killing bacteria.

- There are low-cost alternatives to commercial toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Baking soda can be used as a toothpaste and is considered safe for enamel.
- Making a mouthwash with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is not recommended due to potential harm.
- Using a high salt solution as a dental rinse can promote healthy mouth bacteria.
- Brushing with baking soda and using a high salt solution as a mouthwash are low-cost options for oral hygiene.

- Alcohol-based mouthwashes reduce the production of nitric oxide in the oral cavity, which is important for overall body health.
- Nitric oxide promotes vasodilation in various parts of the body, including the blood vessels in the oral cavity, throat, nose, brain, and heart.
- Increasing or maintaining stable levels of nitric oxide is beneficial for small capillary, vein, and arterial health.
- Alcohol-based mouthwashes deplete the production of nitric oxide, so it is recommended to avoid using them.
- There are multiple reasons to move away from alcohol-based mouthwashes, including the potential to improve mental health, physical health, and performance, as well as cost savings.

- Canker sores can be prevented and healed by promoting the health of the gut microbiome.
- Consuming one to four servings of low sugar fermented foods per day supports a healthy gut microbiome.
- Consuming enough prebiotic fiber through fruits, vegetables, or supplements also promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
- Taking probiotics in pill or capsule form may be necessary for those who are dysbiotic or have taken antibiotics, but it is not recommended for consistent use.
- Getting at least six to eight hours of quality sleep per night is important for the health of the gut microbiome and overall brain and body health.

- Oral health is important for overall body health and often overlooked.
- There are three categories of oral health care: those who brush and floss regularly, those who are less diligent, and those who are extremely diligent.
- Most people fall into category one or two, and even those in category one may be depleting their oral health without realizing it.
- There are easily accessible practices backed by science that can improve oral health.
- The speaker consulted with multiple dentists to provide recommendations based on consensus.

- The tongue is an important component of the mouth and can harbor both good and bad bacteria.
- Tongue scraping or brushing can help remove unhealthy bacteria from the tongue.
- Lightly brushing the tongue may be better than scraping to avoid damaging the fragile tissue.
- It is recommended to use a separate toothbrush for brushing the tongue to prevent bacteria crossover.
- Toothbrush care is important to prevent bacteria growth, but there is no specific recommendation for how often to replace a toothbrush.

- Sealants are generally considered safe and are a better alternative to deep cavities.
- Remineralizing teeth is not possible if cavities reach the dentine layers.
- It is recommended to consult with a dentist about the depth of cavities and the possibility of remineralization.
- Metal fillings containing lead or mercury should be left in place and not disrupted.
- Root canals and drilling cavities are sometimes necessary, but efforts should be made to maintain dental health and explore alternative options.

- Dentists generally recommend going to the dentist twice a year for routine cleanings.
- Routine cleanings can remove tartar and identify cavities, but they do not help remineralize teeth.
- Dentists strive to promote daily oral health protocols in addition to routine cleanings.
- The twice a year dental visit is not just for cleanings, but also to evaluate the effectiveness of daily oral health practices.
- Some individuals may need to go to the dentist more frequently due to genetic variations or lack of diligence to oral health protocols.

- The importance of oral health is emphasized, as it is linked to brain and body health.
- There are suggestions to change current oral health practices, such as avoiding antiseptic alcohol-based mouthwashes and considering the use of Xylitol.
- Remineralizing teeth is possible by changing the acidity of the mouth, and there are cost-saving ways to do so.
- The discussion does not cover all health practices, but focuses on major ones like brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy oral microbiome.
- Oral health is important for overall health, including heart, gut, skin, and brain health.

- Support the podcast by subscribing to the YouTube channel, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts
- Leave a five-star review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
- Check out the sponsors mentioned in the episode
- Supplements can be beneficial for improving sleep, hormone function, and focus
- Follow Huberman Lab on social media platforms for science-related content
- Subscribe to the monthly Neural Network Newsletter for free protocols and summaries

- The transcript discusses the importance of understanding the anatomy and physiology of the mouth and teeth for oral health.
- Teeth are layered structures with enamel as the outer layer and dentin beneath it.
- Cavities form from the outside of teeth inward, and it is possible to repair cavities that have started to form.
- Remineralization is the process of adding minerals back into the enamel to fill in cavities.
- If cavities have not reached the dentin layer, it is possible to avoid drilling and filling them.

- Teeth are either in a state of demineralization or remineralization, depending on the acidity of the mouth.
- The gums play a critical role in keeping the teeth stable and forming a barrier between the oral cavity and the bloodstream.
- The oral cavity is vulnerable to bacteria due to its warm and moist environment, but if the pH is right, bad bacteria are killed off.
- Proper oral care, including supporting the proper bacteria and eliminating bad bacteria, can encourage remineralization and support gum health.
- Neglecting oral health can lead to periodontal disease, which is associated with serious health issues such as Alzheimer's and cardiac health problems.

- AG1 is a vitamin mineral probiotic drink that contains adaptogens.
- The speaker started taking AG1 in 2012 and continues to take it daily to meet vitamin and mineral quotas and support gut health.
- Gut health is important for the immune system and brain functioning.
- AG1 provides specific micronutrients that are hard to get from whole foods.
- The speaker recommends AG1 as a supplement that supports mental health, physical health, and performance.

- Cavities are caused by bacteria that feed on sugar and produce acid.
- The main bacteria that causes cavities is called streptococcus mutans (strep mutans).
- Strep mutans is communicable and can be passed through sharing glasses, bottles, and kissing.
- Cavities form when the acid produced by bacteria demineralizes the tooth.
- The key to reducing cavities is to reduce the amount of strep mutans and acid in the mouth.

- The re-mineralization process in teeth involves the formation of strong bonds between minerals, particularly hydroxyapatite.
- Fluoride can replace some of these bonds and make them even stronger, which is why it is added to drinking water and toothpaste.
- There is a polarized debate about fluoride, with some concerns about its potential negative effects on thyroid and brain health.
- Filtering tap water can remove fluoride if there are concerns about its presence.
- Increasing the remineralization state of teeth without relying on fluoride is an alternative approach to maintaining oral health.

- InsideTracker is a personalized nutrition platform that analyzes data from blood and DNA to help understand the body and reach health goals.
- Regular blood work is important for understanding factors that impact immediate and long-term health.
- InsideTracker provides a personalized platform to see levels of metabolic factors, lipids, hormones, etc., and offers specific directives for nutrition, behavioral modification, and supplements to optimize those levels.
- To try InsideTracker, visit insidetracker.com/Huberman for a 20% discount on any plan.

- The transcript discusses the importance of maintaining a remineralization state in the mouth for tooth and gum health.
- It highlights the negative effects of alcohol on oral health, including disruption of the microbiome and demineralization of teeth.
- Stimulants, such as Adderall and Vyvanse, can also negatively impact oral health by changing the pH of saliva and encouraging mouth breathing.
- Smoking, vaping, and dipping tobacco are detrimental to oral health and can lead to gum tissue degradation and increased risk of cancer.
- Sugar and acidic foods should be consumed in moderation, and rinsing the mouth with water after consumption is recommended.

How to Improve Oral Health & It's Critical Role in Brain & Body Health