Ever heard of “EDC”? It stands for Every Day Carry—the handful of essentials you bring with you wherever you go.
I’m often on the road—whether driving between Napa and San Francisco to take care of my grandkids, going mountain biking with Roseann, or headed to the airport to visit one of our three daughters, I rely on a few key items that keep my health (and mouth) on track.
Here’s what’s always in my bag—and why…
1. Green Tea Packets (link to the one I drink)
For years, my family drank the same tea every day, assuming it was safe. But when I started researching how tea is grown, I discovered that many teas—including some organic ones—can be contaminated with pesticides like DDT, heavy metals, and mold.
Most companies don’t test for these toxins, and without testing, they have no way of knowing what’s in their product.
Ever since then, I’m much more selective about my tea. That’s why this is the one I carry on me always.
Not only is it a real treat that I look forward to every day, green tea has been shown to have tremendous benefits for oral health and, more specifically, the oral microbiome:
- Catechins in green tea fight cavities, bad breath, gum disease, and even oral cancer.
- Green tea helps regulate blood sugar, which supports remineralization and fights plaque.
- Green tea helps keep the mouth less acidic, which protects enamel and supports a healthier balance of bacteria
- Green tea can inhibit P. gingivalis, the bacteria tied to gum disease and Alzheimer’s.
- Catechins reduce oral bacterial load, especially Streptococcus mutans—a major culprit in tooth decay.
2. Dark Chocolate (link to one of my favorites)
But not just any chocolate! I always carry a bar that’s:
- 85% or higher cacao (lower sugar, higher polyphenol content)
- Organic
Is it caloric? Sure. But for me, just a few squares each day is such a treat, and so satisfying. I love to see my grandkids—ages 7 and 4—actually able to enjoy the taste of real chocolate, so much so that they’re always asking me for “Opa chocolate”! So different from the junky chocolate bars of my childhood!
📚 According to research:
- Dark chocolate polyphenols prevent plaque and lower inflammation in gums (source).
- One study even found that CBH was more effective than fluoride at remineralizing enamel in early-stage cavities.
3. Pre-Made Paleo Meals (link to the service Roseann and I have used for 10+ years)
We cook a lot at home, but life’s full—especially when I’m bouncing between Fygg, Ask the Dentist, and taking care of the grandkids. Often, a ready meal saves the day. For over a decade, I’ve relied on these pre-made paleo meals.
They travel well, freeze well, and taste amazing—as they should, given that they’re created by a Cordon Bleu-trained chef.
Why this matters:
- Processed food and snacking throughout the day wreck the oral microbiome.
- These meals are free of refined sugar, grains, and industrial seed oils.
- Whole food, nutrient-dense eating promotes saliva production and balances the mouth’s pH.
- Great food = great life!
4. Xylitol Gum
Chewing xylitol gum between meals:
- Stimulates saliva—nature’s built-in remineralizing solution.
- Reduces cavity-causing bacteria (especially S. mutans).
- Helps keep the mouth neutral in pH after acidic meals or drinks.
I go deep on the science in this episode, but here are a few takeaways:
- Just 5g of xylitol daily reduces cavities by up to 70% (source).
- Xylitol interferes with bacterial adhesion—preventing plaque biofilm formation (source).
- It even enhances oral immunity by stimulating beneficial bacteria growth (source).
5. Fluoride-Filtering Water Bottle (link to the one I use)
When you’re refilling at airports, cafes, or public fountains—you’re likely getting tap water with fluoride. In fact, even if you pay for bottled water, you’re likely still getting exposed to fluoride, unfortunately.
This bottle filters out:
- Fluoride
- Chlorine
- Heavy metals
5. Propolis throat spray (link to the one I use)
Everyone should be using this.
It helps suppress S. mutans, the bacteria that causes cavities, and supports both the oral microbiome and immune system. I do a few sprays to the back of the throat each day.
It’s simple, natural, and might even help with bad breath.
I hope this gave you a few new ideas to support your health—without making life more complicated.
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P.S. I’d love to know—what’s part of your “every day carry”? Hit reply—I love learning what others swear by, and many of you have already introduced me to some of my favorites.