I simply acquired again from back-to-back journey: first a household marriage ceremony in New York, then per week in Iceland with my center daughter and my spouse.
My center daughter, my spouse, and I spent our days chasing waterfalls, mountaineering by way of mossy lava fields, and photographing Icelandic horses at golden hour.
All over the place I’m going, I’m looking out for useful dentistry. Iceland didn’t disappoint. They don’t use the phrase “useful,” however the rules are alive and nicely: diet-first, prevention-based, whole-body care.
The nation has one of many lowest DMFT (decayed, lacking, crammed tooth) ratios on this planet, and no water fluoridation.
Free dental care till age 18. Almost 80% of the inhabitants sees a dentist yearly—practically double the speed we see within the U.S., the place entry, price, and consciousness nonetheless get in the best way for much too many.
Right here in Iceland, you don’t hear the phrase “useful”—however the method is unmistakable.
They perceive the impression of fish-rich diets, excessive mineral content material in water, and easy, constant habits. I tasted one of the best “potato chip” of my life—although it wasn’t manufactured from potatoes. Simply salted cod—two elements, crisped to perfection. The only snack on the island turned out to be probably the most unforgettable.
They’ve acquired fewer than 400,000 individuals in the entire nation, however in some way they’ve made a dental care mannequin that’s world-class, preventative, and airway-first. That has actually caught with me.
If you wish to discover a like-minded supplier close to you, my Purposeful Dentist Listing is an efficient place to begin. Subsequent month, I’m instructing a Foundations of Purposeful Dentistry for any dentist —hit reply for particulars on how to enroll.
Journey at all times jogs my memory how a lot routine issues—and the way laborious it may be to stay along with your non-negotiables on the street. However a number of habits (and some merchandise) got here with me. I wished to share those that made this journey higher.
1) This fluoride-filtering water bottle (hyperlink)
This comes with me on each journey—resort sinks, airport fountains, even espresso store faucet water. I used it each day in New York. Iceland’s water was pure sufficient to skip it, however that’s the exception. Most locations I journey, I don’t assume the water’s clear—even bottled water can have PFAS or fluoride. This bottle retains it easy: fill, filter, drink.
2) This magnesium mix (hyperlink)
Iceland’s lengthy days (sundown was previous 11PM) made it laborious to wind down. This helped.
Two capsules earlier than mattress. That’s all it takes. Magnesium Breakthrough made an enormous distinction on this journey—serving to me go to sleep even with Iceland’s 11PM sunsets and retaining post-hike leg cramps at bay. It’s one of many few dietary supplements I by no means skip when touring. So many individuals are stunned to study that magnesium performs a key position in dental well being. It’s a co-pilot for calcium, serving to it get to the place it must go. Which means higher enamel and fewer cavities.
3) This whey protein powder (hyperlink)
Our motels had continental breakfasts. They didn’t at all times have protein.
I introduced this. Simply two scoops in water or milk made an awesome breakfast with 26 grams of protein. It’s filling, digestible, and travels nicely.
4) These hint minerals (hyperlink)
Between scorching springs and lengthy hikes, we had been continuously sweating. I added a number of drops to my water bottle each morning. Minerals aren’t non-compulsory once you’re mountaineering all day and transferring all day within the chilly air and wind.
5) This xylitol gum (hyperlink)
Glad PPL gum is not round, however I introduced two nice replacements with me—each are microplastic-free and linked in my Amazon store. Journey and jet lag = unpredictable meals and snacking. Xylitol gum helps buffer the impression by neutralizing acids between brushing and flossing periods and supporting a wholesome oral microbiome. One randomized managed research even discovered it considerably decreased cavity-causing micro organism in youngsters who chewed it every day (supply). That is actually the best hack in the event you (or your youngsters) are cavity-prone.
6) This journey toothbrush (hyperlink)
Nonetheless one of the best design for journey. It folds into its personal deal with. No case wanted. And it doesn’t get moist or squashed in your dopp equipment. Many years in the past I switched to this toothbrush for journey, and it’s nonetheless one in every of my favourite brushes.
7) This oral microbiome check (hyperlink)
I walked right into a Reykjavik pharmacy and was blown away—OTC assessments for vitamin D, A1C, CRP, and extra, all out there with no prescription. Iceland will get it. In Iceland, prevention is a part of the infrastructure—identical to clear water or protected sidewalks. This jogged my memory of Bristle, a mail-in oral microbiome check that I’m the scientific advisor for. This check offers you actual knowledge and actionable insights in your oral and systemic well being. When you’ve ever questioned what’s really happening in your mouth—what sort of micro organism reside there, how they’re impacting the remainder of your physique—this provides you actual solutions. It’s the form of device I want extra individuals knew existed.
I do know your inbox is full, so thanks for studying all the best way to the top. I at all times love listening to what works for you—what you pack, what you by no means skip, what routines maintain up throughout time zones.
I’m grateful you’re right here and that this connection between the mouth and the remainder of the physique resonates with you—it nonetheless amazes me, even in any case these years.
All my greatest to you and your households,
Dr. B
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