Behaviors

Avoid chronic habitual use of strong mouthwashes, including chlorhexidine, because they can damage nitrate-reducing bacteria important for nitric oxide production and potentially raise blood pressure/cardiovascular risk.

Occasional use is fine, but avoid habitual use of gum, mints, and strong breath products because they may be damaging over time.

If possible, test the oral microbiome/saliva to identify pathogens and optimize health; when choosing a test, look for one using shotgun metagenomics rather than only limited PCR panels.

Chew and masticate real foods thoroughly rather than relying on soft, mushy, slurped foods; chewing supports facial development and airway health.

Start functional therapies/retainers as young as 3 or 4 years old to expand the face/palate, improve airway, and allow teeth to come in straight.

If mouth breathing is present, get evaluated by an airway-focused dentist and potentially an ENT/otolaryngologist to identify the cause.

Before mouth taping, first confirm you can breathe through your nose for three minutes without panicking by taping the lips or holding water in the mouth and timing it. If safe, start gradually: 5 minutes while doing a task, then 30 minutes watching a show, then 2 hours for a movie, then overnight. Open-center tape may feel less invasive and still allow off-gassing.

Look up and pucker strongly as if kissing the sky for 15 seconds per side, a couple times per day or whenever remembered, to strengthen internal neck muscles and support nasal breathing.

If using gum, chew it for a couple of minutes and throw it out rather than chewing for extended periods; avoid overdoing mastic gum because it can aggravate TMJ/temporomandibular dysfunction and jaw pain.

Breastfeeding may support facial development and airway health. If breastfeeding is not possible, there are other options to address these concerns.

Use ozone as an antimicrobial/antiviral/antifungal alternative to antibiotics in dental contexts; she uses gas, water, or ozonated oils in practice.

Use caution or avoid nicotine pouches because prolonged contact may contribute to leukoplakia, bone loss, gum recession, and decay; if used, get checked regularly by a dentist.

If using bleaching agents, do not overdo them because excessive bleaching can damage teeth, harm the pulp/nerve, and in extreme cases lead to abscesses or root canals.

Begin flossing as soon as any teeth touch; often by around age 2.5 the molars are touching and should be flossed.

Avoid brushing immediately after eating or drinking; wait 20–30 minutes to allow remineralization and reduce enamel abrasion. After vomiting, rinse the mouth, potentially with a little baking soda, rather than brushing right away.

If getting a new filling, try not to have mercury/amalgam placed; prefer composite, ideally a ceramic-based biomimetic material, and ceramic materials when possible.

If concerned about existing amalgam fillings, first get a blood test to assess mercury levels before deciding on removal.

She is an advocate of sealants on molars/grooves because they reduce cavity risk, especially in kids at higher risk.

After brushing, spit but do not vigorously rinse; let toothpaste remain on teeth and in saliva for some duration of action.

Improve overall diet quality as a core way to support metabolic and mitochondrial health; emphasized as foundational and more important than supplements.

Manage substance use by reducing, minimizing, eliminating, and not overusing harmful substances as part of lifestyle medicine.

Avoid high-dose stimulants because they are described as harmful to human health and can overstimulate mitochondria and increase reactive oxygen species.

Be mindful not to overstimulate metabolism or mitochondrial function with substances, as overstimulation can deplete mitochondria and increase reactive oxygen species.

If doing a ketogenic diet or fasting regimen, avoid starvation or deprivation of essential nutrition; ensure adequate calories and nutrients, and use a medically sound approach to optimize health and avoid harm.

Use five-day fasting-mimicking cycles several times per year; described as seeming to be fine and improving a wide range of health biomarkers.

If considering methylene blue, get it from a very reputable source.

If considering methylene blue, consume it in a way that makes sense and be mindful of side effects and risks, including staining and serotonin syndrome.

If vegan, tell your doctor, request a full assessment of vitamin and nutrient levels, and get levels checked at least annually during your physical; B12 is specifically emphasized.

Get B12 levels measured, especially if at risk for deficiency.

Before vaccination, make sure the person is healthy to reduce vulnerability; framed especially around children.