April 2025

Smile! It's National Oral Health Month

Oral Health and Overall Well-being: It Starts in Your Mouth

Did you know your mouth is home to billions of bacteria and that they might be influencing your heart, brain, and immune system?

It’s true. And last week, during my routine six-month dental check-up, I was once again reminded how much our oral health matters—sometimes in unexpected ways.

🪥 “No Thanks, I’ll Pass on the Bubble Gum Mouthwash…”

The hygienist greeted me with the usual cheerful options:
“Let’s get started with some mouthwash. Today’s flavours are mint, blue raspberry, or bubble gum. Which one do you want?”

“No thanks,” I replied with a smile. “We’ve had this conversation before…”

He laughed. “Ah yes, the oral microbiome. Now I remember our past conversations. On to the cleaning then!”

This playful exchange happens every time, but it’s based on something serious: your oral microbiome—a community of microorganisms that’s vital to more than just your teeth.

🧬 Your Mouth’s Microbiome: Tiny Helpers, Big Job

When we talk about “microbiome,” most people think gut. But the mouth has its own ecosystem, and it’s the very start of your digestive tract.

The oral microbiome is made up of hundreds of species of bacteria (yep, over 700 kinds!). These little guys help:

Start digestion
Protect against harmful pathogens
Support your immune system

But when this delicate balance is thrown off? It can lead to cavities, gum disease—and more serious issues like heart disease, inflammation, and even cognitive decline.

💡 Everyday Habits That Keep Your Mouth (and Microbiome) Happy

Let’s break down some daily practices that can make a big impact:

🪥 Brush and Floss—Gently and Consistently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day and floss daily to remove food and plaque. Pro tip: Nighttime oral care is extra important—saliva slows down while you sleep, making it easier for bad bacteria to take over.

👅 Clean Your Tongue: Brushing or scraping your tongue can help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath and support microbial balance.

🍋 Handle Acid with Care: Love citrus, kombucha, or vinegar? Be kind to your enamel:

Rinse with water after eating or drinking acidic foods.
Wait 30 minutes before brushing—brushing too soon can wear down softened enamel. Think of it as giving your enamel time to recover and remineralize.

😮‍💨 Breathe Through Your Nose, Not Your Mouth: Mouth breathing can dry out the oral cavity, reduce saliva, and make your teeth more vulnerable. Nasal breathing helps keep tissues hydrated and healthy.

🔥 Dealing with Acid Reflux? Don’t Ignore It: If you often experience heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth, acid reflux could be harming your teeth. Talk to your healthcare provider—it’s more than just an annoyance.

🧴 Let’s Talk Products: What’s in Your Oral Care Routine?

What you use to clean your mouth matters—especially when it comes to preserving the good bacteria.

🚫 Mouthwash: Most commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol and antiseptics that wipe out all bacteria—good and bad.Try alcohol-free options or simple rinses like saltwater.

🦷 Toothpaste: Fluoride strengthens enamel, but if you're exploring alternatives, consider:

Hydroxyapatite: a natural mineral also found in your teeth.
Xylitol: shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria. Look for toothpastes with clean, functional ingredients.

✨ Whitening Treatments: Weigh the Trade-Offs

Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide (used in whitening products) can disrupt your oral microbiome. It doesn’t mean you can’t whiten—just be mindful of frequency and follow with microbiome-friendly care.

🌍 Why Oral Health Matters Beyond the Mouth

Keeping your mouth healthy does more than protect against cavities. A thriving oral microbiome can:

Lower your risk of cardiovascular disease
Reduce systemic inflammation
Support mental clarity and immune function

Your mouth is the gateway to your entire body. When we treat it with care—through daily habits, informed product choices, and awareness—we support holistic well-being from the inside out.

🧘‍♀️ A Gentle Reminder…

Everything in your body is connected. Oral health isn’t just a dentist’s concern—it’s a whole-body conversation.

So the next time you brush your teeth, think of it as an act of self-care for your gut, heart, mind, and beyond.

Be well,

Peggy

I’m excited to share that I was a guest on the Whole & Healthy podcast!

In the episode, I open up about my journey healing from SIBO and the winding and looping path I took through different eating styles — from carnivore to vegetarian, to vegan, and eventually to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. You can listen on Spotify, itunes or here.

Something new I’m trying…

On May 7, I’m hosting a small, in-home cooking class — just a cozy evening of making black bean tacos, cashew cheese, and a healthier take on chocolate cake. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while, and I’m excited to bring it to life. Whether it’s a one-time thing or the start of something ongoing, we’ll see!

If it sounds like something you’d enjoy, there are three spots left — send me an email if you’d like to join.

Ready in under 30 minutes!

This Thai Curried Lentil dish is one of my most requested recipes and for good reason! It’s cozy, flavourful, and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and anti-inflammatory spices to nourish your body while satisfying your taste buds.

Book Recommendation: Plant Powered Protein by Brenda Davis, Vesanto Melina, and Cory Davis

If you’ve ever wondered how to get enough protein on a plant-based diet, Plant-Powered Protein is a must-read. I love how it breaks things down in a way that’s both science-backed and super approachable — no fear-mongering, just facts and helpful guidance.

See you next month!

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