Tejal Somvanshi
In a revealing episode of The Dr. Josh Axe Show, holistic dentist Dr. Staci Whitman shares eye-opening insights about how our oral health connects to overall wellness. From fertility issues to cognitive function, what happens in your mouth doesn’t stay in your mouth. Let’s dive into the science behind these connections and what you can do to protect yourself.
The Mouth-Body Connection: Stronger Than You Think
Your oral microbiome—the ecosystem of bacteria in your mouth—directly impacts your entire body. “They’re finding up to 57 systemic diseases linked back to oral dysbiosis or imbalances with the microbes in our mouth,” Dr. Whitman explains.
This connection works through several pathways:
- Leaky Gums: Gingivitis affects up to 80% of the population and creates an entry point for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.
- Bacterial Travel: These oral pathogens can travel through your circulatory and lymphatic systems, reaching distant organs.
- Inflammatory Response: Oral bacteria release toxins that trigger inflammation throughout your body.
Beyond Brushing: The Silent Epidemic Affecting Children’s Teeth
Dr. Whitman points to a concerning trend in children’s dental health: enamel hypoplasia—teeth erupting with mineral deficiencies.
“I’m very concerned about the state of our children’s mineralization,” she states. “It’s rare that I don’t see a child without some sort of defect in how their teeth have developed.”
The problem? Undermineralized teeth lack protective armor, making them susceptible to decay and requiring extensive dental work at young ages. Surprisingly, this isn’t primarily about poor brushing habits—it’s about fundamental nutrition and development.
The Breastfeeding Controversy
Contrary to what some dental professionals advise, Dr. Whitman strongly supports breastfeeding for optimal oral development:
“Dentists and doctors are telling women to stop breastfeeding. I hear it all the time,” she says. “The best thing you can do to grow a face and optimize an airway is breastfeeding.”
Breastfeeding creates lateral movements that widen the jaws, premaxilla, and sinuses—helping children develop proper facial structure and airways.
Food Factors: What’s Destroying Our Teeth?
The modern diet bears significant responsibility for dental problems:
“Humans didn’t get decay 12,000 years ago,” Dr. Whitman points out. “If you eat a whole food diet, your decay risk is basically zero.”
The primary culprits include:
- Ultra-processed foods
- Refined carbohydrates
- Sugar
- Seed oils
- Artificial additives
What might surprise you: “I blame crackers more for our cavity epidemic right now than candy bars,” Dr. Whitman reveals. This includes seemingly innocent snacks like organic crackers and fruit snacks marketed to busy parents.
These foods feed harmful bacteria that produce acid, leaching minerals from teeth and eventually creating cavities.
Dental Materials: Hidden Dangers in Your Mouth
Mercury Fillings
Mercury amalgam fillings (the silver-colored ones) continue to be used despite significant concerns:
- Mercury can leach into your body over time
- The EU banned mercury fillings as of January 1, 2025
- Dr. Whitman recommends working with a SMART-certified (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) dentist for safe removal
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Fluoride Controversy
Dr. Whitman distinguishes between topical and systemic fluoride use:
- Water Fluoridation: “97% of the world no longer fluoridates their water,” she notes. Concerns include:
- Mass medication without consent
- Uncontrolled dosing (consumption varies by person)
- Antimicrobial effects potentially disrupting gut microbiome
- Recent research linking fluoride exposure to lower IQ in children
Dr. Whitman points to recent developments: “The NTP (National Toxicology Program) report came out in August 2024… it found 18 very high-quality studies, many funded by NIH, that said there are links to neurocognitive issues with children.”
In a federal trial (TSCA trial), a judge ruled there’s “an unreasonable risk to the current fluoridation practices now in the United States.”
- Topical Fluoride: Can be appropriate in specific clinical situations but isn’t necessary for daily use.
Root Canal Concerns
Root canals remain controversial in dental health circles. Dr. Whitman takes a nuanced approach:
“It’s not really the root canal that’s the issue, it’s the way it’s been performed,” she clarifies. “Many root canals are not done appropriately.”
Potential issues include:
- Bacteria, fungi, and parasites can live in the treated tooth
- Potential links to systemic inflammation and other health issues
- Inadequate evaluation (2D vs. 3D imaging)
Natural Solutions for Better Oral Health
Remineralization Strategies
Key nutrients that support tooth health include:
- Vitamin D3 and K2
- Magnesium
- Calcium and phosphorus
- Trace minerals
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Probiotics and prebiotics
“Vitamin D deficiency is significantly linked to cavities,” Dr. Whitman explains, noting that in her practice, she found “100% of children [tested] were significantly deficient.”
Practical Daily Habits
- Tongue Scraping: Removes bacteria and disrupts biofilm on the tongue
- Oil Pulling: “I personally prefer raw organic coconut oil,” Dr. Whitman says. Even 3-5 minutes (vs. the traditional 20) offers benefits.
- Nasal Breathing: “Humans are obligate nasal breathers… When you breathe through your nose, you get more oxygen to the brain.”
- Proper Nutrition: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods rich in minerals and fat-soluble vitamins
- Avoiding Antimicrobial Mouthwashes: These can disrupt beneficial bacteria, potentially impacting cardiovascular health
The Broader Impact: From Dental Health to Total Wellness
Oral health issues can manifest in surprising ways throughout the body:
- Reproductive Health: Links between oral bacteria and fertility issues
- Cognitive Function: Connections to Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Cardiovascular Health: Heart disease risk increases with gum disease
- Hormonal Balance: Impacts on testosterone and thyroid function
Taking Action: Next Steps for Better Dental Health
- Find a biological or functional dentist who considers the whole-body impact of dental work.
- Consider hydroxyapatite toothpaste as an alternative to fluoride.
- Get regular 3D imaging if you have root canals.
- Address vitamin D deficiency, especially in children.
- Reduce or eliminate processed foods and focus on nutrient-dense whole foods.
- Practice proper breathing techniques and consider mouth taping at night (with professional guidance).
As Dr. Whitman emphasizes, “We’ve kind of been the annoying little sister of medicine. Why have we separated the mouth from the body? Dentistry should be a speciality of medicine.”
By recognizing these connections and taking proactive steps, you can protect not just your smile, but your overall health for years to come.
