Welcome to Functional Roots, where whole body wellness starts in the mouth! In this episode, Amanda and Heather, our expert hygienists, welcome the brilliant Dr. Karen Plymel. Dr. Plymel shares her journey from Obstetrics and Gynecology to pioneering integrative and functional medicine practices, emphasizing the critical link between oral health and overall wellness.

They dive into fascinating topics such as the oral systemic connection, the importance of oral microbiome testing, and how hygienists can play a pivotal role in patient care.

If you're passionate about holistic health or curious about how your mouth affects your body, this is one episode you can't miss! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share the knowledge!00:00 Introduction to Functional Roots00:37 Meet Dr. Karen Plymel00:55 Dr. Plymel's Journey and Integrative Approach02:25 The Oral Systemic Connection04:14 Challenges and Discoveries in Oral Health10:00 The Importance of Imaging in Dentistry15:57 Collaboration Between Medical and Dental Fields19:53 Empowering Dental Hygienists23:46 The Future of Integrative Dental Care33:56 The Struggle with Oral Microbiome34:10 Nitric Oxide and Blood Pressure34:46 Exciting Discoveries in Oral Microbiome35:16 Interconnected Health Issues36:37 Burnout in Dental Hygiene38:56 Finding Fulfillment in Dental Practice48:30 The Importance of Salivary Testing53:31 Future of Dental Hygiene55:37 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaboration