By Dahni

© 2026, all rights reserved

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Living Simply is Simply Living: My Dental Protocol, My Periodontal Disease, and My Quiet Rebellion

“I have periodontal disease. There is no cure. But I am not powerless. I have a protocol. It is simple. It is consistent. It is mine. And every morning and night, when I pick up my toothbrush, I am choosing to fight — not with money or specialists, but with time, discipline, and the science of simple, natural care.”

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🧑‍⚕️ The Backstory — Why I Built This Protocol

I’ve spent over $5,000 on periodontal care — flap surgery, laser surgery, Arestin (an oral antibiotic whose name literally means “against life”), deep cleanings, specialist visits. All for limited benefit, high cost, and zero cure.

I am done paying for anyone’s Ivy League tuition.

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition. It has no cure. It tends to worsen with age and is exacerbated by my predisposition to diabetes and high blood pressure — which hang out with high blood sugar and make everything worse.

So I stopped going to specialists. I stopped paying for expensive, temporary fixes. And I started building my own protocol — not to cure, but to slow, manage, and live well anyway.

This protocol is for me. But I’m sharing it because I know I’m not alone.

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🦷 The Protocol — Verified, Simple, Repeatable

I follow this twice daily — morning and night — with weekly add-ons. It’s not about owning the most expensive tools. It’s about using simple, accessible, science-backed tools in the right order, consistently, for the right reasons.

✅ Daily Morning & Night Routine

1. Closys — 30 seconds pre-rinse
   • Neutralizes bacteria before brushing. Activated zinc ions begin working immediately.
   • Verification: Clinically shown to reduce VSCs — the cause of bad breath — before mechanical cleaning.
2. Floss or floss pick — interdental cleaning
   • Removes plaque and food debris between teeth and under gumline. No device substitutes.
   • Verification: Studies show flossing reduces gingivitis and halitosis. Essential for gum health.
3. Electronic toothbrush with Parodontax — 30 seconds per quadrant inside/outside
   • Stannous fluoride and sodium bicarbonate target bleeding gums and gingivitis.
   • Verification: Parodontax is FDA-approved for reducing gum bleeding. Clinical studies support its efficacy.
   • Note: May cause minor tooth staining — mitigated by baking soda weekly.
4. Ultrasonic plaque remover — as needed only, not daily
   • Removes calculus (tartar) above and below gumline.
   • Verification: Safe for occasional use. Daily home use may cause micro-abrasion of enamel over time. Use 2-3x/week maximum.
5. Waterpik with warm saline solution — 30 seconds per quadrant inside/outside
   • Gentle irrigation below gumline to remove debris. Salt water is natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
   • Verification: Dentists recommend saline rinses after procedures for healing. pH ~7.4-8.0 — alkaline, supports enamel.
   • Mix: 1/4 to 1/2 tsp non-iodized sea salt or Himalayan pink salt per 8oz warm water.
6. Listerine Zero Alcohol — 30 seconds
   • Essential oil formula (eucalyptol, menthol, thymol) kills bacteria. Zero alcohol reduces dryness.
   • Verification: Proven to reduce gingivitis and plaque. Acidic (pH ~4-5) — used after mechanical cleaning to minimize enamel exposure.
7. ACT — 30 seconds, spit, do not rinse
   • Fluoride rinse (0.05% sodium fluoride) remineralizes enamel and raises pH to neutral/alkaline.
   • Verification: Fluoride is the gold standard for cavity prevention. Final step ensures maximum contact time with enamel.
   • Critical: Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after ACT at bedtime.
8. SmartMouth — 30 seconds (Morning only)
   • Zinc ions bind to oral surfaces to neutralize VSCs for up to 12 hours — breath protection.
   • Verification: Clinically proven to reduce bad breath for 12 hours. Zinc ions bind to tissue, not washed away by ACT if used before it.
   • Morning protocol: SmartMouth last — 12 hour protection for the day.
   • Bedtime protocol: ACT last — fluoride works overnight undisturbed.

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🌿 Weekly Add-Ons — Optional, But Powerful

1. Baking Soda — Once weekly (Sunday morning suggestion)

• Gently removes surface stains. Mild abrasive, no chemicals.
• Use: Dip damp toothbrush in baking soda, brush gently for 2 minutes, then continue normal protocol.
• Verification: Safe for enamel with weekly use. Effective for extrinsic stains.

2. Coconut Oil Pulling — 2-3 times weekly (morning, separate session)

• Natural antimicrobial, reduces surface staining, supports gum health.
• Use: 1 tablespoon, swish 10-20 minutes, spit into trash (not sink), rinse with warm water, then proceed with normal morning protocol.
• Verification: Studies show lauric acid in coconut oil reduces Streptococcus mutans — a key cavity-causing bacteria.

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🍬 Xylitol Mints — The Alkaline Bonus

• Why They Work: Xylitol is a natural sweetener that inhibits Streptococcus mutans — the primary bacterium responsible for tooth decay.
• Verification: Studies show xylitol reduces cavities by up to 80%. It also raises oral pH, making the mouth less acidic and more alkaline.
• “Alkalize or Die” Connection: While the book’s claims are overstated, maintaining a neutral or slightly alkaline oral pH (7.0-7.5) is scientifically supported for enamel health and bacterial control.
• My Experience: I use these mints all the time. I prefer mints over gum — gum can be too abrasive or cause jaw strain. Limit to 3-5 mints per day to avoid gastrointestinal upset from excess xylitol.

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❤️ The Heart-Gum Connection — Why This Matters

Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Risk

• Verification: The American Heart Association states there is a clear association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.
• Mechanism: Inflammation from gum disease releases cytokines into the bloodstream, contributing to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
• Studies: People with periodontitis have a 20-50% higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

The Oral Microbiome and Systemic Health

• Verification: The mouth is the gateway to the gut. Poor oral hygiene allows pathogenic bacteria to enter the bloodstream and digestive tract.
• Consequence: Swallowing decayed food particles and bacteria from poor oral hygiene can trigger systemic inflammation and contribute to conditions like:
  • Diabetes (worsens glycemic control)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Alzheimer’s disease (some studies suggest oral pathogens may reach the brain)
  • Adverse pregnancy outcomes

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🌈 Living Simply is Simply Living — The Final Word

This protocol is not about owning the most expensive tools. It’s about using simple, accessible, science-backed tools in the right order, consistently, for the right reasons — for the health of your mouth, your heart, and your life.

I have periodontal disease. There is no cure. But I am not powerless. I have a protocol. It is simple. It is consistent. It is mine. And every morning and night, when I pick up my toothbrush, I am choosing to fight — not with money or specialists, but with time, discipline, and the science of simple, natural care.

That is Living Simply is Simply Living. That is self-care. That is resistance.

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For more on my books, R.E.S.E.T and Apple of Gold, visit i-imaginepress.com.