The Importance of Oral Health
Oral health impacts gut health, which impacts approximately 80% of our immune health. The mouth houses around 700 kinds of organisms creating a complex microbial community. It is estimated that we swallow 1 liter of saliva a day so you can see how the state of our oral microbiome impacts our collective health.
A poor oral microbiome can contribute to autoimmune disorders, cancer, infertility, mental illness, and more.
Some simple ways to repair our oral microbiome include:
avoiding harsh mouthwashes
using floss that does not contain PFAS, plastic, or artificial flavor
eating whole, nutrient-rich foods
Creating Healthy Habits
BABIES
Encourage babies to explore with their mouths for oral motor-sensory development
Introduce open cups early
Open cups are ideal for proper oral development. They help correct tongue positioning that allows the jaws to grow properly. They also foster hand eye coordination. We began offering the EZPZ open cup during meals. Around 9 months, we began using a straw for on-the-go and between meals. Short straws also allow for proper oral development.
Tip: Avoid sippy cups and 360 cups.
Toddlers
Once a few teeth erupt, the AAPD & AAP guideline is to use a rice or smear sized amount of toothpaste for kids under 3 years old, and a pea sized amount for kids 3 and up.
Additionally, reading books about brushing teeth…
reduces stress and anxiousness kids may have
makes it more enjoyable
teaches them good habits
and helps kids see themselves in books and relate/connect to the characters
Increase Cooperation
Singing songs help kids understand there is a beginning, middle, and end to the activity.
This song can be sung to the tune of row, row, row your boat:
Brush, brush, brush your teeth
Brush them everydayyy.
Brush, brush, brush your teeth.
Brush the germs away. (or sing ‘brush them twice a day’)
The Truth About Fluoride
The EPA, Lancet, and Harvard consider Fluoride to be a harmful neurotoxin that can adversely affect the brain through both direct and indirect means.
It seems absolutely bonkers to me that this topic is often censored, considering it is so heavily researched. Here’s the thing: I’m here to advocate for children to give them a thriving childhood. The human brain grows more rapidly during the first five years of life than at any other time. Their neurological development is of the utmost importance to their learning, development, and future health.
67 studies have linked Fluoride with reduced IQ in children.
Research has found Fluoride interferes with the endocrine system, increases the risk of impaired brain function, and doubles the risk of hypothyroidism
Studies confirm Fluoride ingestion can cause harm to pregnant women and neurotoxicity to developing fetuses.
Fluoride facilitates the entry of aluminum into the brain. The presence of aluminum fluoride in the brain has been linked to Alzheimers.
A study found chronic Fluoride exposure contributes to Autism, “the fastest growing developmental disability in the last two decades in all countries over the world.”
Fluoride “does not have any known essential function in human physiology and development. No signs of Fluoride deficiency have been identified.” (Strunecka, 2019)
More people drink artificial Fluoride water in the US than all other countries combined.
Studies have found there is no difference in tooth decay between western nations that have Fluoride their water and those that don’t.
Fluoride can be found in toothpaste, dental treatments, drinking water, and medications.
Safer, Effective Swaps
Toothpaste
Hydroxyapatite, which is naturally occurring - 97% of your teeth enamel & 60% of your bones – is a safer toothpaste option.
Studies show hydroxyapatite works just as well, if not better at remineralizing and building teeth enamel and there are NO safety issues.
Risewell offers clinically proven protection, no artificial colors/flavors/preservatives, is paraben-free and SLS & sulfate-free. Not to mention it leaves a smooth, clean minty feeling I’ve found hard to come by with other nontoxic toothpastes. My girls are utterly obsessed with the taste of the kids toothpaste, which makes brushing teeth a delight, rather than a chore.
More Safer Swaps
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I've linked to these products purely because I recommend them wholeheartedly and they are from companies I use and trust.
I am not a doctor and this information should not be considered personalized medical advice. Only you are responsible for your own health.
