Oral biohacking is a science-based approach to wellness that treats the mouth as a primary gateway to the rest of the body. By optimizing your dental care with holistic treatments, you can improve the health of your digestive system, immune function, and even your brain.
What Is Biohacking?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, biohacking “is the art and science of maximizing human performance by making intentional changes in lifestyle and environment to maximize mind, body, and emotional health.”
Understanding the Connection Between Your Mouth and the Rest of Your Body
The mouth is deeply connected to the rest of the human body by way of the digestive system. This allows oral bacteria and inflammatory markers to travel from the gums to the bloodstream, which in turn raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.
Further Reading: Mouth & Body Connection – How Your Oral and Overall Health Are Related
How to Biohack Your Mouth with the Help of a Holistic Dentist
Forbes highlights the key role that a holistic dentist plays in oral biohacking. These special professionals offer natural treatments, advanced diagnostics, oral microbiome testing, safe mercury filling removal, and deep cleaning to remove harmful bacteria that can affect other parts of the body.
Other biohacking-compatible treatments may include:
- Probiotics to introduce healthy bacteria
- Prebiotics to feed good microbes
- Phytochemicals to break down harmful biofilms
- Bite rebalancing to prevent physical damage
- Blood platelets to promote tissue healing
- Frequency resonance therapy to reduce oxidative stress and encourage cellular repair
- Low-level light therapy to stimulate gum health
- Electromagnetic therapy to induce bone growth and reduce periodontal inflammation
DIY Ways to Biohack Your Mouth (and How It Improves Your Overall Health)
There are several other ways to biohack your mouth at home, like making changes to your diet, supplementing with vitamins and minerals, getting enough sleep, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Diet
- Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water helps flush out harmful bacteria and encourages healthy saliva production.
- Eat whole, organic foods. Swapping processed foods for fruits, vegetables, and lean meats can improve your gut microbiome and reduce uncomfortable symptoms.
- Limit the amount of sugar you eat. Sugar feeds unwanted bacteria in your mouth and gut, which contributes to the formation of cavities and increases inflammation throughout your body.
- Supplement with vitamins. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health, which includes your teeth. Taking daily calcium and vitamin D supplements are a great way to biohack your teeth from the inside out.
Sleep
Getting quality sleep is key to your overall health. If you struggle with sleep apnea, a holistic dentist can prescribe an oral appliance that you wear at night to keep your airway open. This reduces pauses in breathing and helps you get the rest you need for optimal wellness.
Further Reading: Sleep Apnea: Warning Signs & Treatments That Work
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is one of the most important parts of biohacking your mouth. This is what keeps the levels of bad bacteria down on a daily basis and prevents harmful inflammation markers from entering your body through your stomach and small intestine.
How to Improve Your Oral Hygiene Naturally
You can improve your oral hygiene naturally by developing a few simple daily habits like brushing at least twice a day, flossing after meals, and using an alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Brush your teeth gently using a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste containing natural ingredients. Brushing too hard can cause tiny cuts to form on your gums, causing damage.
- Floss after each meal to prevent food from getting stuck in between your teeth where it can start to decay and harbor bacteria.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash periodically to freshen your breath without drying out delicate gum tissue or disrupting the oral microbiome.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Namrata Patel Now to Get Started
If you’re ready to experience optimal health, Dr. Patel at Green Dentistry can help. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment for a holistic dental exam by calling (415) 625-7860 or booking your appointment online.
