When you think of heart health, the first things that likely come to mind are exercise and eating a nutrient-rich diet. 

Those are necessary, but what if we told you you’re missing something? And, it’s something you do every day. 

Brushing your teeth. 

Yes, the toothpaste you’re using and your oral care routine play a more critical role in protecting your heart. The journey to a healthier heart starts with your mouth and a molecule called nitric oxide (NO). 

Nitric Oxide: The Unsung Hero of Your Body

NO is a tiny molecule with a big job. 

It relaxes and widens blood vessels, helping regulate blood pressure, improve circulation, and support heart health. It also influences memory, immunity, sleep, and overall vitality.

But, there’s a catch. 

As you get older, your body’s ability to produce NO decreases. Though that doesn’t sound ideal, the good news is that this process starts in your mouth, and small changes to your oral care routine can make all the difference. 

The Oral Microbiome and Nitric Oxide Production

Your mouth has an intricate ecosystem of bacteria known as the oral microbiome that plays a role in NO production. Let’s get a little scientific here to show you how this process works. 

The good bacteria in your mouth break down nitrates in certain foods (like leafy greens and beets) into nitrites, a precursor to NO. 

This process begins on your tongue and continues as you swallow. 

But for this system to function optimally, your oral microbiome needs to be healthy and thriving.

Unfortunately, many everyday habits disrupt this delicate balance.

The Oral Microbiome and Nitric Oxide Production

1. Using Alcohol-Based Mouthwash

Antibacterial mouthwashes leave your mouth feeling and smelling fresh, but they’re likely doing more harm than good. 

That’s because it also kills the good bacteria your mouth needs to produce NO. 

When the microbes are killed, it disrupts the balance of your oral microbiome and effectively shuts down NO production. 

2. Mouth Breathing

Breathing through your mouth, especially at night, bypasses your nose, where nitric oxide production begins. It also dries out your mouth and creates an environment where harmful bacteria thrive while beneficial bacteria struggle to survive.

3. Skipping Oral Microbiome Care

Neglecting practices like tongue scraping or brushing with fluoride-free toothpaste that support the oral microbiome can prevent your mouth from becoming an effective NO hub.

4 Steps to Boost Nitric Oxide (and Your Heart Health)

If you’re ready to protect your oral microbiome and supercharge NO production for better heart health, here’s how to start:

1. Switch to Microbiome-Friendly Oral Care

Replace alcohol-based mouthwash and traditional toothpaste with products specifically designed to nourish your oral microbiome. 

Our Mineral Toothpastes are fluoride-free, gentle, and packed with hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel while supporting oral health.

2. Breathe Through Your Nose

Nasal breathing encourages natural NO production in your sinuses. If you’re a habitual mouth breather, consider trying mouth tape at night to train yourself to breathe through your nose. 

It’s a simple yet effective way to improve your body’s NO levels.

3. Eat Nitrate-Rich Foods

Load up on leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula, as well as beets and celery. These foods are high in nitrates, which your oral bacteria convert into nitrites, the building blocks of NO.

4. Get Moving

Exercise naturally stimulates the release of nitric oxide in your blood vessels, improving circulation and oxygen delivery. A brisk walk, yoga, or even dancing can give your body the boost it needs.

Nitric Oxide Hacks for Everyday Life

If you want to give your NO production a boost, consider these hacks:

• Get a boost from beets: Incorporate beetroot powder or juice into your diet for an extra dose of nitrates.

• Stay up on hydration: Drinking water keeps your mouth moist, which supports your oral microbiome.

• Eat dark chocolate: Flavonoids in dark chocolate can help increase nitric oxide levels naturally.
  
  
  

Your oral care routine is more than just brushing and flossing; it’s a daily chance for you to support your body’s NO production and protect your heart.

Start Every Day Well with healthier smiles and a healthier heart and explore our oral care products.