Everybody’s speaking about morning routines—however most of them skip the mouth (in fact).
If you happen to’ve ever questioned what I truly do earlier than 9 a.m.—as a dentist who’s spent 40+ years occupied with the oral microbiome, who has a little bit of gum recession, some dental work to take care of and take care of, and a deep respect for doing the fundamentals effectively—that is it.
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That is each product I take advantage of earlier than 9am…
Very first thing I do: Tongue scraping
The very first thing I do—earlier than espresso, earlier than anything—is scrape my tongue.
This is without doubt one of the strongest, underrated, zero-cost well being habits you possibly can construct. It reduces the bacterial load in your mouth, freshens your breath, helps forestall cavities, helps digestion, and makes meals style higher.
I take advantage of a easy stainless-steel scraper (just like the one we promote at Fygg, however truthfully, any stainless-steel U-shaped one will work). Get a tongue scraper and by no means spend cash on mouthwash once more.
→ Watch my 30-min video on tongue scraping
My morning dietary supplements
Within the ‘90s, I informed my sufferers to keep away from fats. We did the identical residence—soy milk for our youngsters, a lot of pasta, no crimson meat. I even tried being vegan for some time. I assumed I used to be doing the appropriate factor.
We now know these tips weren’t primarily based in proof. And chopping fats from our diets turned out to be a catastrophe—what we received as an alternative was a wave of seed oils, sugar, and ultra-processed carbs resulting in irritation, weight problems, diabetes…
At this time, my plate appears very totally different: uncooked milk, grass-fed butter, crimson meat, oily fish together with anchovies and halibut, sheep’s cheese, pasture-raised eggs. And sure—fats dietary supplements.
One complement I’ve added to my routine lately is Fatty15, a pure type of C15:0—a wholesome fats now believed to be important, like omega-3s. Some early research counsel it helps scale back irritation and help your cells as you age. It’s compelling sufficient that I take it day by day now.
After age 30, our our bodies begin to break down as a result of more and more fragile cells and fewer environment friendly mitochondria. By our 40s, these change may end up in continual well being situations, together with extra prescription drugs to deal with the signs of these continual well being situations. One thing I really feel very privileged to say is that, at age 66, I’m not on any prescription drugs, I’ve solely ever had one surgical procedure (a knee surgical procedure) and I really feel more healthy than I did after I was 36. Supplementing C15:0 once you’re youthful might assist hold your physique extra resilient towards aging-related breakdown. The science remains to be rising however it’s compelling sufficient the place I’ve began taking it each morning. Right here’s the one I take together with the remainder of my morning stack.
Oil pulling (2–3 min)
Sure, I oil pull. I take advantage of MCT oil from coconut. Oil pulling reduces cavity-causing micro organism, helps with staining, gingival irritation, oral microbiome reconditioning, and feels nice as soon as it turns into a part of your rhythm. I swish for a few minutes after brushing. That’s sufficient to get the advantages with out making it a chore.
Key factors:
- All the time brush earlier than you oil pull
- Swish gently
- Spit into the trash, not the sink
The $25 toothbrush I take advantage of (and why I believe the $120 model is pointless)
I take advantage of the bottom mannequin Sonicare 2100. It’s below $25, however right here’s the important thing: it has the very same motor and cleansing know-how because the $120 DiamondClean. Meaning you’re getting the identical brushing energy, with out paying for extras like Bluetooth, strain sensors, or journey instances.
What truly issues is the heart—and the heart are an identical throughout fashions. So until you just like the bells and whistles, follow the bottom mannequin. It will get the job carried out simply in addition to the dearer fashions. Ah, advertising!
If you happen to’re below 40 years previous, eat a lot of carbs, or are likely to get heavy plaque buildup or stains, then I’d advocate you go along with Oral-B as a result of oscillatory brushes are higher at managing these issues.
Both approach, all you want is the bottom mannequin of both the Sonicare or Oral-B.
The one factor I do in another way is toss the comb head it comes with and swap in a delicate head (Amazon hyperlink)—I by no means use the pinnacle that comes within the field with the toothbrush—it’s not delicate sufficient, for my part.
Find out how to use an electrical toothbrush accurately:
- All the time use the bottom setting
- Use a lightweight pencil grip—not a fist
- Let the comb do the work—no scrubbing, no sawing forwards and backwards movement
- Don’t overdo it. Overbrushing causes recession and even cavities
- If you happen to don’t wish to spend further for bells and whistles like a strain sensor, do what I do: simply brush along with your non-dominant hand
Toothpaste
Fygg is the toothpaste method I’ve been engaged on since my very first DIY toothpaste recipe created for publication subscribers such as you again in 2016! Fygg is my satisfaction and pleasure and every part I imagine toothpaste ought to be—microbiome-safe, fluoride-free, and remineralizing. The title “Fygg” stands for “feed your good guys” and I hope you’ll be part of us on this motion to cease sanitizing the mouth and killing 99.9% of micro organism, and begin nourishing this unimaginable oral microbiome we now have that impacts well being in each a part of the physique.
Additionally, I’m brushing earlier than espresso and breakfast, by no means afterwards. Why? As a result of brushing proper after consuming—particularly acidic issues like espresso or fruit—can truly injury your enamel. Your saliva wants time to buffer the pH in your mouth first. Brushing too quickly actually scrubs away tooth enamel. This is without doubt one of the best, high-impact habits for safeguarding your enamel and decreasing danger of cavities, gum recession, and sensitivity. And, when you do wish to brush after a meal, wait not less than 30-45 minutes!
Flossing (and why I take advantage of a stick)
I take advantage of an electrical flossing stick each morning. It’s PFAS-free and helps scale back waste in comparison with single-use sticks. If you happen to hate flossing, you’re not alone, and I extremely advocate making an attempt a flossing stick—whether or not it’s the pricier electrical flosser (my favourite) or the funds model (which I additionally love).
It’s one-handed, simple to make use of, and you may scroll your telephone whereas doing it. I’m all about making flossing EASY, and the truth is that most individuals don’t floss as a result of it’s such a chore to wrap it round your fingers and stick your fingers in your mouth. So, use a flossing stick.
Don’t skip your nostril!
You didn’t suppose I’d pass over nasal well being, did you? Xylitol nasal spray is a part of my morning as a result of nasal respiration is foundational to oral well being. It retains the mouth closed by encouraging nasal respiration and the pH of the mouth balanced.
This one is the one I take advantage of; it combines xylitol and saline to scale back pathogens, clear allergens, and help a wholesome nasal microbiome—with out the rebound results of OTC sprays.
That’s every part I take advantage of earlier than 9 a.m—a morning routine rooted in science, simplicity, and consistency. If even one small change from this checklist turns into your new behavior, it might shift your well being trajectory. Begin with the one which feels best. Small wins construct momentum.
This coming Monday (or maybe Tuesday, given the vacation right here within the U.S.) I’m doing a deep dive on root canals. Hit reply along with your questions!
– Mark
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