5. What's Really Living in Your Mouth? Biological Hygiene, Gum Disease & Whole-Body Health

Learn more at thewellnessdentist.comWhat if the key to your brain health, your energy, your chronic pain, and even your mental clarity, was hiding in your mouth?Dr. Katie To sits down with Dr. Chang Ruan, MD, internal medicine physician, integrative medicine specialist, and founder of Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, for a conversation that genuinely stopped her in her tracks. Dr. Ruan grew up watching both worlds, his mother practicing Eastern medicine and acupuncture, his father a research-driven MD, and he never saw them as separate. That foundation shaped everything about the way he practices today.4 Things You'll Take Away From This EpisodeYour mouth is a window to your whole body. The shape of your jaw, the health of your gums (the tissue around your teeth), your bite, and your airway can all point to chronic inflammation, sleep issues, and even neurological patterns, long before a diagnosis is made.Gum disease isn't just a dental problem. Dr. Ruan shares how periodontal disease (chronic infection in the gum tissue) has been linked to movement disorders, chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, and systemic inflammation throughout the body.Anxiety and depression may have a physical root. Dr. Ruan reframes anxiety as "a sequence of unmade decisions" and depression as "a sequence of regrettable decisions," and explains how airway obstruction and structural imbalances in the head and neck can contribute to the patterns we often label as mental health diagnoses.Your health journey starts with one question. Before labs, before supplements, before any protocol, Dr. Ruan asks every patient: "What does success look like for you?" It's a question most of us have never been asked, and it changes everything.What's Inside This EpisodeDr. Katie and Dr. Ruan explore what consciousness medicine actually means, and why it's the missing piece in so many wellness journeys. They talk about the undeniable link between oral health and overall health, including how airway issues, teeth alignment, and gum disease can affect posture, breathing, pelvic floor function, chronic pain, and even how we think and feel.Dr. Ruan shares a story that will stay with you, about an 89-year-old patient with severe dementia who transformed the moment someone finally met her where she was. It's a quiet reminder that healing isn't always clinical. Sometimes it's human.This is the heart of what wellness dentistry and holistic dental care are built on: the understanding that you can't separate the mouth from the rest of the body. And that real, lasting health asks us to look at the whole picture.One Tip to Start Your Health Journey TodayIdentify one thing that's triggering you, a person, a situation, a feeling. Notice what emotion it brings up. Then ask yourself: What if the opposite were true? That simple reframe, Dr. Ruan says, is the beginning of an entire health journey.Resources & Guest InformationDDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner.  Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider.  This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed.    Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests.  We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.

🔗 Learn more at thewellnessdentist.comWhat if the missing piece of your health puzzle wasn't in your gut, your hormones, or your bloodwork, but in your jaw?That's exactly what happened to Hamid. He spent nearly a decade working with functional medicine practitioners, running every lab test imaginable, and doing protocol after protocol, only to keep cycling back to the same symptoms. Fatigue. Brain fog. Gut issues that would improve then return. Something was still hiding.It wasn't until he found biological dentistry, and Dr. Katie's two-hour comprehensive evaluation, that the final piece revealed itself: cavitations. Two sites of infected, unhealed bone left over from wisdom tooth extractions done fifteen years earlier.In this episode of Wellness Dentistry: Oral Health for Longevity, Dr. Katie To sits down with Hamid to walk through his full healing journey, from the preparation phase all the way through surgery day and into a recovery that surprised even him.4 KEY TAKEAWAYSYour mouth may be the missing root cause. Cavitations, areas of infected, poorly healed jawbone, can have systemic effects on energy, sleep, digestion, and more, even when every other lab panel looks clear.Preparation changes everything. Hamid spent months clearing detox pathways, supporting adrenal health, and timing his supplements before surgery. That groundwork made all the difference in how smooth his recovery was.The body communicates during healing. Under local anesthesia, Hamid experienced an immediate surge of energy the moment each site was cleared, feeling like a circuit reconnecting after years of disruption.Healing is top-down, inside-out. Environment first, sinuses next, dental health, then gut. Getting the sequence right is what makes protocols actually stick long term.ABOUT THIS EPISODEDr. Katie To is a biological and cosmetic dentist who believes your mouth is a window to your whole body. In her practice, she combines modern dental science with a whole-body, root-cause approach to holistic dental care, because lasting wellness starts with asking better questions.Hamid's story is a reminder of something Dr. Katie sees in her practice every day: patients who have done everything right, everywhere else, and still don't feel well. Oral health is often the last door they open, but it's sometimes the one that changes everything.RESOURCES & TOOLS MENTIONEDEAV Testing (Electroacupuncture According to Voll) for cavitation detectionCone Beam CT Scan (discussed as commonly used, but noted to sometimes miss cavitations)PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) for post-surgical healingOzone therapy (ozone water and ozone gas)Laser biomodulationRed light therapyHomeopathic remedies and Arnica for post-op pain supportIV vitamin therapy post-surgery (customized with high-dose vitamin C, glutathione, B vitamins, magnesium, trace minerals, aminDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner.  Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider.  This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed.    Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests.  We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.

🔗 Learn more at thewellnessdentist.comWhen you walk into a truly holistic dental practice, you feel it before anyone says a word. The energy is calm. The team knows your name. Everyone in the room seems to actually care. That's not an accident. It's a decision that gets made every single day.In this episode, Dr. Katie To pulls back the curtain on the human side of her wellness practice and sits down with the woman who helps make it all run, Dawn Miller. Dawn has been with Dr. Katie since 2015, has worn nearly every hat in the practice, and now serves as COO and team leader. She also coaches dental practices across the country, teaches online and in person, and somehow still makes time for a morning routine that would make a wellness coach proud.4 KEY TAKEAWAYSThe team you feel is the team that was chosen with intention. Dawn shares how she hires for character first, skills second, because a good heart can't be trained but a billing system can. When a patient feels genuinely cared for, it's because that value was a hiring requirement.A wellness team lives what they teach. Dawn starts every day with hydration, movement, and personal development, and sees both a functional chiropractor and a naturopath quarterly. The same whole-body awareness Dr. Katie brings to patient care runs through the entire practice.Communication inside the practice shapes the experience you have as a patient. Dawn talks candidly about emotional intelligence training, how the team learns to communicate with each other, not just with patients, and why that difference shows up in every single appointment.The best wellness practices invest in people, not just protocols. Dr. Katie and Dawn agree: if your team isn't growing, neither is your patient care. Growth here means personal development, mindset, and learning to show up with real energy every day.ABOUT THIS EPISODEWhat does holistic dental care actually look like from the inside? It looks like a team that was hired because of who they are, not just what they know. It looks like a COO who takes her own supplement protocol and sees a naturopath. It looks like a practice culture grounded in wellness dentistry, where the connection between oral health and overall health isn't just something you talk about with patients. It's something everyone lives.Dawn brings a rare combination of practical wisdom and genuine warmth to this conversation. She and Dr. Katie talk about what it really takes to build a team that embodies holistic dental care, how to cultivate a practice culture rooted in biological dentistry values, and why whole-body wellness starts from within the walls of the office itself.Whether you're a patient curious about what sets a wellness practice apart, or someone who's felt that intangible difference walking into a room and wondered where it comes from, this episode will answer that question beautifully.RESOURCES & PEOPLE MENTIONEDIABDM (International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine) – Certification programs for dDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner.  Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider.  This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed.    Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests.  We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.

🔗 Learn more at thewellnessdentist.comWhat does it actually take to show up as your best self, for your patients, your family, and your own health?In this episode of Wellness Dentistry: Oral Health for Longevity, Dr. Katie To sits down with high performance coach Dr. Emily Letran for a conversation that goes way beyond the dental chair. They talk about what it really means to take care of yourself so you can take care of others, and why that connection matters more than most people realize.Dr. Katie has always believed that whole-body wellness starts with the person in front of you, not just their teeth. And what Dr. Letran brings to this conversation is the framework behind that belief: clarity, courage, and the kind of daily intention that makes real transformation possible.If you've ever walked into a dental appointment and felt like something deeper was being seen, chances are your provider has done some of this inner work themselves.4 Key TakeawaysYou can't pour from an empty cup. Dr. Katie and Dr. Letran both agree: a provider who takes care of themselves shows up differently for their patients. That energy is real, and you can feel it.Clarity changes everything. Knowing your values, your goals, and your "why" isn't just good advice for dentists. It's the foundation of any wellness journey, including yours.Three things beats ten every time. Instead of an overwhelming to-do list, Dr. Letran recommends choosing just three meaningful priorities each day. Simple, doable, and surprisingly powerful.Authenticity is the real treatment plan. When your provider has walked their own wellness path, they meet you where you are. No lecturing, no judgment, just genuine guidance rooted in real experience.About This EpisodeHolistic dental care is about so much more than clean teeth. It's about the relationship between your oral health and your overall health, and the kind of provider who sees that connection clearly.Dr. Katie To has built her practice around that philosophy. As a biological and cosmetic dentist focused on wellness dentistry, she asks the questions that go deeper: How are you sleeping? What's going on in your body? How do you feel? That whole-person approach to oral health isn't accidental. It comes from years of personal work, coaching, and a commitment to showing up fully, for herself and for every patient she serves.In this conversation, Dr. Letran, a high performance coach who has worked with dentists and professionals across industries, shares the tools she uses to help high achievers find focus, beat burnout, and create lives they actually love. Her philosophy mirrors what Dr. Katie brings to integrative dental care: when you're well, you help others get well too.For patients who value prevention, whole-body wellness, and genuinely personalized care, this episode is a window into the mindset behind the practice you love.Resources & Guest InfoDr. Emily Letran | High Performance Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner.  Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider.  This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed.    Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests.  We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.

🔗 Learn more at thewellnessdentist.comWhat if the very profession you dedicated your life to was also quietly making you sick?That's the question Dr. Teresa Scott had to face, and her answer changed everything, not just for her own health, but for the patients and dentists she now leads toward a better way.In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of the Wellness Dentistry: Oral Health for Longevity Podcast, Dr. Katie To sits down with her mentor, best friend, and longtime CE partner, Dr. Teresa Scott, a leading biological dentist based in Houston, Texas. Together, they pull back the curtain on what biological and holistic dental care actually looks like, why conventional dentistry keeps missing the root cause, and what it really takes to get well and stay well.Dr. Teresa's story is not a simple one. She's a stage four cancer survivor who was given a year to live and a 1% chance of survival. She chose a different path, and she's here to share what that journey has taught her.4 Things You'll Take Away from This Episode🦷 Biological dentistry is just good dentistry. It's not woo, it's not a trend. It's about asking why, addressing root cause, and making sure the work you do lasts because your whole body supports it.☠️ Mercury toxicity is real, and it's closer than you think. Dr. Teresa shares her personal mercury detox journey, why it's still ongoing, and why protecting your body from toxic exposure starts in the dental chair.🔗 Your mouth is connected to everything. Gum disease, heart disease, diabetes, stroke. These aren't separate conversations. They're the same conversation, and it starts with oral health.🌿 Healing is a journey, not a destination. Whether you're a patient navigating your own wellness path or someone looking for a provider who truly sees you, this episode will help you trust your gut, ask better questions, and take one meaningful step forward.About This EpisodeDr. Katie and Dr. Teresa cover a lot of ground together, from the Weston A. Price Foundation and the history of biological dentistry, to ozone therapy, IV vitamin C, PEMF, hyperbaric oxygen, and what it means to practice, and live, with authenticity. They talk about the fertility struggles that silently affect so many female dental professionals, the importance of finding a provider who is genuinely committed, not just credentialed, and why your gut feeling about your care team is worth listening to.If you've been wondering whether holistic dental care is right for you, or if you've felt like something was being missed in your health journey, this conversation is for you.Mentioned in This EpisodeWeston A. Price Foundation – weston aprice.orgIABDM (International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine) – iabdm.orgIAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) – iaomt.org, including SMART-certified amalgam removal protocolNAET – Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique, acupuncture-based natural allergy sDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner.  Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider.  This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed.    Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests.  We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.

🔗 Learn more at thewellnessdentist.comEpisode 5 | What's Really Living in Your Mouth? Biological Hygiene & Your Whole-Body HealthWellness Dentistry: Oral Health for Longevity with Dr. Katie ToHere's something most people have never been told at a routine dental visit: the bacteria in your mouth don't stay in your mouth.In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Katie To sits down with Frances Horning, a certified biological hygienist with over 37 years of experience, international speaker, and one of the most respected trainers in the world of holistic dental care. Together, they pull back the curtain on what biological hygiene actually looks like, what's living in your biofilm, and why a "just a cleaning" mindset could be costing you your long-term health.If you've ever left a dental appointment feeling like something was missing, this episode is for you.4 Key TakeawaysYour gum health is your body's health. Pathogens like spirochetes, amoeba, and trichomonads found in the oral biofilm have been linked to systemic inflammation and conditions far beyond the mouth, including Alzheimer's disease.Seeing is believing. Biological hygiene uses chairside microscopy to show patients exactly what's living in their mouth, in real time. When patients see it, they own their health in a completely new way.Ozone isn't just a buzzword. Medical-grade ozone water, laser therapy, herbal rinses, and targeted probiotics work together to treat the root cause of disease, not just remove calculus.Natural support works. Oregano oil, olive leaf, aloe vera, colloidal silver, CoQ10, and systemic probiotics are among the evidence-backed tools biological hygienists use to reduce pathogenic load without disrupting the body's natural microbiome.What You'll Hear in This EpisodeDr. Katie and Frances cover the full picture of what a biological hygiene appointment actually feels like, from pH testing at the start to reviewing a live microscope slide at the end. Frances shares the story of a patient who couldn't clear a persistent parasite, and how they traced it back to her cat's water bowl. That story alone will change how you think about reinfection and whole-body detective work.This is wellness dentistry and oral health the way it was always meant to be practiced: personalized, root-cause focused, and deeply connected to how your entire body feels.As Frances puts it, the mouth is attached to the body. It always has been. Biological hygiene just treats it that way.You cannot have a healthy body without a healthy mouth.Resources & People MentionedFrances Horning, RDH — Certified Biological Hygienist, IBDM board member, speaker, and hygiene trainer 📷 Instagram: @HygieneNaturally👍 Facebook: Hygiene NaturallyIBDM — International Board of Dental Medicine (certification body for biological hygienists and biological dentists)Tools & Therapies Discussed: Chairside phase contrast microscopy, medical-graDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner.  Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider.  This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed.    Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests.  We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.

🔗 Learn more at thewellnessdentist.comWhat if everything you thought you knew about dental plaque was wrong? In this episode of Wellness Dentistry: Oral Health for Longevity, Dr. Katie To sits down with Dr. Al Danenberg, a periodontist of 44 years and a living testament to the power of supporting your body from the inside out. After being diagnosed with incurable bone marrow cancer in 2018 and given just three to six months to live, Dr. Danenberg refused to give up. He rebuilt his immune system through ten unconventional protocols, and by May 2020, his PET scan showed no active cancer cells.What he shares in this conversation will change the way you think about your teeth, your gut, and your whole-body health.KEY TAKEAWAYSDental plaque isn't your enemy. Healthy plaque is actually a protective biofilm. It buffers your mouth's pH, produces natural antimicrobials, and acts as a gatekeeper for minerals. Disrupting it with antimicrobial mouthwashes and xylitol may do more harm than good.Gum disease often starts in the gut, not the mouth. Gut dysbiosis triggers a dysfunctional immune response that travels through the bloodstream and shows up in your mouth. Treating the mouth without treating the gut is like putting out a fire while the gas leak is still running.Your immune system is your only true defense. Every chronic disease, including cancer, is connected to metabolic dysfunction. Supporting the gut microbiome is one of the most powerful things you can do for long-term health and longevity.An animal-based, nose-to-tail diet may be the most nutrient-dense way to eat. Dr. Danenberg's research and personal experience point to pasture-raised, grass-fed animal foods as a foundation for healing, with every nutrient your body needs already built in.Dr. Katie and Dr. Danenberg cover a lot of ground here, from biological dentistry and holistic dental care to the deep connection between gum disease and systemic health. If you've ever wondered why one person brushes and flosses perfectly and still gets cavities while someone else seems immune, this episode answers that question in a way no dental appointment ever has.This is wellness dentistry the way it was always meant to be: root-cause, whole-body, and deeply human.RESOURCES AND GUEST CONTACTDr. Al Danenberg Website: drdanenberg.com Free download, 10 Unconventional Cancer Protocols: https://drdanenberg.com 12-Week Balanced Metabolic Coaching Program: available at drdanenberg.comIf this episode opened your eyes to a new way of thinking about your health, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you're ready to experience dentistry that sees the whole you, visit 🔗 thewellnessdentist.com to learn more and connect with Dr. Katie To.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner.  Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider.  This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed.    Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests.  We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.

🔗 Learn more at thewellnessdentist.comWhat if the reason your child struggles in school, wakes up tired, or gets sick all the time has nothing to do with their grades or their immune system — and everything to do with how they breathe?In this episode, Dr. Katie To sits down with Dr. Svetlana Usherenko, an airway-focused biological dentist and mother of three, whose own journey with her children's health led her deep into the world of airway dentistry. Her oldest son lost his hearing from allergy complications. Her daughter was on antibiotics at two weeks old. Her entire family, including her husband, a fellow dentist, needed airway treatment. This is not a clinical lecture. This is a mom who figured it out and wants to help yours do the same.4 Things You'll Take Away from This Episode👃 Nasal breathing is the baseline. If your child breathes through their mouth — while eating, watching TV, or sleeping — that's a sign worth taking seriously, not growing out of.😴 Snoring in children is not normal. It means the airway is already blocked. If your child snores regularly, Dr. Usherenko says: don't wait.🦷 Crowded teeth aren't just a cosmetic issue. They're often a sign of a small jaw and a restricted airway, and they can appear well before age 7.🧠 Sleep problems in kids can look like behavior problems. Before accepting an ADHD diagnosis, Dr. Usherenko recommends ruling out sleep-disordered breathing first.Airway health isn't isolated to the mouth. It's connected to sleep, development, focus, mood, and whole-body wellness. Dr. Katie and Dr. Usherenko break down the signs parents often miss — from "wet eyes" during allergy season to restless sleep and slow speech development — and explain why integrative and biological dentistry catches what conventional medicine can overlook.This is the kind of conversation every parent deserves to hear, ideally before their child is already struggling.Resources & Mentions👩‍⚕️ Dr. Svetlana Usherenko — Airway-Focused Biological Dentist 🌐 windsongdental.com📱 @windsongdental (Instagram & Facebook)Specialists mentioned: ENT, orthodontist, allergist, myofunctional therapist, integrative/functional medicine providers, sleep doctorTopics explored: airway dentistry, nasal breathing, tongue tie, sleep-disordered breathing, epigenetics, craniosacral therapy, myofunctional therapyEnjoyed this episode?Share it with a parent who needs to hear this. Leave a review, and visit thewellnessdentist.com to learn more about whole-body dental care for your family. Because airway is life, and there's always a reason to smile. 😊 Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner.  Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider.  This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed.    Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests.  We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.

🔗 Learn more at thewellnessdentist.comHave you ever wondered if what's happening in your mouth could be connected to what's happening in your body? Not just your gums, not just a cavity, but something deeper. Something your doctor hasn't been able to explain, no matter how many tests they run.That's exactly what Dr. Katie To is talking about in this episode.Dr. Katie To, The Wellness Dentist, sits down with one of her favorite people, Dr. Dawn Ewing, a leading expert in biological dentistry, Executive Director of the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM), and Dr. Katie's own personal naturopath. This conversation is real, personal, and full of things that are long overdue in the world of dental and whole-body wellness.Together they cover root canals, mercury fillings, biocompatibility testing, blood work, vitamin D, and why your body deserves so much more than "drill, fill, and bill" dentistry.If you've been searching for answers about your health and nobody's thought to look at your mouth yet, this episode is for you.KEY TAKEAWAYSYour mouth and your body are connected. Biological and holistic dental care looks at the whole person, not just the tooth.Root canals are more complex than most people realize. There is no such thing as a completely sterile root canal tooth. Bacteria that live inside can circulate through the body and may set up secondary concerns elsewhere. This doesn't mean every root canal tooth needs to come out, but it does mean it's worth evaluating.Mercury fillings (amalgams) are 50% mercury. Safe removal matters enormously, and it should never be rushed. Blood work, kidney function, and methylation should all be assessed before beginning the process.Biocompatibility testing exists for a reason. The body is exposed to dental materials 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. What works for someone else may not work for you. This applies to filling materials, bonding agents, and even implants, both titanium and zirconia.Vitamin D is more important than most dentists ask about. Low vitamin D levels can significantly affect bone healing, implant integration, and recovery after dental procedures. Dr. Dawn notes that a healthy level should be between 60 and 80, and many patients come in well below that.Blood work belongs in a biological dental practice. Reviewing kidney function, liver enzymes, bilirubin, and other markers helps ensure a patient is truly ready for procedures like mercury removal. It's not just about the mouth.Chelation after mercury removal should always be done with a trained professional. Attempting to detox heavy metals independently can cause serious harm. The order matters. The method matters. And each person's individual body chemistry matters.A biological dental office works as a team. Chiropractors, naturopaths, cardiologists, functional medicine doctors. It's a coordinated effort because health is not one-dimensional.Biological deDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner.  Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider.  This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed.    Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests.  We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.

🔗 Learn more at thewellnessdentist.comThere's something nobody tells you about the dental chair.It's not just about your teeth.I'm Dr. Katie To, a biological and cosmetic dentist practicing in Katy, Texas. And yes, you heard that right. Dr. Katie, from Katy, Texas. People laugh when they hear it, and honestly, it still makes me smile too.But this first episode isn't about my name. It's about my story. And it's one I share because I know some of you are living it right now, maybe without even realizing it.For years, I carried symptoms that didn't make sense. Chronic fatigue. Brain fog so thick I could barely get through my day. Dandruff that wouldn't budge no matter what I tried. Painful rashes that spread across my face, ears, and body. Infertility. Strange new food allergies that seemed to appear out of nowhere.Doctors came and went. Treatments came and went. Nothing gave me the full picture.It wasn't until I sat across from a functional medicine doctor that the truth came through clearly. My symptoms weren't random. They were the signs of mercury toxicity, and the source wasn't where I expected. No silver fillings in my own mouth. Not a diet heavy in seafood. It was my dental career itself. Years of working around mercury, absorbing it day after day, had built up a toxic load my body simply could not carry anymore.My test results came back ten times over the safe limit for lead and five times over for mercury. There is no truly safe limit for either. I had to face that reality, and then I had to figure out how to heal.What followed was a long, humbling, deeply educational journey through chelation therapy, genetic testing, nutritional support, and learning to listen to my body in ways I never had before. I found out I carry the MTHFR gene, which affects how the body processes and detoxifies nutrients. My vitamin D was critically low. My B12 levels were depleted. My body needed support at a level that no basic blood panel had ever caught.And then, my son Bailey began showing symptoms too.That's when this stopped being just my story.Healing isn't a straight line. It's not a quick fix or a single supplement. It's a complete shift in how you understand your body, your environment, and your choices. Clean eating, movement, emotional care, mindfulness, the right testing, and the right team around you. That's what actually works.This experience is exactly why I transitioned my practice to biological and holistic dentistry. Because I couldn't unsee what I had learned. I couldn't keep working in a way that I now knew carried real risks, for my patients, my team, and myself.Wellness dentistry is real dentistry. It's high-tech, comprehensive, and deeply rooted in the belief that the mouth and the body are not separate. They never were. Whatever's happening in your mouth is a window into what's happening throughout your whole system, and that connection deserves attention.I became the only SMART-certified dentist in the Katy area. I made my practice mercury-free and mercury-safe. And I stDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner.  Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider.  This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed.    Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests.  We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.