Oral Care Protocols

Teenagers with braces should receive cleanings every two months rather than on the standard six-month schedule. Nasal hygiene is presented as clinically important because mouth breathing dries oral mucosa and disrupts the microbiome. Oil pulling uses coconut oil for 10–15 minutes and physically removes hydrophobic bacteria before the oil is expelled. A perimenopausal dry-mouth protocol includes baking soda rinses, flossing, hydroxyapatite toothpaste, hydration, nasal hygiene, and mouth taping. Ozonated coconut oil is preferred when oral DNA testing confirms high dysbiotic bacteria counts. For pregnant patients with nausea, adherence to brushing matters more than toothpaste brand.