Podcast Summary: The Dr. Josh Axe Show | "Your Dentist Lied to You. Holistic Dentist Reveals Hidden Dangers in Your Mouth" featuring Dr. Stacy Whitman

Release Date: March 6, 2025

In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Josh Axe Show, host Dr. Josh Axe sits down with Dr. Stacy Whitman, a leading expert in holistic and functional dentistry. Together, they delve into the often-overlooked connections between oral health and overall systemic health, uncovering startling truths about modern dental practices and offering actionable strategies to enhance both dental and general well-being.

1. Introduction to Dr. Stacy Whitman

Dr. Stacy Whitman introduces herself as a holistic dentist dedicated to re-educating the dental industry. She emphasizes the significance of the oral microbiome—the balance of microbes in our mouths—and its profound impact on various aspects of health.

Dr. Stacy Whitman [00:00]: "Dentists and doctors are telling women to stop breastfeeding. I hear it all the time. The best thing you can do to grow a face and to optimize an airway is breastfeeding."

2. The Connection Between Oral Health and Systemic Health

Dr. Whitman explains how oral health is intricately linked to numerous systemic diseases. She cites research indicating that up to 57 systemic diseases are associated with oral dysbiosis—imbalances in the mouth's microbial community.

Dr. Stacy Whitman [00:12]: "They're finding up to 57 systemic diseases linked back to oral dysbiosis, or imbalances with the microbes in our mouth."

Dr. Axe adds that poor oral health can lead to significant issues like reduced IQ in children due to fluoride exposure, infertility, heart disease, hormone imbalances, and even Alzheimer's.

3. The Impact of Diet on Dental Decay

The conversation highlights the detrimental effects of ultra-processed foods on dental health. Dr. Whitman references Weston Price's research, noting that modern diets high in refined sugars and processed grains contribute significantly to tooth decay.

Dr. Stacy Whitman [11:12]: "It's really just ultra processed foods. If you eat a whole food diet, you know, and paleo, you know, whatever that means to you, carnivore. I'm not advocating for a certain diet, but if you eat real food, whole food, your decay risk is basically zero."

She warns that foods like crackers, chips, and granola bars are more culpable for cavities than candy, as they stick to teeth and feed pathogenic bacteria.

4. The Dangers of Modern Dentistry Practices

Dr. Whitman criticizes conventional dental practices, particularly the use of mercury amalgam fillings and aggressive cavity treatments. She expresses concern over the lack of personalized care and the tendency to treat symptoms rather than underlying causes.

Dr. Stacy Whitman [27:55]: "So many, over 100,000 children a year undergo general anesthesia to get their teeth fixed."

Dr. Axe shares personal anecdotes about the adverse effects of mercury fillings, including a family member developing brain cancer potentially linked to mercury exposure.

5. Remineralization and Restoration Strategies

The duo discusses remineralization as a key strategy for reversing cavities. Dr. Whitman recommends using products containing nano hydroxyapatite, a biomimetic mineral that mirrors the natural composition of tooth enamel.

Dr. Stacy Whitman [24:19]: "We see a lot of cavity reversal and remineralization in my practice using this product."

She also emphasizes the importance of salivary analysis to assess the oral microbiome and identify pathogens, advocating for a more medical approach to dentistry.

6. The Fluoride Controversy

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the dangers of fluoride in drinking water and dental products. Dr. Whitman outlines the historical context of water fluoridation, highlighting the absence of safety studies and the recent bans in Europe due to health concerns.

Dr. Stacy Whitman [41:12]: "97% of the world no longer fluoridates their water. So many countries have removed it or banned it for the reasons I'm going to speak of, one of the main reasons is medical freedom and choice."

Dr. Axe underscores the potential for fluoride to cause neurocognitive issues in children, equating its impact to that of lead.

Dr. Josh Axe [51:08]: "Your child's IQ dropping five points because they're being drugged unwillingly because of fluoride."

7. Practical Oral Health Tips: Tongue Scraping and Oil Pulling

Dr. Whitman introduces tongue scraping and oil pulling as ancient practices beneficial for maintaining oral hygiene and balancing the oral microbiome.

Dr. Stacy Whitman [55:29]: "Using a toothbrush will not remove the particulate matter and disrupt the microbiome as well as the scraper."

She recommends performing tongue scraping once daily, preferably in the morning, and using raw organic coconut oil for oil pulling a few times a week to reduce plaque and enhance oral health.

8. Addressing Mouth Breathing and Sleep Health

The conversation highlights the epidemic of mouth breathing, especially in children, and its adverse effects on dental and overall health. Dr. Whitman explains that mouth breathing leads to reduced oxygenation, sleep disorders, and increased risk of cavities due to dry mouth.

Dr. Stacy Whitman [65:56]: "Humans are obligate nasal breathers. We were not intended to breathe through our mouths. Our mouths are for eating and speaking. Our noses are for breathing."

She advocates for mouth taping at night as a practical solution to encourage nasal breathing, enhancing oxygen intake and promoting better sleep quality.

9. Supplement Recommendations for Oral Health

To support oral health, Dr. Whitman advises the use of specific supplements:

• Vitamin D3K2: Essential for calcium deposition in teeth.
• Magnesium Blends: Support overall dental structure and function.
• Trace Minerals: Especially important when using water filtration systems that remove minerals.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Aid in gum health and reduce inflammation.
• Probiotics and Prebiotics: Enhance the balance of beneficial oral microbes.

Dr. Stacy Whitman [63:53]: "I really like a high quality probiotic. I like prebiotics too. So if you can't get those through diet."

10. Conclusion and Final Recommendations

Dr. Whitman and Dr. Axe emphasize the critical need to view oral health as an integral part of overall health. They advocate for functional dentistry—a holistic approach that addresses root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.

Dr. Stacy Whitman [65:26]: "I believe med dentistry should be a specialty of medicine. We should go to medical school. And then we decide we want to be focused in oral health because this is, and this is where functional dentistry comes in."

Listeners are encouraged to seek out biomimetic and functionally trained dentists, adopt whole-food diets, minimize exposure to fluoride and mercury, and incorporate daily practices like tongue scraping and proper breathing techniques to enhance their oral and overall health.

Key Takeaways:

• Oral Microbiome: Central to preventing systemic diseases.
• Diet Matters: Whole, unprocessed foods drastically reduce cavity risk.
• Modern Dentistry Flaws: Overuse of mercury, aggressive treatments, and lack of personalization harm long-term health.
• Fluoride Risks: Potential for neurotoxicity and systemic health issues; alternative remineralization methods like hydroxyapatite are safer.
• Daily Oral Practices: Tongue scraping and oil pulling support a balanced oral microbiome.
• Breathing Patterns: Nasal breathing is essential for optimal health; mouth breathing can lead to numerous health problems.
• Supplements: Vitamin D3K2, magnesium, trace minerals, Omega-3s, and probiotics are vital for dental health.

For more insights and resources, listeners can visit Dr. Stacy Whitman's website at DrStacy.com and follow her on Instagram @Doctorstacy.