The Functional Dentist: New Research Linking Bleeding Gums & Cancer! If You Can't Get It Up, Brush Your Teeth!

Nov 11, 2024 1h 35m 15 insights
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.
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.