Dental Health & Wellness: Key Takeaways from the Huberman Podcast with Dr. Staci Whitman
Hello, friends of Dental Design SD! I’m always on the lookout for ways to empower you with dental tidbits so you can always make an informed decision, and I wanted to pass along some gems I came across from a recent podcast I listened to. The Stanford neuroscientist and awesome podcaster, Dr. Andrew Huberman, recently sat down with Dr. Staci Whitman, a functional dentist whose passion for oral-systemic and airway dentistry closely aligns with my own practice philosophy. Their discussion in “How to Improve Your Teeth & Oral Microbiome for Brain & Body Health” was packed with insights that align beautifully with the personalized, science-driven approach we take at our own practice. I’m excited to share my perspective on this episode, which I hope will inspire you to nurture your smile and thrive. More importantly, there is huge value in hearing this from a professional OTHER than myself, or some social media influencer promoting pseudo medicine. The podcast highlights the oral-systemic connection, evolution and jaw development, airway health, the truth about dental insurance, and the stressors dentists go through in life.
TLDR:
Your Mouth Is Your Body’s Gateway:
I have always preached the oral-systemic connection, and how the mouth is your gateway to overall health. It’s something we typically ignore, and although we focus our biometrics and the food we eat, we don’t pay enough attention to the unique world that is our mouth and how it works with the rest of our body. The oral microbiome—home to over 700 unique bacterial species—is a powerhouse influencing not just your teeth and gums but your heart, brain, gut, and even fertility. This podcast reinforced that truth!
Poor oral health, especially gum disease, can have serious ripple effects:
Heart Health: Bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream, doubling your risk of heart disease.
Stroke Risk: Gum issues may triple your chances of stroke.
Brain Wellness: Oral bacteria could contribute to cognitive challenges like dementia over time.
Family Planning: Gum disease might delay conception for women and impact male fertility (treating it can improve male fertility by 70%—incredible!).
Here’s a sobering stat: about 80% of people worldwide have some form of gum disease, and 10% face severe periodontal disease that could lead to tooth loss. In our practice, we have seen more than 50% of our patients come in with some level of periodontal disease, which we treat through laser and scaled root planing. Insurance companies don’t agree with this, and treatment of periodontal disease is our most rejected claim. Why? Insurance will not reimburse UNLESS THERE IS BONE LOSS…which is what we are trying to prevent.
Cavities: Prevention Is Key:
We were told our entire lives that sugar causes cavities, but the real culprit is Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that feeds on sugars and produces acid that erodes enamel. Sugar’s just the fuel that S. mutans requires to produce the acids that cause tooth decay.
The good news? Early cavities (limited to enamel) can often heal with proper care. Deeper ones may need fillings.
I’m a big fan of xylitol—it’s a natural sugar alcohol that knocks out harmful bacteria, soothes inflamed gums, and supports both your oral and gut health. If you have dogs, keep xylitol away from them! It is extremely poisonous for dogs.
Brushing and flossing are non-negotiable, as your saliva works overtime at night to remineralize and repair your teeth. I am also a huge fan of water irrigation to get below the gums.
Fluoride: Let’s Make Informed Choices:
Fluoride is the standard of care for strengthening enamel and preventing cavities. It works, we will use it as a varnish after hygiene visits, but there is now a lot of controversy around the subject - and we fully support the research that is evolving.
I understand concerns about excessive fluoride (like in some tap water) potentially affecting neurodevelopment or the oral microbiome. This podcast highlighted the importance of balance.
My advice? Stick with fluoride toothpaste if it works for you, but I’m also excited about fluoride-free options like nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, which is gentle and effective. We are investigating non-fluoride varnishes for our patients, but keep in mind that this is not yet standard of care supported by the ADA or insurance companies.
Choose Products That Love Your Mouth:
I’m becoming hyper aware of harsh products that may disrupt your oral microbiome. I still use products like Thera-breath in a pinch…like between brushing or after eating something offensive, but for daily care I like to focus on my gut health for breath control and gentle rinses that won’t destroy my oral biome.
Baking soda and salt rinses are a great option, but there are some non-astrigent and non-microbials options now available in the marketplace.
Daily Habits for a Vibrant Smile:
Brush and floss twice daily, especially at night, to remove biofilm before it hardens into tartar. I recommend a soft toothbrush and tools like water picks for gentle, effective flossing.
Tongue scraping! I know it’s gross, but go buy a tongue scraper (be gentle) and see what comes of, even AFTER having brushed your teeth. Your breath will be that much better as well.
Nasal breathing is a game-changer, as it promotes saliva flow and keeps your mouth healthy. Practice placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth to promote nasal breathing. I’m a fan of neti pots, and unless you’re going through an intense workout, limit mouth breathing. Mouth breathing can create the ideal environment for bacteria to flourish and promote cavities and bad breath.
Nutrient rich foods and veggies are great for your oral-microbiome. Yes…you are what you eat.
Dental Treatments:
Mercury Fillings: These are the silver amalgam fillings that insurance companies deem standard of care and are what is typically covered under your plans. We use composite fillings and would rather eat the cost than put amalgam fillings in our patients mouth.
Sealants: A fantastic way to protect children’s molars from cavities—perfect for our younger patients.
Root Canals: These can be complex, as they may harbor bacteria. I’ll always review your case thoroughly to ensure the best path forward. Root canals are considered standard of care, but I have seen MANY failed root canals come through. Please do not blame your doctor for a failed root canal. Once our patients go home, we have zero control over your oral health. In some cases, I will recommend extraction and an implant, which long term, have shown better outcomes.
Dental Crowns: For my family, friends, and myself, if given the options, I would always opt for a crown vs. a large filling. A well made crown can be anatomically crafted to be just like your original tooth. They are incredibly strong and resilient. Large fillings tend to break easily, and it’s really just patch work. Think of it like a pothole on a road which re-opens after a big storm. Re-paving is much much better than filling a pothole with asphalt.
Extra Tips to Empower You:
Guided Biofilm Therapy: A cutting-edge professional cleaning method I’m excited to offer to manage your oral biofilm effectively.
Oral Health Testing: Tools like OralDNA or Bristle Health can give us a deeper look at your microbiome. To be clear, I am a dentist, not a functional medicine physician. I don’t have all the answers, but I can focus on my area of expertise and help provide the data you need as part of your overall health journey.
How I’m Here to Support You:
Let’s keep your oral care simple and effective: a wholesome diet, nasal breathing, and products like hydroxyapatite toothpaste or xylitol gum to nurture your microbiome.
I strongly recommend ditching alcohol-based mouthwashes—they’re too harsh for your mouth’s delicate balance.
Make nighttime brushing and flossing a daily ritual to let your saliva work its reparative magic.
Regular checkups with me are your chance to stay proactive, catch issues early, and get tailored advice.
Your oral health is the foundation of your body’s wellness, and I’m honored to partner with you to make it shine.
Episode Details:
Released: March 24, 2025
Duration: About 3 hours (or a 5-minute recap for a quick dose of inspiration)
Where to Listen: Stream it on X, YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts
Stay Connected: Follow Dr. Whitman on Instagram (@doctorstaci) or explore Dr. Huberman’s Daily Blueprint (@hubermanlab) or follow me (@dentaldesignsd) to schedule your next appointment.
This podcast reaffirmed my commitment to helping you see your mouth as a vital part of your health journey. I’m inspired by the science-backed, holistic strategies shared, and I can’t wait to bring these insights into our practice to elevate your care.
In good health,
Dr. Kathrina Agatep