Welcome back to The Root of the Matter. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Toni Engram, a SMART-certified biologic dentist, integrative health coach, and founder of Flourish Dental Boutique in Texas. From the moment we connected, it felt like talking with a soul sister. Our journeys through personal illness, holistic healing, and biologic dentistry mirror each other in many ways, and this conversation is packed with insights for anyone curious about how the mouth and body are deeply intertwined.

Dr. Engram shares her personal story of being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and how that turning point inspired her to reimagine the way she practiced dentistry. Instead of following the conventional model, she began to explore oral-systemic health, functional medicine, and the root causes of inflammation. Her journey led her to create a fluoride-free, mercury-safe dental practice where patients are cared for with a focus on prevention, healing, and whole-body wellness.

Together, we explore the connections between oral health, the gut microbiome, and the nervous system. We talk about why airway health, tongue ties, and sleep apnea matter more than most people realize, and how breathing patterns can influence everything from digestion to a child’s development. Dr. Engram also opens up about the challenges of transitioning a conventional dental practice to a biologic model, and why authenticity is so important when guiding patients through this work.

What We Dive Into in This Episode

• Dr. Engram’s healing journey with Crohn’s disease and how it shaped her career
• The overlap between gut dysbiosis, oral inflammation, and systemic health
• Sleep apnea, airway health, and the role of the nervous system in prevention
• Why fluoride-free and mercury-safe dentistry supports long-term health
• Salivary testing, microbiome diversity, and why pH balance matters more than fluoride
• How materials like composites, zirconia, and biocompatible ceramics impact the body
• The power of ozone, PRF, and functional tools for saving teeth and preventing root canals
• Creating a dental practice that is truly authentic and patient-centered

This conversation is full of practical pearls and heart-centered wisdom. Whether you’re a patient curious about biologic dentistry, a mom navigating your child’s oral health, or a provider looking for inspiration on the path toward more holistic care, you’ll leave this episode with fresh perspective and hope.

Connect with Dr. Toni Ingram

• Website: flourish.dental
• Instagram: @drtoniengram

✨ Thank you for helping us reach the top 5% of podcasts in the oral health space! Because of your support, we’re now offering one-on-one consultations for those ready to take their oral health to the next level. Check the link in the show notes to book your personalized session and begin your journey to a healthier, brighter smile today.

Here is the link to schedule: https://calendly.com/drca

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner. Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider. This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed. Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests. We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.

What happens when dentistry meets ear, nose, and throat medicine? In this fascinating episode of The Root of the Matter, Dr. Rachaele Carver sits down with Dr. Jessica Lee, a double board-certified ENT and lifestyle medicine physician, to explore how integrative, cross-disciplinary care is transforming patient outcomes.

From the connection between jaw development and airway health to the truth about tonsil stones, sinus surprises on dental CBCT scans, and how allergies really develop, Dr. Lee offers a rare blend of conventional expertise and holistic insight. Together, they uncover why medical–dental collaboration is crucial for tackling chronic issues, and how curiosity, open-mindedness, and personalized care can change the game.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why dentists and ENTs should be collaborating more closely
• How airway health, jaw growth, and tonsils are connected in kids and adults
• The hidden causes (and surprising fixes) for swollen tonsils and tonsil stones
• What your dental CBCT scan might reveal about sinus health
• How reflux, allergies, and the microbiome influence ENT conditions
• Why personalized, integrative medicine can succeed where a single approach fails

Episode Highlights:

• The “two toolboxes” approach: blending conventional and holistic medicine
• Maxillary deficiency, tongue posture, and their effect on breathing
• ENT tips for preventing allergy flare-ups and nasal congestion
• Surprising stories of patient intuition and detective-style diagnosis
• The importance of being your own healthcare advocate

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Connect with Dr. Jessica Lee: Instagram @entchat | Website

🎧 Listen now to discover how bridging the gap between medicine and dentistry can open new possibilities for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

To contact Dr. Carver directly, email her at drcarver@carverfamilydentistry.com

Want to talk with someone at Dr. Carver's office?
Call her practice: 413-663-7372

Reverse Gum Disease In 6 Weeks! With Dr. Rachaele Carver Online Course!

Learn more about here: https://reversegumdiseaseinsixweeks.info/optinpage

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner. Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider. This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed. Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests. We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.

The healing power of light exists beyond what we can see with our eyes. Our cells communicate constantly with photons, those tiny molecules of light that surround us daily. But what if we could harness this communication system to trigger healing throughout the body?

Meet Victoria Ahrensdorf, a 70-year-old practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method who looks decades younger and credits much of her vitality to an innovative technology. These quarter-sized wearable patches use your body's own heat to generate specific light frequencies that communicate directly with your cells, activating powerful healing responses without drugs or invasive procedures.

Victoria's journey with this technology began during a desperate moment. After eight weeks of debilitating COVID illness that left her bedridden and wondering if she might be dying, she tried her first patch. Within hours, her energy returned dramatically. Within days, she was able to drive sixteen hours to see her dying mother – something previously unimaginable in her weakened state.

The science behind these patches is fascinating. Developed initially for Navy SEALs seeking enhanced stamina during long missions, the technology works by elevating GHK copper peptides in the bloodstream. These peptides not only increase collagen production throughout the body but also activate our own stem cells – without injections or extractions. According to Victoria, this approach is six times more effective than PRP or stem cell injections.

Users report remarkable improvements across a spectrum of conditions: vision problems (including retinal issues deemed irreversible by conventional medicine), bone density, chronic pain, and even structural issues like scoliosis and kyphosis. The patches seem particularly effective for addressing the low energy states underlying many chronic conditions, including autism spectrum disorders and teenage stress.

What makes this approach so revolutionary is its simplicity. The patches require no charging, no special equipment, and can be used by anyone regardless of age, size, or species. They're typically worn for 12 hours daily, placed on acupuncture points for maximum effect. This "set it and forget it" approach provides continuous benefit throughout the day, unlike treatments requiring dedicated time and equipment.

Ready to experience how light technology might transform your health? Victoria welcomes conversations about how these patches might support your specific health needs and can guide you in selecting the right approach for your situation. Contact her through dgwisdomoflight.com and discover what happens when you harness the healing power of light.

Connect with Victoria 413.563.7553

Visit her website https://thewisdomoflight.com/

To contact Dr. Carver directly, email her at drcarver@carverfamilydentistry.com

Want to talk with someone at Dr. Carver's office?
Call her practice: 413-663-7372

Reverse Gum Disease In 6 Weeks! With Dr. Rachaele Carver Online Course!

Learn more about

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner. Before using any products mentioned or attempting methods discussed, please speak with a licensed healthcare provider. This podcast disclaims responsibility from any possible adverse reactions associated with products or methods discussed. Opinions from guests are their own, and this podcast does not condone or endorse opinions made by guests. We do not provide guarantees about the guests' qualifications or credibility. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.