Functional Dentist: New Research Linking Bleeding Gums & Cancer! Your Oral Microbiome Can Kill You!

Intro (0s)

• Research has found a link between oral health and fertility, with over 90% of men who struggled to conceive having oral disease, and a 70% improvement in pregnancy after treatment for those men (10s).
• Women with gum disease take 2 months longer to conceive (16s).
• Dr. Victoria Samson, also known as the Saliva Queen, has conducted data-driven research on the connection between the mouth and various destructive conditions (22s).
• More than 90% of diseases can be traced back to the microbiomes, and an imbalance in the oral microbiome increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, and erectile dysfunction (42s).
• Men with gum disease are 2.85 times more likely to have erectile dysfunction (44s).
• Oral bacteria can make cancer more aggressive and harder to treat (52s).
• Poor oral hygiene, sugar, stress, and genetic mutations can cause an imbalance in the oral microbiome (1m0s).
• Treating gum disease can have positive effects on other health conditions, such as arthritis (1m9s).
• The importance of proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing teeth, will be discussed (1m19s).
• The effects of regular toothpaste, chewing gum, coffee, and mouthwash on oral health will also be explored (1m23s).

The Oral Microbiome (2m2s)

• Dr. Victoria Samson's mission is to show people that the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body and that achieving full body health starts with the mouth first (2m7s).
• The term "oral microbiome" refers to the diverse community of microorganisms in the mouth, which is the second largest and most diverse microbiome after the gut (2m52s).
• The oral microbiome is easier to change compared to the gut microbiome and has a massive impact on general health (2m58s).
• 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 (3m4s).
• The oral microbiome is relatively easy to manage and balance (3m15s).
• The importance of the oral microbiome is often overlooked, with many people being unfamiliar with the term and its significance (2m16s).

What Impacts Our Oral Microbiome? (3m22s)

• Understanding one's oral microbiome can help in various ways, particularly in relation to overall health (3m27s).
• The oral microbiome has an impact on everyone, as everyone has teeth and a mouth, and daily activities such as breathing, eating, drinking, and kissing affect it (3m40s).
• Every time a person swallows or breathes, the bacteria in their mouth can travel to other parts of the body and cause problems (3m55s).

2 Million Bacteria in Your Mouth (4m1s)

• The oral microbiome is the second largest microbiome in the body, consisting of approximately 700 different bacteria that make up a total of 2 billion bacteria (4m3s).
• The oral microbiome is unique in that it contains various environments or niches within the same mouth, including areas under the gums, at the back of the throat, and on the teeth, each supporting different types of bacteria (4m16s).
• These environments within the oral microbiome can be hot, cold, wet, or dry, resulting in diverse populations of bacteria coexisting in the same mouth (4m29s).
• Daily habits such as kissing, breathing, and swallowing significantly impact the oral microbiome, with frequent kissing (more than 11 times a day) leading to the sharing of bacteria or microbiome with a partner (4m54s).
• Other factors, including air quality and personal habits, also influence the environment within the mouth and the types of bacteria that inhabit it (5m4s).

How Many People Have Oral Diseases? (5m14s)

• The World Health Organization reports that 3.5 billion people globally have some sort of oral disease (5m25s).
• Approximately 10% of the world population, or 750 million people, suffer from severe gum disease, making it one of the most prevalent inflammatory conditions in the body (5m28s).
• There has been a growing interest in the oral microbiome over recent years, with people becoming more aware of its importance and seeking to understand and track their oral health (5m47s).
• The new generation is driving this shift, wanting to understand their health better and taking proactive steps to monitor and manage their well-being, including their oral health (6m13s).
• This increased awareness and interest in oral health have led to people seeking out testing and information on their oral microbiome, with some even traveling long distances to get tested and learn more about their oral health (6m6s).
• The relationship between dentists and patients is evolving, with patients no longer solely relying on their dentists for information and instead wanting to take a more active role in understanding and managing their oral health (6m29s).
• People are now interested in tracking and monitoring their oral health, including the types of bacteria present, levels of inflammation, and risk of diseases, and taking steps to make positive changes (6m40s).

Body Diseases Linked to Oral Microbiome (6m47s)

• More than 90% of diseases can be traced back to an imbalanced microbiome, with the oral microbiome having connections to various body diseases, including infertility, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, and more (6m56s).
• Research has shown a strong connection and causation between the oral microbiome and general diseases, moving beyond correlation, and indicating that the relationship between gum disease and other conditions like heart disease is not just due to shared risk factors such as smoking (7m26s).
• Victoria Samson, a dentist with a focus on the oral microbiome, has six years of training in dentistry and has worked in the field, earning her the nickname "the Saliva Queen" (8m14s).

Steven Adjusting Chair? (8m33s)

• The Institute is considered the best dental school in the world, focusing on the mouth-body connection and saliva testing, which inspired the idea of saliva tests in dentistry, similar to blood tests in medicine (8m34s).
• After becoming a dentist, working in both NHS and private practices, and later shifting to fully private, research was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the discovery that patients with poor oral health or gum disease were at a higher risk of COVID-19 complications (9m1s).
• A paper was written connecting oral health with COVID-19 complications, and further studies were conducted with universities and hospitals, using saliva samples to analyze the oral microbiome, as direct access to patients' teeth and gums was not possible due to COVID-19 (9m23s).
• Research found that COVID-19 patients with gum disease were nine times more likely to have COVID-19 complications, highlighting the importance of saliva testing in dentistry (10m3s).
• The lack of commercial oral microbiome testing led to the development of one of the first oral microbiome tests in Europe, which was created a couple of years ago, and a new, improved test was recently developed (10m30s).

Research Linking COVID-19 and Oral Hygiene (10m46s)

• A research paper titled "Could there be a link between oral hygiene and severity of COVID infections" was the first to link gum disease with worse COVID complications and became the most cited research paper by the British Dental Journal (10m48s).
• The paper was also picked up by the World Health Organization and SAGE, highlighting the importance of oral health for general health and leading to the reopening of dental practices (11m14s).
• A person with an unhealthy oral microbiome is nine times more likely to end up in ICU with COVID complications (11m33s).
• The link between gum disease and COVID complications is partly due to inflammation, as both conditions release inflammatory markers that can exacerbate each other (11m45s).
• Gum disease releases inflammatory markers from the mouth to the rest of the body, adding to the cytokine storm caused by COVID and making it worse (12m5s).
• Another factor is the presence of bacteria, as most COVID patients did not die from the virus itself but from complications, with bacterial infections being the number one complication (12m28s).
• Autopsies of COVID patients showed that oral bacteria from their mouth traveled to their lungs, causing bacterial superinfections that resulted in conditions like pneumonia, which was the actual cause of death for most patients (12m53s).

Can Your Oral Microbiome Kill You? (13m6s)

• The oral microbiome can be fatal and potentially kill an individual (13m8s).
• Dentists were not adequately taught about the importance of bacteria in the mouth and its impact on the rest of the body (13m11s).
• The mouth's connection to the rest of the body was not fully understood, except for the risk of infective endocarditis after heart surgery (13m21s).
• After heart surgery, patients are often advised to avoid dental hygiene for about 6 months due to the high risk of infective endocarditis (13m31s).
• Infective endocarditis occurs when oral bacteria travel to a faulty heart valve, potentially causing death (13m41s).
• The connection between oral bacteria and other diseases or problems was not thoroughly explored (13m48s).

How Food Shapes Your Mouth (13m55s)

• The shape of the mouth and jaw have changed due to the consumption of processed foods, which are designed to be easy to chew, resulting in an abnormal shape compared to how they were supposed to develop (14m20s).
• Western Price, a dentist, suspected that the high levels of tooth decay and crowding in industrialized areas were related to diet, and he traveled the world to compare the teeth of people in different regions (14m37s).
• Price found that twins who ate harder foods and had less sugar in non-industrialized areas had better jaw development, perfect teeth, and no decay, compared to their twins in industrialized areas (15m17s).
• The consumption of processed foods has led to a lack of hard foods in children's diets, resulting in underdeveloped jaws and muscles, which can cause crowding and tooth decay (15m39s).
• The size of teeth has not changed, but the lack of space for them to grow has led to crowding, and this can be seen in models of the jaw and teeth (15m53s).
• The prevalence of impacted wisdom teeth has increased in the last 30-40 years, likely due to changes in diet, and many children now require orthodontic treatment to straighten crowded teeth (16m28s).
• In contrast, cavemen did not have dentists, braces, or toothpaste, but they did not die from gum disease, decay, or crowded teeth, suggesting that the Western diet has contributed to these problems (16m45s).

What’s a Wisdom Tooth? (17m3s)

• Wisdom teeth typically start coming in between 18 to 19 years old, but some people may experience their wisdom teeth erupting at a later age, such as 32 years old (17m3s).
• The name "wisdom teeth" is believed to come from the fact that they erupt when a person is older and supposedly wiser (17m48s).
• Teeth erupt at different times in a person's life, with baby teeth coming in up to the age of six or seven, and adult teeth stopping their eruption around 12 years old (17m22s).
• Wisdom teeth are unpredictable and can be impacted or cause problems, but some people may have wisdom teeth that erupt perfectly and are completely fine (18m12s).
• Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and some people may have them come in at different times or not at all (18m2s).
• The eruption of wisdom teeth can be affected by various factors, resulting in some people experiencing problems with their wisdom teeth, while others do not (18m14s).

Do Wisdom Teeth Need Removal? (18m22s)

• There is no clear evolutionary basis for the need for wisdom teeth, despite the expectation that there should be an evolutionary reason for their existence (18m22s).
• Research suggests that fewer people are developing wisdom teeth, possibly due to the increased removal of wisdom teeth in children and adults, which may lead to some individuals not having wisdom teeth at all over time (18m32s).
• As a result of this trend, some people may not have wisdom teeth because their ancestors did not have them, influencing their genetic makeup (18m45s).
• There is no real need for wisdom teeth, and having more teeth is generally considered better, as they can potentially be used for other dental purposes if needed (18m53s).
• It is generally preferred not to remove wisdom teeth unless necessary, as having more teeth can be beneficial in certain situations (18m56s).

Why Do We Need Dentists If Ancestors Had Good Teeth? (19m7s)

• Ancestors from 500 years ago did not have dentists, toothpaste, or other oral hygiene products, yet they did not have tooth decay, suggesting that diet played a significant role in their oral health (19m9s).
• If an individual follows a "caveman diet" with no sugar or carbohydrates, they might not need toothpaste, floss, or a toothbrush, but this is only possible if they eat raw meat, drink only water, and avoid sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods (19m23s).
• Some people argue that toothpaste, floss, and other oral hygiene products are not necessary, but this approach is only suitable for those who maintain a diet with no sugar or carbohydrates (19m36s).
• The perfect diet can be inferred by looking at the mouth, as a diet with minimal sugar and carbohydrates is less likely to cause tooth decay (19m56s).
• Modern foods often contain high amounts of sugar, which affects the acidity of saliva and contributes to tooth decay (20m2s).
• Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar or carbohydrates, releasing acid that can cause demineralization and decay if left unchecked (20m11s).
• The demineralization process can lead to tooth decay, highlighting the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and a balanced diet (20m27s).

Is Everyone’s Microbiome Massively Different? (20m33s)

• Everyone's personal oral microbiome is massively different from one another, including differences between individuals in the same household or relationship (20m36s).
• Traditional oral microbiome testing methods only examine a limited number of bacteria, typically the top 20 that cause problems, which may not provide a complete picture of an individual's oral health (21m2s).
• The presence of certain bacteria alone does not determine oral health, but rather how the body responds to those bacteria and the specific strains present (21m21s).
• Different strains of the same bacteria can have varying levels of aggressiveness, with some causing significant problems and others being harmless (21m34s).
• A more comprehensive oral microbiome test can differentiate between patients with "bad" and "good" strains of bacteria, and also assess the ratio of good to bad bacteria, diversity, genetic mutations, and inflammation (21m43s).
• By considering these factors together, a more accurate understanding of an individual's oral health can be gained (22m4s).
• The uniqueness of an individual's oral microbiome, combined with their body's response to it, ultimately determines their susceptibility to oral health problems (22m14s).

How Oral Health Improves Overall Health (22m22s)

• Even individuals who maintain good oral hygiene by brushing their teeth three times a day and eating well can still suffer from terrible gum disease due to genetic mutations that predispose them to gum disease and inflammation (22m32s).
• These genetic mutations can cause the body to respond aggressively and destructively to even small amounts of bacteria, leading to disease (22m50s).
• Unlike the gut microbiome, which turns over every couple of days or weeks due to peristalsis and movement, the oral microbiome can remain forever if not mechanically disrupted (23m21s).
• The teeth are the only non-shedding surfaces in the body, meaning that bacteria can continue to grow and form thick plaque if not removed through regular brushing or other means (23m40s).
• Regular mechanical removal of bacteria is necessary to maintain a healthy oral microbiome, which can be achieved through brushing teeth, using the correct toothpaste, or visiting a hygienist (24m11s).
• The oral microbiome's ability to persist indefinitely if not disrupted makes regular maintenance crucial to preventing disease (24m7s).

Can Swallowing Saliva Make You Sick? (24m22s)

• There are two main ways oral health impacts overall health: the spread of bacteria and inflammation caused by oral health issues (24m25s).
• Swallowing saliva can potentially spread bacteria from the mouth to the rest of the body, which may cause problems (25m54s).
• A 7-year-old patient had a similar concern about swallowing saliva, believing it could spread "bad bugs" to the rest of his body, and as a result, he refused to swallow his saliva and instead dribbled or wiped it away (25m5s).
• The patient's concern was not entirely unfounded, as the mouth contains around 700 different bacteria and 2 billion bacteria overall, which can be swallowed and potentially travel to other parts of the body (25m46s).
• However, the acid in the stomach can kill many of the bacteria swallowed, and only the most resilient and problematic bacteria can survive and cause issues (26m0s).
• Maintaining a balanced oral microbiome is crucial to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and minimize potential problems (26m12s).

Inflammation and the Oral Microbiome Link (26m16s)

• Low-grade chronic inflammation in the oral microbiome can cause negative impacts on overall health through various mechanisms (26m17s).
• The oral microbiome is a delicate balance of good and bad bacteria, and an imbalance can lead to higher levels of bad bacteria and lower levels of good bacteria, causing inflammation (26m32s).
• Bad bacteria in the mouth can travel to other parts of the body and release inflammatory markers, contributing to inflammation elsewhere, such as in cases of rheumatoid arthritis (26m53s).
• Inflammation from the gums can exacerbate conditions like arthritis, making symptoms worse (27m12s).
• Low-grade chronic inflammation is often not noticeable, but bleeding gums can be a sign of underlying inflammation (27m25s).
• Bleeding gums are not normal and can indicate a problem, just like bleeding from other parts of the body would (27m32s).
• Inflammation in the gums can travel to other parts of the body and cause damage, with bleeding gums being a warning sign (27m46s).
• Bad bacteria in the mouth can also damage blood vessels by releasing toxic enzymes, affecting their ability to dilate and constrict (27m57s).

Rheumatoid Arthritis Strongly Linked to Oral Health (28m18s)

• Research has shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis are eight times more likely to develop gum disease than patients without rheumatoid arthritis (28m21s).
• There is a strong bidirectional relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease, meaning that treating one condition can improve the other (28m34s).
• A patient with severe rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease was treated for gum disease, resulting in improved gum health and a significant reduction in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, allowing her to stop taking steroids and medication and regain mobility (30m3s).
• The patient had previously seen multiple practitioners, but it was a spinal specialist who first suggested a connection between her teeth and rheumatoid arthritis, leading her to undergo saliva testing and gum disease treatment (29m25s).
• The saliva testing revealed high levels of inflammation, collagen breakdown, and bad bacteria, which were addressed through aggressive gum disease treatment (29m48s).
• The patient's case highlights the importance of the mouth-body connection and the potential for dentists to have a significant impact on systemic health (30m38s).

Heart Disease and the Oral Microbiome (30m43s)

• Inflammation has an impact on cardiovascular functioning and health, with cardiovascular disease being a major killer worldwide (30m43s).
• Research has shown that individuals with gum disease have a 20% higher chance of high blood pressure, and up to 30-40% of cardiac issues in hospitals can be linked to oral bacteria causing problems in the heart valve (31m6s).
• The connection between oral microbiome and heart disease is partly due to inflammation and the release of toxic enzymes by bacteria that travel through the blood, causing blood vessels to constrict and dilate (31m30s).
• A study called "The Association Between Parodontitis and Blood Pressure" found that people with gum disease were twice as likely to have a heart attack and three times as likely to have a stroke than those without inflammatory gum disease (32m1s).
• Treating gum disease can significantly reduce levels of CRP, an inflammatory marker in the blood, which is often checked in patients with heart conditions (32m23s).
• Cardiac surgeons and doctors are now working with dentists to address the link between oral microbiome and heart health, as treating gum disease can lead to better results for patients (32m50s).
• The bacteria from gum disease can be swallowed and cause problems in the heart valve, particularly if it's faulty or has recently undergone surgery, making it prone to infection (33m7s).

How Oral Bacteria Filters Through Your Body (33m30s)

• Oral bacteria can travel through the body on its own, regardless of whether it is swallowed or not, because they are living organisms that can find their way down through various means (33m35s).
• Oral bacteria can enter the body through the blood and the gums, in addition to being swallowed (33m40s).
• There are multiple pathways for oral bacteria to enter the body, including being swallowed, breathed in, or entering through the blood (33m45s).

Erectile Dysfunction Linked to Oral Hygiene (33m48s)

• Research suggests that men with periodontal disease are 2.85 times more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction, which is equivalent to a 280% increase in risk (34m10s).
• Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a spectrum that starts with early stages of gum inflammation, which can progress to irreversible damage if left unchecked (34m26s).
• The early stages of periodontal disease are characterized by gum inflammation, which can be identified by bleeding gums when brushing teeth (34m30s).
• If left untreated, gum inflammation can progress to gum disease, where high levels of bad bacteria eat away at the gums and bone, leading to irreversible damage (34m49s).
• The link between gum disease and erectile dysfunction is due to the impact of gum disease on blood vessels, which can prevent them from dilating and reduce blood flow to the penis (35m30s).
• Reduced blood flow to the penis can lead to erectile dysfunction, making the connection between gum disease and erectile dysfunction a significant concern for men's health (35m38s).

Emerging Research: Breast Cancer and Oral Microbiome (35m56s)

• Emerging research has found a link between oral health, specifically the oral microbiome, and cancer, including breast cancer and colorectal cancer (35m57s).
• The breast has its own microbiome, and research has shown that women with breast cancer have high levels of certain oral bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, in their breast microbiome (36m36s).
• A comparison of breast microbiomes between healthy women and those with breast cancer found that women with breast cancer had very high levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum (37m12s).
• Research on colorectal cancer has also found that over 50% of patients had Fusobacterium nucleatum in their colons, and that oral bacteria can make cancer more aggressive and harder to treat (37m35s).
• A study in mice linked Fusobacterium nucleatum to tumor growth, and it has also been shown to accelerate tumor growth in colorectal and breast cancer (37m55s).
• While the research is new, it suggests that there may be a significant causal relationship between the health of the oral microbiome and the probability of developing certain forms of cancer (38m18s).
• However, it is believed that the relationship is multifactorial, and that oral health and specific oral bacteria are risk factors that can increase the aggression of cancers or even initiate them (38m27s).
• Research is ongoing, including a study on an antibiotic that only kills Fusobacterium nucleatum, which will be given to patients with colorectal cancer to see if it slows down their progression or improves their prognosis (38m57s).
• The causes of Fusobacterium nucleatum are believed to be multifaceted, including poor oral hygiene, genetics, diet, and lifestyle choices (39m38s).

Green Tea Benefits for Oral Health (39m53s)

• Green tea has been found to be extremely effective at killing Fuso bacterium Nuclear, a type of bacteria, which is a significant discovery given its simplicity (40m6s).
• Testing for oral microbiome can reveal the presence of Fuso bacterium, and in one case, a person named Jack was found to have a high amount of this bacteria, which was described as "really badly out of control" (40m26s).
• Green tea has been given as a treatment to help combat the high levels of Fuso bacterium in Jack's oral microbiome (40m36s).
• Green tea has several benefits for oral health, including being anti-inflammatory, helping with oxidative stress, and having antibacterial properties (40m56s).
• The antibacterial properties of green tea make it effective at killing Fuso bacterium nucleatum, which is a significant advantage for oral health (41m6s).

Impact of Coffee on Oral Health (41m12s)

• Coffee has no direct negative impact on the oral microbiome, but it can dry out the mouth, leading to reduced saliva production, which can cause problems for the oral microbiome (41m25s).
• Saliva plays a crucial role in the oral microbiome by providing food, proteins, and other essential nutrients to the bacteria in the mouth, acting as a delivery service that keeps the good bacteria alive and happy (41m35s).
• A dry mouth, which can be caused by excessive coffee consumption, nervousness, or certain medications like anti-depressants, can lead to a decrease in saliva production, causing the good bacteria to die and allowing bad bacteria to grow in their place (41m56s).

Effects of Hot Drinks & Sugar on Teeth (42m14s)

• Drinking tea can dry the mouth, but not as severely as coffee, and may cause staining, but is generally not problematic unless excessive sugar is added (42m14s).
• Consuming high amounts of sugar in hot tea is particularly detrimental, as the sugar dissolves and the hot liquid can cause more problems than eating a sweet treat like a biscuit (42m28s).
• The way sugar is consumed is crucial, and having a large amount of sugar at once is preferable to sipping on a sugary drink over an extended period, as this allows the mouth to neutralize the saliva and recover more quickly (42m56s).
• Frequently sipping on sugary tea can cause the saliva to become acidic and stay that way, leading to tooth decay (43m19s).
• Drinks with artificial sweetness, such as Coca-Cola, are not as bad as those with natural sugars, but can still cause problems due to their acidity, which can lead to tooth erosion (43m41s).
• Tooth erosion occurs when the enamel layer of the tooth is worn away by frequent consumption of acidic drinks like fizzy sodas (43m55s).

Link Between Brain Health & Alzheimer’s (44m2s)

• Research has shown that individuals with gum disease for over 10 years have a 70% increased chance of developing Alzheimer's disease, based on a study of over 20,000 people followed for 20 years (44m40s).
• Certain oral bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, can travel from the mouth to the brain and release toxic enzymes called gingipains, which can break down neurons and brain tissue (45m20s).
• A study found that 97% of Alzheimer's sufferers had these toxic enzymes in their brain fluid or tissue, compared to zero for patients without Alzheimer's (46m0s).
• Another study found that patients with Alzheimer's and gum disease experienced a more rapid cognitive decline than those without gum disease, highlighting the importance of maintaining oral health even after diagnosis (46m50s).
• The link between oral health and cognitive decline is still being researched, with attempts to separate the effects of gum disease from other potential causal factors such as poor diet and lifestyle choices (47m9s).
• Research has shown that there is a strong correlation between certain oral bacteria and Alzheimer's disease, with a specific oral bacteria, P. gingivalis, traveling to the brain and releasing enzymes that break down neurons, suggesting a causative link between the two (48m7s).
• A team working on Alzheimer's has identified oral health as one of the risk factors for the disease, alongside genetic mutations such as apo4, and has emphasized the importance of addressing oral health to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's (48m46s).
• P. gingivalis can be easily eliminated if detected through testing, and a specific test is available that can identify the presence of this bacteria in the mouth (49m21s).
• There is a correlation between poor mental health and poor oral health, but the causative connection between the two is not yet established, with research suggesting that a decline in mental health can lead to poor oral health, which can exacerbate issues (50m17s).
• Research has also explored the link between oral health and other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, but more evidence is needed to establish a clear connection (50m31s).
• A test is available that can identify the presence of certain oral bacteria, including P. gingivalis, and can provide information on the state of oral health (50m38s).

Can Mental Health Be Seen in the Mouth? (50m39s)

• A person's oral microbiome can be an indicator of their mental health, as changes in oral health habits can be a sign of underlying issues (50m40s).
• People under stress may start to neglect their oral health, leading to poor gum and teeth care, as a result of adopting self-soothing behaviors such as increased sugar consumption, smoking, or drinking (51m26s).
• Neglect of oral health can be the first sign that someone is struggling with their mental health, as they may start to let go of their oral health habits when experiencing stress in other areas of their life (51m14s).
• A change in oral health habits can be a significant indicator of a person's mental health, as seen in the case of a patient who stopped brushing her teeth due to underlying issues (51m34s).
• Stress in relationships, work, or other areas of life can lead to poor oral health habits, such as not brushing teeth regularly, smoking, or drinking more (51m24s).

Spotting Eating Disorders Through Oral Health (51m40s)

• Eating disorders, such as bulimia (BMI) or anorexia, can be identified through oral health issues (51m40s).
• Young teenagers with eating disorders may exhibit certain oral health problems that they shouldn't have at their age, serving as a telltale sign (51m52s).
• Stomach acid coming through the mouth can cause erosion on the teeth of individuals with eating disorders (52m0s).
• In some cases, marks can appear on the roof of the mouth due to forced vomiting, which is a sign of an eating disorder (52m6s).
• Dentists may need to discreetly discuss these findings with the patient or their mother to address the issue (52m13s).

How Stress Affects Your Oral Health (52m18s)

• There is a relationship between stress and oral health, where higher cortisol levels due to stress can negatively impact oral health, regardless of lifestyle choices (52m19s).
• Stress can increase inflammatory markers and inflammation, and also cause dry mouth, all of which can be linked to oral health issues (52m30s).
• A test for collagen breakdown, specifically the enzyme MMP-8, can be used to determine the level of collagen breakdown in the gums, which can be an indicator of gum disease (52m42s).
• High levels of collagen breakdown can be caused by intense stress, as seen in a patient who had recently experienced the loss of a baby, resulting in extremely high levels of collagen breakdown (53m30s).
• The impact of stress on oral health can be temporary, as the patient's collagen breakdown levels returned to normal after 6 months (53m46s).

Mouth vs. Nose Breathing: Health Impacts (53m54s)

• Research suggests that changes in the shape of the mouth due to diet have led to various downstream health implications, including the way people breathe, with some individuals breathing through their mouths instead of their noses (53m55s).
• There is a link between mouth breathing and conditions such as ADHD, attention deficit, bedwetting, and teeth grinding, as observed by an orthodontist who treats children with these issues (54m55s).
• The orthodontist's approach involves helping children stop breathing with their mouths open, which can be relatively easy to treat due to the malleability of their jaws (54m51s).
• Adults who are mouth breathers often have difficulty changing their breathing habits due to their teeth not meeting correctly or their jaws being in the incorrect position (55m40s).
• Mouth breathing has been linked to various health issues, including long COVID, inflammatory conditions, chronic fatigue, and tiredness (56m3s).
• The nose acts as a filter system, with a specific temperature and mucus that helps catch bacteria, whereas the mouth has no filter, making it more likely for unhealthy oral microbiome to develop when breathing through the mouth (56m25s).
• Mouth taping has become a trend, which involves taping the mouth at nighttime to encourage nose breathing, and can be a useful way to test whether one breathes with their mouth open (56m56s).
• Mouth taping can help improve sleep quality, oxygen levels, and may encourage individuals to address the underlying reasons for their mouth breathing, such as straightening their teeth (57m12s).

Higher ADHD Risk in Mouth-Breathing Children (57m36s)

• A six-year study of 11,000 children found that children who suffered from sleep disorder breathing were 50 to 90% more likely to develop ADHD-like symptoms than normal breathers who breathe through their nose correctly (57m42s).
• The increased risk of ADHD-like symptoms in mouth-breathing children is mainly due to the reduced delivery of oxygen to the brain, resulting in the brain not receiving enough rich, filtered oxygen to function properly (58m8s).
• Mouth breathing at night, particularly in children, can lead to disordered breathing, which is a significant factor in the development of ADHD-like symptoms (58m4s).

Kissing and Bacteria Transmission (58m31s)

• Couples who kiss more than 11 times a day can have synchronized oral microbiomes due to the passage of bacteria between partners (58m34s).
• A study found that when one partner chewed probiotic and then had a long kiss with their partner, nearly 60-70% of the good bacteria was transferred to the partner (58m55s).
• The transfer of bacteria through kissing is not necessarily long-lasting, and a single kiss is unlikely to significantly impact one's microbiome (59m7s).
• However, for long-term partners who kiss regularly and for extended periods, their microbiomes can become quite similar (59m15s).
• Lifestyle factors, such as using the same toothpaste and eating the same food, can also contribute to the similarity in oral microbiomes between partners (59m25s).

Oral Sex and the Oral Microbiome (59m32s)

• Oral sex can impact the oral microbiome, as there have been case reports showing the transfer of bacteria between partners through this activity (59m32s).
• A patient had inflamed gums and gingivitis after performing oral sex on her new partner, who had recurrent urinary infections, indicating the transfer of bacteria (59m48s).
• The transfer of bacteria through oral sex can cause inflammation in the gums and other oral health issues (1h0m31s).
• Testing one's oral microbiome can be beneficial, especially in a romantic context, to ensure a balanced and healthy oral microbiome (1h1m4s).
• Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome is crucial, and it's essential to consider the potential impact of a partner's oral microbiome on one's own (1h1m10s).
• The oral microbiome can be easily fixed and changed if imbalances are detected, making it a manageable aspect of oral health (1h1m51s).

Switching to Steven - Transition (1h1m55s)

• A person's oral microbiome test results showed one of the worst cases ever seen, indicating a terrible oral microbiome (1h1m56s).
• The person's partner was less likely to kiss them on the day they received the test results, and it was suggested that there's no upside to doing the test on that day (1h2m7s).
• The solution involved changing the person's oral products to personalized ones, which had already been done by testing out various products sent over (1h2m16s).
• The person's partner helps test out products, as they receive many oral care items to try (1h2m21s).
• If someone has issues with their oral microbiome, it's best not to do the test on a day when they might be intimate, as it's unclear if they have issues unless the test is done (1h2m31s).

Oral Health and Fertility (1h2m35s)

• Research has found a link between oral health and fertility in both men and women (1h2m37s).
• A study on subfertile men found that over 90% of them had some sort of oral infection or dental disease, and after treating these issues, there was a 70% improvement in their success for pregnancy after eight months (1h3m0s).
• The men who received treatment for their oral infections also had a significant improvement in their sperm quality and motility (1h3m21s).
• The treatment for the men included addressing gum disease with hygiene, removing infected teeth, or performing root canals (1h3m38s).
• Six months after treatment, the men's sperm had improved by 20%, and after eight months, 50% of their wives were pregnant (1h4m2s).
• Research has also found that women with gum disease are less likely to ovulate and have issues with conception, taking an average of two months longer to conceive compared to women without gum disease (1h4m21s).
• Women with gum disease are also at a higher risk of pre-term birth, premature babies, low birth weight, and preclampsia (1h4m56s).
• A study in Malawi found that pregnant women who received sugar-free chewing gum, toothbrush, and toothpaste had a 20% reduction in pre-term birth compared to those who did not receive these items (1h5m41s).
• The sugar-free chewing gum was found to stimulate saliva, which provides food for good bacteria and has antibacterial properties, potentially reducing the risk of pre-term birth (1h6m20s).
• Certain oral bacteria can travel down to the placenta and cause problems, increasing the chance of pre-term birth (1h6m43s).

Ad Break (1h7m1s)

• Every time an individual eats, they have an opportunity to improve their health, which is why a product called Zoe is useful for making smart food choices for the body (1h7m1s).
• Zoe is a sponsor of the podcast and the investor has a personal stake in the company, which combines personal health data with world-class science to guide better health choices (1h7m12s).
• Using Zoe results in benefits such as more energy, better sleep, better mood, and reduced hunger, and it is backed by a clinical trial called the PREDICT study, which is the gold standard of scientific research (1h7m32s).
• The investor started using Zoe over a year ago and has been able to track progress week after week, allowing for smarter choices to be made (1h7m37s).
• A 10% discount is available for new Zoe users with the code "steven1" at checkout, in response to many requests for a discount code (1h7m47s).

Study Results on Oral Health (1h8m0s)

• A saliva test was conducted to check the oral microbiome, which took about 2 minutes to complete and provided results 3-4 weeks later (1h8m46s).
• The test results showed a diverse microbiome with a good ratio of good bacteria to bad bacteria, comparable to healthy subjects (1h9m3s).
• An algorithm was used to predict the risk of certain oral health issues, including bad breath, gum disease, decay, and general inflammation (1h9m26s).
• The test results indicated a low risk of bad breath, medium risk of gum disease, medium risk of decay, and low risk of general inflammation (1h9m38s).
• The test also looked at good bacteria and found high to very high levels of beneficial bacteria (1h10m12s).
• Out of 500 different bacteria, only one bad bacteria was found at high levels, which is associated with plaque buildup in the mouth (1h10m38s).
• The test results suggested that the individual may be overdue for a hygiene appointment and may have plaque buildup (1h10m58s).
• The test also looked at virulence factors associated with Alzheimer's disease and found none (1h11m21s).
• Genetic mutations that increase the risk of decay and gum disease were identified, and the individual had four out of five genetic mutations associated with decay (1h11m39s).
• Research has found a link between bleeding gums and cancer, highlighting the importance of oral microbiome health in preventing disease (1h11m47s).
• Certain genetic mutations can affect an individual's taste perception, leading to a higher craving for sugary foods and increased risk of tooth decay (1h12m17s).
• Stress and unhappiness can also contribute to a higher consumption of sugary foods, further increasing the risk of tooth decay (1h11m54s).
• Genetic mutations can triple the risk of gum disease by increasing inflammation in the mouth, even with good oral hygiene (1h12m47s).
• Some individuals may be more predisposed to bacteria collecting around their gums due to their genetic makeup, requiring more frequent dental hygiene visits (1h13m23s).
• Personalized recommendations can be made based on an individual's genetic mutations, bacteria, and questionnaire input to improve oral health and rebalance their microbiome (1h13m44s).
• A saliva test can detect the top 20 bacteria that are bad for oral health, as well as other unusual bacteria that may be present (1h14m13s).
• In some cases, unusual bacteria can be transferred from animals, such as dogs, to humans through kissing or other forms of contact, leading to oral health issues (1h14m46s).
• Treatment and recommendations can be tailored to an individual's specific oral microbiome and health needs to address issues such as bad breath and gum disease (1h15m5s).
• Research has shown that there is a link between bleeding gums and cancer, highlighting the importance of maintaining good oral health and a balanced oral microbiome (1h15m13s).
• A dog owner is more likely to have bad breath if they are smooching their dog, especially if the dog has gum disease, as the bacteria can be transferred (1h15m30s).
• To achieve perfect oral health and a balanced oral microbiome, personalized recommendations can be obtained through a microbiome test, which may include consuming green tea and honey (1h16m1s).
• For those who haven't done the microbiome test, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial, including limiting sugar intake to only one "sugar attack" per day to prevent altering the saliva pH (1h16m25s).
• Using the right toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss is essential for good oral health, and it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive (1h16m40s).
• Practical advice on brushing and oral care can help maintain a healthy oral microbiome, although specific brushing techniques are not mentioned in this segment (1h16m55s).

Best Time to Brush Your Teeth (1h16m59s)

• It is recommended to never brush teeth straight after consuming anything acidic or sugary, as this can grind the sugar or acid into the teeth, causing damage. (1h17m5s)
• Instead of brushing immediately, it is suggested to wait 30 minutes after consuming acidic or sugary substances before brushing teeth. (1h17m14s)
• Chewing sugar-free gum or using products like chewable mints can help neutralize saliva and prevent demineralization during the 30-minute waiting period. (1h17m26s)
• The need to wait before brushing is due to the change in acidity in the mouth, which can impact teeth if not allowed to return to a normal state. (1h17m43s)

Good vs. Bad Oral Products (1h18m5s)

• Using mouthwash can be detrimental to oral health as it can kill both good and bad bacteria, leading to an imbalance in the oral microbiome, and should only be used in specific situations or as prescribed by a dentist (1h18m9s).
• Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can disturb the lining of the mouth and increase the risk of oral cancer, making it essential to avoid mouthwashes with alcohol (1h18m49s).
• Wine is particularly bad for the oral microbiome due to its combination of sugar and alcohol, making it worse than other types of alcohol (1h19m20s).
• Straight Tequila is considered the best option if one must drink, as it has no sugar and is the most pure form of alcohol (1h19m25s).
• Regularly drinking alcohol can increase the risk of oral cancer, similar to using mouthwash with alcohol (1h19m57s).
• Toothpaste is generally good for oral health, but it's recommended to choose a toothpaste without sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that can strip the inner lining of the mouth and cause problems (1h20m16s).
• SLS is also found in conditioners and soaps, and some people may be allergic to it, experiencing symptoms such as a raw tongue and sore gums (1h20m55s).
• Sugar-free chewing gum, particularly those containing xylitol, can be beneficial for oral health as it increases saliva production, especially after meals (1h21m17s).
• A product containing green tea and Xylitol can help neutralize saliva and reduce the risk of tooth decay after consuming sugary treats, as it is naturally antibacterial and helps return saliva to a healthy state (1h21m55s).
• This product is recommended for individuals with genetic mutations, especially those prone to sugar attacks, and can be used after consuming sweet treats to minimize the risk of decay (1h21m55s).
• Flossing is essential for oral hygiene, as 30% of bacteria are found between the teeth, and gum disease often starts in this area, making it crucial to floss regularly to remove bacteria and prevent gum disease (1h22m47s).
• The choice of floss depends on individual preferences, but some options include prebiotic-infused floss, which provides good food for beneficial bacteria, and interdental brushes, which can be recommended by a hygienist or dentist (1h23m1s).
• A prebiotic-infused floss with hydroxyapatite, a mineralizing agent that strengthens teeth, and a pleasant cocoa butter flavor is a recommended option for effective flossing (1h23m9s).
• Modern lifestyles have introduced numerous risk factors for oral health, making it necessary to adopt unnatural practices like using sunscreen and flossing to protect teeth, as ancestors did not face the same risks (1h24m0s).
• A toothpaste called Biomin, developed by a university, is recommended for its effectiveness in reducing sensitivity and strengthening teeth through a unique method of action that delivers calcium phosphate and fluoride (1h24m42s).
• Biomin toothpaste contains a small amount of fluoride, 400 parts per millimeter, which is enough to strengthen teeth but not too much, making it suitable for those who are unsure about fluoride's effects (1h25m16s).
• In comparison, a normal toothpaste typically contains around 2,800 parts per millimeter of fluoride, which is significantly more than Biomin toothpaste (1h25m22s).
• The Biomin toothpaste has a unique method of action that allows it to have the same effect as a high fluoride toothpaste with much less fluoride (1h25m33s).
• An off-the-shelf toothpaste was compared to Biomin toothpaste and was found to contain three to four times more fluoride (1h25m49s).
• It is recommended to brush teeth first thing in the morning and last thing before bed, with the most important time being right before bed (1h26m19s).
• Brushing teeth before bed is crucial because saliva flow reduces massively during sleep, leaving bacteria to cause problems if good toothpaste is not used (1h26m36s).

Should You Spit or Rinse After Brushing? (1h26m46s)

• It is recommended not to rinse the mouth with water after brushing teeth, as this can remove the beneficial ingredients from the toothpaste, similar to washing off sunscreen immediately after application (1h26m49s).
• Electric toothbrushes are generally preferred over manual toothbrushes because they can do the work for the user, resulting in better oral health, as most people do not know how to brush their teeth properly or do not brush for the full recommended 2 minutes (1h27m24s).
• Electric toothbrushes often come with a timer and pressure sensor, which can help prevent recession by alerting the user if they are brushing too hard (1h27m59s).
• The area of the mouth that people often overlook when brushing their teeth is the insides of their back bottom teeth, near the tongue, and it is recommended to brush this area at a 90° angle (1h28m22s).
• When brushing the outside of the teeth, it is recommended to use rotational movements at a 30° angle, towards the gum margin, to massage the gums and remove bacteria (1h28m55s).
• It is essential to have a method behind toothbrushing, starting from one side and working through all the surfaces in a systematic order to ensure proper brushing (1h29m16s).
• A see-through model of a tooth can be used to show what an implant looks like, how it is placed within the jaw, and the appearance of the roots, as well as to illustrate the effects of tooth decay (1h29m39s).
• A tooth with a root canal and an infection at the root can develop an abscess, which is often not visible but can cause toothache, and this is what toothache looks like in the jaw (1h29m57s).
• When teeth get stained, people often use whitening toothpaste or visit a dentist or hygienist to whiten their teeth, but there may be a cost to this whitening industry and it is essential to consider if there is a healthy way to whiten teeth (1h30m20s).
• There are two types of staining: extrinsic, which is caused by factors like coffee, tea, and smoking, and can be easily removed by a hygienist or with a whitening toothpaste, and intrinsic, which is not mentioned in this part of the text (1h30m41s).
• Whitening toothpaste can be quite abrasive and damage the enamel, similar to exfoliating teeth, but unlike skin, teeth do not grow back, so over-exfoliating can be problematic over time (1h30m55s).

Whitening Products: Do They Work? (1h31m16s)

• Whitening products can sometimes have the opposite effect of what users want, as sensitive teeth become more noticeable and the underlying yellow tooth starts to show through, especially if the products are used incorrectly or contain the wrong percentages of ingredients (1h31m16s).
• To avoid damaging teeth and gums, it is recommended to get teeth whitening done professionally, as some over-the-counter products can be harmful (1h31m28s).
• Even within the professional world, there are some whitening products that are bad for the teeth, while others are good, such as Enlighten, which is a safe option (1h31m54s).
• The whitening effect of Enlighten for one day is equivalent to having a Coca-Cola, and having a Coca-Cola every day for five or six days will not massively damage teeth (1h31m56s).
• There are safe ways to whiten teeth, and it is possible to remove plaque without going to a dental hygienist by using a water flosser, although it may not be as powerful as the tools used by professionals (1h32m22s).
• Water flossers are not as high-intensity as professional tools because people can damage their teeth if they don't use them correctly (1h32m44s).
• There are supplements that can be taken to reduce the amount of plaque that builds up, and they can be effective (1h32m50s).
• Probiotics can be used to put good bacteria into the microbiome, and they can be effective if the right environment is present, such as eating the right foods with prebiotics (1h33m6s).
• There are different types of probiotics available, including mouthwashes and pills, and some can be recommended based on the results of a microbiome test (1h33m30s).
• The Oralis One microbiome test can recommend a probiotic based on the levels of good bacteria present in the microbiome (1h33m35s).
• Some people may be genetically born without certain good bacteria in their microbiomes, and probiotics can be used to supplement them (1h33m43s).
• Probiotics can come in different forms, such as powders that are mixed with water to activate the probiotic, or tablets that are chewed and swallowed (1h33m55s).

Importance of Drinking Through Straws (1h34m20s)

• Drinking through straws is very important for consuming sugary and acidic beverages, as it helps bypass the teeth and reduces the chance of decay, toothwear, and staining (1h34m27s).
• Using a straw allows acidic or sugary drinks to go straight to the back of the throat, where they can be swallowed, minimizing contact with the teeth (1h34m38s).
• However, there are some substances that are beneficial for the oral microbiome and should not be consumed through a straw, such as probiotics (1h34m54s).
• Examples of acidic or sugary drinks that can be consumed through a straw include Coca-Cola and certain types of alcohol, excluding wine (1h35m2s).

Smoking and Vaping Effects on Oral Health (1h35m13s)

• Smoking and vaping are detrimental to the oral microbiome, primarily due to the drying effect they have on the mouth, which hinders saliva's ability to function properly and stops vascularization, leading to reduced blood flow to the mouth (1h35m14s).
• Smokers often do not experience bleeding gums despite having gum disease, as the nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to constrict, making them tight (1h35m36s).
• Smoking is strongly associated with gum disease and is considered one of the biggest risk factors (1h35m54s).
• The Health Society clinic in central London offers microbiome testing, saliva tests, and other services to help patients understand and address oral health issues (1h36m17s).
• The clinic's approach involves a holistic understanding of the body, including blood glucose and vitamin D levels, and offers packages that include infrared sauna and nutritionist services (1h36m31s).
• Patients can take an oral microbiome test to understand their specific bacterial and genetic profiles, inflammation levels, and product recommendations, which can inform their choice of dentist for treatment (1h37m16s).
• The oral microbiome test is being rolled out to countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and America, and can be purchased by emailing the clinic (1h37m35s).
• For those who cannot access the clinic, researching and finding other dentists who practice this type of dentistry is recommended, and following the clinic's Instagram account can provide additional tips and information (1h37m51s).

Last Guest Question (1h37m58s)

• The guest is asked to answer a question left by the previous guest, which is about the most important relationship in their life and why. The guest responds by saying that their mother is the most important relationship in their life, as she has been a mentor, cheerleader, and supporter, teaching them respect and how to handle themselves around people (1h38m28s).
• The guest's mother is Iranian, and their father is French American (1h39m7s).
• If the guest could wave a wand, they hope that in 10 years, the mouth is put back into the body, and dentistry and medicine are fully integrated, allowing for saliva tests to flag up issues with the heart or diabetes, and for people to understand that blood is not the only way to understand things going on within the body (1h39m24s).
• The guest also hopes that people start testing their saliva and understanding the importance of the oral microbiome (1h39m47s).
• The host finds the conversation fascinating, as they have never heard about the oral microbiome before, and believes that even a small change in understanding its importance can have a big downstream impact on overall health (1h40m21s).
• The host thanks the guest for their work in shining a light on the importance of oral health and believes that their work will impact many millions of people in the next 10 years (1h41m1s).
• The host is given a sneak peek at a new product, the 1% Diary, which is a tool to help people develop consistency with small actions that can change their life, and invites listeners to join the waiting list to get a copy (1h41m23s).