Key takeaway: Gum inflammation raises the same inflammatory markers (like CRP) linked to heart disease, and toxins from the bacteria P. gingivalis have been found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Declining estrogen in perimenopause and menopause also reduces saliva production, causing dry mouth, burning mouth syndrome, and more cavities and gum disease, independent of brushing habits.
Your mouth is the front door to your whole body
We've all been trained to think of oral health as its own compartment — separate appointments, separate specialists, separate concern. Our recent Studio Session with Dr. Eve Loftus, a dentist and oral microbiome researcher, made the case that this compartment was never really separate at all.
Your mouth hosts billions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It’s the second most diverse microbial community in your body, after your gut. The point Dr. Lofthus wanted us to hear was that oral health isn't about eliminating that ecosystem; it's about keeping it balanced. Aggressive brushing, harsh toothpaste, and daily mouthwash can actually disrupt the protective bacteria your mouth needs, leaving room for the pathogens linked to cavities and gum disease.
That balance in our mouths shifts as we age, especially for women. Estrogen receptors run throughout the oral cavity, so as estrogen declines in perimenopause and menopause, saliva production drops, which can show up as dry mouth, burning mouth syndrome, altered taste, and more decay and gum disease, regardless of how well you're brushing and flossing.
Beyond the high stakes of our teeth, we learned that chronic gum inflammation raises the same inflammatory markers, like CRP, tracked for cardiovascular risk, and the American Heart Association now supports a strong, evidence-backed link between gum disease and heart disease. Even more striking: toxins from P. gingivalis, the bacteria most associated with gum disease, have been found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
Dr. Lofthus also offered practical tips for taking good care of our mouths during this session.
Want more? Dr. Loftus joins us live at the Livelong Women's Summit in New York this September. Tickets at livelongwoman.com. (Use the code TIFFANY for an extra discount on any ticket type.)
Note: You must be a member of the Livelong Women’s Circle™ to view this replay. If you aren’t a member of the Livelong Women’s Circle yet, you can sign up for a free account here. Replays will be available for 7 days from today to general Circle members. Inner Circle members have forever access to all Studio Session replays
Join us for an upcoming Studio Session
📍Ambitious Motherhood: Success vs. Sustainability — Wednesday, July 29, 9:00 AM PDT/12:00 PM EDT
📍Let's Talk GLP-1s: What's Real, What's Hype, and What's Next — Thursday, August 6, 9:10 AM PDT/12:10 PM EDT
Ask your own questions
The Livelong Women’s Inner CircleTM offers priority for joining all live Studio Sessions and asking your specific questions as well as replays from our Women’s Health Summits and ongoing access to all previous Studio Session replays. Use the code LLWCIRCLE for $75 off membership through the end of the month.
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The information provided about wellness and health is for general informational and educational purposes only. We are not licensed medical professionals, and the content here should not be considered medical advice. Talk to a doctor before trying any of these suggestions.
