How to Improve Your Teeth & Oral Microbiome for Brain & Body Health | Dr. Staci Whitman

Diet's Role

Diet plays a crucial role in oral health, with processed foods and sugars being significant contributors to dental issues. Staci Whitman emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet, highlighting that "the true root cause issue with dental disease is primarily diet." She suggests focusing on whole foods, such as high-quality proteins and a variety of vegetables, while minimizing ultra-processed foods 1. The conversation also touches on how fermentable carbohydrates, like sugar and flour, feed pathogenic bacteria, leading to acid production and cavities 2. Andrew Huberman adds that lifestyle choices are more impactful than products for maintaining oral health 1.

   

Remineralization

Teeth have the natural ability to remineralize, a process influenced by diet and lifestyle. Staci Whitman explains that teeth undergo cycles of demineralization and remineralization, with saliva playing a key role in restoring minerals 3. She notes that modern habits, like constant snacking, hinder this natural process by keeping the mouth in an acidic state. Andrew Huberman discusses fluoride's role in strengthening teeth, though he acknowledges that a poor diet can undermine its benefits 4. Whitman stresses the importance of working with a functional dentist to assess cavity depth and promote natural healing when possible 3.