In a recent interview, a noted functional dentist, promotes the use of a tongue scraper as part of an oral health routine, suggesting it can lower blood pressure by enhancing nitric oxide production from bacteria on the tongue. While his intentions are to advocate for natural oral health practices, his claims about tongue scraping and nitric oxide production warrant scrutiny. Here's why his recommendation might not hold up under scientific examination.
Read MoreIn today’s post, I will discuss how the mouth plays a significant role in the production of nitric oxide (NO) through a process called the enterosalivary cycle of nitrate. This process involves friendly nitrate-reducing bacteria in the oral cavity, predominantly on the tongue, which reduce dietary nitrate (NO3) from vegetables, meat, and drinking water to nitrite (NO2). The nitrite is then further reduced to NO, which helps regulate systemic blood pressure. This pathway highlights how important oral health is to cardiovascular health. But can mouthwash damage this process?
Read More