Don't Skip Your Mouth!
When people talk about morning routines, they cover everything from lemon water and journaling to sunlight and saunas.
But what about your mouth?
Oral health is deeply connected to your overall health, yet it's often an afterthought in wellness routines. Through our own research we have learned that what happens in your mouth doesn’t stay in your mouth. Inflammation, dysbiosis, and bacteria can travel through your bloodstream and impact everything from your heart to your brain.
This is why daily oral care is so much more than just fresh breath or white teeth: it's a way to care for your entire body.
One of the voices leading this conversation is Dr. Mark Burhenne, a functional dentist with over 40 years of experience and the founder of Ask The Dentist. we first discovered his work while reading the book Breath by James Nestor: a fascinating deep dive into the power of nasal breathing and why mouth taping could change your life.
Thanks to Dr. B’s blog, we have refined this simple, science-backed morning dental routine inspired by his recommendations. These are the tools and habits we use daily, and trust me, they’ve made a huge difference.
The Ideal Routine
Tongue Scraping
It's one of the easiest, lowest-cost health habits you can add, and it supports detox, digestion, and fresher breath.
💡 Why it matters: 80–90% of bad breath is from the tongue.
A scraper removes built-up bacteria, prevents reabsorption into the body, and makes your mouth feel incredibly fresh.
👉 We use this tongue scraper by Primal Life Organics.
But, any U-shaped metal scraper will do the trick. We also previously shared this blog on oil pulling if you're curious about how tongue scraping pairs with other Ayurvedic oral care tools.
Toothbrush
You don’t need a $120 toothbrush. We use the Sonicare 2100 with the same motor and cleaning power as fancier models. The trick is to switch out the brush head for a softer, sensitive one.
💡 Key tip: Let the brush do the work.
Use a light grip, the lowest setting, and avoid scrubbing. Overbrushing can cause gum recession and enamel loss.
Toothpaste
We are currently using Fygg, Dr. B’s own formula. It’s fluoride-free, supports the oral microbiome, and uses nano-hydroxyapatite for enamel remineralization. Most toothpastes are designed to sanitize only, but this one is built to nourish.
💡 Fun fact: “Fygg” stands for Feed Your Good Guys—a nod to the beneficial bacteria in your mouth that support full-body health.
Flossing
Traditional flossing is a pain (literally). But, flossing sticks make it a bit easier.
💡 Why it matters: Gum inflammation = disease.
This inflammation is linked to cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and more. Flossing is one of the simplest ways to keep that inflammation in check.
👉 We use this dental floss from Primal Life Organics.
Gentle and toxin-free.
Nasal Breathing
Mouth breathing dries out the mouth and raises your risk for cavities, gum disease, and even facial changes over time. Nasal breathing is essential for maintaining pH balance and a healthy oral microbiome.
💡 To encourage nasal breathing, we use:
Why It Matters
Oral inflammation doesn’t stay localized. A recent peer-reviewed study confirmed that brushing only in the morning (and not at night) is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
That’s because the bacteria and inflammation in your mouth can sneak into your bloodstream and ignite inflammation elsewhere in the body. Avoiding inflammation in the body is key to good health.
Key takeaway
Your mouth is a gateway—not a silo.
The more care you give it, the better your chances of reducing systemic inflammation and protecting your long-term health.
Shop Our Oral Care Routine:
Small wins make big shifts. If this inspires you to upgrade even one step in your dental routine, that’s a win. Start with the one that feels easiest. And if you're not sure where to begin, tongue scraping is a no-brainer.
Let us know what habit you’re adding this week!