Don’t Disregard Your Mouth: The Link Between Oral Health and Whole-Body Wellness
On Halloween, I’m reminded of all the candy-filled nights from childhood and the cavities that came with them. Growing up, my love for sweets and poor brushing habits left me with multiple mercury amalgam fillings. Over time, I developed fatigue, brain fog, and irritability, signs I later recognized as amalgam-related illness.
After working with a biological dentist to safely remove those fillings, my symptoms improved dramatically. Today, most dentists no longer use mercury, but the experience taught me a lasting lesson: oral health is foundational to whole-body health.
Research continues to reveal connections between gum disease and chronic illnesses such as:
Heart disease
Diabetes
Dementia
Pneumonia
Certain cancers
When harmful bacteria invade the gums, they trigger systemic inflammation that can impact any organ in the body.
Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome requires more than brushing and flossing- it’s about lifestyle:
Eat whole foods and minimize refined sugar
Avoid antibacterial mouthwash that kills beneficial bacteria
Exercise and manage stress
Sleep more than 7 hours
Quit smoking
See your dentist regularly
If you’re struggling with fatigue, inflammation, or chronic illness, your mouth may hold important clues. Schedule a free discussion to explore your root causes here:
👉 https://calendly.com/drlarry-hearthstonefamilycare/meet-and-greet?month=2025-07
This Halloween, enjoy your treats, but don’t forget to give your teeth and body a little love, too.
Dr. Larry Miller