Episode 126

Published October 21, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Staci Whitman discusses the critical connection between oral health and hormone health, emphasizing the importance of the oral microbiome in systemic health and fertility. 

This discussion also covers:

• The need for more awareness and testing of the oral microbiome 
• How hormonal changes throughout life, including puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, impact oral health and microbiome balance
• How mouth breathing can lead to various health issues, including dental decay and systemic diseases
• The bidirectional relationship between hormones and oral health and how proactive measures to maintain optimal oral hygiene can affect hormones
• The intricate relationship between diet, hydration, and oral health 

Key Moments

0:00 Podcast Intro

3:45 Connections Between Hormone and Oral Health

8:13 Challenges in Integrating Oral Health into Dentistry

11:36 The Importance of Oral Microbiome Testing

16:23 Oral Microbiome's Role in Systemic Health

20:32 Hormonal Changes and Oral Health

24:19 Menopause and Its Effects on Oral Health

29:42 The Impact of Mouth Breathing on Health

34:41 The Evolution of Oral Health and Diet

40:24 DUTCH Report Updates

41:36 Evolution and it's Effects on Oral Health

45:28 Hydration and Salivary Health

46:39 The Importance of Flossing

49:22 Dr. Whitman's Tips for a Healthy Oral Microbiome

53:14 The Dangers of Alcohol-Based Mouthwashes

55:42 The Differences in Toothpaste

58:30 The Whitening Trend and Its Consequences

1:04:24 Wrapping Up!

About our speaker

Dr. Staci Whitman is a pediatric dentist based in Portland, Oregon, and the founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry, where she practices with a holistic focus. After earning her dental degree from Tufts University and completing her pediatric dentistry certificate at OHSU, she became a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2012. Her clinical and research interests concentrate on children’s airway health and sleep, with efforts to improve pediatric airway diagnostics. Beyond dentistry, she is active in integrative health circles, holding certification as a health and wellness coach and engaging with organizations in holistic dentistry and functional medicine. 

Show Notes

Check out the Bristle and Viome oral health tests mentioned in this episode.

Learn more about Dr. Staci Whitman and follow her on Instagram @doctor_staci!

Become a DUTCH Provider today to discover how the DUTCH Test can profoundly change the lives of your patients.

Disclaimer: Special offer of 50% OFF first five kits is invalid 60 days after new provider registration.