S5 Ep. 32: Root Causes: Why Women’s Health Starts in the Mouth with Dr. Katie Lee DDS

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we welcome Dr. Katie Lee, a trailblazing dentist, visionary entrepreneur, and author of "Saved by the Mouth." Dr. Lee is on a mission to reframe how we think about oral health—not as an isolated part of the body, but as a foundational element of systemic and especially female health. Dr. Lee’s journey began at just 14 years old when a traumatic ATV accident forever changed her life. After enduring nine surgeries and dental implants, she learned firsthand the profound impact a healthy smile can have on a person’s physical, emotional, and mental health. That experience sparked a calling to become the best dentist she could be—not just to treat teeth, but to heal the whole person. As the founder of The Collective Health Society, a groundbreaking fully integrated functional dental and medical center, Dr. Lee is at the forefront of oral-systemic health. She also serves as the Chief Clinical Advisor for the Dental Innovation Alliance and contributes to groundbreaking space health research with NASA, helping protect astronauts’ oral microbiomes during space travel. In this episode, Dr. Lee unpacks the critical but overlooked links between oral health, fertility, and women’s overall wellness. She challenges the outdated research models that treat women as "small men" and calls for a more holistic, ecosystem-based approach to women’s health. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🧬 Oral Health & Female Fertility Why oral inflammation could be silently sabotaging your chances of conceiving The emerging science connecting gum disease with infertility and pregnancy outcomes Dr. Lee’s practical, science-backed tips for improving oral health to support reproductive wellness 🧠 Mouth-Body Connections You Didn’t Know Existed How oral health is intimately tied to heart and brain health What your mouth reveals about your immune system, metabolism, and even mental health 🔬 The Power of the Oral Microbiome Why the mouth is the body’s second largest microbiome—and how it drives inflammation, disease, and dysfunction throughout the body The vital role of saliva testing and what questions you should be asking your dentist 💥 A Wake-Up Call for Women’s Health Why the commercialization of fertility is failing women The urgent need for research that respects the complexity of the female body How Dr. Lee’s work advocates for root-cause solutions rather than quick fixes 🔗 Connect with Dr. Katie Lee: 🌐 Website: https://katieleedds.com/ 📘 Book: Saved by the Mouth 📸 Instagram: @katieleedds 💼 LinkedIn: linkt.ree/katieleedds We Heart Nutrition offers high-quality supplements designed specifically for women's health. Here are three standout features: Bioavailable Ingredients: Their supplements use the most absorbable forms of each nutrient, ensuring your body gets what it needs. Third-Party Tested: All products are tested for purity and potency, manufactured in NSF & cGMP certified facilities. Purpose-Driven: 10% of every purchase supports pregnancy care centers, supporting moms and babies. Visit weheartnutrition.com and use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.