About Nitric Oxide and Link to Oral Health
About Nitric Oxide
Nitric Oxide (NO) is a naturally produced molecule that plays a vital role in the circulation that supports almost every biological system. However, your body’s ability to produce NO declines rapidly as you age.
Adequate Nitric Oxide levels are key to healthy vasodilation (relaxing of blood vessel walls), blood flow, and oxygen delivery. NO is also closely linked to supporting normal, healthy blood pressure levels and overall cardiovascular health — as well as energy levels, cognitive health, hormonal health, gut health, sexual health, and more.
Nitric Oxide and Oral Health
Nitrates are absorbed from certain foods we eat, such as celery, spinach, strawberries, and spinach. The nitrates circulate in the blood and are absorbed into the saliva. Certain healthy mouth bacteria (i.e., denitrifying bacteria) are able to process salivary nitrate and turn it into nitrite. When nitrite comes into contact with acid-producing bacteria, the nitrite becomes a substance that is toxic to them and helps eliminate them. So, when denitrifying bacteria are plentiful, they will help to control plaque-causing bacteria and help promote mouth health. Humans lack the nitrate reductase enzyme necessary to turn nitrates into nitrites, so we depend on oral bacteria for this benefit. Furthermore, any nitrite we swallow in our saliva reacts with gastric acids in our stomach to create nitric oxide, which can inactivate potential pathogens in the stomach and will also exert positive vasodilatory effects on our circulation and breathing.
By using xylitol and following Dr. Ellie's strategies, you can maintain a healthy microbiome and support denitrifying bacteria.
Testing Nitric Oxide in Saliva
Zellie's sells Berkeley Life Nitric Oxide Saliva Test Strips, which are specifically designed to indicate salivary nitrite levels, a proven precursor to Nitric Oxide levels in the body. This non-invasive saliva test checks Nitric Oxide production in under 15 seconds. With these strips, you can easily test at home to monitor progress.
Each tube has 50 individual testing strips.
Steps to Use Nitric Oxide Testing Strips:
- Do not consume food or beverages 10 minutes prior to testing.
- Test prior to physical activity.
- Place the test strip on your tongue with the "saliva here" side facing down. Hold for 5 seconds.
- Fold the strip in half, pressing the sides together gently for 10 seconds.
- Unfold and compare your results with the Nitric Oxide Scale on the package.
*It's best to test before and 90 minutes after consuming a nitrate-rich meal
Continue learning about the importance of saliva here: Importance of Saliva