The Functional Dentist: New Research Linking Bleeding Gums & Cancer! If You Can't Get It Up, Brush Your Teeth!
Dr. Victoria Sampson, "the saliva queen," reveals the profound link between oral health and systemic conditions like infertility, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and cancer. She explains how an imbalanced oral microbiome impacts overall body health and provides practical advice for improving it.
Deep Dive Analysis
18 Topic Outline
The Oral Microbiome: Second Largest in the Body
Systemic Diseases Linked to Oral Microbiome Imbalance
Oral Health and COVID-19 Complications Research
Impact of Processed Foods on Jaw Development and Teeth
Ancestral Diets vs. Modern Oral Hygiene Needs
Individual Differences in Oral Microbiome and Disease Response
Mechanisms of Oral Health Impacting Overall Health
Bidirectional Link Between Oral Health and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Oral Microbiome's Connection to Heart Disease and Blood Vessels
Gum Disease and Increased Risk of Erectile Dysfunction
Emerging Research on Oral Bacteria and Cancer Aggression
Oral Health's Strong Link to Brain Health and Alzheimer's
Stress and Mental Health Manifestations in Oral Health
Health Impacts of Mouth Breathing vs. Nose Breathing
Oral Health and Fertility: Male and Female Impacts
Optimal Brushing Practices and Toothpaste Selection
Whitening Teeth Safely and Avoiding Damage
Benefits of Using Straws for Oral Health
6 Key Concepts
Oral Microbiome
The oral microbiome is the second largest and most diverse collection of bacteria in the body, after the gut, which significantly impacts general health and is easier to change. An imbalanced oral microbiome increases the risk of oral diseases like gum disease and decay, as well as systemic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, infertility, and Alzheimer's.
Low-grade Chronic Inflammation
This refers to a subtle, persistent inflammation often unnoticed, such as bleeding gums, which indicates a problem. An imbalanced oral microbiome releases inflammatory markers that travel throughout the body, contributing to and exacerbating systemic inflammation in other areas like rheumatoid arthritis.
Non-shedding Surfaces (Teeth)
Unlike skin cells that naturally shed and self-clean, teeth are the only non-shedding surfaces in the entire body. This means that if bacteria and plaque are not mechanically removed through regular brushing and professional hygiene, they will continue to grow and accumulate indefinitely.
Fusobacterium nucleolatum
This is a specific oral bacteria found in high levels in the breast microbiome of women with breast cancer and in the colons of colorectal cancer patients. Research suggests this oral bacteria can make cancer more aggressive and accelerate tumor growth.
P. Gingivalis
Considered one of the worst oral bacteria, P. Gingivalis is capable of traveling from the mouth to the brain and crossing the blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain, it releases toxic enzymes called gingipanes, which break down neurons and brain tissue, and is strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Gingipanes
These are toxic enzymes released by the oral bacteria P. Gingivalis. They have been found in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue of Alzheimer's sufferers, where they are believed to break down neurons and contribute to brain tissue damage.
15 Questions Answered
The oral microbiome is the second largest and most diverse collection of bacteria in the body after the gut, significantly impacting general health and being relatively easy to manage and balance.
The oral microbiome consists of approximately 700 different types of bacteria, totaling about 2 billion bacteria overall.
The World Health Organization reports that 3.5 billion people worldwide have some form of oral disease, with 10% suffering from severe gum disease.
Yes, bacteria from the mouth can travel to other parts of the body when swallowed or through the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic problems, though stomach acid kills many bacteria.
There is a strong bidirectional relationship where people with rheumatoid arthritis are eight times more likely to develop gum disease, and treating gum disease can significantly improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Gum disease is linked to a 20% higher chance of high blood pressure and can contribute to 30-40% of cardiac issues in hospitals due to inflammation and damage to blood vessels caused by oral bacteria.
Yes, men with periodontal (gum) disease are 2.85 times more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction due to reduced blood flow caused by bacterial toxins damaging blood vessels.
Emerging research shows that specific oral bacteria, like Fusobacterium nucleolatum, are found in high levels in breast and colorectal cancers, potentially making tumors more aggressive and harder to treat.
Having gum disease for over 10 years increases the chance of developing Alzheimer's by 70%, and the oral bacteria P. Gingivalis can travel to the brain, releasing toxic enzymes (gingipanes) that break down brain tissue.
Yes, stress can increase inflammatory markers and dry out the mouth, negatively impacting the oral microbiome and contributing to issues like collagen breakdown in the gums.
Mouth breathing lacks the filtering benefits of nose breathing, leading to an unhealthier oral microbiome, and children with sleep-disordered breathing (often mouth breathing) are 50-90% more likely to develop ADHD-like symptoms.
Yes, over 90% of sub-fertile men in one study had oral disease, and treatment led to a 70% improvement in pregnancy success. Women with gum disease take two months longer to conceive and have a higher risk of preterm birth.
The most important times to brush are first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic or sugary foods/drinks; wait 30 minutes to prevent grinding acid into the teeth.
No, you should only spit after brushing, not rinse with water, to allow the beneficial ingredients from the toothpaste to remain on your teeth and gums.
No, many over-the-counter whitening toothpastes can be abrasive and damage enamel, leading to sensitivity and yellowing. Professional whitening with good brands can be safe, but caution is advised.
15 Actionable Insights
1. Prioritize Oral Health for Systemic Well-being
Recognize the mouth as the gateway to the body; an imbalanced oral microbiome increases the risk of over 90% of diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and infertility. Prioritizing oral health is fundamental for overall body health.
2. Treat Gum Disease to Improve Fertility
Address gum disease and other oral infections to significantly improve fertility outcomes for both men and women. Studies show treating oral disease in sub-fertile men led to a 70% improvement in pregnancy rates, and women with gum disease take two months longer to conceive.
3. Wait Before Brushing After Eating
Never brush your teeth immediately after consuming acidic or sugary foods or drinks; wait 30 minutes. Brushing too soon can grind the acid or sugar into your teeth, causing damage. Instead, chew sugar-free gum or mints to quickly neutralize saliva pH.
4. Spit, Don’t Rinse After Brushing
After brushing your teeth, spit out the excess toothpaste but do not rinse your mouth with water. Rinsing removes the beneficial ingredients from the toothpaste, diminishing its protective effects on your teeth and gums.
5. Use an Electric Toothbrush Correctly
Opt for an electric toothbrush as it often provides better cleaning by doing the work for you, timing your brushing for two minutes, and using a pressure sensor to prevent brushing too hard. Ensure you brush the insides of your back bottom teeth at a 90-degree angle and outsides at a 30-degree angle with rotational movements.
6. Manage Sugar Intake with “Sugar Attacks”
If consuming sugar, do so in a single “sugar attack” rather than sipping sugary drinks or snacking frequently. This allows your saliva to neutralize the acidity quickly, minimizing the time your teeth are exposed to harmful acids that cause decay.
7. Incorporate Green Tea for Oral Health
Drink green tea as it is anti-inflammatory, helps reduce oxidative stress, and possesses antibacterial properties. It is particularly effective at killing Fusobacterium nucleolatum, an oral bacteria linked to more aggressive cancers.
8. Utilize Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
Chew sugar-free gum, especially those containing xylitol, to stimulate saliva flow and kill harmful bacteria in the mouth. This practice can contribute to better oral health and, in pregnant women, has been shown to reduce the risk of preterm birth.
9. Use Straws for Acidic/Sugary Drinks
Drink acidic, sugary, or staining beverages through a straw to bypass your teeth. This reduces direct contact with the tooth surface, helping to prevent decay, enamel erosion, and staining.
10. Address Mouth Breathing for Overall Health
Be aware of mouth breathing, particularly in children, as it can lead to an unhealthy oral microbiome, reduced oxygen delivery to the brain, and is linked to ADHD-like symptoms and chronic fatigue. Consider mouth taping at night as a way to test and encourage nasal breathing.
11. Mechanically Remove Plaque Regularly
Understand that teeth are non-shedding surfaces, meaning bacteria and plaque will accumulate indefinitely if not physically removed. Regularly brush, floss, and visit a hygienist to mechanically disrupt and remove this buildup, preventing disease.
12. Consider Oral Microbiome Testing
Explore oral microbiome testing to gain personalized insights into your specific bacteria strains, genetic mutations, and inflammation levels. This information allows for tailored recommendations on toothbrushes, supplements, and toothpaste to rebalance your oral microbiome.
13. Avoid Abrasive Whitening Toothpastes
Be cautious with whitening toothpastes that are highly abrasive, as they can damage tooth enamel over time, leading to sensitivity and potentially revealing the yellower underlying dentin. For whitening, seek professional dental treatment.
14. Manage Stress to Protect Oral Health
Recognize that stress can significantly impact oral health by increasing inflammatory markers and causing dry mouth. High stress levels can exacerbate gum disease and other oral issues, even independent of lifestyle choices.
15. Be Mindful of Oral Sex and Bacteria Transfer
Understand that oral sex can facilitate the transfer of bacteria between partners. If a partner has recurrent infections (e.g., urinary infections), this bacteria can be transferred and potentially cause inflammation in the mouth.
6 Key Quotes
More than 90% of diseases can be traced back to our microbiomes.
Dr. Victoria Sampson
If your eye bled or if your foot was bleeding every day, you would be worried and you would think, actually, there's inflammation here. There's a problem here. But so many people have bleeding gums and they don't understand that bleeding gums is a sign.
Dr. Victoria Sampson
The most important time to brush your teeth is right before you go to bed because you spend two minutes spreading all this lovely goodness on your teeth.
Dr. Victoria Sampson
My mission is to show people that the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. And if they really want to achieve full body health, it starts with the mouth first.
Dr. Victoria Sampson
Men who have periodontal disease are 2.85 times more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Dr. Victoria Sampson
You should never rinse your mouth out with water after you brush your teeth.
Dr. Victoria Sampson
1 Protocols
Optimal Tooth Brushing Method
Dr. Victoria Sampson- Wait 30 minutes after consuming anything acidic or sugary before brushing your teeth.
- Brush your teeth first thing in the morning and last thing before going to bed.
- Use an electric toothbrush, as it often does the work for you, times your brushing, and has a pressure sensor to prevent brushing too hard.
- When brushing the insides of your very back bottom teeth (near the tongue), raise your elbow and brush at approximately a 90-degree angle.
- When brushing the outsides of your teeth, use rotational movements at a 30-degree angle towards the gum margin to massage the gums and remove bacteria.
- Follow a consistent method for brushing (e.g., start on the left, do all outsides, then biting surfaces, then insides, for both top and bottom teeth) to ensure all areas are covered.
- After brushing, spit into the basin but do not rinse your mouth out with water to allow the beneficial ingredients from the toothpaste to remain on your teeth and gums.