Episode 140: Are Your Teeth Making You Sick? The Hidden Mouth–Body Connection

Send us Fan MailCould an infection in your mouth affect more than your teeth and gums—even when nothing hurts? In this episode of Get Savvy…Demystifying Healthcare, Sandy talks with Dr. Charles “Chuck” Reinertsen about the often-overlooked connection between dental health and whole-body health. Dr. Chuck explains why the absence of pain doesn’t necessarily mean your mouth is healthy and why dental and medical care should not be treated as entirely separate worlds.You’ll hear practical ways to become more proactive about your oral health, including getting a thorough dental examination, cleaning between your teeth, using disclosing tablets to identify missed bacteria, and asking your healthcare providers better questions. Dr. Chuck also discusses his book, Are Your Teeth Making You Sick? The Answer Is Right Under Your Nose, and shares a simple message for every family: caring for your mouth is an important part of caring for your entire body.3 Key TakeawaysNo pain doesn’t automatically mean no problem. Some dental infections and gum disease can develop without an obvious toothache, making regular dental examinations important.Thorough cleaning takes more than a quick brushing. Cleaning between the teeth with floss, an interproximal brush, or directed water irrigation can help remove bacteria a toothbrush may miss.Dental and medical health should be discussed together. Ask your dentist and physician how your oral health may relate to your overall health, especially when managing ongoing medical concerns.Resources: The Dental Medical ConvergenceAre Your Teeth Making You Sick?Playbook AI PartnersPlaybook AI Partners PodcastJoin Playbook AI Partners Membership Community -  The Huddle FREE - September 2026 - 2 AI Live Sessions and One AI Training Camp - Click To Learn MoreWant to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcareSupport the show