The Hidden Link Between Oral Health and Chronic Disease: What You Need to Know

How Oral Health Impacts Your Body: A Functional Medicine Perspective

Dentist examining patient’s mouth with a dental mirror, highlighting the link between oral health and chronic disease

Oral health is often overlooked as part of our overall wellness, yet it’s essential to maintaining optimal health.

From gum disease to cavities, issues in the mouth can be indicators of deeper, underlying health concerns. In functional medicine, we understand that the health of your mouth is closely tied to your overall systemic health.

In fact, the connection between poor oral health and conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s is well-documented. (1,2,3,4,5)

At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine (DSHM), our goal is to take a whole-body approach to oral health which is often an overlooked cause of other health issues.

This blog explores the functional medicine approach to oral health and provides actionable steps for a healthier mouth and body.

Understanding the Link Between Oral and Systemic Health

The mouth is a gateway to the body, and inflammation or infection in the mouth can have far-reaching effects. Chronic oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay can contribute to systemic inflammation, creating a fertile ground for health issues beyond the mouth, such as:

Heart Disease: Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, leading to arterial inflammation and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes: Poor oral health is closely linked to insulin resistance and can exacerbate diabetes complications.
Cognitive Decline: Studies have shown a connection between gum disease and cognitive issues, including Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the importance of oral health for long-term brain function. (5)
Poor Detoxification Ability: The mouth plays a crucial role in detoxifictation, as it is the first line of defense against toxins. Chronic gum disease, poor saliva production, and heavy metal exposure from dental fillings can burden the body's detoxification pathways. Impaired oral health may lead to an increased toxic load, affecting liver function and overall metabolic balance.
Respiratory Infections: Oral bacteria can be aspirated into the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Studies suggest that the inflammation associated with periodontal disease may contribute to the development and progression of RA.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Periodontal disease has been linked to preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia due to increased systemic inflammation and bacterial spread.
Kidney Disease: Poor oral health has been associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as inflammation can worsen kidney function over time.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Oral bacteria imbalances can contribute to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), impacting digestion and immune function.
Osteoporosis: Bone loss in the jaw due to gum disease has been associated with systemic bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
Cancer Risk: Research indicates that individuals affected by periodontal disease have a higher risk of developing various types of cancer. Chronic inflammation, bacterial imbalances, and immune system dysregulation caused by gum disease may contribute to an environment that promotes cancer development. (5)

Functional Medicine Approach to Oral Health

Functional medicine seeks to uncover the root causes of oral health issues by considering each patient’s unique health background, lifestyle, and dietary habits. This approach not only aims to resolve existing oral health issues but also prevent them from recurring.

1. Gut Health and Oral Health

Connection: The health of your gut microbiome directly influences the bacterial balance in your mouth and vice versa. The mouth is the starting point of the digestive system, and disruptions in gut health can manifest as oral health issues. An imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria—known as gut dysbiosis—can increase the risk of conditions such as bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay (6). Similarly, poor oral health can introduce harmful bacteria into the digestive tract, exacerbating gut-related conditions (7).

Solution: Avoiding avoiding excessive sugar and processed foods and eating a diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics can help balance the gut microbiome, which in turn supports a healthier oral environment. Adding fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir can aid gut health and reduce oral inflammation.

2. Blood Sugar Balance

Connection: Elevated blood sugar levels contribute to a higher risk of gum disease and tooth decay, particularly for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance. Frequent spikes in blood sugar can fuel bacterial growth in the mouth, leading to plaque buildup and inflammation (8).
Solution: Maintaining stable blood sugar is key to protecting oral health. Prioritizing whole, low-glycemic foods while minimizing processed sugars helps prevent harmful fluctuations. A balanced diet rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats supports steady energy levels and reduces the conditions that allow bacteria to thrive (9).

Additionally, intermittent fasting—structured eating windows with extended fasting periods—can help regulate blood sugar and reduce the frequency of acid attacks on teeth by limiting constant exposure to food. This gives the mouth time to neutralize acidity and support remineralization, further promoting a healthier oral environment.

3. Inflammation Control

Connection: Chronic inflammation is a key driver of oral health issues, contributing to conditions like gingivitis, periodontal disease, and even cancer (10,11).
Solution: Functional medicine approaches inflammation through lifestyle and dietary interventions. Anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fatty fish support a balanced inflammatory response. Additionally, supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids and bioavailable curcumin may help manage chronic inflammation.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies and Oral Health

Connection: Certain nutrients play a critical role in maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums. Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals can weaken oral structures, making them more vulnerable to infection, decay, and disease (12,13).
Solution: Identifying and addressing these deficiencies through targeted nutrition and supplementation can significantly improve oral health.

Key Nutrients for Oral Health:

Vitamin D: Vital for calcium absorption, which strengthens teeth and bones. Low vitamin D levels are linked to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Calcium: Essential for maintaining tooth mineral density. A deficiency can lead to weakened enamel and greater susceptibility to cavities.
Phosphorus: Works alongside calcium to rebuild and maintain enamel, ensuring strong teeth.
Magnesium: Supports proper calcium absorption and contributes to enamel strength. Low magnesium levels can weaken teeth and bones.
Vitamin K2: Helps direct calcium to teeth and bones while preventing buildup in soft tissues. It also plays a role in tooth remineralization.
Vitamin C: Necessary for collagen production, which supports gum integrity. A deficiency can lead to bleeding gums and increased risk of periodontal disease.
B Vitamins: Aid in reducing oral inflammation and supporting healthy gums. Deficiencies are associated with oral sores, cracks at the corners of the mouth, and gum disease.
Zinc: Supports immune function and gum health by reducing inflammation and bacterial growth in the mouth.
Iron: Prevents anemia-related oral issues such as pale gums, slow healing, and increased infection risk.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Have anti-inflammatory properties that protect against gum disease and help maintain overall oral tissue health.
Spore-based Probiotics: Support a balanced oral microbiome by reducing harmful bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease.

The Importance of Micronutrient Testing for Nutrient Deficiencies

A targeted approach to oral health begins with understanding your specific nutritional needs. Testing for deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals allows for a personalized plan to restore balance through diet, supplementation, or lifestyle changes.

Micronutrient testing, combined with a nutrient-rich diet and proper oral hygiene, can help prevent deficiencies that compromise oral health. By addressing specific nutrient gaps, you can strengthen teeth, improve gum resilience, and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Lifestyle Factors That Impact Oral Health

Functional medicine emphasizes a holistic approach to oral health by addressing lifestyle habits. These factors can contribute to a healthier oral environment and support long-term dental health:

Stress Management: Chronic stress weakens the immune system and can lead to behaviors like teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching.
Nasal Breathing: Unlike mouth breathing, nasal breathing supports a well-hydrated, balanced oral environment and contributes to nitric oxide production, which enhances immune function and circulation.
Detoxifying the Mouth and Body: Toxins from environmental sources, dental fillings and oral care products can disrupt oral health. Mercury amalgam fillings, for example, release low levels of mercury vapor, which can contribute to systemic toxicity and metabolic imbalances. Safe amalgam removal and using non-toxic oral care products can help.
Safe Amalgam Removal: If you have mercury fillings, consider discussing safe removal with a biological dentist (we are partnered with one in the Denver area). Functional medicine practitioners can help support the body through detox protocols, using supplements like glutathione and activated charcoal to reduce heavy metal toxicity.
Use of Non-Toxic Oral Care Products: Switching to fluoride-free toothpaste, avoiding alcohol-based, anti-bacterial mouthwash, and selecting natural floss can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and improve oral health.
Limiting Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Smoking and alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of gum disease, tooth loss, dysbiosis, and oral cancer. Reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco use can significantly reduce these risks. Acupuncture can help for smoking cessation and addictions.
Oral Hygiene: A consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine is essential for preventing plaque buildup, bad breath, and tooth decay. However, many conventional oral care products—especially harsh mouthwashes—can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in your mouth, leading to unintended consequences like increased sensitivity, dry mouth, sores, and irritation.
A balanced, gentle oral hygiene routine promotes long-term oral health, which includes:

Fluoride-free, natural mineral toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite for enamel remineralization and cavity prevention (15)
Daily flossing using natural floss made from silk or bamboo to remove plaque and food particles (16)
Water flosser to clean hard-to-reach spots and improve gum health (17)
Natural mouthwash: Instead of using harsh mouthwashes, which can act like antibiotics by killing both good and bad bacteria in your oral microbiome (and have even been linked to potential risks like colon cancer), choose a natural mouth rinse. Look for one that includes tea tree oil or xylitol—soothing, antimicrobial ingredients that support a healthy microbiome without the harmful effects of alcohol-based or chemical-laden products. (18)
Oil pulling: A gentle method of swishing oil, like coconut oil, around your mouth to remove bacteria and promote overall oral health. This simple technique can help reduce plaque, improve gum health, and freshen breath, all while maintaining the balance of your oral microbiome. (19)
Tongue Scraping: The tongue can harbor bacteria, food particles, and toxins that contribute to bad breath and an imbalanced oral microbiome. Regular tongue scraping also promotes fresh breath and may help reduce the risk of systemic conditions linked to poor oral hygiene. (20)
Chewing gum: Most conventional chewing gums contain artificial sweeteners, plastics, synthetic flavors, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BHT or titanium dioxide. LARINĒ is currently the only chewing gum brand we’re aware of that is truly health-promoting—with zero toxic additives. It’s free of aspartame, plastics, and preservatives, and is made with functional, natural ingredients that support oral health without harming your microbiome or body. Chewing gum like LARINĒ can also stimulate saliva production, helping buffer acids, remineralize enamel, and keep your mouth naturally clean between meals.

By choosing these gentle, natural alternatives, you help maintain your mouth’s ecosystem while safeguarding your overall health.

Functional Testing for Oral and Systemic Health

Common functional medicine lab tests that provide insights into factors impacting oral health include:

Microbiome Testing: Evaluates the balance of bacteria in the gut helping to identify any dysbiosis that may be contributing to oral health issues or vice versa.
Oral Bacteria Testing: Evaluates the balance of bacteria in the mouth to identify risk for periodontal and other oral health issues.
Micronutrient and Mineral Testing: Assesses levels of essential nutrients critical to oral health, such as vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.
Inflammation Markers: Helps determine levels of systemic inflammation, which can contribute to chronic gum disease and other oral health concerns.
Heavy Metal Testing: Identifies the presence of heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which can negatively affect both systemic and oral health, potentially contributing to gum disease, tooth decay, and systemic toxicity.

Holistic Oral Health at Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine

Oral health is an essential part of your overall well-being, and at Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine (DSHM), we take a holistic, root-cause approach to maintaining a healthy mouth. By integrating personalized nutrition, lifestyle coaching, and functional testing, we address the underlying factors affecting your oral health—promoting not just a healthier smile, but a healthier body.

We are proud to partner with Colorado BioDental, experts in biological dental care, to provide you with the best of both worlds—holistic health and holistic dental expertise. Together, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal health from the inside out.

Request a free consultation with Dr. Martina Sturm at Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine to learn more about our integrated approach to oral and systemic wellness. Let us support you in building a strong foundation for lifelong health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Oral & Systemic Health

1. Why is oral health so important for overall wellness?
Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. Poor oral health can lead to systemic inflammation and has been linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and even poor detoxification ability. Keeping your mouth healthy supports your whole body.

2. How does functional medicine view oral health differently than conventional dentistry?
Functional medicine looks for root causes—like nutritional deficiencies, gut imbalances, heavy metal exposure, and chronic inflammation—that may be driving oral problems. Instead of only treating cavities or gum disease, we address the bigger picture so problems don’t keep recurring.

3. What nutrients are most important for strong teeth and gums?
Key nutrients include vitamin D, K2, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin C, zinc, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and spore-based probiotics. Micronutrient testing can reveal your unique deficiencies so we can personalize a plan for you.

4. Can gut health really affect my mouth?
Yes! The gut and oral microbiomes are closely connected. Imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can contribute to bad breath, gum disease, and cavities, while harmful oral bacteria can worsen digestive issues like IBS or IBD. Supporting both is essential.

5. What oral care products should I avoid?
Conventional products often contain alcohol, fluoride, SLS, titanium dioxide, and artificial sweeteners—all of which can disrupt your oral microbiome or even impact systemic health. We recommend gentle, non-toxic products such as hydroxyapatite toothpaste, natural floss, and microbiome-friendly rinses.

6. Is chewing gum bad for you?
Most commercial gums contain plastics, artificial sweeteners, and endocrine disruptors. However, LARINĒ gum is the only brand we know that uses safe, natural, non-toxic ingredients. It promotes saliva production, supports remineralization, and benefits your oral microbiome.

7. What functional medicine tests can help with oral health?
Testing may include oral bacteria testing, gut microbiome analysis, micronutrient testing, inflammation markers, and heavy metal testing. These tests give a complete picture of what’s driving oral and systemic issues.

8. Should I consider removing my mercury fillings?
Mercury amalgam fillings release small amounts of mercury vapor, which can contribute to systemic toxicity. Safe removal with a biological dentist is recommended, along with detox support protocols to protect your health.

9. Can stress and lifestyle habits really affect my oral health?
Absolutely. Stress can cause teeth grinding (bruxism), mouth breathing can disrupt your oral microbiome, and smoking/alcohol increase risks for gum disease and cancer. Functional medicine emphasizes lifestyle balance, nasal breathing, and stress reduction as part of oral health.

10. How can I start improving my oral and systemic health today?
Begin with small steps:

Switch to non-toxic toothpaste and floss
Practice daily tongue scraping or oil pulling
Add more anti-inflammatory foods to your diet
Stay consistent with stress management and nasal breathing

For personalized care, functional testing, and holistic protocols, request a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Martina Sturm at Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine.

Resources

Detox, Functional medicine, Immune Health, Nutrition, Oral Health, AcupunctureMartina SturmAugust 21, 2025Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine Oral Health and Chronic Disease, Functional Medicine Oral Health, Holistic Dentistry, Systemic Inflammation and Oral Health, Root Cause Medicine, Natural Oral Care Products, Oral Microbiome Balance, Safe Amalgam Removal Denver, Micronutrient Testing for Oral Health, Holistic Health Denver