The health of our mouth is far more important than most of us realize. Dental disease is costly, painful and can disrupt daily life. But, more than that- oral health is connected to overall health and well-being. 

The mouth is the primary pathway to the digestive tract, and therefore body. Emerging research has been validating what has been known in the holistic space for quite some time: there is a crucial relationship between the health of the mouth and the health of the body (1) 

As it turns out, the cornerstone to dental health, and therefore overall health is something called the oral microbiome- the collection of bacteria that populate the oral cavity (2) 

Just as there has been a shift in general health from the conventional model to more of a holistic model- we are seeing the same in dentistry. 

This shift centres around swapping out conventional dental products to dental products that support the oral microbiome- while providing the mouth with the nutrients needed for tooth and gum health 

How Dental Health Affects Overall Health 

Research has linked poor oral health to an increased risk of an ever-evolving list of chronic conditions such as: 

• Cardiovascular disease

• Rheumatoid arthritis and  other autoimmune diseases

• Alzheimer's

• Diabetes

• Respiratory illness

• A variety of cancers 

And there’s good reason- the mouth is home to a diverse community of bacteria, called the oral microbiome. And these microbes serve several necessary functions from preventing plaque build up to protecting the gums (3)

The caveat is, a poor oral environment can allow harmful bacteria to multiply, crowding out the good bacteria leading to: 

• Cavities 

• Inflamed gums

• Periodontal disease

•  Root canals 

• Weak teeth

• Tooth extractions 

• Bad breath. 

Unfortunately, conventional dental products such as toothpastes and mouth washes promote this bacterial imbalance, clinically termed, dysbiosis (4). 

When there is an overgrowth of the harmful bacteria, they don’t just wreak havoc in the mouth, they enter into circulation where they travel around the body- disrupting normal physiological function and prompt immune and inflammatory responses. This is a major reason for the connection between bad dental health and poor health. 

How to Prevent Cavities and Dental Disease 

Traditional oral care that consists of brushing, flossing and gargling with conventional products isn’t sufficient for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

From a holistic lens, supporting a healthy mouth involves balancing the oral microbiome and ensuring adequate intake of the nutrients that make teeth and gums less susceptible to cavities, inflammation and disease. 

To sum it up, great dental health is dependent on what is on our plates and the quality of our oral care products.

Food for Dental Health 

There has been a longstanding and well-established connection between sugar and cavities- but the relationship between diet and oral health runs much deeper. 

Just like the rest of our body, our mouth requires nutrients to perform its innate physiological functions. A few examples: 

• Just like our bones, our teeth require minerals to keep them strong (5)

• Our gums are made out of connective tissue and need collagen to keep them intact (6)

• Salvia, a critical part of cavity prevention requires adequate hydration to be produced in sufficient amounts (7)

Nutrition is so important for dental health, that we can look at a healthy mouth as a reflection of a well nourished body. 

A few general dietary rules for supporting dental health: 

• Focus on getting enough of the fat soluble vitamins A,D,E & K - these are essential to keep teeth strong, ensure the enamel plus jaw bone stays healthy and  interestingly they control inflammation in the gums (8).

Fun fact: vitamin D regulates the production of antimicrobial compounds to keep harmful bacteria at bay directly the mouth! Our favotire vitamin D drops are by AOR- check them out here 

• Your gums are made mostly of collagen, and vitamin C is the key nutrient your body needs to build it. In fact, studies show that higher vitamin C levels can help protect against receding gums and periodontal disease. Load up on vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers. And since vitamin C plays a role in so many essential functions (not just gum health!), adding a high-quality supplement can make a big difference. Our go-to? Lypo-Spheric® Liposomal Vitamin C, for targeted support that gets where it needs to go.

Go Holistic: Opt for Natural Toothpaste 

Conventional oral care often overlooks the complex ecosystem within the mouth. Its primary goal has been to eliminate bacteria using harsh antimicrobial agents.

The problem? These agents don’t discriminate- they wipe out both harmful and beneficial bacteria, disrupting the natural balance essential for a healthy oral microbiome. This imbalance can lead to long-term issues, including a less resilient and more disease-prone mouth.

This antimicrobial approach is quickly becoming outdated. That’s where holistic dental products come in. By simply switching to a toothpaste that supports your oral microbiome, you could positively influence the trajectory of your overall health. 

What Is Natural Toothpaste?

Natural toothpaste is formulated without harsh chemicals or synthetic additives. Instead, it uses ingredients derived from nature, like plant extracts, minerals, and essential oils to gently cleanse the teeth, support the oral microbiome, and promote gum health without disrupting the mouth’s natural balance.

Choosing a non-toxic, fluoride-free toothpaste is a great first step toward optimizing dental health, whether you're focused on prevention or addressing existing issues.

But not all holistic toothpastes are created equal. While fluoride-free toothpaste is widely available, there’s much more to consider when selecting a safe and effective natural toothpaste.

Here’s what to look for in a natural toothpaste:

• Also Free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and triclosan: These harsh chemicals can irritate the gums and disrupt the oral microbiome.

• Rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients: Ingredients such as vitamin D&K, calcium and coenzyme Q10 help nourish and strengthen the gums and enamel.

• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds: Botanicals such as spearmint, lemon and cranberry act as a prebitoic to feed the good bacteria in the oral cavity 

Curious where to find such a toothpaste? Revitin toothpaste checks all these boxes and more. Developed by biological dentist Dr. Gerry Curatola after 15 years of research. Revitin is a prebiotic toothpaste formulated with nutrients backed by science to support dental health like vitamins C, D, and CoQ10. It’s also clinically validated to improve oral health by supporting a balanced and resilient oral microbiome.

Why Make the Switch to Revitin Toothpaste?

Revitin is a fluoride-free toothpaste clinically shown to strengthen enamel, support a healthy oral microbiome, and naturally whiten teeth. Backed by science, it helps reduce the risk of gum disease and represents one of the most significant advancements in over-the-counter dental care in the past 60 years.

Unlike conventional toothpastes that aim to kill all bacteria, Revitin works with your body by supporting beneficial microbes, helping to restore balance in the mouth and promote whole-body wellness. Make the switch and experience a new standard in oral care, you’ll notice the difference, and so will your dentist & maybe even your doctor.

Learn more here. Be sure to download our factsheet located on the product page- it breaks down exactly how each ingredient works to give you a happy, healthy smile.!

References

1.Kapila YL. Oral health's inextricable connection to systemic health: Special populations bring to bear multimodal relationships and factors connecting periodontal disease to systemic diseases and conditions. Periodontol 2000. 2021 Oct;87(1):11-16. doi: 10.1111/prd.12398. PMID: 34463994; PMCID: PMC8457130.

2.Zhang JS, Chu CH, Yu OY. Oral Microbiome and Dental Caries Development. Dent J (Basel). 2022 Sep 30;10(10):184. doi: 10.3390/dj10100184. PMID: 36285994; PMCID: PMC9601200.

3.Peng, X., Cheng, L., You, Y. et al. Oral microbiota in human systematic diseases. Int J Oral Sci 14, 14 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41368-022-00163-7

4.Brookes Z, Teoh L, Cieplik F, Kumar P. Mouthwash Effects on the Oral Microbiome: Are They Good, Bad, or Balanced? Int Dent J. 2023 Nov;73 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S74-S81. doi: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.08.010. Epub 2023 Oct 17. PMID: 37867065; PMCID: PMC10690560.

5.https://stsmiles.com/blog/minerals-for-oral-health/

6.Schlee M, Ghanaati S, Willershausen I, Stimmlmayr M, Sculean A, Sader RA. Bovine pericardium based non-cross linked collagen matrix for successful root coverage, a clinical study in human. Head Face Med. 2012 Mar 5;8:6. doi: 10.1186/1746-160X-8-6. PMID: 22390875; PMCID: PMC3311137.

7.https://dentistryforyouokc.com/the-importance-of-hydration-for-oral-health/

8.Cagetti MG, Wolf TG, Tennert C, Camoni N, Lingström P, Campus G. The Role of Vitamins in Oral Health. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Feb 3;17(3):938. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17030938. PMID: 32028631; PMCID: PMC7037089.

Author: Lisa Kowalyk, CNP B.Kin