Is Your Oral Microbiome Sabotaging Your Health?

What is holistic dentistry?

Holistic dentistry, also known as functional dentistry, takes a whole-body approach rather than focusing solely on the teeth. It considers how oral health influences overall health, and vice versa. While conventional dentistry often treats symptoms, functional dentistry seeks to uncover the root cause of issues, focusing on prevention and treatments that support whole-body wellness.

What inspired you to study nutrition?

In my late teens, I developed chronic stomach pain, likely triggered by a course of antibiotics. I spent nearly a decade seeking medical help, but no doctor could provide answers. Frustrated, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Just six weeks into my nutrition studies at CNM, I discovered that gluten was the culprit. Removing it from my diet completely transformed my health.

As a dentist, I kept noticing patterns in my patients – gum disease, inflammation, recurring cavities – even when they maintained fairly good oral hygiene. It became clear that simply advising ‘no sugar’ wasn’t enough. Nutrition plays a fundamental role in both oral and overall health, and I knew I needed to integrate it into my practice.

How has your nutrition training influenced your dental practice?

My nutrition training has profoundly shaped my dental practice. Since 2011, I have focused solely on gum disease treatment because I knew more can be done than just treatment. It’s not just a mouth issue – it’s a systemic health issue. Inflammation in the mouth is both a contributor to and a reflection of broader health imbalances.

Periodontal bacteria and their enzymes aren’t just markers of gum disease; they have been found in Alzheimer’s plaques, cardiovascular disease and lung infections. Chronic oral inflammation has been associated with compromised gut integrity, which can lead to leaky gut and systemic immune dysfunction. Gum disease has even been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, depression, preterm birth, infertility and more.

At CNM, I learned to always start with food. I now provide nutritional advice at the first consultation, and within a month, I often see significant improvements in my patients’ gum health. One of the biggest takeaways was the crucial role of gut health in overall health, including oral health. I now emphasise dietary changes alongside treatments and use natural approaches instead of harsh chemicals whenever possible.

How does nutrition impact oral health?

Nutrition influences every aspect of oral health. Tooth development begins in the womb, saliva production depends on proper nutrients, and the right diet helps maintain a balanced oral microbiome. If we eat the wrong foods, harmful bacteria can take over, leading to decay, gum disease and systemic health issues.

What common dietary mistakes do you see?

Many dietary mistakes begin in childhood. For example, sucking on food pouches instead of baby-led weaning can affect jaw development and microbiome health. Even in adults who eat ‘healthy’, frequent snacking or sipping throughout the day can lead to tooth erosion, cavities and gum disease because it constantly feeds pathogenic bacteria and disrupts saliva’s buffering capacity.

What dental issues stem from nutritional deficiencies?

Several dental problems are linked to nutrient deficiencies, including:

• Vitamin C: Red, swollen and bleeding gums, delayed healing and increased infection risk.
• Vitamin D and K2: Weak enamel, poor wound healing and bone loss.
• Vitamin A: Dry mouth, leucoplakia (white or grey patches on the mucous membranes inside the mouth, which can sometimes signal more serious underlying conditions) and abnormal tissue formation.
• Vitamin B: Burning tongue, mouth ulcers, glossitis (inflammation of the tongue, causing redness and swelling) and increased cavity risk.
• Vitamin E: less common but can contribute to delayed healing and increased oxidative stress.

Vitamin C and D deficiencies are the most common ones I see in my practice.

Why is the oral microbiome so important?

Most people are aware of the gut microbiome, but few realise the oral microbiome is the second-largest in the body. It consists of bacteria, fungi and viruses that play a crucial role in our health. An imbalanced oral microbiome can lead to decay, gum disease and systemic issues. Gum disease isn’t just a local problem – it allows harmful bacteria to enter the body through swallowing, inhalation, and even the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and contributing to conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lung infections and Alzheimer’s.

Oral pathogens can also contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, osteoporosis and bone density loss, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, erectile dysfunction, inflammatory bowel disease, and various cancers. Additionally, an imbalanced oral microbiome has been associated with leaky gut and depression, highlighting the deep connection between oral and overall health.

Despite this well-documented systemic link, conventional dentistry rarely addresses the root causes of periodontal disease. My approach focuses on balancing the microbiome, supporting immune function, improving nutrition, and addressing lifestyle factors. Since 2011, I’ve been testing patients’ oral microbiome, considering it essential in dentistry, as the mouth often shows the first signs of systemic disease. By identifying and addressing issues like cavities or bleeding gums early, we can prevent long-term health problems.

Testing at the BOST clinic is available for anyone interested, including health practitioners, cardiologists, nutritionists and dentists who want to integrate this kind of prevention into their work but don’t know where to start. Practitioners are welcome to reach out to the clinic for collaboration or further information.

How does BOST differ from traditional dentistry?

Bone One Session Treatment (BOST) is a minimally invasive approach to treating periodontitis, focused on preserving teeth rather than extraction and implants. At the BOST Clinic, we harness the body’s natural healing ability through nutritional and lifestyle adjustments, balancing the oral microbiome, oxygen therapy, teeth stabilisation with splints, and the use of biocompatible materials and natural agents.

Our comprehensive care often includes:

• Microbiome testing (also available for at-home testing) and targeted remedies.
• Thorough dental assessments and risk evaluations for periodontal disease.
• Tailored nutritional support, including polyphenol-rich foods (green tea, berries), omega-3 optimisation, and mitochondrial function improvement.
• Prebiotic and probiotic therapy to support beneficial bacteria and help reduce harmful pathogens.
• Lifestyle advice for improved digestion, relaxation and detoxification.
• Personalised oral care plans, including non-toxic products, pathogen-targeted supplements, in-clinic periodontal treatment, laser treatment and long-term health guidance.

What results have you seen with BOST?

With BOST, many patients experience impressive healing, reduced inflammation and long-term stability. Ideal candidates include anyone looking to improve their oral microbiome or those with gingivitis and advanced periodontitis. It’s also suitable for individuals trying to conceive, those who are pre-diabetic, or people with heart disease, gut issues, arthritis and other systemic conditions linked to the oral microbiome. Dentists, doctors and nutritionists should collaborate, especially when someone is diagnosed with conditions related to oral pathogens.

What are the health benefits of oil pulling?

Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice that has traditionally been used to remove toxins, and is believed to reduce inflammation and balance the oral microbiome. To do it correctly, gently swish oil in your mouth first thing in the morning for 10 – 15 minutes. The fat environment is not ideal for bacteria, and can help to dislodge them. Some patients have reported less tartar build up after starting oil pulling.

Which oils do you recommend for oil pulling?

Coconut oil is a popular choice due to its antibacterial properties, though sesame oil is also used. Those with allergies to these oils should avoid oil pulling. It’s important to note that the oil should not be swallowed. Be sure to brush and floss after meals, ideally waiting 30 minutes after eating. It’s also a good idea to test the oil for acidity, as acidic oils can cause tooth erosion. I personally prefer coconut oil over sesame oil as it is typically closer to neutral ph.

What are your top remedies for oral health?

I recommend several natural remedies to maintain oral health, including herbal rinses with diluted tea tree or oregano oil, oil pulling, staying hydrated, and avoiding SLS or other chemicals in toothpaste. Tongue scraping in the morning is also beneficial. Other helpful practices include using bicarbonate of soda in oral care products and hydroxyapatite for remineralisation, along with silk floss for cleaning between teeth.

What’s the safest way to remove amalgam fillings?

Amalgam fillings contain mercury, which can have long-term adverse effects on health. Safe removal is crucial and dentists must follow proper protocols, including the use of rubber dams and high-volume suction, adhering to IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) guidelines. I recommend Chris Shade’s detox box and often refer patients to Daniel Sutcliffe for SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Filling Removal Technique).

What toxins in dental products should people avoid?

Traditional dental products often contain harmful chemicals like triclosan, artificial sweeteners, alcohol-based mouthwashes, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), fluoride, and other unpronounceable ingredients. These disrupt the oral microbiome, leading to inflammation and systemic health issues. For instance, many people experience mouth ulcers due to SLS.

Fluoride is always a ‘hot topic’. At BOST, we focus on preventing decay through diet, lifestyle and supporting the oral microbiome. While some dentists insist on using fluoride, we believe it’s more effective and sustainable to address the root causes of decay. These include what a person eats and drinks and how often, underlying health factors like dry mouth from medications, and the balance of bacteria in the mouth – particularly the presence of Streptococcus mutans. That’s why we offer oral microbiome and saliva testing at the BOST clinic, to get a clearer picture of what’s really going on and tailor care to the individual.

What’s your top tip for better oral health?

My one piece of advice for better oral health is to prioritise excellent nutrition every day. Focus on eating a variety of organic vegetables, nutrient-dense foods, and minimising processed foods. This supports both your oral and gut microbiomes, promoting a healthy mouth from the inside out. And of course, regular dental check-ups and an oral microbiome test are key!