Welcome back to The Root of the Matter. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Toni Engram, a SMART-certified biologic dentist, integrative health coach, and founder of Flourish Dental Boutique in Texas. From the moment we connected, it felt like talking with a soul sister. Our journeys through personal illness, holistic healing, and biologic dentistry mirror each other in many ways, and this conversation is packed with insights for anyone curious about how the mouth and body are deeply intertwined.

Dr. Engram shares her personal story of being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and how that turning point inspired her to reimagine the way she practiced dentistry. Instead of following the conventional model, she began to explore oral-systemic health, functional medicine, and the root causes of inflammation. Her journey led her to create a fluoride-free, mercury-safe dental practice where patients are cared for with a focus on prevention, healing, and whole-body wellness.

Together, we explore the connections between oral health, the gut microbiome, and the nervous system. We talk about why airway health, tongue ties, and sleep apnea matter more than most people realize, and how breathing patterns can influence everything from digestion to a child’s development. Dr. Engram also opens up about the challenges of transitioning a conventional dental practice to a biologic model, and why authenticity is so important when guiding patients through this work.

What We Dive Into in This Episode

• Dr. Engram’s healing journey with Crohn’s disease and how it shaped her career
• The overlap between gut dysbiosis, oral inflammation, and systemic health
• Sleep apnea, airway health, and the role of the nervous system in prevention
• Why fluoride-free and mercury-safe dentistry supports long-term health
• Salivary testing, microbiome diversity, and why pH balance matters more than fluoride
• How materials like composites, zirconia, and biocompatible ceramics impact the body
• The power of ozone, PRF, and functional tools for saving teeth and preventing root canals
• Creating a dental practice that is truly authentic and patient-centered

This conversation is full of practical pearls and heart-centered wisdom. Whether you’re a patient curious about biologic dentistry, a mom navigating your child’s oral health, or a provider looking for inspiration on the path toward more holistic care, you’ll leave this episode with fresh perspective and hope.

Connect with Dr. Toni Ingram

• Website: flourish.dental
• Instagram: @drtoniengram

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner. Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider. This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed. Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests. We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.