Join Dr. James Odell for Season 2 of the Science of Self-Healing Podcast! He's the medical and executive director for BRMI, as well as a practicing naturopathic doctor for over 35 years, and he's here to share with you his extensive knowledge of medicine from a different perspective.
Join Dr. Odell as he explores the fascinating world of bacteria living in your mouth and how they affect your overall health.
Ever wondered why some people still get cavities despite perfect brushing? Or why mouthwash might not be as helpful as we think?
We'll uncover the truth about your mouth's natural ecosystem and why traditional dental care might be missing the bigger picture. You'll learn about bioregulatory dentistry, a holistic approach that looks at your mouth as a window to your body's health. Plus, get practical, natural tips for maintaining a healthy mouth without harsh chemicals - from the surprising benefits of certain foods to the truth about common dental products.
Transcript: What's Really Living in Your Mouth? The Truth About Oral Health
Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Science of Self-Healing podcast. For health and wellness knowledge from a different perspective. Produced by the Bioregulatory Medicine Institute, also known as BRMI. We are your source for unparalleled information about how you can naturally support your body's ability to regulate, adapt, regenerate, and self-heal. I'm your host, Dr. James Odell, the medical and executive director for BRMI, as well as a practicing naturopathic doctor for over 35 years. And remember, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the direct care of a qualified health professional who oversees and provides unique and individual care. The information here is to broaden our different perspectives and should not be construed as medical advice or treatment. Let's get started.
Did you know that your mouth is the gateway to your body and home to its own
unique microbiome—one that plays a vital role in your overall health? Yet, it’s often
overlooked in conventional oral care.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of the oral microbiome through the lens of bioregulatory medicine—a perspective that may challenge the way you think about oral health. Since this is a vast topic, I’ll be giving you an insightful overview of bioregulatory dentistry, the latest findings on the oral microbiome, and essential strategies to keep it in balance. BRMI has excellent information on its website on numerous topics related to Bioregulatory dentistry.
We have six world-renowned dentists on our advisory board that keep information current.
So, let’s first begin by explaining what bioregulatory dentistry is.
Bioregulatory dentistry, sometimes called biological, holistic, or integrative dentistry—looks at oral health as part of the whole body rather than treating the mouth separately.
These dentists, who are first trained in conventional dentistry, see the mouth as a reflection of overall health. Problems in the mouth can be signs of bigger health issues or even contribute to them. That’s why bioregulatory dentists focus on finding the root causes of dental problems instead of just treating symptoms. They also examine the connection between oral health and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Many now use advanced scans, like cone beam imaging, to check for hidden infections from root canals or past tooth extractions that could affect overall health.
Another key focus is using safe, body-friendly dental materials and procedures. Bioregulatory dentists avoid toxic substances, such as mercury in fillings, and often follow strict steps to remove them without exposing patients and staff to toxic harmful vapors. The IAOMT has a SMART removal protocol. Check out their website IAOMT.ORG. Bioregulatory dentists also use less invasive treatments, like ozone therapy for sanitation and infections, and fluoride-free alternatives for cavity prevention as fluoride is a neurotoxin.
Some of the issues that bioregulatory dentists address are :
periodontal (gum) disease
jaw osteonecrosis (cavitations)
amalgam(mercury) fillings
non-precious porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns
titanium (metal) implants
endodontically treated (root canaled) teeth
BPA-containing composite resin fillings
obstructive sleep apnea/airway disease
TMJ dysfunction
occlusal disease (jaw and bite problems)
and harmful oral care products
Prevention is Key
Prevention is a big part of this approach. These dentists also consider factors like diet, pH balance, and the health of the oral microbiome. They may suggest changes in nutrition, specific supplements, or natural oral care products to help keep both the mouth and body healthy.
Okay, so now that you know a bit about bioregulatory dentistry, let’s get into the importance of the oral microbiome and how protecting it can be the key to better oral health and even overall health.
The Oral Microbiome
At the heart of oral health is something called the oral microbiome, which is a sophisticated ecosystem of bacteria that has evolved alongside humans for millions of years. Recently scientists have discovered that our mouths contain over 700 different types of bacteria, both helpful and potentially harmful ones, and maintaining a balance between them is essential for good health. Think of it like a garden where every plant serves a purpose – even the ones we might consider "weeds,"
When this delicate bacterial balance gets disrupted, it can lead to various problems. Beyond the obvious issues like cavities and gum disease, an unhealthy mouth can affect your whole body. For instance, harmful bacteria from your mouth can enter you bloodstream and potentially contribute to heart disease. However, the solution isn't to try to eliminate all bacteria – that's neither possible nor healthy. Instead, the goal is to maintain a healthy balance where different types of bacteria can coexist.
Helpful and Harmful Bacteria
To understand this further, let’s talk about which bacteria are helpful and harmful in our mouths – for a moment. Some bacterial species are actually beneficial and work as natural protectors. For example, Streptococcus salivarius is a helpful bacteria that creates a protective shield against harmful bacteria by preventing them from sticking to the soft tissues in our mouths. It also helps reduce inflammation, making it a valuable ally in preventing cavities and gum disease.
Similarly, bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium – the same types found in
yogurt – help maintain a healthy mouth environment by balancing pH levels. This
balance makes it harder for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive. Some Streptococcus
species are particularly helpful because they convert amino acids from our food into
compounds that balance pH levels, which help prevent tooth decay, protects tooth
enamel, and fights bad breath.
However, as you already know, not all mouth bacteria are beneficial. Streptococcus mutans is considered one of the most problematic bacteria in oral health. It feeds on sugar and produces acid that damages tooth enamel, leading to cavities. What makes it particularly harmful is its ability to create a sticky biofilm that helps it attach to teeth and protect itself from our body's natural defenses.
Another concerning microorganism is Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is strongly associated with gum disease. While this bacteria is present in many healthy mouths in small amounts, it becomes problematic when it overgrows. It's particularly dangerous because it can alter the entire bacterial community in your mouth and trigger inflammation that leads to periodontal disease. Research has also linked it to broader health issues, including heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Lastly, while not a bacteria, the fungus Candida albicans deserves attention because it can cause oral thrush when it multiplies excessively. While it's normally present in small amounts in a healthy mouth, certain factors like antibiotic use, a weakened immune system, or dry mouth can allow it to grow out of control.
Preventive Measures for a Healthy Mouth
There are many more good and bad species of bacteria, but for the sake of time, I’m going to move on to the preventive measures you should take to maintain a healthy and balanced oral microbiome.
So generally, if your breath is fresh, your teeth are clean, and your gums are healthy,
then that’s probably a good sign of a healthy oral microbiome. But, there’s still a lot to
consider in keeping it that way.
The best approach is to encourage the growth of the beneficial species, by providing
the right conditions and this brings me to my first major point:
We need to stop thinking about oral care as a sterilization process. Many traditional
mouthwashes are like dropping a bomb on your mouth's ecosystem. They don't just
kill the "bacteria" - they wipe out everything, including the beneficial bacteria that help protect your teeth and gums from tooth decay, gum disease, and even bad breath.
Instead of using harsh antimicrobial mouthwashes, consider oil pulling with coconut
oil, which has natural antimicrobial properties but works more gently. Oil pulling with coconut oil can help maintain bacterial balance due to its natural antimicrobial properties. Or try a salt water rinse, which helps balance the pH of your mouth without disrupting the healthy bacterial communities.
My second major point is that we also really need to make sure that we choose our
dental products carefully. We need to look at the ingredients in our dental care products and avoid the toxic ones that can cause potential harm to our microbiome and our overall health in general. Two that really concern me are fluoride and xylitol, but there are many more.
Fluoride
While fluoride is promoted for cavity prevention, it is a neurotoxin that can accumulate in the body over time. When swallowed, it can affect brain development, particularly in children, and it disrupts thyroid and pituitary function. The problem is, that we're exposed to fluoride from multiple sources - water, food, and dental products –so we really need to eliminate it by purchasing oral care products without it and by filtering our water with reverse osmosis – if we can.
Xylitol
As for xylitol, a common sweetener in dental products, recent research from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that this may increase the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular problems. The study found that even small amounts of xylitol from sugar-free products like gum could make blood platelets more sticky and reactive. Given these concerns, it's worth checking labels and avoiding xylitol in toothpaste, mouthwashes, mints, gum, and foods.
But it’s not just fluoride and xylitol that are harmful, there are so many dangerous chemicals in our everyday products. So, probably the easiest way to find safer products is to either go on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) website or app, and look at their recommendations. You can also scan products with your phone – using the app – to see how safe products are.
Importance of Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
Another really important point for good oral health is to practice good oral hygiene so that we are keeping the harmful bacteria in check. The basics start with gentle but thorough brushing and flossing, which helps remove excess food particles that harmful bacteria feed on. Sounds straightforward, right? Well….not so fast…. recent research has found microplastics in many common oral hygiene products, including toothbrushes, mouthwashes, and coated dental floss. To minimize exposure to these tiny particles, consider switching to natural alternatives like boar bristle toothbrushes and bamboo-based dental floss.
Also consider using a tongue scraper each morning to help remove the biofilm that builds up overnight, preventing it from becoming a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Your tongue is like a shag carpet that can harbor bacteria, dead cells, and food particles. Using a tongue scraper first thing in the morning, before brushing your teeth, helps remove this gunk and prevents it from redepositing on your teeth throughout the day. It also helps maintain fresh breath naturally. When scraping, use gentle pressure and work from back to front, cleaning the scraper between strokes.
Importance of Diet
Diet is another crucial strategy for a healthy microbiome. Reducing sugar intake is particularly important because harmful bacteria thrive on sugar and produce acid that damages tooth enamel. Instead, focus on eating a variety of whole foods, especially fibrous vegetables that naturally clean your teeth as you chew them. Also consider adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet that specifically supports oral health. Foods like sugar-free kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut contain beneficial bacteria that can populate your mouth. Raw, crunchy vegetables not only provide nitrates for those helpful nitrate-reducing bacteria but also mechanically clean your teeth and stimulate saliva production. One of the most important groups of beneficial bacteria in your mouth is the nitrate-reducing bacteria. These helpful microbes take nitrates from vegetables like leafy greens, beetroot, and celery, and convert them into nitric oxide, which helps improve blood flow to your gums.
Herbs and spices can be powerful allies in supporting healthy mouth bacteria. Clove, cinnamon, and cardamom have natural antimicrobial properties that selectively target harmful bacteria while generally leaving beneficial ones intact. Adding these spices to your diet or using them in natural tooth powder recipes can help maintain a healthy bacterial balance.
Certain natural substances can help support a healthy oral environment. Propolis, a resin like material that bees make, has natural antimicrobial properties that can help control harmful bacteria while generally being gentle on beneficial ones. Green tea contains compounds called catechins that work similarly. Raw honey, while sweet, contains natural enzymes and compounds that can support oral health when used in moderation.
Other Tips for a Healthy Microbiome
Also, make sure to optimize your vitamin D since it helps your body absorb the calcium and phosphorus needed for strong teeth. Getting adequate sun exposure or supplementing when necessary can make a big difference in your oral health. Lifestyle factors too, can significantly impact your oral microbiome. Smoking disrupts the natural balance of bacteria and reduces blood flow to your gums, making it harder for beneficial bacteria to thrive.
Here's something interesting: stress can actually affect your oral microbiome. When you're stressed, your body produces different proteins in your saliva that can throw off the balance of bacteria in your mouth. This is why practices like meditation, deep breathing, or any stress-reduction technique you enjoy can indirectly support your oral health.
Staying well-hydrated is often overlooked but crucial for oral health too. A dry mouth creates an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive, while adequate saliva production helps maintain the right pH balance and contains natural compounds that support beneficial bacteria. Chewing sugar-free herbs like parsley or mint can stimulate saliva production naturally. Lastly, consider the timing of your oral care routine. Waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing gives your saliva time to neutralize acids and begin the remineralization process.
Also, if you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control is crucial because high blood sugar levels can feed harmful bacteria and make it difficult to maintain a healthy bacterial balance.
Now, if you are struggling with oral health issues you might be wondering what else you can do.
To start, I would first highly recommend looking for a bioregulatory dentist in your area. You may have issues that need addressing such as cavities, amalgam fillings, root canals, gum disease, and cavitations (which are basically holes in the bone from root canalled or extracted teeth). You can check on the IAOMT website or IABDM’s website (The International Academy of Biological Dentistry & Medicine) to find a dentist or google holistic dentists.
Secondly, you could also try supplementing with a probiotic specifically designed for the oral microbiome. Look for products containing well-researched strains like Streptococcus salivarius K12 and M18, which support fresh breath and overall oral health, or Lactobacillus reuteri, which helps with gum health and plaque control. Make sure to choose probiotics in the form of lozenges or chewable tablets rather than swallowable capsules, as these allow the beneficial bacteria to properly colonize your mouth. The key strains Lactobacillus paracasei and Bifidobacterium lactis are particularly helpful for reducing harmful bacteria and supporting gum health. For best results, use these probiotics consistently and let them dissolve slowly in your mouth, ideally after brushing your teeth when your mouth is clean.
So, I hope you found today’s podcast insightful and helpful! Your mouth's ecosystem is remarkably resilient and can usually maintain itself naturally through self-regulation – although modern life can make this challenging. The key is balancing good oral hygiene and a healthy diet while choosing gentle, non-toxic oral care products. By supporting your oral microbiome, you're protecting not just your teeth and gums, but your overall health and wellbeing. Be well.
Thank you for your time today, and remember that this podcast is made possible by the Bioregulatory Medicine Institute, also known as BRMI, a nonprofit, global, non political, non commercial institute to promote the science and art of bioregulatory medicine. We extend our gratitude to each and every one of you for listening today, and if you haven't already, make sure to visit us at brmi.online. A treasure trove of invaluable information awaits you there. Connect with us across various social media platforms as well. Come and become a member of our thriving tribe. If you've enjoyed today's episode, we invite you to show your support by rating us, leaving us a review, or sharing the podcast within your circle. Our podcast and mission flourish through sharing, and your participation means the world to us. Our organization is sustained by donations, each of which is tax deductible and fuels projects like this. Visit our website, brmi.online, to contribute or simply to explore the wealth of uncensored and impartial information we offer. No contribution is too small. In just two weeks, we'll be back delving into another captivating topic. Until then, we thank you once again for listening. May wellness and wisdom be your path. Be well.