How Your Teeth Affect Your Whole Body

Most people think the dentist is just about keeping teeth clean or fixing cavities. But your mouth is connected to your whole body. Scientists, like Dr. Andrew Huberman on the Huberman Lab Podcast, explain that healthy teeth and gums help protect your heart, brain, and even your energy levels.

At 100 West, we believe your smile is the starting point for your overall health. Here’s why:

The Tiny World Inside Your Mouth

Your mouth is full of bacteria — some good, some bad. Together, they are called the oral microbiome.

• When the good and bad bacteria are balanced, your teeth and gums stay healthy.
• When bad bacteria take over, it can cause gum disease and inflammation. That inflammation can spread through your blood to the rest of your body.

Doctors have found links between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, and memory problems like Alzheimer’s. (Study review, 2024)

Why Saliva Matters

Saliva (spit) isn’t just water. It helps wash away germs, keeps the mouth at the right pH, and brings minerals like calcium and phosphate to rebuild your teeth.

• If you breathe through your mouth all the time, it dries out your saliva.
• A dry mouth makes it easier for bad bacteria to grow and hurt your teeth.

Experts from the FDI World Dental Federation say early prevention and simple repairs are the best ways to stop tooth problems before they get worse.

Fluoride and Fillings

You’ve probably heard of fluoride in toothpaste. In small amounts, it helps make teeth stronger. But too much can be harmful.

Old silver-colored fillings, called amalgam fillings, can release small amounts of mercury. The FDA now recommends safer, newer materials for most patients.

Healthy Habits at Home

Brushing and flossing are the basics, but research shows a few more things really help:

• Use an electric toothbrush — it cleans better.
• Try toothpaste with stannous fluoride — it protects against cavities and gum disease.
• Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes.

The International Federation of Dental Hygienists found that many people skip these steps, even though science proves they work.

Cool New Tech in Dentistry

Dentistry is getting smarter:

• Smart toothbrushes like ToMoBrush can listen to how you brush and even find early signs of cavities.
• Apps like OralCam let you check your own mouth with your phone camera.
• Scientists are even using AI (artificial intelligence) to study how gum disease connects to your weight, eyes, and joints.

This means your dentist may soon catch health problems way before they start.

Why This Matters to You

Taking care of your teeth isn’t just about your smile. It’s about protecting your whole body.

At 100 West, we don’t stop at cleanings. We:

• Test your saliva and oral bacteria
• Look for early warning signs that could affect your heart or brain
• Create a plan to keep both your teeth and your body healthy

What You Can Do Next

Your health starts in your mouth — and we can help.

👉 Book a Functional Dental Checkup at 100 West today.