I just returned from consecutive trips: a family wedding in New York followed by a week in Iceland with my wife and our middle daughter. We spent our days chasing waterfalls, hiking across moss-covered lava fields, and photographing Icelandic horses at golden hour.
Wherever I travel, I look for thoughtful approaches to dental care. Iceland didn’t disappoint. They may not use the term “functional dentistry,” but the principles are clearly present: prevention-focused care, diet-first thinking, and attention to whole-body health. The country has one of the world’s lowest DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) ratios and no water fluoridation. Dental care is free until age 18, and nearly 80% of people visit a dentist every year—about double the typical U.S. rate, where cost, access, and awareness still limit care for many.
Icelanders understand how a fish-rich diet, mineral-rich water, and simple daily habits support oral and overall health. A small culinary highlight: I tasted the best “chip” I’ve ever had—salted cod crisped to perfection. Two ingredients, astonishing texture. With fewer than 400,000 residents, Iceland has developed a dental model that is preventive, community-focused, and airway-conscious. That model stayed with me long after we left.
If you’re looking for a provider who shares these values, my Functional Dentist Directory is a good place to start. Next month I’m teaching a Foundations of Functional Dentistry course for dentists who want to learn more—reply if you’d like sign-up details.
Travel always highlights how important routines are, and how hard it can be to keep them when you’re on the road. A few habits and a handful of products traveled with me and made the trip easier. Below are the items I relied on.
1) Fluoride-filtering water bottle
I carry this on every trip—hotel sinks, airport water fountains, and coffee shop taps. Iceland’s water was excellent so I didn’t need it there, but that’s the exception. In many places, bottled water can still contain fluoride or PFAS. This bottle makes hydration simple: fill, filter, drink.
2) Magnesium blend
In Iceland the sun set after 11 PM, which made winding down harder than usual. Two capsules before bed helped me sleep despite the long daylight and reduced post-hike leg cramps. I seldom skip this supplement while traveling. Magnesium supports not only sleep and muscle function but also dental health by helping calcium reach the right places, which supports enamel and can help reduce cavities.
3) Whey protein powder
Many hotels offered only continental breakfasts with limited protein options. Two scoops of a good whey powder mixed with water or milk provided about 26 grams of protein—easy, filling, and travel-friendly.
4) Trace minerals
After hot springs and long hikes, we were sweating a lot. I added a few drops of trace minerals to my water every morning. When you’re active in cold, windy conditions, replenishing minerals is important for performance and recovery.
5) Xylitol gum
Travel and jet lag often bring irregular meals and snacking. Xylitol gum buffers acid between brushing sessions and supports a healthier oral microbiome. It’s an easy, practical habit—especially for people or children prone to cavities.
6) Travel toothbrush
I use a folding travel toothbrush that becomes its own handle. It’s compact, doesn’t need a separate case, and resists getting crushed in a dopp kit. After years of travel, this design remains my favorite for convenience and hygiene.
7) Oral microbiome test
I was struck walking into a Reykjavik pharmacy and finding a wide range of over-the-counter health tests—vitamin D, A1C, CRP, and more—available without prescriptions. Prevention feels built into daily life there. This reminded me of Bristle, a mail-in oral microbiome test I advise for. It provides clear, actionable data about the bacteria in your mouth and how they may influence overall health. For anyone curious about what’s happening in their mouth, this kind of testing offers real insight.
Thank you for reading. I always enjoy hearing what routines and products others rely on while traveling—what you pack, what you never skip, and which habits hold up across time zones. I’m grateful you’re here and that the connection between oral health and whole-body health resonates with you—it still fascinates me after all these years.
All my best to you and your families,
Dr. B
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