Oral health

I’ve been surprised to learn how closely dental health and overall health are connected -especially for anyone facing serious illnesses like cancer. Many oncology centers actually ask patients to have dental issues addressed first, because problems in the mouth can affect how well the rest of the body heals.

One area to watch is older silver (amalgam) fillings, which contain mercury. When we chew, tiny amounts of mercury vapor can be released, and while opinions differ on the risk, many people choose to discuss safe replacement with a dentist experienced in that process.

Gum health matters too. If you notice bleeding when you brush or floss, that’s an early sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis) that can influence inflammation throughout the body. Think of it like a small cut on your skin that keeps bleeding - you’d want to take care of it. Gentle daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings can make a big difference.

Think about it this way: you swallow about 1.5 liters of saliva daily, carrying trillions of bacteria straight to your gut. When your oral microbiome is healthy, you're sending beneficial allies like Lactobacillus to support digestion. But when harmful bacteria dominate? You're essentially poisoning your gut with every swallow. The research is staggering:

The same bacteria causing gum disease has been found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients
People with gum disease face dramatically higher risks of heart disease and stroke
Oral bacteria can trigger inflammatory bowel conditions and leaky gut syndrome
Poor oral health is directly linked to diabetes, pneumonia, and emphysema

This explains why some people struggle with chronic health issues despite doing "everything right" with their diet and lifestyle. They're missing the most fundamental piece: the mouth-body connection.

Learn more in this oral and body health guide article.

Red light therapy applied to dental health is promising: a meta-analysis found low-level light therapy shortened canker sore healing by about 2.5 days compared with standard care, and adding photobiomodulation to dental cleanings shows short-term improvements in key gum-health measures compared with cleaning alone. There is even a small randomized study where an electric brush with built-in LEDs reduced gingival bleeding and inflammation over 6 weeks. (Yes, this kind of red light toothbrush is available to consumers.)

I share this with gratitude for the dentists and hygienists who help us stay well, and with curiosity about how caring for our mouths can support the rest of our health.

Awaken Your Path: A Journey Through Spiritual Healing & Plant-Based Living

Oral health

This website uses cookies.