Now that we realize how important oral health is, what can we do?
Let’s just say this has not been my favorite literature to review. The importance of oral health for overall health is still dawning for much of the general public (and many scientists). There are plenty of good papers validating the links of oral dysbiosis to many different and seemingly unrelated organ systems, but the quality of studies that address just what needs to be done to improve or maintain oral health is rather variable. But I have been able to glean some themes. They are not surprising, probably, but I add them here for anyone who may need more motivation to stay on top of oral hygiene, or who has patients or clients with conditions that might be affected by the consequences of oral dysbiosis and may need tips.
- Teeth need to be brushed twice a day, and some kind of “interdental” cleaning should be done at least once a day (Bertelsen 2022, Worthington 2019).
- “Interdental cleaning” means flossing or using an “oral irrigating” device such as a Waterpik. I did not find reliable differences in efficacy between the two; both are effective for cleaning (Bertelsen 2022, Worthington 2019).
- Among toothbrush types, electric toothbrushes are more effective at cleaning teeth without causing damage to the tooth enamel or gums (Kumar 2025).
- Toothpicks are not as effective for “interdental cleaning” for preventing gum bleeding (gingivitis) (Bertelsen 2022). Mouthwash did not make much of a difference either (Bertelsen 2022), although James et al. (2017), in a meta-analysis, found a slight benefit when mouthwash is used along with brushing.
- High-carbohydrate diets (especially refined carbohydrates) have long been linked to poor oral health, as have low-fat diets. High-protein diets are also listed as bad for oral health. It seems that the best strategy is the boring old balanced diet. Overall, the Mediterranean diet strategy, as for the rest of the gut, seems best for overall oral health (Popovac 2025).
- What about alternative oral hygiene practices, such as brushing with “activated charcoal” toothpaste? Apparently, these toothpastes are not more abrasive than regular toothpastes, so they seem safe, but there are concerns that these toothpastes don’t contain fluoride and therefore will not improve or maintain tooth enamel hardness (Zoller 2023).
- What about “oil pulling” (an ancient Ayurvedic practice of gargling with oil) with coconut oil? Although there are many claims of benefits for clean teeth and controlling bacteria, a recent meta-analysis found no effects on plaque or gum health (Peng 2022).