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What if bleeding gums, mouth breathing, or frequent cavities weren’t just “dental issues”—but early warning signs of hormone imbalance, chronic inflammation, and gut dysfunction?

In this eye-opening episode of The BeingBrigid Show, Brigid Titgemeier sits down with Dr. Leedia Riman, a biological and integrative dentist trained at UCLA, to uncover the powerful (and often ignored) connection between women’s hormones, the oral microbiome, gut health, and whole-body inflammation. From fertility and pregnancy to perimenopause and menopause, this conversation will completely change the way you think about oral health.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

• Why oral inflammation can impact fertility, pregnancy, and hormone health
• How the oral microbiome mirrors the gut microbiome
• Why women experience more dental issues during pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause
• The connection between mouth breathing, airway health, cognition, and behavior in children
• Why cavities, gum recession, and dry mouth are not just signs of aging
• How nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and inflammation show up in the mouth
• Simple daily habits that support oral health, gut health, and anti-inflammatory balance

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Functional Nutrition and Oral Health
• 00:55 The Connection Between Inflammation and Oral Health
• 05:59 The Interconnection of Microbiomes
• 11:54 The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Oral Health
• 21:12 Pregnancy, Oral Health, and Microbiome Transmission
• 27:55 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause Effects
• 38:59 Innovative Approaches in Dentistry
• 47:55 Practical Tips for Oral Health Maintenance

The Oral Microbiome: The Missing Link in Women’s Health

Most women are familiar with the gut microbiome—but few realize the mouth has its own ecosystem of over 700 species of bacteria. Dr. Leedia explains how oral dysbiosis can drive chronic inflammation, influence gut health, and even impact conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Oral Inflammation

Research now shows that periodontal disease is associated with longer time to conception, increased miscarriage risk, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Dr. Leedia explains how bacteria such as P. gingivalis have even been found in placental tissue. Pregnancy also creates a unique inflammatory and hormonal environment, making oral hygiene, nutrition, and professional care more important than ever.

The Hormone–Mouth Connection in Perimenopause & Menopause

Estrogen and progesterone receptors exist in oral tissue—just like vaginal tissue. As hormone levels decline, women may experience:

• Dry mouth
• Gum recession
• Burning mouth or tongue
• Increased cavities
• Bone loss around teeth

These symptoms are often dismissed as “aging,” but Dr. Leedia explains how hormone health, nutrition, and inflammation play a major role.

Mouth Breathing, Airway Health & Cognitive Function

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is the role of nasal breathing. Chronic mouth breathing affects:

• Nervous system regulation
• Oxygen delivery to the brain
• Sleep quality
• Behavior and cognition in children

Dr. Leedia emphasizes airway assessment before medicating children for ADHD, anxiety, or behavioral challenges.

Nutrition, Micronutrients & Root Cause Healing

Cavities and gum disease often reflect nutrient deficiencies, not just hygiene habits. Vitamin D, K2, omega-3s, vitamin C, hydration, and an anti-inflammatory diet all influence oral and systemic health.

This is where functional nutrition, personalized nutrition coaching, and food-as-medicine principles become essential.

Simple Daily Habits That Make a Big Impact

Dr. Leedia shares accessible tools anyone can use:

• Tongue scraping
• Mouth taping (when appropriate)
• Coconut oil pulling
• Ozonated oral care
• Regular professional cleanings (more often than every 6 months)

Small, consistent habits can dramatically reduce inflammation and protect long-term health.

Resources & Links:

+ Watch the full episode on YouTube

+ Brigid’s Website

+ Brigid’s Instagram

+ Dr. Leedia Substack

+ Dr. Leedia Kids Course