About this Video

• Video Title: How to Improve Your Teeth & Oral Microbiome for Brain & Body Health | Dr. Staci Whitman
• Channel: Andrew Huberman
• Speakers: Andrew Huberman, Dr. Staci Whitman
• Duration: 2:54:47

Introduction

This Huberman Lab podcast features Dr. Staci Whitman, a functional dentist. The conversation centers on oral health, debunking common myths and offering science-based tools to improve teeth, gums, and the oral microbiome. The discussion emphasizes the interconnectedness of oral health with overall well-being, including brain and heart health, hormones, and fertility.

Key Takeaways

• Oral microbiome importance: Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome is crucial for overall health, impacting cardiovascular health, brain longevity, and more. Damaging the microbiome through harsh products can lead to serious issues.
• Tooth de-/remineralization: Teeth are constantly undergoing demineralization and remineralization. Frequent snacking disrupts this balance, leading to cavities. Intermittent fasting allows for remineralization.
• Diet's role: Diet significantly impacts oral health. A clean diet rich in whole foods, while limiting fermentable carbohydrates (sugars and starches), supports a healthy oral microbiome and whiter teeth.
• Mouth breathing's negative effects: Mouth breathing causes dry mouth, increased acidity, and darker teeth. Nasal breathing is essential for optimal oral health and overall well-being. Mouth taping can help transition to nasal breathing.
• Gum disease's systemic impact: Gum disease ("leaky gums") allows oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream, contributing to various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, and certain cancers. Testing the oral microbiome can identify potential issues.
• Fluoride's controversial role: Fluoride strengthens teeth but is not selective, potentially damaging beneficial bacteria. The long-term effects of fluoride ingestion, particularly in children, are debated. The benefits of water fluoridation are questionable.
• Holistic approach: A holistic approach is essential, focusing on diet, lifestyle, proper brushing/flossing techniques, and addressing underlying issues like mouth breathing and tongue ties.

According to Dr. Whitman, the "red complex" bacteria are the key species influencing gum disease and its systemic effects. These include P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum, T. denticola, and A. actinomycetemcomitans. She explains that gum disease creates "leaky gums," inflamed gums that allow these bacteria to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response and inflammation throughout the body. Addressing leaky gums involves improving oral hygiene (flossing and brushing), treating the underlying gum disease, and potentially using therapies like ozone therapy to target the bacteria.

The transcript mentions several therapies to treat gum disease:

• Ozone therapy: Dr. Whitman uses ozone in gas form or water to treat gum disease and periodontal pathogens. It's applied locally, under fillings or sealants, as an antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal agent.

• Oil pulling: Using coconut oil to swish and pull out bacteria. This is mentioned as an ancient practice, with lauric acid in coconut oil having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, Dr. Whitman cautions against daily use due to its antimicrobial effects, recommending a couple of times per week.

• Antibiotics: Amoxicillin is mentioned as a type of antibiotic that may be used to treat virulent periodontal pathogens. However, the discussion emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach rather than relying solely on antibiotics.

The conversation doesn't explicitly detail other potential therapies, but strongly implies that addressing underlying issues such as poor diet, dehydration, and mouth breathing is crucial for successful gum disease treatment.

Here's a list of chapters from the provided transcript:

• Dr. Staci Whitman
• Oral Health & Oral Microbiome
• Oral Healthcare Ingredients, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS); Canker Sores
• Sponsors: Eight Sleep & BetterHelp
• Cavities & Teeth De-/Remineralization, Fluoride
• Cavities, Tool: Meal Frequency, Fasting
• Sugar, “Dissolvable” Carbs & Cavities, Tools: Feed the Rainbow, Clean Diet
• White Teeth, Bleaching, Hydroxyapatite, Mouth Breathing
• Antibiotics, Gut & Oral Microbiome, Tool: Probiotics
• Mouthwash, Alcohol, Astringents, Cardiovascular Risk, Bad Breath
• Sponsors: AG1 & Joovv
• Saliva, Dry Mouth, Salivary Analysis, Tools: Hydration; Nasal Breathing
• Mouth vs. Nasal Breathing, Hard & Soft Tissue Issues
• Deviated Septum, Therapies, Kids & Adults, Mouth Breathing & Sleep Disorders
• Gum Health, Flossing; Sexual Health
• Shifting to Nasal Breathing, Mouth Taping, Tools: 3-Minute Test, Kiss The Sky
• Chewing Gum, Mastic Gum, Tool: Xylitol; Chewing Food, Breastfeeding
• Sponsor: Function
• Gum Disease, “Leaky Gums”, Cardiovascular Disease, Dementia, Cancer
• Antibiotics, Ozone Therapy, Oil Pulling, Mold, Tool: Coconut Oil; Facial Trauma
• Nicotine Gum & Pouches, Oral Health; Coffee, Teeth Whitening
• Whole Foods, Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste; Tool: Testing Oral Microbiome
• Water Fluoridation, History, Other Fluoride Sources, Neurocognitive Issues
• Drinking Water & Fluoride, Toothpaste, Cavities
• Sponsor: LMNT
• Water Fluoridation & Levels
• Oral Health & Fertility
• Toothbrushing, Flossing, Waterpik, Tool: Toothbrushing & Meals
• Teeth Spots & Markings, Fluorosis, Hypoplastic Enamel
• Oral Health, Women, Pregnancy, Menopause & Burning Mouth
• Geographic Tongue; Lip Balm; Mouth Breathing, Symmetrical Chewing
• Tongue Tie, Chewing & Speech Function, Intervention
• Red Light Therapy, Peptides & Exosomes
• Mercury Fillings, Ceramic Composites, Retainers, Sealants
• Dentists, Depression, Anxiety, Suicide; Insurance
• Recap, Top Behavioral Tools for Oral Health, Tongue Scrapping
• Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Please note that these chapter titles are inferred from the timestamps and headings within the provided transcript. Some chapters might be more accurately described with slightly different wording.

The transcript describes Dr. Whitman's oil pulling protocol as follows: She uses a spoonful of organic, raw coconut oil, lets it melt in her mouth, and then swishes it around for a period of time (duration not specified). She cautions against daily use because coconut oil is antimicrobial and could disrupt the oral microbiome. She recommends oil pulling a couple of times a week. Crucially, she specifies that the used oil should be spit out into the trash, not the sink, to avoid clogging.

The discussion of probiotics in the transcript focuses on their use in supporting the oral microbiome, particularly after a course of antibiotics. Dr. Whitman suggests that when antibiotics are necessary (which she tries to avoid), patients should take a high-quality probiotic supplement and increase their consumption of probiotic-rich foods. She notes that this is especially important for children, as it's difficult for them to consume enough fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or kombucha. She also mentions that there are oral probiotics specifically formulated for the bacteria of the mouth.