What if the health of your mouth directly affected the health of your heart?
Today’s sponsor, BIOptimizers, makes my top-rated magnesium supplement—click here to unlock Black Friday discounts and gifts with purchase using code ASKTHEDENTIST.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a small molecule with a big impact. It helps keep blood vessels flexible, supports steady blood pressure, and influences memory, immunity, and sleep. Crucially, a significant portion of your body’s ability to produce nitric oxide begins in the mouth.
The oral microbiome—the diverse community of bacteria in your mouth—is the starting point for NO production. Unfortunately, many common habits unintentionally damage that ecosystem.
How We Sabotage Nitric Oxide Production
Three everyday habits can harm your oral microbiome and reduce nitric oxide production:
- Antibacterial mouthwash: These products can kill the bacteria needed for nitric oxide synthesis.
- Mouth breathing: Breathing through the mouth bypasses the nose, where some NO production begins, and it can dry out the mouth.
- Essential oils and surfactants in dental products: Emulsifiers, surfactants, and certain essential oils can repeatedly disrupt the oral microbiome, preventing beneficial bacteria from thriving.
These behaviors don’t just influence oral health—they can affect cardiovascular health, brain function, and overall wellbeing.
Practical Steps to Support Nitric Oxide (and Your Health)
Protecting your oral microbiome helps maintain healthy nitric oxide levels. Try these practical steps:
- Avoid antibacterial mouthwash. Choose an oral care routine that’s friendly to the microbiome.
- Breathe through your nose. Consider gentle methods like mouth taping at night to encourage nasal breathing and support NO production.
- Use a tongue scraper. Regular tongue scraping helps maintain a balanced oral microbiome and supports nitric oxide pathways.
- Eat nitrate-rich foods. Leafy greens, beets, and arugula provide dietary nitrates that boost nitric oxide.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity promotes nitric oxide release, improving circulation and oxygen delivery.
- Use Fygg toothpaste. This toothpaste is formulated to nourish the oral microbiome—part of what I prioritized during its development.
Read more on my website about ways to support healthy nitric oxide levels.
My Personal Nitric Oxide Hack
Once I understood the link between nitric oxide and oral health, I noticed many patients were unintentionally undermining their wellbeing. I began adding simple nitric oxide–supporting habits to my own routine and recommending them to others.
One favorite habit is a nutrient-dense daily salad that supports both the oral and gut microbiomes. It’s easy, delicious, and rich in ingredients that promote nitric oxide:
My Daily Go-to Salad Recipe:
- Chop endive, frisée, arugula, and radicchio into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the greens in a resealable bag and add a generous amount of olive oil.
- Seal and gently massage the bag so the oil coats the leaves, then refrigerate to chill.
- Transfer to a bowl and add roasted walnuts or candied pecans for texture and healthy fats.
- Finish with thinly sliced aged provolone or blue cheese. For added protein, try a simple tuna or salmon salad.
If you try this salad, I’d love to hear how you like it.
Protecting Your Oral Microbiome = Better Health
Caring for your oral microbiome goes beyond cleaner teeth and fresher breath. It supports cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and overall vitality.
If you want a dentist who approaches care from this perspective, find one in my Functional Dentist Directory.
For more newsletters and articles like this, visit AsktheDentist.com.
Warmly,
Dr. Mark Burhenne
P.S. Start your journey to better oral health with my favorite magnesium supplement—click here to unlock Black Friday discounts and gifts with purchase using code ASKTHEDENTIST.