In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research showing how Porphyromonas gingivalis, the bacterium behind gum disease, may be a key player in Alzheimer’s disease. Discover how oral bacteria can invade the brain, trigger inflammation, and accelerate memory loss — and how new small-molecule inhibitors may offer hope for future treatments targeting this powerful mouth–brain connection.

Stephen S. Dominy et al. Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors.Sci. Adv.5,eaau3333(2019).

In this episode, we explore the powerful two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Based on the 2013 Joint EFP/AAP Workshop consensus, Dr. Alexandre Ribeiro explains how periodontitis can worsen blood sugar control — and how diabetes, in turn, increases the risk and severity of periodontal inflammation. Discover why managing both conditions together is essential for better overall health.Chapple IL, et al. Diabetes and periodontal diseases: consensus report of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop on Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases. J Periodontol. 2013 Apr;84

In this episode, we explore how treating gum disease can do more than save your smile — it can help protect your heart. Discover how periodontitis affects endothelial function, the vital inner lining of blood vessels, and why inflammation in the mouth can lead to dysfunction in the arteries. We’ll discuss the latest research showing that periodontal treatment can improve vascular health and reduce cardiovascular risk. Join us as we connect oral health to overall wellness and uncover the science behind healing the heart through the gums.

Tonetti MS et al. Treatment of periodontitis and endothelial function. N Engl J Med. 2007;356:911–920.

In this episode, we explore how periodontal disease can impact pregnancy outcomes, increasing the risk of preterm birth and preeclampsia. We discuss the possible inflammatory and bacterial mechanisms linking oral health to maternal complications, review the latest scientific evidence, and highlight the importance of preventive dental care before and during pregnancy to protect both mother and baby.Tsikouras P, Oikonomou E, Nikolettos K, Andreou S, Kyriakou D, Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Monastiridou V, Nalmpanti T, Bothou A, Iatrakis G, Nikolettos N. The Impact of Periodontal Disease on Preterm Birth and Preeclampsia. J Pers Med. 2024 Mar 26

In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between periodontal pathogens and systemic diseases. From cardiovascular and metabolic disorders to cognitive decline, discover how oral bacteria can influence inflammation throughout the body. Join us while we explain the science behind this link and why maintaining healthy gums is essential for overall health.

Fiona Q. Bui, Cassio Luiz Coutinho Almeida-da-Silva, Brandon Huynh, Alston Trinh, Jessica Liu, Jacob Woodward, Homer Asadi, David M. Ojcius,

Association between periodontal pathogens and systemic disease,

Biomedical Journal,

Volume 42, Issue 1,

2019,

Pages 27-35,

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking evidence linking periodontal care to brain health. Based on a 12-year prospective study, we discuss how treating gum disease may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. Learn why gum treatment goes far beyond oral health — and how it could help protect your mind as you age. Neuroepidemiology. 2025;59(4):313-322.

Can gum disease really throw off your blood sugar control? In this episode, we explore the powerful — and often overlooked — connection between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes. You’ll learn how chronic gum inflammation can worsen insulin resistance, why untreated periodontal disease may derail glucose management, and how proper gum care can actually help stabilize blood sugar levels. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or health professional, this conversation sheds light on the mouth–body link that could change the way we think about diabetes care.

Taylor GW, Burt BA, Becker MP, Genco RJ, Shlossman M, Knowler WC, Pettitt DJ. Severe periodontitis and risk for poor glycemic control in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Periodontol. 1996 Oct;67(10 Suppl):1085-93. doi: 10.1902/jop.1996.67.10s.1085. PMID: 8910827.

Can patients’ answers to simple questions—bleeding gums, loose teeth, past deep cleaning—stand in for a periodontal exam when you need causal answers, not just correlations? In this episode, Dr. Alexandre Ribeiro breaks down the validity of self-reported oral-health measures for identifying periodontitis and what that means for study design, clinical audits, and population research. We unpack sensitivity/specificity vs. predictive value, how misclassification bias (differential and non-differential) distorts effect estimates, and when a quick questionnaire can be “good enough” to power causal inference. You’ll also hear practical frameworks—DAGs, validation subsamples, probabilistic bias analysis, and Bayesian/latent-class approaches—to correct or quantify error when full-mouth exams aren’t feasible.

J Periodontol. 2024 September ; 95(9): 892–906. doi:10.1002/JPER.23-0551.