Good day! My identify is Hilarie Steele and I’m a dental hygienist, affected person advocate, and the CEO of Greatest Pure Smile, a forward-thinking and distinctive dental follow in Santa Monica, California.
I’m on a mission to alter the world of dentistry by making a refreshing new affected person expertise that’s pleasant, progressive, and gives a extra accessible path to reaching optimum oral well being.
I used to be launched to The Skinny Confidential by my expensive buddy and colleague, Emma Baker, of The Emma Edit, who has beforehand been featured for her design work on Lauryn’s weblog (take a look at her posts right here & right here).
Emma and I met in December 2019. After sharing along with her my present challenge, passions, visions, and desires to be a changemaker within the dental trade, she was blown away by my idea and instantly had concepts to assist me shake issues up. She was the best particular person on the proper time to affix me in creating the footprint and design for the way forward for my model.
Ever since, we now have been decided and steadfast in growing a brand new path for dentistry by testing my concepts with the supportive assist of my total staff at, Greatest Pure Smile.
Emma made the introduction to Lauryn’s staff after feeling that this group was the proper viewers to find out about this new mindset round dentistry and the importance of the Oral Microbiome and the way it impacts your total well being.
As somebody who can be passionate concerning the newest traits in wellness, I used to be hooked after diving into Lauryn’s content material, and I’m excited to share with you at this time!
I’m a local southern California lady and after graduating high of my class from UCLA as a Dental Hygienist, I used to be excited to get to work within the healthcare house on my journey to alter the trade. As rewarding as my scientific work has been over time, I used to be always daydreaming about nature, artwork, and design and the right way to mix my two worlds.
I’m obsessive about the varied ecosystems discovered inside our planet, defending animals and the well being of all humankind. From spending my time with my husband Gregg, beautifying my backyard, hanging out with our beloved pup Brody, and residing only a quick stroll from the Pacific coast at this time, my inspiration comes from my love for the sweetness in nature. These qualities are on the core of this endeavor and have fueled me to convey a brand new face to oral well being.
I felt compelled to discover a strategy to breathe life right into a area that’s caught in an historic system. I noticed my total focus needed to shift to how I might assist change the world of dentistry and never solely discover the rationale why it was persevering with to fail so many sufferers, but additionally develop the answer.
Each day it appeared as if everyone on the planet would favor being anyplace else however in a dental chair.
The vast majority of these I cared for confirmed indicators of irritation and an array of oral points that sufferers had been utterly unaware of and weren’t addressing. As soon as they had been knowledgeable, I used to be frequently met with disbelief and frustration.
Previous to my sufferers visiting me for the primary time, I noticed a standard thread. The professionals that got here earlier than me, had sadly not offered the training surrounding the fragile stability of the Oral Microbiome and simply how fragile the ecosystem that lies inside their mouth was. As well as, there was an absence of communication or depth put into a correct at-home oral well being regime.
I needed to ask myself, why?
On a journey to seek out additional options I’ve immersed myself with like-minded authorities within the wellness house who additionally assist my philosophy that affected person care ought to be extra centered on a root-cause strategy fairly than merely addressing the signs.
All of us have the identical mission, influencing the standard of healthcare and the way in which it’s delivered on a worldwide foundation.
By way of the pandemic taking an enormous toll on the human race, it got here to me that we had been missing a real appreciation for all times and had little to no belief on the earth that takes care of us. As a collective, we had misplaced the power to take a breath, decelerate, and actually take up the efficacy of the data surrounding wellness and our healthcare system.
For me, the most important takeaway from the pandemic was that it raised my acutely aware consciousness to contemplate a extra grounded life anchored in peace and wellness. It grew to become critically vital to me to curate a way of life and atmosphere that nurtures me on the trail to longevity in each facet of my well being. On my mission for change, I believed “why not take a deeper dive into my very own private well being journey?”
After looking for a trailblazer in root-cause (useful) medication, I came across Dr. Mark Hyman and the UltraWellness Heart which is the power he based. His work has modified my life and was the ultimate push for me to attach all of the dots, not just for myself but additionally for my sufferers. I’m so grateful for Dr. Elizabeth Boham (a part of the UltraWellness staff) who presently is working with me to nail down the most effective path for my very own private wellness.
Paired with my affected person advocacy and my continued expertise beneath my care at UltraWellness, I’m always reminded of the pitfalls of the fashionable medical trade and simply how poorly we’re stricken by an epidemic of mediocre assist.
A big a part of my therapeutic journey and people of my sufferers has been educating myself and understanding useful medication and dentistry in addition to the atmosphere round us.
I’d love to present you some suggestions of my favourite books on this topic:
+ The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox by Dr. Mark Burhenne
+ Holistic Dental Care by Nadine Artemis
+ It’s All in Your Mouth by Dr. Dominik Nischwitz
+ The Dental Weight-reduction plan by Dr. Steven Lin
+ Heal Your Oral Microbiome by Cass Nelson-Dooley
+ Breath by James Nestor
+ Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson
+ The Plant Paradox by Dr. Steven Gundry, MD
+ The Telomere Impact by Elizabeth Blackburn, PhD and Elissa Epel, PhD
+ Food – What the Heck Ought to I Cook dinner? by Dr. Mark Hyman, MD
+ Cleanse to Heal by Anthony William
+ Feng Shui Your Life by Jayme Barrett
Let’s get into how this is applicable to the dental trade and simply why I consider the system wants a makeover.
The present dental trade is riddled with an absence of transparency and neglects the affected person’s greatest curiosity, which ought to be supporting their smile on the trail to longevity and prioritizing the Oral Microbiome.
So what’s the Oral Microbiome and why is it so vital?
The Oral Microbiome is the fragile stability of 6 billion+ micro organism and microorganisms that decision your mouth house. Preserving them in test is essential, not just for oral however for total bodily well being. In spite of everything, every thing enters your physique by means of your mouth so it is sensible that conserving this atmosphere secure is essential to the longevity of your smile.
Your mouth is a mirror of your physique and a wholesome physique begins with a wholesome mouth.
Whereas a few of these oral microbes are helpful and assist our well being, when an imbalance is current, others can result in irritation. Not solely does this promote gum illness, and cavities however vastly impacts our mind operate. For instance, research are rising every day exhibiting the connection between oral wellness and cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer’s and Dementia, which could be tied to an unhealthy mouth and improper care at house. The significance of a secure and efficient house routine is significant.
Nearly each power ailment factors again to an imbalanced mouth.
There’s a lot to say concerning the impact of improper oral hygiene on our our bodies. As an example, there are research supporting that extreme Covid-19 outcomes and a large number of different ailments are instantly linked to poor oral well being. However that may be a weblog all by itself.
Discovering a routine and stability in your every day well being and wellness practices is at all times a good suggestion, however it’s particularly vital on the subject of caring on your smile.
I firmly consider that routine testing of your Oral Microbiome – the world inside your mouth – is step one to figuring out the right way to higher perceive it, deal with it, and what to begin doing in the event you’re seeking to enhance it for higher total well being.
I’ve partnered with Bristle Well being to make sure that each hygiene affected person our staff sees has the chance for testing. With only one small saliva pattern, this superior know-how delivers the essential info wanted to create a customized path for smile longevity.
So now that we now have an outline of how vital it’s to keep up correct oral hygiene and a wholesome Oral Microbiome, let’s break down how we are able to obtain smile longevity at house in between our dental visits.
Throughout your life expertise take a second to consider this – has anybody actually defined to you what it takes to maintain your tooth intact all through your total lifespan? In spite of everything, who on the earth desires to finish up with dentures? Or who has even considered it?
I’ve developed a private Shine Routine™ for sufferers to keep up an optimum Oral Microbiome and a wholesome smile. Smile routines ought to mirror these that are for skincare, dietary supplements, and train and they need to even be finished each morning and evening.
Magnificence and wellness routines appear to be the precedence, however why have our smiles been left behind?
Outward magnificence begins from contained in the mouth. Your smile is your first impression and it deserves to be effectively groomed.
Sizzling Tip: These big-name manufacturers which have been circulating in your toilet for years ought to be put the place they belong – within the rubbish! Many big-name dental manufacturers fill their merchandise with dangerous substances that hamper as a substitute of assist a wholesome Oral Microbiome. We wish this numerous ecosystem to be flourishing with good micro organism to assist assist and encourage total wellness.
The Fundamentals of My Shine Routine™
♡ Step 1: Water Flossing
Utilizing a water flosser will get you off to an amazing begin by eradicating meals particles in between and round your tooth.
Advantages:
+ aids within the discount of micro organism within the Oral Microbiome
+ stimulates (workouts) your gum tissue
+ facilitates a extra thorough brushing expertise
I like to recommend utilizing the Waterpik to be used as soon as a day as step one in your routine.
Nevertheless, be at liberty to make use of it as typically as you’d like.
♡ Step 2: Floss
Do we actually have to floss? YES!
This step removes the final remnants of unreachable plaque (biofilm) from in between every tooth and under the gum line. If left untreated, it can’t solely trigger irritation of the gum tissue however can erode tooth enamel and produce a nasty rock-like substance referred to as “tartar”.
Advantages:
+ reduces the chance of irritation occurring within the gums
+ prevents soreness, puffiness, and unpleasant redness
+ minimizes the possibility of yellowing or discolored tooth
+ reduces the chance of cavities
I like to recommend a pure floss used with out Teflon or nylon, which most big-name flosses available on the market sadly comprise. I’ve searched far and vast and my favourite is CocoFloss which is made up of pure fibers that really feel like a loofah between your tooth! And for these Glide lovers who require a floss that doesn’t shred, my favourite is Moon.
I like to recommend flossing not less than as soon as a day, ideally at bedtime when your mouth is closed and more likely to produce a wholly new spherical of micro organism. Brushing will take away the plaque from the surfaces of your tooth, and floss will deal with the hidden areas in between. Mixed with water flossing, we’ve now cleared all indicators of particles out of your smile and we’re able to brush.
♡ Step 3: Brush
This could communicate for itself! Brushing ensures the elimination of plaque (biofilm), which is the first reason behind gum illness and tooth decay.
Advantages:
+ cleanses tooth enamel
+ reduces overgrowth of dangerous micro organism present in biofilm
+ aids in combating irritation
I like to recommend an influence brush fairly than hand brushing. Why? An electrical toothbrush, extra particularly, the Oral-B Powerbrush, is without doubt one of the solely electrical toothbrushes available on the market that has a round brush head related to what’s used throughout your hygiene go to. In my expertise, this form can get to hard-to-reach areas inside your mouth. The round movement towards your tooth is the simplest for eradicating day-to-day build-up and for conserving your tooth clear.
Brush your tooth a minimum of twice every day for 2 minutes after flossing. By no means go to mattress with out brushing!
Additionally, brush your tongue along with your toothpaste! Many individuals typically neglect this very very important step.
Most of your unhealthy breath and micro organism come from the tongue – not the tooth!
♡ Toothpaste
Let’s not neglect to make use of efficient toothpaste. That is essential.
My favourite toothpaste swaps the standard fluoride with Nano-hydroxyapatite – the pure mineral that makes up 60 to 70% of human arduous tissue, bones, and 90% of tooth enamel. This magic mineral is the way forward for sustaining tooth power and is biocompatible and non-toxic.
Advantages:
+ protects your tooth’s outer layer
+ prevents demineralization and sensitivity
+ rebuilds tooth enamel
+ restores smoothness and mineral density
+ helps create whiter, brighter tooth
My favourite toothpaste available on the market (and belief me I’ve tried all of them), is by Boka. It’s one of many solely sorts of toothpaste that incorporates the ability of Nano-hydroxyapatite. There are a number of flavors, however I’m keen on Ella Mint! It’s a soothing combination of aloe vera, bacteria-fighting xylitol, antioxidant-rich inexperienced tea, and refreshing mint. It leaves you with that recent breath feeling you crave and it’s unmatched.
Place a pea-sized quantity of paste in your powerbrush whereas brushing.
♡ Step 4: Tongue Scrape
Tongue scraping helps keep the best stability of “good” micro organism in your mouth.
Advantages:
+ clears toxins, micro organism, and lifeless cells from the tongue that develop in a single day
+ helps keep a balanced Oral Microbiome
+ promotes total oral and digestive well being
+ enhances the sense of style
+ combats unhealthy breath
I like to recommend the Boka tongue scraper. It’s stainless, straightforward to make use of, and is available in a canvas bag to maintain issues easy and simple for storage and journey. After brushing your tongue, place the tongue scraper way back to you’re able and scrape in direction of the entrance of your tongue. Rinse and repeat till the software is evident of particles.
♡ Step 5: Rinse
Utilizing mouthwash is the ultimate step. It reduces micro organism which helps fight dental plaque formation.
Usually, chances are you’ll suppose that the aim of mouthwash is for brisker breath however your mouth rinse ought to be about a lot extra. The rinse I like to recommend is a pure macrobiotic product formulated for every day use. Most available on the market are full of artificial dyes, fragrances, and dangerous substances.
Advantages:
+ hydrates any indicators of dry mouth
+ kills micro organism that trigger gum illness
+ promotes wholesome gums and oral therapeutic
+ freshens your breath
I like to recommend the StellaLife Oral Care Rinse twice a day after flossing.
Swish for as much as 2 minutes and spit. Each the mint and coconut choices are pleasant.
♡ Suggestions and Methods for Further Help
Steadiness & Defend
Take into account these bonus steps. I like an immunity increase in any approach, and that is the right way to get one. Our mouth is the gateway to the remainder of our our bodies, so it’s vital to maintain our Oral Microbiome in stability. Two straightforward methods to construct a sturdy microbiome are through the use of an immune-boosting throat spray and an oral probiotic.
My favourite throat spray is from BeeKeeper’s Naturals and it incorporates propolis (a pure resin-like materials made by bees) which helps your immune system with antioxidants, vitamin c, zinc, iron, b nutritional vitamins, and over 300 helpful compounds. This magic elixir incorporates flavonoids and polyphenols that combat free radicals and fight oxidative stress whereas soothing any signal of a scratchy throat. Use code SKINNY for 25% off your first order.
I like to recommend 4 sprays after your mouth rinse adopted by an oral probiotic.
For the oral probiotic, I exploit the PRO-Dental from Hyperbiotics which incorporates 4 focused strains of chelated zinc. This small mint crowds out undesirable micro organism and proactively helps the Oral Microbiome by balancing the pH within the oral cavity. It helps your tooth enamel and helps increase immune and higher respiratory well being.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an historic follow that entails swishing oil in your mouth to take away micro organism and promote oral hygiene.
Oil pulling ought to be carried out every day on an empty abdomen earlier than brushing tooth and no oil ought to be swallowed. Take a look at this publish for extra on oil pulling.
Advantages:
+ can kill dangerous micro organism in your mouth
+ detoxifies your mouth and gums
+ helps scale back unhealthy breath
+ naturally whitens your tooth
You should use any natural unrefined coconut oil and swish with a tbsp each morning for quarter-hour.
Keep in mind to by no means swallow and to spit solely right into a trash can.
We’re suckers for effectivity so Emma and I made our personal oil-pulling “gummy bears” to simply pop into our mouths each morning.
Final however not least, I moisturize with my favourite non-toxic lip balm by Ilia. Nothing is hotter than recent breath and hydrated lips.
There you could have it! My step-by-step Shine Routine™ to arrange you for making a lifetime of smile longevity and growing a powerful, wholesome oral microbiome. It’s all about romanticizing your life. Why ought to your oral hygiene routine be a drag? I make this ritual a wonderful follow that I begin and finish my day with.
Be at liberty to make use of our downloadable PDF to simply print out and stick in your mirror to comply with step-by-step!
In relation to the whole-human strategy, organising every day habits that spark pleasure makes an immense influence on our total wellness.
Even with my above routine, I strongly suggest that you just go to a certified dental hygienist who could make suggestions and maintain your house care on monitor by correctly cleansing your tooth and personalizing the variety of visits chances are you’ll require annually.
Due to biodiversity, all of us have completely different wants. There isn’t any one measurement matches all or “each 6 months” strategy. It’s time to take a proactive strategy, be extra knowledgeable by correct Oral Microbiome testing, and curate a house care routine that retains you shining.
Disclaimer: Should you spot any redness within the sink after brushing, or throughout any a part of your house care routine, it’s time to hunt skilled assist. Please seek the advice of along with your healthcare practitioner earlier than including any practices or dietary supplements into your routine, notably if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Closing Ideas – Vital Pillars of Oral Well being
+ Sleep
It’s straightforward to know why many people take respiratory as a right; it’s one thing our our bodies do robotically, each day, all day. We might not take into consideration how we breathe, both, however it seems that correct respiratory might be the important thing to enhancing our sleep, our total well being, and our wellbeing. An vital a part of your dental visits ought to be evaluating your sleep habits. Learn extra about my weblog on The Energy of Breath right here.
+ TMJ
Do you or somebody you recognize endure from TMJ? TMJ is a typically painful situation that may consequence from poor sleep that results in clenching or grinding throughout the evening. It’s vital to deal with any indicators of doable sleep apnea to keep away from this painful situation and maintain current signs at bay. One strategy to ease ache in your jaw is by facial therapeutic massage or ice rolling. Each of those strategies can lower irritation and soothe signs. Clearly seize the PINK BALLS or HOT MESS ice curler that can assist you with each of those. They’re fast, environment friendly they usually work.
+ Suggestions for Your Children
Start introducing your baby to dental hygiene visits as early as age two. Discover a hygienist who means that you can have your baby in your lap whereas performing a children examination and cleansing. Monitor your baby’s sleep and make certain that mouth respiratory shouldn’t be current. For toothpaste, I like to recommend Boka’s kids’s Orange Cream House Paste which is non-toxic and free from synthetic flavors or endocrine disruptors. The usage of pacifiers, thumb sucking, and different crutches can inhibit your baby’s capacity to correctly develop their decrease jaw and pave the way in which to orthodontic points afterward. You’ll be able to learn extra on kids’s oral well being right here.
Past my dedication to the care of my sufferers, maintain your eye on me as I’m a mover and a shaker who’s preventing for change and my new mannequin for dentistry is across the nook.
In my free time, you’ll find me on the Playa Vista Farmers Market, spending time with Gregg on our sailboat, stress-free in my backyard, dreaming up large plans for my subsequent enterprise enterprise, or on the seaside with my pup, Brody.
Another factor…Canine Want Oral Care Too
Talking of Brody, we maintain his pearly whites recent too.
Dental doggy care is simply as vital as ours and I like to recommend brushing your pup’s tooth as typically as they’ll allow you to. My favourite toothpaste is Radius Natural Canine Dental Gel in Cinnamon Candy Potato.
In case you are in want of steerage or don’t know the place to show I present complimentary teaching to sufferers all around the world. On the finish of the day, the story informed is at all times the identical, sufferers endlessly asking “how do I cease the breakdown of my smile and who can I belief to maintain my smile wholesome?” I’m right here to do each. I’m your advocate and it’s my mission to create change and options. I’m at all times clear, compassionate, and approachable.
I’m right here to begin a dialog and assist you. As well as, in the event you’d like a Shine Routine™ developed for you, get in contact! Should you’re occupied with scheduling a complimentary teaching session with me please electronic mail me at hilarie@bestnaturalsmile.com
I’m so completely happy you’re right here and might’t wait to see you shine!
Hilarie Steele, RDH
Discover me @bestnaturalsmile_
Because of,
Styling & Design: Emma Baker, The Emma Edit / @themmaedit
Images: Beth Hawkes, Mariposa Footage / @mariposapictures
Hilarie MakeUp: Monica Vazquez / @igbeauty_bymoni
Venue: Steele Residence, Marina del Rey California
+ study the right way to take away toxicity out of your thoughts & physique.
++ stalk the advantages of utilizing turmeric in your face.
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