mouth hygiene guide HOMEMADE HEALTHY MOUTH Oral Routines & Recipes Hi, I’m Shivan Sarna, the host of the Dental-Health Connection Summit. My interest in oral and dental health began before I was born: it was my mom’s dentist, who told her she was pregnant with me after a routine cleaning! In childhood, my dental care was standard for the time: conventional toothpaste and a few mercury amalgam fillings. Fast forward to after college, and I had my first job working in Public Relations. I was assigned to the controversial but groundbreaking dentist Dr. Hal Huggins’ book, and was introduced for the first time to the potential health issues of mercury amalgam fillings. It made such an impact on me that I had my mercury amalgam fillings removed (sadly, not the right way!)
Later on, I watched my own mom struggle with
losing her own teeth in her 50s, even though she had great oral hygiene. It was devastating to her to have dentures so early in life. In contrast was my dad, who at the time of his death in his 80s still had all his teeth. What Shivan Sarna was the difference? I wasn’t sure then, but I knew I needed to figure it out if I wanted to keep my own teeth.
Then, my gut issues started. That’s not exactly true - I’ve had a sensitive stomach since childhood. But about 10 years ago, my “sensitive stomach” went from annoying to unbearable, and I started seriously seeking answers. I was first diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and later SIBO - Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth. I made huge improvements with changes to my diet and
lifestyle, but my health still wasn’t 100%. That’s when I decided to take a step I had heard about from some of the hundreds of experts I had interviewed about gut health: figuring out what was going on with my mouth!
That started me on a whole new journey to heal my mouth. I met with dentists - conventional and biological - and had a root canal removed, changed out all my oral hygiene products, and even had surgery to repair 2 cavitations, which are silent infections in the jaw. I make a living with my smile as a TV host, so there was a lot riding on this! While it certainly wasn’t an overnight transformation, the difference was real. I had more energy, a happier gut, and other long-time symptoms improved, too. It was an example of what I like to call “whole body dentistry.'' I was making changes in my mouth, but feeling it in my whole body.
But that isn’t to say it was easy: I made some BIG mistakes along the way. My fillings weren’t safely removed - and neither was my root canal (even though I was going to great dentists!) I realized that, just like I had with my gut issues, if I wanted to really heal my mouth - and do it the right way - I was going to have to find the leading experts to show me the way.
And that’s exactly what I’ve done to create the Dental-Health Connection Summit! More than 40 experts - including dentists, dental hygienists, MDs, NDs, DOs, and more, sharing their wisdom on not only healing the mouth, but keeping it healthy. And it’s all FREE for you to watch!
To help you get started, here are tips and homemade oral hygiene recipes shared from the experts for you to try today.
Here’s to a happy, healthy mouth and a beautiful, safe smile!
part 1: the basics HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BRUSH Most experts recommend brushing two to three times daily, and flossing at least once. If, for some reason, you’re only going to brush once per day, make it at night.
WHAT TYPE OF BRUSH IS BEST
Most experts agree: any kind of electric toothbrush is better than a manual toothbrush. For those with sensitive gums, a brush with a round brush head may help limit brushing contact with gums. Otherwise, buy the best electric toothbrush your budget allows (and don’t forget to change the brush head when needed.)
SHOULD I FLOSS OR WATER IRRIGATE
If you hate flossing, try water irrigation instead. A special device sprays a stream of water between the teeth, reaching under the gums and in between teeth without the discomfort of flossing. Many experts even say water irrigating is superior to flossing! See Part 2 of this guide for what to add to your water irrigating routine.
part 1: the basics ARE CONVENTIONAL TOOTHPASTES BAD The sad truth about many toothpastes is that they contain harsh chemicals, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors, and other low-quality ingredients. You can find some store-bought pastes that don’t contain these ingredients… or try one of the DIY, all- natural ideas in this book.
WHAT ABOUT MOUTHWASH?
Alcohol-based mouthwashes are like antibiotics for your mouth: they wipe out both the good and bad bacteria, and can contribute to oral microbiome dysbiosis. Instead of mouthwash, try oil pulling - described in Part 2!
Part 2: DIY Oral Hygiene Recipes
For Brushing: Try brushing with For Water Irrigators: Try adding a baking soda or diluted hydrogen small amount (1-2 teaspoons) of peroxide. If you prefer to brush with a hydrogen peroxide to the water in paste, mix baking soda with coconut the tank of your water irrigator. oil. You can add 1 drop of natural essential oil, such as peppermint or clove.
Part 2: DIY Oral Hygiene Recipes For Whitening/Polishing: Mix 1 Oil Pulling: After brushing and tablespoon baking soda and 1 flossing and/or water irrigating, try oil teaspoon hydrogen peroxide. Leave pulling 2-3 times per week. Take uncovered so that the hydrogen about 1 tablespoon of coconut or peroxide can evaporate. Brush with sesame oil and swish it in your mouth the baking soda/evaporated for 5-15 minutes. Coconut oil is hydrogen peroxide once per month pesprically beneficial because of its to whiten and polish. Or, try brushing natural antimicrobial properties. You with activated charcoal - just be may add 1-2 drops of essential oils, warned, it gets messy! as well.
For Deep Cleaning: Want that just- ***Don’t Do THIS When Oil Pulling! left-the-dentist feeling? Brush with When you’re done oil pulling, do NOT baking soda, creating a paste with spit the oil into your sink, toilet, or baking soda and water that clings to shower. Spit into the trash instead. Oil the teeth. Then, rinse with organic will quickly clog your pipes! Apple Cider Vinegar. Yes, your mouth will foam, so be prepared!
