Last Updated on July 17, 2024
Today I’m sharing my top tips about how to prevent cavities, gum disease, and the best products for oral health care.
You may be wondering why I’m talking about oral health… but oral health is MANDATORY if you want to be happy, healthy, and fit. Oral health is crucial for a fast metabolism and your immune system. Dental health issues like cavities and gum disease have a direct impact on metabolism and immunity. So if you want to look and feel great and prevent major health issues it’s important that your mouth is healthy, too!
I first learned about holistic oral health 15 years ago because I am OBSESSED with my teeth. When I was a kid my dream job was to be a dentist… more specifically an oral surgeon. As I got older that passion organically shifted to total body health and fitness. In the process, I learned how integrated oral health is with the rest of the body and how it can affect your physical health, weight, and is a root cause for some pretty serious diseases.
As someone that’s never had a cavity or gum issues, I feel compelled to spill the truth about oral health and my tips to get your teeth healthy and prevent issues like cavities and gum disease.
I also find that a lot of my one on one clients are surprised to see dental/oral health questions on my client intake forms. When I explain the importance they had no idea that the status of their mouth, including cavities, gum issues, and root canals, directly impact and cause symptoms in the rest of their body.
That’s why I’m breaking down how oral health affects the body and can be a root cause of disease(s) and my tops tips and products to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Let’s dig in!
How Cavities and Oral Health Issues Affect the Body
Oral health plays a crucial role in overall health, and its impact extends beyond just the mouth.
You probably already know that the mouth is FULL of bacteria. Individuals with healthy, optimized immune systems can usually fend off most bacteria that escape from an infected tooth or gums. However, as the immune system becomes compromised—whether due to aging, illness, injury, or other trauma—the body may struggle to prevent the infection from spreading.
In such cases, a weakened immune system permits bacteria to proliferate unchecked, allowing them to infiltrate surrounding tissues and eventually enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can travel to various sensitive areas of the body, including organs, glands, and other tissues.
Here’s a breakdown of the main ways oral hygiene can contribute to metabolic issues and diseases throughout the body that affect metabolism and immunity most.
Cavities, Gum Disease, and Oral Health’s Impact on Cardiovascular Health
Oral health directly affects heart health. I was surprised when I first learned this, but it’s true.
Bacteria and Heart Disease: Bacteria from infected teeth and gums can enter the bloodstream and attach to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, leading to the formation of clots and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Endothelial Dysfunction: Periodontal disease and infections specifically can cause endothelial dysfunction, which impairs the normal functioning of blood vessels and is a precursor to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Oral Issue’s Impact on Digestive Health
Oral and digestive health have a strong bidirectional relationship. I find that virtually all of my clients with mouth issues also have gut issues. Here are the most common ways that oral health impacts gut health (and vice versa.)
Poor Oral Health Impact: Dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or tooth loss can impair chewing efficiency, leading to larger food particles entering the digestive tract, which can strain the stomach and intestines.
Microbiome Balance: The mouth hosts a diverse community of microorganisms that contribute to the overall microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract. Maintaining a healthy balance of oral bacteria is crucial for gut health.
Pathogenic Bacteria: Poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can be swallowed and may disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues such as infections, inflammation, and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Inflammatory conditions like periodontal disease can allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria can contribute to systemic inflammation, affecting the gut and other organs.
Inflammatory Mediators: Inflammation from oral infections can release inflammatory mediators that impact the gut, potentially leading to or exacerbating conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Connection to Systemic Diseases: Poor oral health has been linked to systemic diseases such as diabetes, which in turn can affect gastrointestinal health. For example, diabetes can lead to gastroparesis, a condition that slows down digestion.
Acid Reflux and Oral Health: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can affect oral health by exposing the teeth to stomach acids, leading to erosion and decay. Conversely, poor oral health can contribute to digestive issues by affecting saliva production and pH balance.
By the way… one of the number one signs that you have a pathogenic infection in your digestive system is having a white or yellow mossy coating on your tongue.
Respiratory Health and Oral Infections
Aspiration of Bacteria: Oral infections can lead to the aspiration of bacteria into the respiratory tract, potentially causing respiratory infections such as pneumonia. This is especially concerning for individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Poor oral health is associated with an increased risk of COPD, a condition that can complicate other metabolic issues.
Impact on General Health
Diet and Nutrition: Poor oral health can lead to difficulties in eating and chewing, resulting in poor nutrition. Malnutrition and deficiencies in essential nutrients can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of various cancers.
Lifestyle Factors: Individuals with poor oral health might also engage in other unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which are major risk factors for cancer.
Infection and Inflammation
Oral infections can cause inflammation that can spread to the rest of your body.
Bacterial Invasion: Cavities are caused by bacterial infections. The bacteria involved, such as Streptococcus mutans, produce acids that erode tooth enamel and dentin, leading to decay.
Chronic Inflammation: Untreated cavities can cause chronic inflammation in the mouth. This local inflammation can contribute to systemic inflammation, which is a known risk factor for various metabolic diseases, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Chronic oral infections add to the body’s overall inflammatory load, exacerbating conditions like cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases.
Inflammation and Kidney Function: Chronic inflammation from periodontal disease can affect kidney function and increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, which is closely linked to metabolic health.
Sugar Intake and Oral Health Issues
High Sugar Consumption: The development of cavities is often linked to high sugar consumption. Diets high in sugar contribute to both tooth decay and metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Imbalances the Oral Microbiome: Sugar affects the oral microbiome by providing a food source for harmful bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans. When these bacteria metabolize sugar, they produce acids as byproducts, which lower the pH in the mouth. This acidic environment demineralizes tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Additionally, high sugar intake promotes the growth of these acid-producing bacteria, disrupting the balance of the oral microbiome and further increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Blood Sugar Spikes: Frequent sugar intake can cause spikes in blood glucose levels, which, over time, may contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. There is a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and oral health issues. Diabetes can increase the risk of developing cavities, infections, and periodontal disease and poor oral health can worsen diabetes control, too. Here are some of the most common ways:
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Blood sugar issues can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Saliva helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria and washes away food particles, so reduced saliva flow can increase the risk of cavities.
Altered Immune Response: High sugar intake can impair the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections, including those that cause cavities and gum disease.
Oral Health Issues & Fertility
Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women with gum disease are at higher risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia due to systemic inflammation and bacterial infections.
Fertility Issues: Chronic oral infections and inflammation can negatively impact fertility in both men and women.
Systemic Spread of Bacteria from the mouth throughout the body
Bacteremia: Cavities, dental procedures, poor oral hygiene, and infections can lead to transient bacteremia, where bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body. can lead to tooth abscesses, which are pockets of infection. These infections can sometimes spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream (bacteremia), potentially causing systemic health issues.
Periodontal Disease: Gum disease, particularly advanced stages like periodontitis, can create openings in the gum tissue, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Respiratory Tract: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems or the elderly.
Digestive Tract: Bacteria from the mouth can be swallowed and reach the gastrointestinal tract, potentially disrupting the balance of gut microbiota and contributing to gastrointestinal issues.
Cognitive Decline: Chronic oral inflammation and infections have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Impact on Organs: Bacteria from dental infections can affect vital organs. For instance, infective endocarditis is a condition where oral bacteria infect the heart valves, posing serious health risks.
Increased Cancer Risks Associated with Cavities and Gum Infections
Cancer and Metabolic Diseases: As discussed earlier, poor oral health can contribute to systemic inflammation and metabolic disorders, which are also linked to increased cancer risk. Addressing oral health issues can help mitigate these interconnected risks… It’s well know that poor oral health, specifically issues the mouth microbiome can increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers. The pioneers of this groundbreaking discovery are Dr. Weston Price and Dr. Robert Jones.
Dr. Robert Jones did a five-year study of 300 breast cancer cases that indicated that 93% of women with breast cancer had root canals and 7% had other dental issues. Interestingly enough, in most cases tumors manifest on the same side of the body as the root canal(s) or other dental restoration.
What Oral Health and Health Issues
Oral health issues that can indicate major health issues in other areas of the body include:
- Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory issues.
- Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis): Can be a sign of respiratory or gastrointestinal conditions.
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Often associated with diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications.
- Oral Thrush (Candidiasis): May indicate immunodeficiency, diabetes, or other underlying health problems like pathogens and parasites.
- Oral Cancer: Symptoms can sometimes signal broader systemic issues, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- Mouth Sores: Persistent sores can be related to nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, or gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease.
- Jaw Pain (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders – TMJ): Can be related to stress, arthritis, or other systemic conditions.
- Tooth Loss: Associated with osteoporosis and can indicate poor diet, nutrient deficiency, or systemic diseases like diabetes.
- Bleeding Gums: Can signal blood disorders or vitamin deficiencies.
- Root Canal Infections: Can lead to or indicate systemic infections if bacteria spread from the oral cavity to other parts of the body.
- Tooth Erosion: Can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or bulimia.
- Persistent Mouth Ulcers: May indicate gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.
- Burning Mouth Syndrome: Can be linked to nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, or neurological disorders.
- Enlarged Gums (Gingival Hyperplasia): Can be a side effect of certain medications or a symptom of systemic conditions like leukemia.
- Oral Manifestations of HIV/AIDS: Conditions like oral hairy leukoplakia, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis can indicate HIV/AIDS.
- Pale or Discolored Gums: May signal anemia or other blood disorders.
- Loose Teeth: Can be a symptom of advanced gum disease or osteoporosis.
- Changes in Taste: Can be linked to vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes, or neurological disorders.
- Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): Can indicate neurological conditions, cancers, or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums: Can also be a sign of diabetes, especially if healing is slow and infections are frequent.
These oral health issues often reflect broader health conditions and highlight the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
Now that you know how cavities and gum disease affects the body, let’s review what causes the root causes of these oral health issues.
What Causes Cavities, Gum Disease, & Oral Health Issues?
Cavities, also known as dental caries and other oral health issues like gum disease, bad breath, a ‘mossy’ coating on the tongue, root canals etc. are caused by a combination of factors that lead to the demineralization of tooth enamel and an imbalance in the oral microbiome. A microbiome is the collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genetic material, that inhabit a particular environment, such as the human gut, skin or mouth…
Here are the primary causes of oral health issues…
Bacteria
Plaque Formation: The mouth harbors many types of bacteria. The primary culprits in cavity formation are Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, which thrive on sugars and starches from the diet.
Acid Production: These bacteria metabolize sugars and produce acids as byproducts. The acids can dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, leading to decay.
Bacteria in the mouth contribute to other oral health issues, such as gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), bad breath (halitosis), and oral infections, by forming biofilms (plaque) that trigger inflammation, tissue damage, and infection.
Diet
Sugary and Starchy Foods: Frequent consumption of sugary foods and beverages, including sweets, sodas, and fruit juices, provides a food source for harmful bacteria to overgrow.
Acidic Foods and Drinks: Acidic beverages like soda and citrus drinks can erode tooth enamel directly, making it more susceptible to cavities, inflammation, dysbiosis in the oral microbiome, and gum issues.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate Brushing and Flossing: Failing to brush and floss regularly allows plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to accumulate on teeth. Plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar, which further harbors bacteria.
Irregular Dental Visits: Skipping regular dental check-ups can allow cavities to develop and worsen without intervention.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Saliva Reduction: Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids produced by bacteria. Conditions that reduce saliva flow, such as certain medications, illnesses, or dehydration, increase the risk of cavities.
Genetics
Tooth Structure: Some people may inherit a predisposition to weaker enamel or other factors that increase their susceptibility to cavities.
Saliva Composition: Genetic factors can also influence the composition and flow of saliva, affecting its protective functions.
Age
Children and Elderly: Young children and the elderly are more susceptible to cavities. Children’s enamel is not fully developed and can be more easily penetrated by acids. Elderly people may experience receding gums and dry mouth, increasing their risk.
Medical Conditions
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of cavities by providing more sugar for bacteria to metabolize.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Stomach acids can reach the mouth and erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities.
Why Preventing Cavities is Important
Preventing cavities is EXTREMELY important because metal fillings used to ‘treat’ cavities, particularly those containing amalgam, can pose health issues due to their mercury content. Amalgam fillings release small amounts of mercury vapor, which can be inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. Chronic exposure to mercury vapor has been linked to neurological and kidney problems, immune system suppression, and potential effects on the brain, particularly in children and fetuses.
Additionally, some people may experience allergic reactions or sensitivity to the metals used in these fillings. Heavy metals can also fuel pathogens and parasites in other areas of the body, While the level of mercury exposure from dental amalgam is considered safe for most people, concerns persist, particularly for vulnerable populations, leading to increased interest in alternative materials for dental restorations.
How to Prevent Cavities & Gum Disease Naturally
Preventing cavities naturally involves maintaining good oral hygiene, making dietary adjustments, and using natural remedies that promote dental health.
Here are some effective tips and products to keep your mouth healthy and prevent / help reverse issues…
Use the following practices daily to keep your mouth healthy.
How to Prevent Cavities & Gum Disease – Best Practices & Products that
Regular Brushing: First things, first, brush your teeth at least twice a day. It’s best to use an electronic toothbrush, like this Sonicare. A Sonicare toothbrush is better than a manual toothbrush because it uses high-frequency vibrations to remove more plaque and improve gum health more effectively, reaching deeper between teeth and along the gum line.
Use Remineralization & Mouth Microbiome Balancing Toothpastes: In addition to your regular toothpaste, I recommend 2 other pastes. One helps the teeth, the other helps the gum & overall oral health. Use these AFTER you brush regularly and alternate using the two. So don’t brush with all 3 pastes daily, choose one of the following to use AFTER your brushing as you normally do.
– This remineralization toothpaste helps deliver tooth-building minerals directly onto the teeth. I’ve tried TONS of different remineralization toothpastes, but this one tastes and works the best.
– This toothpaste helps balance the mouth microbiome to reduce pathogenic bacteria and other harmful microbes. This really helps reverse gum issues and bad breath.
Regular Flossing to prevent cavities & gum issues: Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
Water Flossing: Using a water pick can also help remove cavity causing bacteria from below the gum line and help remove plaque. Using a water pick after flossing helps remove even more plaque and bacteria that can get trapped under the gum line. I personally use, love, and recommend this water pick.
Remineralization Liquid to prevent/reverse Cavities: In addition to brushing and flossing daily I also recommend rinsing & swishing with this remineralization liquid after brushing/flossing. It helps prevent and reverse cavities and keeps the teeth strong and healthy.
Oral Rinse for Oral & Periodontal Health: If bleeding gums, gum health or periodontal issues are present, then I strongly encourage the use of this mouth rinse. It has CoQ10, quercetin, clove, and myrrh to support gum and gingival health. It’s perfect for use after flossing to help prevent translocation of harmful microorganisms. This supports oral microbiome balance for whole-body health and also for tissue-soothing and biofilm-disrupting activity. NOTE: This oral rise is only available through a credentialed practitioner like me. Use code to be able to order and get free shipping: PD-F-NST and also to be able to order the rinse that I recommend.
Oil Pulling: Swishing coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes daily can reduce bacteria, plaque, and gingivitis. Spit the oil out after swishing and rinse with water. Using organic coconut oil is best. I recommend this brand of organic coconut oil most.
Professional Cleanings: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for removing tartar buildup and identifying potential issues early. It’s best to have a professional cleaning every 6 months. For even better results get a periodontal cleaning. They clean beneath the gum line and are more thorough then what’s done at the dentist.
You can save 15% and get practitioner grade oral health products & multivitamin from my dispensary here. (I’ve linked the products that are only available from a credentialed practitioner here. The others are available from Amazon.)
Dietary Adjustments to Prevent Cavities & Gum Issues:
A multivitamin & multi-mineral supplement – a multivitamin supplement can help prevent cavities and oral health issues by providing essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen teeth and gums. For example, calcium and vitamin D support tooth enamel and bone health, while vitamin C promotes healthy gums and prevents gum disease by supporting collagen production and immune function. Additionally, B vitamins help reduce inflammation and prevent conditions like oral sores and lesions, contributing to overall oral health. It’s impossible to eat enough so get the nutrients you need from food alone (you’d have to eat tens of thousands of calories) to get all the nutrients needed to properly support your body… which isn’t realistic. That’s why I recommend supplementing with this Multivitamin by Metagenics. It has everything you need to prevent health issues. You can save 15% when you order it through my dispensary here.
Reduce Sugar Intake: Limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. Use sugar alternatives like stevia or monkfruit instead. (The brands I recommend are linked.)
Healthy Snacks: Choose snacks that are low in sugar and high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery can help clean your teeth and mouth’s microbiome naturally.
Green Tea: Drinking green tea can help reduce plaque buildup and inhibit bacterial growth due to its natural fluoride content and polyphenols. I love this Green Tea Variety Pack by Traditional Medicinals, because it stacks other beneficial herbs in with the green tea for even better results.
Avoid chewing sugary gum: Use xylitol-containing chewing gum or mints instead of sugar. Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that reduces bacteria in the mouth and helps maintain healthy teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum, especially with xylitol, stimulates saliva production and helps clean the teeth.
Aloe Vera: Rinsing with aloe vera juice can help reduce the bacteria that cause cavities and soothe gum inflammation. Drinking Aloe juice can also prevent and calm inflammation in the GI tract. I recommend swishing with and drinking this Lily of the Desert Aloe Juice.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. Use my Water Intake Calculator to find out how much water you need to drink daily to stay hydrated.
Eat Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables: Foods like apples, carrots, and celery increase saliva flow and help clean teeth naturally. Bonus points if you eat the fruits and vegetables that are best for your Metabolic Type. When you eat the foods that match your unique metabolic needs you can get better results and reverse problems faster. Eating for your Metabolic Type also helps the body absorb and metabolize nutrients better to help prevent deficiency related oral health issues.
Start using these products and tips to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other health issues.
At a minimum, make sure you’re using the remineralization products I mentioned above. They’re amazing and effective at preventing are reversing cavities,
Your Coach & Biggest Cheerleader,
