The mouth can offer important clues about what’s happening throughout the body. Jill Sirko joins us to unpack the relationship between oral health and women’s systemic health, including the influence of hormones, inflammation, and the oral microbiome. We explore why women may experience distinct oral-health challenges across different life stages, and what a more integrated approach to health could look like.

Jill Sirko, PhD, co-founded KaiAvora Health with the goal of making oral health science central to the broader conversation around whole-body health. She brings a unique combination of expertise in research, science communication, healthcare advocacy, and systems innovation, with nearly two decades of experience working across academia, nonprofit leadership, and healthcare organizations.

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In this episode of Let's Get Oral, we sit down with Dr. Keith Kirkwood, DDS, PhD, to explore the science behind periodontal disease, why inflammation can lead to irreversible bone loss, and what clinicians and patients need to know to protect long-term oral health.

Dr. Kirkwood shares insights into the biological mechanisms that drive periodontal destruction, the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment, and how emerging research is shaping the future of periodontal care. Whether you're a dental professional, student, or simply interested in the connection between oral health and overall wellness, this conversation offers practical takeaways and an inside look at one of dentistry's most important challenges.

What does oral hygiene look like in 2026?

In this episode, we sit down with The Mouth Lab co-founders Angelina Geon and Jazmin Platero to discuss how saliva testing can reveal what's happening in the mouth and beyond. The Mouth Lab offers at-home saliva and blood-spot tests that map the bacteria, viruses, and inflammation driving your bleeding gums, bad breath, recurring cavities, or unresolved oral issues.

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What does oral hygiene look like in 2026?

In this episode, we chat with Barbara Tritz about her journey as a biological dental hygienist and what motivates her to dedicate her career to helping patients and other hygienists to embrace their greatest potential. With a lifelong passion for science and an unwavering commitment to patient care, Barbara has carved a niche for herself as a registered dental hygienist, certified biological hygienist, and orofacial myofunctional therapist.

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Happy Spring LGO fam! 

We continue our conversation about oral immunity with Dr. Marcelo Freire, a leader in inflammation and microbiome-related pathogenicity. As a dual-scientist and clinician, Freire has expertise in oral medicine, periodontology, and craniofacial biology. His scientific innovations focus on investigating biological deficiencies in chronic diseases.

Dr. Freire is currently the President of the Clinical and Translational Science Network Group at IADR and has a passion for translating scientific innovations to health care. 

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Your immune system starts in your mouth!

In this episode of Let’s Get Oral, we break down how saliva, gums, and the oral microbiome work as your body’s first line of defense — and what happens when that system goes off balance. From inflammation and gum disease to whole-body immune connections, this is the immunity conversation you didn’t know your dentist was having.

Keep smilin' everyone!

Happy holidays LGO fam!

Our final episode of 2025 focuses on the transformative journey of Dr. Thad Connelly, a distinguished oral and maxillofacial surgeon dedicated to delivering personalized oral health solutions. This convo includes insights from his academic pursuits, his adventures in venture capital, and what he's building with Gengyve USA.

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Hi Perio Peeps! This episode continues our conversation with Dr. Michael Glogauer (episode 4) as he shares his journey with PerioMonitor™ and the role probiotics can play in balancing the immune response with the oral microbiome.

Dr. Glogauer is an entrepreneurial clinician-scientist specializing in inflammation, the microbiome, and cancer. He is a Professor at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, and co-founder of Ostia Sciences Inc., a biotech startup specializing in the development of beneficial microbes that play a crucial role in fighting infectious diseases and enhancing immune function.

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Happy Halloween listeners! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ryan Nolan to explore how nanotechnology and ingredients like nano-silver are changing the way we protect our teeth.

Dr. Nolan is an entrepreneurial chemist-turned-dentist who serves as the Chief Science Officer of Elementa. He also founded the Cariology Institute to make oral care education more accessible to health care professionals.

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Karen-Ann Gordon to learn about her journey as a "chiro-hygienist," the potential impact of GLP-1 meds on oral tissues, and how connected our mouth is to the rest of our body.

Dr. Gordon is a chiropractic physician, dental hygienist, speaker, instructor, and healthcare educator. She is one of the co-founders of SWIFT Inc., a nonprofit organization that empowers women towards their education and professional pursuits in healthcare. Her practice philosophy focuses on treating TMJ conditions, oral systemic health, and pregnant women, and optimizing overall health and wellness.

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Visit https://magicmind.com/LGO50 and use code LGO50 to get up to 50% off your first Magic Mind subscription or 20% off a one-time purchase at checkout.

In this episode, we delve into one of the hottest topics in oral health...hydroxyapatite. It’s a naturally occurring mineral, and if you’ve been hearing the buzz about it as a modern alternative to fluoride, you’re not alone.

To guide us through the science and the practical applications, we’re joined by Jason Nesta — an oral health expert and product developer at the forefront of formulating products with hydroxyapatite. Jason has a deep understanding of both the research and the real-world impact of this ingredient, and today we’ll unpack what makes hydroxyapatite, how it works, and what it could mean for the future of oral care.

Keep smilin' everyone!

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Weyrich to chat about ancient human microbiome, their evolution, and the use of oral microbiome transplantations.

Laura Weyrich, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at Penn State University who researches microbiome adaptation and evolution in different ecologies. She is also leading the development of oral microbiome technologies as the Founder and CEO of Microversal LLC.

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Khurram Khan, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with specialized training in Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery.

Dr. Khan shares his journey in founding the Smiles Unite Us Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with facial differences. We explore the transformative impact of cleft lip surgery and why personalized care—and even small acts of outreach—can change lives.

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In this episode, we continue our conversation about fluoride with Craig Harvey, a toxicologist and regulatory professional at Mondelez International.

Want to hear more from us on this topic? Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite streaming platform and follow us on your socials to stay informed!

Why is it so hard for us to agree on fluoride?

The implementation of fluoridated water has long been lauded as a victory for dental health because the chemical can strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. However, evidence also shows that too much of it can present real health risks.

In this episode, we revisit the origins of fluoridated water, its effectiveness against caries, and why the potential risks of fluoride have so many people debating its use in our drinking water.

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Balaster to chat about dry mouth and her specific approach to providing individualized care.

Dr. Balaster empowers her patients by educating them on self-care strategies for general health and dental implants, ensuring they understand how to maintain their oral health at home. Understanding the uniqueness of each patient, Dr. Balaster tailors treatments accordingly by recognizing that personalized care extends beyond surgical interventions. Her philosophy emphasizes a compassionate approach, ensuring that every procedure considers the person attached to the treatment, advancing patient-centered dentistry care.

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In this episode, we chat with Dr. Katie Lee. This conversation explores her personal journey into oral-systemic health, how she strives to improve clinical outcomes, and how education is key for a better patient experience!

Dr. Katie Lee is a dentist, speaker, author, and coach who lives in Aurora, Colorado. Currently, she consults for health technology companies, provides implant education for general dentists, and is seeing patients through telehealth. Dr. Lee has two passions in her profession: dentistry itself and making other dentists successful.

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In this episode, we chat with Dr. Mark Burhenne AKA Ask The Dentist. This conversation covers many topics including his journey becoming a functional dentist, how to improve sleep, the role of the oral microbiome, and so much more!

Dr. Burhenne is a functional dentist known for his focus on the connection between oral health and overall well-being. He is the founder of AsktheDentist.com, where he educates the public on holistic dental care, airway health, and sleep apnea. He is also the author of The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox, which explores how oral health impacts sleep quality.

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In this episode, we sit down with Emly Stein to chat about the intricacies of the bacterial-human interface to preventative healthcare.

Emily Stein, Ph.D. is co-founder and CEO of Primal Health LLC, a Life Sciences company aiming to revolutionize oral and systemic health through the development of novel oral microbiome modulatory products, with a current focus on the root cause of biofilm-related oral diseases.

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In this episode, we sit down with Shavonne Healy, the founder of A Higher Learning LLC.

Shavonne walks us through her journey as a world-renowned dental hygienist and educator who is committed to empowering oral health professionals. Listen in as she reflects on how history, innovation, and autonomy guide her efforts to shape the future of oral healthcare by ensuring everyone has access to quality dental hygiene education and services.

Also check out A Higher Learning LLC for more information on upcoming events!

• May 31st - The Hazards of Empathy: Building Resilience Against Compassion Fatigue
• September 13th - 4th Annual Public Health Priorities Dental Symposium

Website: https://www.ahigherlearning.co