Think brushing twice a day and seeing the dentist twice a year is enough? Think again. In this episode of The Wellness Effect, we're exposing the oral hygiene blind spot that's been hiding in plain sight—and how it might be the missing piece in your gut healing journey. From the bi-directional relationship between your mouth and your microbiome to why bleeding gums are way more serious than you think, we're connecting dots that most practitioners never even consider.

Whether you're dealing with chronic cavities, sensitive teeth that won't quit, or gut issues that keep coming back no matter what protocol you try, this conversation will completely shift how you think about that toothbrush in your hand. Spoiler: Your mouth isn't just the gateway to your body—it's been actively communicating with your gut this whole time, and what's happening in there might be sabotaging everything else you're working on.

In this episode, you'll hear:

02:11 - Why oral hygiene is the overlooked connection to gut health, hormone balance, and fertility that no one's talking about

25:38 - Lacey's autoimmune disease story: How her worst health period coincided with mystery plaque buildup, receding gums, and constant cavities

29:31 - Kira's pregnancy revelation: The stark difference between excruciating tooth pain with her first pregnancy versus zero issues this time around (hint: it wasn't genetics)

34:24 - The truth about what "bleeding gums" really means—it's not normal

42:21 - The bi-directional relationship between your oral microbiome and gut microbiome

43:32 - The Alzheimer's, mood disorder, fertility, and sleep connections you need to know about

48:57 - The estrogen, progesterone, and bone health connection—and why hormone imbalances show up in your teeth first

56:18 - The fluoride debate: What dentists are taught versus what the research actually shows (including the neurotoxin factor)

1:09:25 - Mouth breathing's shocking impact on facial structure, pH balance, and why it creates the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria

1:09:30 - Nitric oxide revelation: Why nose breathing is essential

1:11:17 - The optimal oral hygiene routine

Key Takeaways:

• Your digestive tract runs from your mouth to your butt—it's one continuous tube, and ignoring oral health while trying to heal your gut is like bailing water from a boat with a hole in it
• Bleeding gums aren't just a minor annoyance—they're called "leaky gums" for a reason, creating a direct entry point for pathogens into your bloodstream
• Minerals, particularly calcium, are everything: Pregnancy leaches them from teeth and bones unless you're actively replenishing, which explains why some women's oral health deteriorates dramatically while pregnant

Want more from us?

Visit our website: https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/

Follow us on Instagram:

@wellnesseffectpod

Lacey Iskra - @laceeiskk

Jensen - @wellnesswjensen

Kira Iskra - @kiraiskk

Lifestyle U have helped over 1,000+ women transform their mind and body and become the best version of themselves. Want to be next? Click Here to Apply! - https://www.lifestyleucoaching.ca/apply

If you loved this episode and want to hear more, subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend who's ready to start their own wellness journey. Follow us on Instagram at @wellnesseffectpod to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and tips.