In this eye-opening episode, Jodie Cohen talks with biological dentist Dr. Toni Engram about why your mouth may be one of the clearest windows into your overall health. 

After healing her own Crohn’s disease, Dr. Engram realized that gum disease, cavities, gut problems, and chronic inflammation often share the same root: a disrupted microbiome. 

She explains how saliva testing, better daily oral care, xylitol, tongue scraping, ozone, essential oils, and functional dentistry can help stop — and sometimes even reverse — the damage many people assume is inevitable.

Learn more about Dr. Engram here: https://www.flourish.dental/

 Key Takeaways:

• Your mouth is the first part of your digestive system, so oral bacteria can affect your gut and whole-body inflammation.

• Gum disease is not just “bad gums” — it’s often a sign of bacterial imbalance and inflammation.

• Saliva testing can reveal hidden oral pathogens and help personalize your oral care plan.

• Simple tools like Sonicare, flossing, tongue scraping, xylitol, and hydroxyapatite toothpaste can make a big difference.

• Periodontal decline may not be inevitable; with the right support, the body can often stop or repair damage.