Dr. Gabor Balogh
Dundarave Dental
Dr.L. Popa & Associates
FUNCTIONAL DENTISTRY
as a Philosophy of Care
In 2024, advancements in science and technology have transformed our understanding of oral health beyond just clean teeth and fresh breath, ushering in a new era of dental care. At the heart of this transformation is the philosophy of functional dentistry, which recognizes the oral microbiome's vital role in our overall health. This innovative approach highlights how oral bacteria balance affects not just our mouths but our entire body, including our cardiovascular, brain, and gut health.
Research now shows that a healthy oral microbiome contributes to better nitric oxide production, which can lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk.
Disruptions to the oral microbiome can lead to gut dysbiosis, which has been associated with increased permeability of the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). Findings to date suggest that the oral microbiome, via interactions with the gut and brain (a network called the oral-gut-brain axis), may be a key consideration for brain health, and multiple associated conditions.
Moreover, an imbalance in oral bacteria is linked to various chronic conditions like:
IBS and Gut dysbios
Alzheimer’s & Dementia,
Cardiovascular disease,
Metabolic Health & Diabetes
Autoimmune disease
Fertility
When considering how to change the oral microbiome, begin with nutrition. The modern diet, high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, contributes to dysbiosis. Replacing these foods with a simple, ancestral eating pattern with a focus on plants and fermented foods helps restore balance.
An oral microbiome diet includes whole, unprocessed foods focusing on quality animal protein, colorful plant foods, and fermented foods. These foods are effective for many reasons, namely because they entail chewing and salivary production.
Additionally, maintaining dental hygiene, using microbiome-friendly oral care products, and practices like tongue scraping can further support a healthy oral ecosystem.
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When considering how to change the oral microbiome, begin with nutrition. The modern diet, high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, contributes to dysbiosis. Replacing these foods with a simple, ancestral eating pattern with a focus on plants and fermented foods helps restore balance.
An oral microbiome diet includes whole, unprocessed foods focusing on quality animal protein, colorful plant foods, and fermented foods. These foods are effective for many reasons, namely because they entail chewing and salivary production.
Additionally, maintaining dental hygiene, using microbiome-friendly oral care products, and practices like tongue scraping can further support a healthy oral ecosystem.
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Oral health is considered the 7th pillar of mental health, physical health and performance. For further information you can check out Dr. Andrew Huberman’s podcast on How to Improve your Oral Health.
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