I simply obtained again from back-to-back journey: first a household marriage 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 by way of mossy lava fields, and photographing Icelandic horses at golden hour.
All over the place I’m going, I’m looking out for useful dentistry. Iceland didn’t disappoint. They don’t use the phrase “useful,” however the rules are alive and properly: diet-first, prevention-based, whole-body care.
The nation has one of many lowest DMFT (decayed, lacking, stuffed tooth) ratios on this planet, and no water fluoridation.
Free dental care till age 18. Practically 80% of the inhabitants sees a dentist yearly—almost double the speed we see within the U.S., the place entry, value, and consciousness nonetheless get in the best way for a lot too many.
Right here in Iceland, you don’t hear the phrase “useful”—however the method is unmistakable.
They perceive the impression 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 manufactured from potatoes. Simply salted cod—two elements, crisped to perfection. The best snack on the island turned out to be essentially the most unforgettable.
They’ve obtained 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 instructing 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 onerous it may be to stay together with your non-negotiables on the street. However just a few habits (and some merchandise) got here with me. I wished to share those that made this journey higher.
1) This fluoride-filtering water bottle (hyperlink)
This comes with me on each journey—lodge 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 onerous to wind down. This helped.
Two capsules earlier than mattress. That’s all it takes. Magnesium Breakthrough made a giant distinction on this journey—serving to me go to sleep even with Iceland’s 11PM sunsets and preserving 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 shocked to be taught that magnesium performs a key function in dental well being. It’s a co-pilot for calcium, serving to it get to the place it must go. Meaning higher enamel and fewer cavities.
3) This whey protein powder (hyperlink)
Our lodges had continental breakfasts. They didn’t all the time have protein.
I introduced this. Simply two scoops in water or milk made a fantastic breakfast with 26 grams of protein. It’s filling, digestible, and travels properly.
4) These hint minerals (hyperlink)
Between sizzling springs and lengthy hikes, we had been always sweating. I added just a few 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)
Pleased PPL gum is now 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 impression by neutralizing acids between brushing and flossing classes and supporting a wholesome oral microbiome. One randomized managed research even discovered it considerably diminished cavity-causing micro organism in youngsters who chewed it each day (supply). That is actually the simplest hack for those who (or your youngsters) are cavity-prone.
6) This journey toothbrush (hyperlink)
Nonetheless 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 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 checks for vitamin D, A1C, CRP, and extra, all obtainable and not using 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. For those who’ve ever puzzled what’s really happening in your mouth—what sort of micro organism reside there, how they’re impacting the remainder of your physique—this provides you actual solutions. It’s the sort of software I want extra folks knew existed.
I do know your inbox is full, so thanks for studying all the best way to the tip. 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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