S2. EP.12 Is Your Diet Sabotaging Your Dental Wellness? Insights from Ashley Beels MA, RDH, OMT

This episode of Are You Awake Yet? dives into the intricate connections between dental health and nutrition, hosted by MaryKate with special guest Ashley Beels from Rooted Dental Wellness. Building on Ashley's expertise in holistic dentistry, the conversation explores the effects of diet on oral health from two perspectives: Ashley addresses jaw development, oral structure, and myofunctional therapy, while MaryKate delves into how nutritional choices—particularly for those on plant-based diets—impact dental well-being.

Throughout the episode, Ashley offers professional insights into myofunctional therapy, explaining how chewing, jaw development, and proper tongue posture are essential for long-term dental health. They also discuss how certain lifestyle trends and water additives, while popular for health, can sometimes negatively affect oral health.

MaryKate complements this discussion with essential tips on avoiding deficiencies common in plant-based diets, focusing on critical nutrients like vitamins A, D, K2, and B12 that support gum and tooth strength. She emphasizes strategies for improving mineral absorption, such as pairing foods and supplementing when needed, to promote strong enamel and healthy gums.

Resources:

Name of pH strips you can buy online

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Testing-Alkaline-Monitor-Accurate-Seconds/dp/B01GFSEB00/ref=sr_1_1?c=ts&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.R76MBS0Holhh2dBHJUTD1AWN9TPr3cw4LdbUH3G8JUbGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.dgXhPq7jfC3p6sK3ITBO6djDUjqExs9lT_WJKc_ua4E&dib_tag=se&keywords=pH+Test+Strips&qid=1730139968&refinements=p_89%3AJust+Fitter&s=industrial&sr=1-1&ts_id=3013605011

Fact Check - Yes, you do want to wait 30 minutes after having acidic drinks/food to allow your saliva to neurtalize the acid before you brush your teeth. You can swish your mouth with water right away

For those of you who want to Switch LMNT electrolytes because they contain citric acid and likely are causing lots of acid in the mouth. Consider switching to Paleovalley electrolyte (specifically the watermelon flavor was the one tested in this instance by Ashely and Ask the Dentist.

https://paleovalley.com/store/essential-electrolytes?srsltid=AfmBOorUlv8PXvp-SxVOeVt_IkOEj5TRohpem2kWYMYUuOtTLon_l32q

Root Dental Website - https://rooteddental.com

Hydroxyappatite tooth paste - https://fygg.com