I simply received 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.
Everywhere I’m going, I’m looking out for purposeful dentistry. Iceland didn’t disappoint. They don’t use the phrase “purposeful,” however the ideas are alive and properly: diet-first, prevention-based, whole-body care.
The country has one of many lowest DMFT (decayed, lacking, crammed tooth) ratios on the planet, and no water fluoridation.
Free dental care till age 18. Nearly 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 best way for much too many.
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 very best “potato chip” of my life—although it wasn’t made from potatoes. Just salted cod—two elements, crisped to perfection. The easiest snack on the island turned out to be essentially the most unforgettable.
They’ve received fewer than 400,000 individuals in the entire country, however by some means 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 Functional Dentist Directory is an effective place to start out. Next month, I’m educating a Foundations of Functional Dentistry for any dentist —hit reply for particulars on how to enroll.
Travel at all times jogs my memory how a lot routine issues—and the way arduous it may be to stay along with your non-negotiables on the street. But just a few 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 by 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 retaining 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 be taught 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. That means higher enamel and fewer cavities.
3) This whey protein powder (hyperlink)
Our motels had continental breakfasts. They didn’t at all times have protein.
I introduced this. Just two scoops in water or milk made an awesome breakfast with 26 grams of protein. It’s filling, digestible, and travels properly.
4) These hint minerals (hyperlink)
Between scorching springs and lengthy hikes, we had been consistently sweating. I added just a few drops to my water bottle each morning. Minerals aren’t non-obligatory once you’re mountain climbing all day and transferring all day within the chilly air and wind.
5) This xylitol gum (hyperlink)
Happy PPL gum is not round, however I introduced two nice replacements with me—each are microplastic-free and linked in my Amazon store. Travel and jet lag = unpredictable meals and snacking. Xylitol gum helps buffer the affect by neutralizing acids between brushing and flossing classes and supporting a healthy oral microbiome. One randomized managed examine even discovered it considerably decreased cavity-causing micro organism in youngsters who chewed it day by day (supply). This is actually the simplest hack when you (or your youngsters) are cavity-prone.
6) This journey toothbrush (hyperlink)
Still the very best design for journey. It folds into its personal deal with. No case wanted. And it doesn’t get moist or squashed in your dopp package. Decades 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 out there with out a prescription. Iceland will get it. In Iceland, prevention is a part of the infrastructure—similar 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 provides you actual information and actionable insights in your oral and systemic well being. If you’ve ever questioned what’s really occurring in your mouth—what form of micro organism reside there, how they’re impacting the remainder of your physique—this provides you actual solutions. It’s the form of software I want extra individuals knew existed.
I do know your inbox is full, so thanks for studying all the best way to the tip. I at all times 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 finest to you and your households,
Dr. B
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