Oral Health
Dental health, oral microbiome, and gum disease
Interventions
Oil Pulling
Ayurvedic practice of swishing oil in the mouth for 15-20 minutes to improve oral hygiene and reduce harmful bacteria
Tongue Scraping
Using a metal or plastic scraper to remove bacteria, debris, and coating from the tongue surface for fresher breath and oral hygiene
Miswak Stick
Traditional teeth-cleaning twig from Salvadora persica with natural antimicrobial compounds, endorsed by the WHO as an effective oral hygiene tool
Studies
Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study
Oil pulling with sesame oil for 10 minutes daily reduced Streptococcus mutans (cavity-causing bacteria) in saliva by 20% after 2 weeks.
Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis - A preliminary report
Daily coconut oil pulling for 30 days significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis scores, with effects comparable to chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Tongue cleaning methods: a comparative clinical trial employing a toothbrush and a tongue scraper
Tongue scrapers were more effective than toothbrushes at removing tongue coating and reducing volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
The effectiveness of miswak (Salvadora persica L. and Azadirachta indica A.Juss.) practices in reducing plaque and gingivitis among adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs shows miswak is comparable to toothbrushing for plaque (SMD 0.39, p=0.08) and gingivitis (SMD 0.13, p=0.37), with adjunctive miswak use significantly superior for both outcomes.
The antiplaque/anticariogenic efficacy of Salvadora persica (Miswak) mouthrinse in comparison to that of chlorhexidine: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Salvadora persica extracts demonstrate clear antiplaque and anticariogenic effects with Level Ia evidence and Class A recommendation strength, though inferior to chlorhexidine gold standard.
The immediate antimicrobial effect of a toothbrush and miswak on cariogenic bacteria: a clinical study.
Miswak produces significantly greater reduction in Streptococcus mutans compared to toothbrushing (p=0.013), demonstrating immediate antimicrobial action from the chewing stick's bioactive compounds.
Tongue scraping for treating halitosis.
Cochrane review of 2 trials (40 participants) finds tongue scrapers produce a statistically significant reduction in volatile sulfur compounds compared to toothbrushes, though evidence quality is weak.
Effectiveness of mechanical tongue cleaning on breath odour and tongue coating: a systematic review.
Systematic review of 5 studies (3 RCTs, 2 CCTs) confirms mechanical tongue cleaning reduces oral malodour and tongue coating when added to regular toothbrushing.
The short-term treatment effects on the microbiota at the dorsum of the tongue in intra-oral halitosis patients--a randomized clinical trial.
Randomized crossover trial in 21 halitosis patients shows tongue scraping alone does not significantly reduce halitosis-associated bacteria, suggesting its primary benefit is mechanical debris removal rather than antimicrobial action.
Podcast Episodes
AMA #16: Sleep, Vertigo, TBI, OCD, Tips for Travelers, Gut-Brain Axis & More
with Andrew Huberman
AMA #15: Fluoride Benefits/Risks & Vagus Nerve Stimulation
with Andrew Huberman
How to Improve Oral Health & Its Critical Role in Brain & Body Health
with Andrew Huberman
Q&A: MCAS and ADHD Solutions and the Best Prenatal Supplements
with Matt Blackburn
Louisa Nicola - How To Maximise Your Brain's Performance
with Louisa Nicola
Your Tongue Matters in Chronic Pain and Fight or Flight
with Dr. Perry Nickelston
Spaghetti Science And Mouth Taping Myths
with Dr. Linda Lee
Mouth Taping
How Mouth Taping Can Radically Transform Your Sleep with Dhru Purohit
Why Everyone’s Talking About Mouth Taping
Mouth Taping Update - 992
Why are people taping their mouths?
The #1 Mistake Ruining Your Sleep Every Night | #370
Dr. Thomas Levy on high dose vitamin C for viruses, infections and chronic disease
with Dr. Thomas Levy
Nutrition Nugget: Tongue Scraping
Tongue Scraping + Its Impact on Oral Health
Tongue Scraping - an essential biohack!
with Suresh Ladva
Tongue Scraping (Part I)
Tongue Scraping (Part II)
Is apple cider vinegar a cure-all tonic?
with Norman Swan
011 Apple Cider Vinegar: Teeth Dissolver
5 Surprising Benefits of Oil Pulling to Flush Toxins and Inflammation
143: Should You Be Oil Pulling? (TWT)
Sawbones: Oil Pulling
Ross and Carrie Try Oil Pulling: Swish and Spit Edition
Skeptoid #409: Oil Pulling
3154: Why Coconut Oil is Good for Your Teeth by Kayla McDonell with Healthline on Nature’s Dental Aid
My AM/PM Full Body Castor Oil Routine for Skin Rejuvenation - 1120
Trainer Andrea Orbeck with a post birth fitness
with Andrea Orbeck
#48 Activated Charcoal 101
with Michelle Broad
What is Gen-Z Doing with Mewing?
with Sadie Dingfelder
Mewing: Can You Change Your Face Shape Naturally?
Mewing
Oral Health Benefits of Red Light & Blue Light Therapy
The Importance of Dental Health and Finding the Right Doctor: A Conversation with Dr. Thomas Levy
with Dr. Thomas Levy
Bonus: Cellerant Hygiene Award Winner Perio Protect
with Tanya Dunlap
Episode #16: What is Miswak?
Audio Article - Miswak Chewing Sticks: Can Toothbrushes Grow on Trees?
#6: Forgotten Benefits of the Miswak for Men & Women || Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan || AMAU
with Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan
Why You Need To Brush Your Teeth While Fasting
with Ustadh Luqman Jamil Ahmad
The Final Red Light Report: Methylene Blue, Red Light, and the Future of Mitochondrial Health
#641 - Breathing Expert James Nestor
with James Nestor