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.

What if the key to preventing heart disease, dementia, and cancer was hiding in your mouth? In this eye-opening episode, we're joined by dental hygienist and consultant Tosha Kozloski RDH, who's revolutionizing periodontal care through advanced diagnostic techniques that reveal what traditional exams miss.

"All infections start subclinically," Tosha explains, sharing how microscopy has transformed her approach to gum disease. While conventional dentistry often relies on visible symptoms like bleeding or inflammation, Tasha shows how harmful bacteria can thrive beneath the surface in seemingly healthy mouths. The microscope becomes a powerful educational tool as patients witness spirochetes and amoebas actively swimming in samples from their own mouths – bacteria that shouldn't be present in health.

We explore the three-tier approach that's helping patients regrow bone without surgery: professional interventions with ozone and laser therapy, enhanced home care protocols, and addressing immune system factors. Tasha explains why water flossing with antimicrobial solutions penetrates protective bacterial biofilms that brushing alone cannot reach, using vivid analogies that compare traditional cleanings to a "car wash" when some patients need the "full detail."

The conversation challenges conventional wisdom about periodontitis, antibiotics, and the oral-systemic connection. From patients whose eye infections resolved after periodontal treatment to the presence of oral bacteria in brain tissue and heart attack clots, the evidence is clear: your mouth is connected to everything.

Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone concerned about your overall wellbeing, this episode offers practical insights into preventing disease at its source. Listen now to discover why paying attention to your oral health might be the most important preventative measure you're overlooking.

Ready to connect with Tosha:

https://www.instagram.com/tosh.care/

https://www.tosh.care/

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.

In this episode, Dr. Rachaele Carver sits down with Tobias Siegel, Owner and CEO of Promo Life, to dig deep into the world of ozone therapy. Whether you’re a practitioner, a curious home user, or someone looking for holistic tools, this conversation lights up the path. Tobias shares his family’s story, the science behind ozone, clears up some myths, and gives us a real sense of how ozone can support the body’s natural healing.

This week, Dr. Carver sits down with Tobias Siegel from Promo Life to explore what ozone therapy really is, how it supports healing, and why it’s growing in holistic health. Tobias shares his own family’s healing journey with ozone, the history behind the therapy, and why accessibility for both clinics and home users matters.

What You’ll Learn

• How Ozone Works: Ozone supports your body’s natural healing, bringing in extra oxygen and energy. It helps the body balance bacteria, clear infections, and boost recovery.
• Myths and Facts: Ozone is safe when used properly, with very few side effects. It’s not the same as atmospheric ozone, and it’s been used in medicine since the 1800s.
• Ways to Use Ozone: Clinics use ozone for dental care, wound healing, and energy therapies. At home, you can use ozonated water, oils, and even simple ozone units for gentle detox, mouth care, or supporting immunity.
• Safety First: Don’t breathe ozone gas, and always follow guidance. Most people experience only benefits when sticking to the protocols.

Favorite Ozone Products

• Ozonated olive oil for wounds and skin
• Tooth & gum support for mouth health
• Tasty ozonated glycerin and tooth powder
• Portable home ozone units

Learn More & Connect

Promo Life
Ozone therapy equipment, education, and support
www.promolife.com
Phone: 888-742-3404

Pure O3
Ozonated oils, beauty, and health products
www.pureo3.com
Phone: 877-774-4777

Ozone therapy is about supporting the body’s own spark to heal, with gentle guidance and real results. If you’re curious to learn more or ready to try it yourself, reach out and explore these resources.

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.

Imagine discovering that a century of nutritional advice has been leading us astray, and that the true root of chronic disease might be hiding in plain sight. That's exactly what happened when I sat down with Morley Robbins, creator of the Root Cause Protocol and author of "Cure Your Fatigue."

Robbins's journey from hospital administrator to health researcher began with a personal health crisis, frozen shoulder, that conventional medicine couldn't solve. This led him to question everything he thought he knew about human physiology. What he uncovered was shocking: copper, not iron, is our body's "innate healer," yet medical training has systematically ignored its critical importance while promoting excessive iron supplementation.

The conversation takes us deep into the intricate dance between minerals in our body, specifically how copper regulates both iron and oxygen metabolism. When copper becomes deficient, iron accumulates in tissues, creating oxidative stress (essentially rust) that damages mitochondria and depletes our energy production. This mineral dysregulation manifests as fatigue, inflammation, dental decay, and vulnerability to infections.

Perhaps most eye-opening is Robbins's explanation of how our food supply has been systematically depleted of copper since World War I, when NPK fertilizers began blocking copper uptake in plants. The situation has worsened dramatically with the introduction of glyphosate (Roundup), which Robbins explains chelates copper from soil at rates a billion times faster than calcium, a staggering difference that has decimated the nutritional content of our food.

Robbins challenges conventional wisdom on several fronts, including vitamin D supplementation (which he argues can drive iron deeper into tissues) and standard interpretations of blood work. When examining my own lab results, he pointed out how low ferritin levels might indicate parasitic infection rather than true iron deficiency, and how the copper-iron relationship tells a much deeper story than conventional markers.

If you've been struggling with unexplained fatigue, inflammation, or health issues that don't respond to conventional approaches, this conversation could be transformative. Discover why the "battery" of your body might be running low, and how restoring proper mineral balance could be the key to reclaiming your health and energy.

Ready to learn more? Visit https://therootcauseprotocol.com/ or explore Morley's book "Cure Your Fatigue" to dive deeper into this paradigm-shifting approach to health.

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.

Dr. Carver and functional medicine certified health coach Irene Chang demystify the confusing world of nutrition by exploring evidence-based approaches to eating and lifestyle changes. They discuss how conventional nutrition advice has misled us while revealing practical strategies for making sustainable health improvements without feeling deprived.

• Health coaching bridges the gap between medical advice and patient implementation through accountability, motivation, and personalized support

• The food pyramid promoted harmful practices like eating six times daily, causing blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance

• Protein-rich breakfasts (aim for 30g) provide longer satiety and help maintain muscle mass as we age

• Seed oils (soybean, corn, canola) are highly inflammatory while traditional fats like coconut oil may actually support health

• Elimination diets can identify personal food sensitivities and heal gut lining damage

• Fasting insulin levels predict health problems years before they manifest and should be regularly tested

• Simple meal prep strategies like batch cooking, freezing portions, and keeping frozen vegetables on hand make healthy eating practical

• Food combinations matter: eating protein and fat before carbohydrates can significantly reduce blood sugar spikes

If you're interested in working with Irene, visit her website at https://www.3hcoaching.net/ or email irene@3hcoaching.net for a complimentary initial consultation to explore your health goals.

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.

What if your medicine cabinet could be condensed into a collection of tiny glass bottles? The world of essential oils offers powerful therapeutic options, but navigating their proper use requires guidance from true experts.

In this illuminating conversation, aromatherapy specialists Robert and Hana Tisserand from the Tisserand Institute take us beyond the aromatic experience into the science of these potent plant extracts. They explain why these highly concentrated substances deserve respect – imagine capturing only the volatile compounds from plant steam, resulting in substances so powerful they can dissolve membranes (both bacterial and human).

We explore practical applications most people never consider. That cooling sensation from peppermint? It's activating specialized receptors without actually changing temperature. The remarkable ability of lavender oil to heal burns? One of the rare cases where undiluted application is beneficial. The surprising fact that essential oils at low concentrations can inhibit bacterial communication without wholesale killing? A perfect alignment with biological medicine's philosophy of fostering balance rather than scorched-earth approaches.

The experts share specific recommendations for common ailments – tea tree gargling for sore throats, rosemary-infused cotton for ear infections, and proper diffusion techniques for respiratory support. They emphasize quality considerations and transparency from companies, warning that not all essential oils are created equal. Look for botanical names, country of origin, distillation methods, and GC/MS testing to ensure you're getting what you pay for.

Whether you're new to essential oils or already incorporating them into your wellness routine, this episode offers crucial safety guidelines and practical wisdom. Remember their parting advice: with essential oils, less is more – these powerful plant medicines require knowledge and respect to harness their full potential without creating unintended consequences.

Ready to expand your natural medicine toolkit? Visit the Tisserand Institute website for extensive resources on essential oil safety and applications.

Find out more here:

https://tisserandinstitute.org/

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.