I simply bought again from back-to-back journey: first a household wedding ceremony in New York, then every week in Iceland with my center daughter and my spouse.
My center daughter, my spouse, and I spent our days chasing waterfalls, mountain climbing via mossy lava fields, and photographing Icelandic horses at golden hour.
In every single place I am going, I’m looking out for purposeful dentistry. Iceland didn’t disappoint. They don’t use the phrase “purposeful,” however the rules are alive and effectively: diet-first, prevention-based, whole-body care.
The nation has one of many lowest DMFT (decayed, lacking, stuffed enamel) ratios on the planet, and no water fluoridation.
Free dental care till age 18. Almost 80% of the inhabitants sees a dentist yearly—practically double the speed we see within the U.S., the place entry, value, and consciousness nonetheless get in the way in which for much too many.
Right here in Iceland, you don’t hear the phrase “purposeful”—however the method is unmistakable.
They perceive the affect of fish-rich diets, excessive mineral content material in water, and easy, constant habits. I tasted the most effective “potato chip” of my life—although it wasn’t product of potatoes. Simply salted cod—two components, crisped to perfection. The only snack on the island turned out to be probably the most unforgettable.
They’ve bought fewer than 400,000 folks in the entire nation, however someway they’ve made a dental care mannequin that’s world-class, preventative, and airway-first. That has actually caught with me.
If you wish to discover a like-minded supplier close to you, my Useful Dentist Listing is an efficient place to begin. Subsequent month, I’m educating a Foundations of Useful Dentistry for any dentist —hit reply for particulars on how to enroll.
Journey all the time jogs my memory how a lot routine issues—and the way arduous it may be to stay along with your non-negotiables on the highway. However a number of habits (and some merchandise) got here with me. I needed to share those that made this journey higher.
1) This fluoride-filtering water bottle (hyperlink)
This comes with me on each journey—resort sinks, airport fountains, even espresso store faucet water. I used it day-after-day in New York. Iceland’s water was pure sufficient to skip it, however that’s the exception. Most locations I journey, I don’t assume the water’s clear—even bottled water can have PFAS or fluoride. This bottle retains it easy: fill, filter, drink.
2) This magnesium mix (hyperlink)
Iceland’s lengthy days (sundown was previous 11PM) made it arduous to wind down. This helped.
Two capsules earlier than mattress. That’s all it takes. Magnesium Breakthrough made an enormous distinction on this journey—serving to me go to sleep even with Iceland’s 11PM sunsets and conserving post-hike leg cramps at bay. It’s one of many few dietary supplements I by no means skip when touring. So many individuals are stunned to study that magnesium performs a key position in dental well being. It’s a co-pilot for calcium, serving to it get to the place it must go. Which means higher enamel and fewer cavities.
3) This whey protein powder (hyperlink)
Our accommodations had continental breakfasts. They didn’t all the time have protein.
I introduced this. Simply two scoops in water or milk made an excellent breakfast with 26 grams of protein. It’s filling, digestible, and travels effectively.
4) These hint minerals (hyperlink)
Between scorching springs and lengthy hikes, we have been always sweating. I added a number of drops to my water bottle each morning. Minerals aren’t non-compulsory once you’re mountain climbing all day and transferring all day within the chilly air and wind.
5) This xylitol gum (hyperlink)
Blissful PPL gum is not round, however I introduced two nice replacements with me—each are microplastic-free and linked in my Amazon store. Journey and jet lag = unpredictable meals and snacking. Xylitol gum helps buffer the affect by neutralizing acids between brushing and flossing classes and supporting a wholesome oral microbiome. One randomized managed examine even discovered it considerably diminished cavity-causing micro organism in youngsters who chewed it every day (supply). That is actually the best hack in case you (or your youngsters) are cavity-prone.
6) This journey toothbrush (hyperlink)
Nonetheless the most effective design for journey. It folds into its personal deal with. No case wanted. And it doesn’t get moist or squashed in your dopp equipment. A long time in the past I switched to this toothbrush for journey, and it’s nonetheless one in all my favourite brushes.
7) This oral microbiome check (hyperlink)
I walked right into a Reykjavik pharmacy and was blown away—OTC exams for vitamin D, A1C, CRP, and extra, all accessible with out a prescription. Iceland will get it. In Iceland, prevention is a part of the infrastructure—identical to clear water or protected sidewalks. This jogged my memory of Bristle, a mail-in oral microbiome check that I’m the scientific advisor for. This check offers you actual information and actionable insights in your oral and systemic well being. Should you’ve ever questioned what’s truly occurring in your mouth—what sort of micro organism live there, how they’re impacting the remainder of your physique—this offers you actual solutions. It’s the type of device I want extra folks knew existed.
I do know your inbox is full, so thanks for studying all the way in which to the top. I all the time love listening to what works for you—what you pack, what you by no means skip, what routines maintain up throughout time zones.
I’m grateful you’re right here and that this connection between the mouth and the remainder of the physique resonates with you—it nonetheless amazes me, even in spite of everything these years.
All my greatest to you and your households,
Dr. B
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