Mouth Health Natters

In a recent podcast, I had the pleasure of engaging in a fascinating natter with Rebecca Edwards, Director of Education at Activated Probiotics, about the crucial role of the oral microbiome in dental and overall health. Our conversation unveiled the intricate connections between oral health and systemic wellbeing, emphasising the importance of maintaining a balanced oral microbiome.

The Power of the Oral Microbiome: Why It Matters

As a dental professional, I've come to understand that the oral microbiome is far more than just a collection of bacteria in our mouths; it's a complex ecosystem that plays a pivotal role in our overall health. Rebecca highlighted how the microbes in our mouths influence oral health and impact various bodily systems, including the immune system, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function. Understanding the oral microbiome's significance is crucial because it is a gateway to the rest of our body, affecting everything from digestion to inflammation. Our discussion underscored the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach oral health, moving beyond just focusing on sugar intake and acid control to considering the broader implications of oral microbial balance.

Unveiling the Oral Microbiome: What It Encompasses

Through my research and discussions with experts like Rebecca, I've learned that the oral microbiome consists of diverse microorganisms that colonise our mouths, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These microbes form intricate communities on our teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral surfaces. While some bacteria, like Streptococcus mutans, are associated with tooth decay, others play protective roles. The balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria is crucial for maintaining oral health. Importantly, the oral microbiome isn't isolated; it interacts constantly with our immune system and can influence systemic health. For instance, certain oral bacteria have been linked to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the far-reaching effects of oral microbial health.

Nurturing Your Oral Microbiome: How to Maintain Balance

In my practice, I've learned that maintaining a healthy oral microbiome involves more than just brushing and flossing. We discussed the Activated Probiotics' Biome Dental, a specifically formulated oral probiotic containing strains clinically proven to support oral health.

Rebecca shared some helpful tips on how to incorporate these probiotics into our daily routine:

-Complete your regular oral hygiene routine (brushing, flossing, etc.).

-Before bed, open a sachet of Biome Dental and pour the powder into your mouth, as it is a small amount of powder.

-Swish the fast-melting powder around your teeth with your tongue

before swallowing.

-Use daily for at least 28 days for optimal results.

Our discussion emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to oral care. I've learned that maintaining oral health goes beyond just using probiotics and includes proper nutrition, stress reduction, and addressing issues like mouth breathing. These factors can significantly impact the oral microbiome, either positively or negatively. This shows the interconnected nature of overall health and oral microbial balance, advocating for a comprehensive strategy in oral care.

The Future of Oral Health: Exploring Potential Impacts

I'm excited about the possibilities that our deepening understanding of the oral microbiome opens up for preventive healthcare and personalised treatments. By maintaining a healthy oral microbiome, we may potentially reduce the risk of not only dental issues but also systemic diseases. For pregnant women, nurturing a balanced oral microbiome could lead to better pregnancy outcomes and potentially influence the development of the fetus's microbiome. Early intervention with oral probiotics might contribute to more robust immune systems and fewer illnesses in children. We also discussed the potential for oral microbiome analysis to become a standard part of health assessments, offering insights into overall health status and disease risk. As research progresses, we'll see more targeted probiotic therapies and oral care products designed to support specific health outcomes through modulation of the oral microbiome.

My conversation with Rebecca has illuminated the critical role of the oral microbiome in our health. By understanding and nurturing this vital ecosystem, we open the door to improved overall wellbeing, potentially revolutionising our approach to healthcare and disease prevention.

Recently, I had Dr John Teh as a guest on my podcast, “Mouth Health Natters.” As the founder of Dental Wellness, which focuses on creating safer, healthier, and more beautiful smiles, I was particularly interested in Dr Teh’s expertise in medicinal cannabis and its potential applications in dentistry.

Dr. Teh, the founder and medical director of Plant Med Clinic, shared his fascinating journey into medicinal cannabis. He explained how his career path shifted from surgery to cannabis medicine, sparked by a personal experience helping a friend with a brain tumor.

I was intrigued to learn about the complexities of medicinal cannabis, especially the entourage effect. Dr Teh’s explanation of how THC, CBD, and various terpenes work together was enlightening. As a dentist, I found his insights on cannabis use for dental anxiety and chronic pain management particularly relevant to my practice.

We discussed several dental-related applications, including managing trigeminal neuralgia and chronic neck pain. While Dr Teh noted that cannabis might not be ideal for acute pain from dental infections, its potential in chronic pain scenarios could be significant for many of my patients.

Dr. Teh’s perspective on Australia’s medicinal cannabis landscape was eye-opening. As someone who’s been in the field since its legalization in 2016, his view that Australia possibly has the best medical framework for cannabis in the world was surprising and encouraging.

I appreciated Dr. Teh’s balanced approach, especially his caution against rushed recreational legalization. His advocacy for a measured approach aligns well with my philosophy of careful, evidence-based practice in dentistry.

The discussion on the social stigma surrounding cannabis use was particularly valuable. Dr Teh’s encouragement for people to explore medicinal cannabis for themselves, emphasizing its safety profile, could be reassuring for many of my patients who might be hesitant to consider it as a treatment option.

Overall, this natter with Dr. Teh has expanded my understanding of medicinal cannabis and its potential role in dental care. It’s opened up new possibilities for how we might approach certain challenging conditions in dentistry, always to provide the best possible care for our patients.

To understand this fascinating topic more deeply, please watch or listen to the entire podcast conversation with Dr Teh. The whole discussion offers even more insights into medicinal cannabis and its potential applications in dentistry and overall health care.

Dr Teh mentioned an excellent educational resource for those interested in learning more. Planteducation.net.au offers both free and paid courses on medicinal cannabis. This platform provides information for professionals and patients who want to expand their knowledge in this rapidly evolving field.

As we explore new frontiers in dental care and overall wellness, staying informed about emerging treatments like medicinal cannabis is helpful. I hope this natter with Dr Teh has piqued your interest and encouraged you to delve deeper into this vital topic.

As a holistic dentist, I'm always looking for ways to improve my patients' experiences and provide them with the most comprehensive care possible. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting Sarah Holmes, a biodynamic cranial sacral therapist, on my podcast, Mouth Health Natters. Our conversation shed light on the fascinating world of alternative therapies and their potential applications in dentistry.

During the podcast, Sarah shared her expertise on breathwork and how it can help patients manage anxiety and regulate their nervous systems. She explained that by guiding patients through techniques like the four-box breath or alternate nostril breathing, we can help them feel more relaxed and at ease during dental treatments. However, she also emphasized the importance of tailoring breathwork to each individual's needs, as certain techniques may not suit everyone.

One of the key takeaways from our natter was the role of cranial sacral therapy in addressing issues related to dental procedures. As a dentist, I often refer patients to cranial sacral therapists or osteopaths after treatments involving the upper jaw, such as tooth extractions. These procedures can impact the delicate cranial bones and lead to jaw tension or misalignment. Cranial sacral therapy can help restore balance and stability to these structures, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.

Sarah also touched on the concept of fascia and how it can become restricted when we're under constant stress. This can limit mobility and contribute to various health issues. Cranial sacral therapy, along with other modalities like massage, can help release these restrictions and restore three-dimensional movement in the body.

In addition to her work as a biodynamic cranial sacral therapist, Sarah is also a co-author of the book "Beyond the Shift," in which she discusses techniques for managing internal dialogue and cultivating positive self-talk. She believes that our internal and external language greatly influences our well-being and that conscious breathing plays a significant role in this process.

If you're interested in learning more about Sarah's work or would like to experience breathwork or cranial sacral therapy, you can find her at her studio in Bundaberg, North Queensland.

Visit her website, essentialwellnesswithin.com.au, or connect with her on Instagram @eWellnesswithin for more information on her services, including online breathwork sessions and workshops.

Tune into the full episode of Mouth Health Natters to learn more and follow along with some breathing exercises.

What if simple, playful everyday movements could optimize learning capacity, cognitive skills, and physical coordination and even increase energy levels or calm anxious states? From stress reduction to pain relief to unleashing untapped human potential, that’s the incredible power that Brain Gym taps into and activates for all ages.

Based on groundbreaking discoveries in the 1970s about movement patterns impacting neural wiring and information processing, educators Paul and Gail Dennison conceived an approach leveraging this mind-body connection through targeted exercises promoting whole-brain integration. They termed this emerging field Educational Kinesiology.

These intentionally designed sequences of 26 Brain Gym activities – incorporating stretches, poses, and energetic movements – stimulate hemispheric communication and alignment across mental, physical, and emotional systems for peak performance, effectively “rewiring” neural pathways and reflex responses to enable more integrated, fluid functionality free of blockages.

Our special guest for today’s show is Patricia Collins. She is a licensed Educational Kinesiology Instructor. Patricia hosts Brain Gym® courses and consults clients and volunteers at schools to spread the gift of a more integrated body and mind. Patricia’s search for health and well-being for her two children, who were challenged with food allergies, began over 40 years ago. As a primary school teacher, she battled with thyroid and adrenal issues and ended up with chronic fatigue. With the help of holistic health practitioners, she gradually improved and developed a new passion for holistic modalities and started studies in multiple natural therapies.

Join us to unpack the what, why and how behind Brain Gym. Learn why consistent practice produces phenomenal cognitive, physical and emotional breakthroughs in children, adults and seniors alike. Gain insights on the cutting edge of natural learning therapies from a passionate instructor.

Quality sleep promotes oral and overall health. Modern blue light disrupts natural sleep cycles, impacting restful slumber. Learn easy tips to optimize your sleep environment for better rest.

My latest podcast reveals strategies to improve oral health, energy, and focus simply through proper sleep hygiene. Don't miss it!

Welcome to Mouth Health Natters Podcast, exploring the link between oral health and total well-being. Your host, Dr. David Cowhig, a holistic dentist and founder of Dental Wellness, interviews the special guest, Hilda Labrada Gore, who is known as the empowering voice of Holistic Hilda.Hilda is on a mission to uncover timeless secrets of ancestral health around the globe.

She shares wise traditions from native cultures to help people discover lifelong vitality. In this episode, Hilda describes how her journey was inspired by Dr. Weston A. Price's findings on traditional diets and dental health in the 1930s. She feels called to continue this meaningful work.

Listen as Hilda transports us from Alaska to Africa, offering insights from her travels and poignant stories of native wisdom. Learn simple holistic health tips integrating ancient practices into modern life. The show weaves together oral health, gut microbiomes, lifestyle rhythms and indigenous rituals for full-body well-being. Hilda models a holistic stance, emphasizing nutrition, community and nature.Journey alongside Hilda to nourish your body, mind and spirit. Discover inspiration and tools to boost energy and live with ancestral-inspired vitality.

Craniofacial Development and Holistic Dentistry: The Overlooked Role of Infant Sleep

In our latest Mouth Health Natter Podcast, we had the privilege of featuring a special guest, Dr. Scott Wustenberg, an innovator in the fields of chiropractic neurology, nutrition, and sleep medicine. Dr. Scott takes a holistic, lifetime approach to wellness, focusing on how airway function, mental health, and lifestyle factors interact to improve health.

Through his clinical practice, teaching, and research, Dr. Scott aims to unlock human potential by addressing the root causes of imbalance, even those beginning early in life. He empowers patients with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health journey.

Dr. Scott has recently published an exciting new book titled "First Principles: How a Small Problem in Early Life Creates Havoc Across Time." In this work, he explores how unresolved issues in infancy and childhood ripple outwards to impact well-being decades later.

Today, Dr. Scott joins us to discuss key concepts from his book that are highly relevant to holistic dentistry. We'll explore the overlooked role of airway, sleep, and craniofacial development beginning in the womb and infancy. Dr. Scott will share how these foundational factors shape facial structure, sleep quality, breathing, and overall function across the lifespan.

This knowledge empowers patients and providers to address imbalances at the root level. We're grateful to have Dr. Scott lend his wisdom and insights on establishing solid foundations for lifelong health and well-being.

In today's episode, I am having as a special guest Professor Max Reynolds.

Professor Reynolds, with over five decades of global experience in scientific research, business, and product development, is a distinguished figure in biotechnology. As the Managing Director of 98 Alive Pty Ltd, he has exemplified his commitment and determination to explore the practical applications of biotechnology.

Previously, Professor Reynolds was a lecturer at Griffith University in Brisbane, Queensland, and held the esteemed position of Director of the Program in Australasia Botanical Medicine for Population Health. His expertise and contributions have garnered international recognition, as evidenced by his role as one of the five keynote speakers at the 3rd International Conference on Clinical Microbiology & Microbial Genomics in Valencia, Spain, in September 2014. During this conference, he presented his groundbreaking research on "A New and Effective Treatment for Dengue Fever," joining other esteemed speakers from the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Greece.

Professor Reynolds' journey to develop innovative solutions began with exploring the Melaleuca alternifolia species, a native tea tree shrub with a rich history of topical medicinal use by Australian indigenous communities. He recognised its antiseptic properties and sought to harness its potential for broader consumption. Through meticulous global research, clinical trials, and extraction techniques, Professor Reynolds and his team successfully developed 98alive™—a natural medicine that has earned a place on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

By reducing the toxicity and maximising the beneficial properties of tea tree oil, 98alive™ offers a revolutionary solution that opens new possibilities, including promoting a healthier mouth.

Episode at-a-glance:

3:00 Could you enlighten us on the journey that led to the creation of 98alive?

7:15 What is the range of 98alive products available?

10:18 If someone is experiencing an upper respiratory tract and sinus infection and prefers not to take antibiotics, would this system effectively obtain the antiviral and antibacterial benefits?

15:08 Can 98alive products be combined with coconut oil for oil-pulling purposes?

18:31 Are Tea tree toothpastes suitable, and do they possess similar properties to 98alive?

19:52 In light of recent flooding causing water damage, how effective are 98alive applications in treating mould illness?

23:32 Does the 98alive essential oil also work in atomizers?

25:49 Is 98alive also effective against oral biofilm?

30:39 What is the recommended time for using the 98alive nebulizer?

38:50 How can 98alive products be incorporated into a regular daily routine?

You can find his products online at www.98alive.co.

In today's episode, I am having a natter with Kimballe Robyzen. Kimballe is a naturopath, herbalist, nutritionist, iridologist & bioresonance practitioner. He specialises in prescribing & compounding personalised nutritional & herbal formulas using bioresonance testing.

Today we discuss ways to detox your body and how your Oral Fitness can benefit from it.

Episode at-a-glance:

1:33 Kimballe's story of how he became a health practitioner.

3:44 How is Kimballe helping his patients when it comes to detoxing?

7:05 Different types of fasting so you can learn what might work for you.

12:40 What is the best method of fasting based on your body type?

14:02 Do women detox differently than men?

16:42 How can you prepare yourself before a dental procedure? 22:25 Kimballe's upcoming projects and events.

24:47 Fasting tips you should know to succeed.

28:48 What is intermittent fasting? Does it have health benefits?

30:20 What to eat to break your fast?

34:40 Toothache and no dental appointment for days! What can I do?

In today’s episode, I am having a natter with Georgia Geminder (the founder of Gem Oral Care) about her probiotic toothpaste range and why it may benefit your oral health. 

Episode at-a-glance:
2:00 The Gem brand story.
4:08 Why avoiding toxic ingredients in toothpaste and oral care is important.
7:14 The importance of oral probiotics.
10:42 Ingredients and properties of the Gem toothpaste.
16:35 Everything you need to know about the Gem product range.

Discount Code:
If you are interested in purchasing any of the Gem products, you can do this on their website: www.gem-products.co
Get 20% off any order with the custom discount code DRDAVID.