When you think about staying healthy, what comes to mind first? Maybe eating more vegetables, hitting the gym, or getting better sleep. But here’s something that might surprise you: your oral health could be the key to unlocking wellness throughout your entire body.

This eye-opening topic was the focus of a recent Homes That Heal podcast episode featuring Dr. Eric Cornelius, a holistic dentist from San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Cornelius shared insights that challenge how we think about dental care and its impact on our overall wellness.

Oral Health: More Than Just Teeth and Gums

Most people see their mouth as separate from the rest of their body. We brush our teeth, floss (hopefully), and visit the dentist twice a year without thinking much about how oral health connects to our heart, kidneys, or immune system.

Dr. Cornelius explains that this way of thinking is completely backwards. “Your mouth isn’t just a standalone system,” he says. “It’s actually the main entry point to your bloodstream, immune system, and overall health.”

Every single day, bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream. This happens when you eat, brush your teeth, or even just go about your normal activities. When your oral health is poor, harmful bacteria can travel throughout your body, potentially causing problems far from your mouth.

This means that skipping your daily oral care routine doesn’t just lead to cavities and bad breath. Poor oral health can contribute to serious health conditions like:

• Heart disease
• Kidney problems
• Lung infections
• Diabetes complications
• Stroke risk
• Pregnancy complications

Understanding Periodontal Disease: The Silent Threat

One of the biggest threats to both oral health and whole-body wellness is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Dr. Cornelius uses a simple analogy to help people understand this condition.

“Think of your gum tissue like a turtleneck sweater,” Dr. Cornelius explains. “It wraps around each tooth, creating a small space or pocket. When these pockets aren’t cleaned properly, they become the perfect hiding spot for harmful bacteria to grow and multiply.”

You know those numbers your dental hygienist calls out during your cleaning? Those aren’t random codes – they’re measuring how deep these pockets are around each tooth. Here’s what they mean:

• 1s and 2s: Healthy gums with shallow pockets
• 3s: Slight concern, but usually manageable with good home care
• 4s and above: Red flag territory that needs professional attention

The deeper these pockets become, the more room bacteria have to hide and cause damage. And here’s the scary part: these bacteria don’t stay in your mouth. They can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body, potentially causing inflammation and health problems elsewhere.

The Real Truth About Oral Health, Sugar, and Tooth Decay

Dr. Cornelius doesn’t mince words when it comes to sugar, especially in the form of soda and sugary drinks. He calls soda “the perfect storm” for destroying teeth, and the science backs him up.
Here’s what happens when you drink soda:

1. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria: The sugar in soda feeds bacteria like Streptococcus mutans that live in your mouth
2. Bacteria produce acid: These well-fed bacteria then produce acid as a waste product
3. Acid attacks enamel: This acid literally eats away at your tooth enamel
4. Cavities form: Over time, this process creates holes in your teeth

But soda isn’t just bad because of the sugar; it’s also highly acidic on its own. This means it attacks your teeth in two ways: feeding harmful bacteria and directly eroding your enamel.

Dr. Cornelius shared a story from his dental mission work in Nicaragua. He encountered children who actually saw rotted front teeth as a status symbol because it meant their families could afford to buy soda. This heartbreaking example shows just how destructive these drinks can be.

If you want to protect your oral health and whole-body wellness, limiting sugary drinks is one of the most important steps you can take.

Mercury Fillings: What You Need to Know

If you have older dental fillings, there’s a good chance they contain mercury. These “silver” amalgam fillings have been used since the Civil War, but we now know much more about the potential health risks of mercury exposure.

Before you go rushing to get those fillings yanked…

Mercury removal isn’t a routine procedure you want done by just any dentist. When it’s done the wrong way, both you and your dental team can be exposed to toxic mercury vapor.

That’s why the SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocol exists. It includes:

• Protective drapes and barriers
• Specialized suction systems
• Oxygen masks for patients
• Mercury-filtering air systems
• Proper disposal of mercury waste

Dr. Cornelius shared a sobering statistic: “Dentists have five times more neurological toxicity than the general population. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.” This highlights why proper mercury handling is so critical.

Should You Remove Your Mercury Fillings?

If you have mercury fillings, you might be wondering whether you should have them removed. Dr. Cornelius suggests two approaches:

• Option 1: Get tested first. You can have neurological testing done to see if your mercury fillings are already affecting your health. This can help you make an informed decision based on your current health status.
• Option 2: Proactive removal. Some people choose to have their mercury fillings removed as part of an overall health optimization plan, even without symptoms. This approach focuses on preventing potential future problems.

Either way, Dr. Cornelius emphasizes that this isn’t a decision to take lightly. You want to work with a dentist who is properly trained in safe mercury removal techniques.

Taking Action for Better Oral Health and Whole-Body Wellness

Understanding the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness is just the first step. Here are some practical actions you can take:

Daily oral health care basics:

• Brush twice daily
• Floss daily to clean between teeth
• Stay hydrated with clean, filtered water throughout the day

Professional care:

• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
• Address gum disease early before it becomes severe
• Seek out a biological or holistic dentist who understands the mouth-body connection and uses biocompatible materials

Lifestyle factors:

• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
• Manage stress through meditation, exercise, or other healthy practices
• Eat a nutrient-dense diet rich in vitamins C, D, and K2, plus minerals like calcium and magnesium that support oral health

The Bottom Line

Your oral health and whole-body wellness are more connected than you might think. Taking care of your mouth isn’t just about having a nice smile – it’s about protecting your overall health.

As Dr. Cornelius made clear, your mouth truly is the gateway to your body. By prioritizing oral health through proper daily care, regular professional cleanings, and working with knowledgeable dental professionals, you’re investing in your entire body’s wellness.

Whether you’re dealing with gum disease, considering mercury filling removal, or simply want to optimize your health, remember that small changes in your oral care routine can have big impacts on how you feel overall. Your mouth and your body will thank you for it.

Bio

Dr. Cornelius’s approach to dentistry focuses on overall health and finding the root cause for his patients. With over 15 years experience and a dedication to lifelong learning, Dr. Cornelius is committed to providing his patients a holistic and biological approach in all areas of dentistry from ceramic implants, root canal alternatives, Ozone Therapy, and PRF. He works with each patient to create a unique and individual treatment plan.

Connect with Dr. Eric Cornelius

•  Nautical Dental: https://nauticaldental.com
•  Office: (210) 499-0009
•  Read More about Dr. Cornelius: https://magazines.americanmarketing.com/14001-d0-nautical-dental/full-view.html

Resources:

• Take a peek at my Jen Recommends list to see more of my favorite products.
• Grab my FREE Home Wellness Checklist here for more tips.
• Let us know what you think, leave a review on Apple.

Be the first to know about my new favorite wellness tools, special deals, and more, subscribe to our newsletter!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services. The statements and views expressed are not medical advice and are not meant to replace the advice of your medical doctor. This podcast, including Jen Heller and her guests, disclaims any responsibility and any adverse effects you may experience from the specific use of the information contained herein. The opinions of guests are their own and this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for the statements made by guests. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you have a medical condition, consult your licensed physician.