Our Philosophy
Your mouth is the gateway to your whole body
Just like your gut, your mouth has its own living ecosystem of bacteria, called the oral microbiome. It’s one of the most diverse microbiomes in the body, with hundreds of different bacterial species and literally billions of individual bacteria living on your teeth, tongue, and gums. This community doesn’t just affect your teeth and gums—it also has a powerful influence on your overall health.
When the balance tips and harmful bacteria start to outnumber the helpful ones, we see problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, mouth ulcers, and bad breath. That same imbalance can also affect the rest of your body in two main ways:
- Chronic, low-grade inflammation:
Ongoing infection in the mouth, especially from gum disease, keeps the immune system switched “on.” You may not feel sick, but your body is constantly working harder than it should—similar to walking around every day with a chronically infected toe. Over time, this hinders your immune system and can make you more vulnerable to other illnesses.
- Bacteria traveling beyond the mouth:
Harmful bacteria and their toxins can be swallowed or enter the bloodstream through inflamed or bleeding gums. Once they travel to other areas of the body, they can contribute to inflammation and infection in distant tissues and organs.
Unlike some other microbiomes, the oral microbiome is constantly being challenged. Smoking, changes in diet, medications, dry mouth, illness, and even kissing can shift the balance of bacteria. The good news is that the oral microbiome is also one of the easiest to improve with the right habits and support: a nutrient-dense diet, regular professional cleanings, and a consistent home care routine.
At our practice, we believe that caring for your mouth is a powerful way to care for your whole body. Our approach focuses on:
- Balancing the oral microbiome
- Reducing inflammation in the gums and supporting the immune system
- Stabilizing existing disease and preventing future problems
We also use advanced salivary diagnostics to measure specific bacteria, inflammation markers, and enzyme activity, giving us a clearer picture of how your oral health may be impacting the rest of your body—and allowing us to create a truly personalized plan for you.
