Frequently Asked Questions about Oral Health

Why do I keep getting cavities even though I brush and floss?

Contrary to popular belief, cavity prevention is not only dictated by hygiene. Streptococcus mutans are the bacteria often responsible for tooth decay. Unfortunately, these bacteria cannot simply be cleaned away- this is because they colonise the mouth in levels based on saliva quality, competition (or lack thereof) from healthy probiotic bacteria, fuel supply and other systemic factors such as blood sugar control and digestion. Your diet matters too. Teeth are bones, and their structural integrity will affect their ability to withstand decay or cavity development. Your body’s ability to absorb and utilise the vitamins and minerals from your food (think vitamin D, K2, calcium) will affect the development of tooth decay and cavities - especially in states of deficiency. Intake of ultra processed, sugary foods are problematic in that they stick to the teeth, but also in that they displace healthier foods that provide more nutrients. I can help to untangle which factors are stopping you from overcoming gum disease and maintaining a healthy mouth. 

Why did my gum disease come back after treatment?

The answer may lie in the balance of your oral microbiome. You may have had a scale or root plane, or even a more invasive treatment such as gum flap surgery - only to find that the infection responsible for gum disease is back 6 months later. This is because the bacteria that create infection in gum disease do not necessarily go away even with the most thorough dental cleaning techniques. They are capable of recolonising the gum pockets within hours of physical removal. If nothing else changes - your diet, stress, blood sugar management, oral hygiene regime, gut health issues, nutritional deficiencies or inflammation levels - the environment in your mouth is ripe for reinfection. The research is clear: periodontal patients with pre-existing metabolic disease (diabetes or high blood pressure for example) have worse outcomes post-treatment. Dental outcomes can be improved by removing the obstacles listed above. This is where naturopathy shines.

Why do my gums bleed even though I floss every day?

Bleeding gums is a symptom of gingivitis - inflammation of the gums. Often there is a bacterial infection responsible behind the scenes. Sometimes flossing isn’t enough. Flossing does physically disturb the home that bacteria make for themselves (called biofilm) and can help to prevent the progression of gingivitis into gum disease. However a significant infection compounded by hormonal changes (such as pregnancy) or nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin C, or high levels of inflammation related to other health concerns - can make gingivitis a bit more complex to treat. Although flossing is a worthwhile thing to do, it simply can not address these other factors alone. I help to uncover the other causes of bleeding gums that flossing doesn’t touch.

Why does my bad breath keep coming back no matter what I do?

If nothing has worked, you just haven’t tried everything yet! Traditionally in natural medicine, bad breath was considered a sign of a detoxification issue rather than an oral hygiene issue. The mouth makes up the entrance to the digestive system. The digestive system (the gut) is a major detoxification pathway for the body. An overgrowth of bacteria in the gut can contribute to bad breath - and mouth wash can’t touch it! Constipation, dehydration, dietary choices, poor liver function, infections and other digestive issues could be to blame. If you’ve ruled out an infected tooth - it’s time to look deeper at the cause of chronic bad breath. I leave no stone unturned on the quest for fresh healthy breath. 

What is the connection between gut health and gum disease?

The gums technically form a part of the gut lining, which is the barrier between the outside world and your blood stream. The gums do not exist in isolation - they are physically connected to the gut - but they also are capable of delivering substances directly into the blood stream. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products are specially designed to dissolve in the mouth or be sprayed under the tongue for sublingual delivery into the blood. This is a two way street - inflammatory chemicals, toxins, undigested proteins, immune cells, vitamins and more - can reach the gums via the blood. We know that infection in the gut can initiate a cascade of inflammation that can affect far reaching parts of the body (via the blood) such as the brain but also the mouth. Diseased gums are highly inflamed. Old school naturopathic practitioners considered the gums to be a canary in the coal mine - reflecting to the surface of the body the deeper issues; infections, diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease to name a few. 

How do hormones affect oral health?

Hormones act as messengers but they can also be a source of fuel for certain species of bacteria that are known to cause gum disease. In pregnancy, surging hormones can cause the gums to become more swollen, tender and bleed more easily due to higher blood flow. Pregnancy gingivitis is a common manifestation, but hormonal changes at other stages of life can affect the health of the mouth too. A reduction in oestrogen after menopause can reduce saliva flow, contributing to dry mouth or burning mouth. Hormone replacement therapies (HRT) including hormonal contraceptives can have their own effects on oral health - sometimes beneficial in menopause, but can be problematic at other times, depending on other systemic factors at play. Hormone levels are under tight regulation by the body - however in hormonal conditions (think PCOS/PMOS) or puberty, pregnancy and menopause, sometimes some extra support is needed so that your teeth and gums don’t pay the price.

More Frequently Asked Questions about Oral Health…

Can nutritional deficiencies cause tooth decay?

Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to tooth decay in a number of ways. Nutritional deficiencies can prevent the immune system and oral mucosa from maintaining a balanced oral microbiome. When in overgrowth, bacteria can cause tooth decay and dental caries or cavities. Weak tooth enamel that is lacking in minerals such as calcium will be more prone to breakdown, or developing “holes” in the teeth. Some women will experience tooth extractions following a baby - the body will direct crucial nutrients or minerals away from the mother’s own bones (including the teeth) in order to sustain the rapid bone growth required by the baby. Lastly, vitamins such as vitamin D3 and K2 help to regulate bone mineral density and calcium utilisation - deficiencies in these place people at higher risk of decay also. Many nutritional deficiencies can easily be tested for in routine blood testing - but the reference ranges can be deceiving, and your unique nutritional needs must be considered. The right supplement form and dosage can correct deficiencies within a weeks to months. Ask me how I know.

Can gum disease be reversed?

This depends on the stage of gum disease and whether bone loss has occurred. It was previously thought that bone did not regenerate once lost. Now there is evidence to suggest that the direction and depth of bone loss (vertical vs horizontal for example) determines whether there is any chance of regeneration.

The state of infection in gum disease can absolutely be reversed. Infected, purulent and bleeding tissues can be restored to a state of health. Healthy gum tissue is more successful at reattaching to bone. This is what occurs when gum pockets reduce in depth. A gum pocket with a depth of 6mm is absolutely capable of reducing to a healthy depth of 0-3mm with the right treatment. Read my story of reversing periodontitis (gum disease) here. The body is always trying to heal. 

What can a naturopath do that a dentist can't?

Dentist are highly skilled in the physical treatment of dental concerns. Most are not trained to identify or treat the other health issues that can make or break a person’s oral health. Consider insulin or blood sugar issues. This could be diagnosed Type II diabetes - or it could be unmanaged pre-diabetes (that has not yet even been identified by the client or their health practitioner) Dentists and periodontist know that blood sugar issues contribute to conditions such as gum disease - the research is clear in that. However, they are not trained or equipped to treat blood sugar issues or high insulin levels. This is where a naturopath can help - we are trained in the identification and treatment of blood sugar issues and can support dental patients to make sustainable diet and lifestyle change to reverse blood sugar issues. The flow on effect? Improved systemic health, reduced inflammatory burden on the gums, a healthier oral microbiome and a greater chance of long term success from expensive dental procedures. 

Can leaky gut cause dental problems?

Intestinal hyper-permeability (leaky gut) has now been implicated in just about all of the chronic inflammatory or metabolic diseases - Type II diabetes, Alzheimer’s dementia, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia to name a few. We know that infection, inflammation or disease in the gut can initiate a cascade of inflammation that affects seemingly separate parts of the body (via the blood) such as the brain but also the mouth. Diseased gums are highly inflamed and technically make up a part of the digestive tract too! We can also absorb pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals sublingually through the oral mucosa and gums - think about your vitamin B12 spray, Strepsils, or dissolvable multivitamin chews. The tissue of the gums and mouth are semi-permeable, similar to the intestinal lining. We know that if the gut lining is ‘leaky’, the other semi-permeable barriers are often ‘leaky’ too - why would the gingival barrier be any different.

Why did I get pregnancy gingivitis?

Oestrogen and progesterone are two hormones that surge during pregnancy. One of their roles is to manage blood flow to the developing baby - but they also increase blood flow to other areas such as the gums. This can cause the gums to be more tender, swollen, vulnerable to inflammation and thus bleeding. Gingivitis is essentially just inflamed gingiva - in pregnancy, it is hormonally driven and is characterised by bleeding and sensitivity.

A pregnant woman’s nutritional requirements are also higher - the demand for antioxidants such as vitamin C is higher, as is the need for iron. Both of these nutrients regulate blood vessel dilation. Deficiency can predispose the woman to easier bleeding.

What is the oral microbiome?

The oral microbiome is an umbrella term used to refer to the population of microbes (bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses and yeasts) which colonise the oral cavity - the mouth. It is separate (but connected to) the microbiomes of the skin, gut, vagina and genitourinary tract. These microbes can be good (probiotic species such as the well known Lactobacillus species) bad (such as Entomoeba - parasitic amoebas that are often present in advanced gum disease) and some are neutral (or only become a problem when they’re growing out of control) Many microbes have now been causally linked to dental diseases such as tooth decay, caries, gum disease and bad breath. Naturopaths address the balance of the microbiome to resolve symptoms and manage disease progression by using natural substances; herbs, minerals, vitamins, special probiotic species and dietary supports.

Naturopathic Services

I offer a range of consultations and investigations.

  • This is the first step in commencing naturopathic care with me. Essentially it is a free, short naturopathic consultation via telehealth. It is an opportunity to meet, answer any pressing questions or concerns prior to an initial consultation and to ensure that I am the appropriate practitioner for you.

    This call is for any new clients who are curious about why their dental problems aren’t resolving with dental care alone and what naturopathy can offer. Book here.

  • During your initial consultation, we will discuss your health in detail including: personal medical history, family history, diet and lifestyle.

    Naturopaths differ to general practitioners in that we have 60 minutes to spend together, rather than 5-15 minutes. This allows a much deeper exploration into important areas of your health such as: gut and digestive function, symptoms of inflammation, hormonal and nervous system issues as well as how your body metabolises food.

    No stone goes unturned in order to determine the underlying cause of your oral health (or other) symptoms. You will not be dismissed, told that you are imagining things, or told that a troubling symptom is ‘normal’.

    My goal for the initial consultation is to create a comprehensive helicopter view of your health. This allows us to ‘connect the dots’ and form a plan for treatment.

    Usually by the end of the first consultation, I have a good idea of what is going on for you - and you will leave with a better understanding of how different areas of your health are affecting your teeth and gums (and any other symptoms you are experiencing elsewhere)

    Return consultations are generally offered at four weekly intervals to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as required. They are an opportunity to stay accountable, ask questions and overcome any obstacles that come up. Book here.

  • Clinical naturopaths are trained in the reading and interpretation of functional medicine testing as well as in routine pathology.

    The common adage is ‘test, don’t guess.’ Testing allows us to fill any informational gaps, confirm or rule out potential diagnoses and to form a baseline which future progress can be measured against. It can help to save time and money during treatment - for example; testing your zinc levels can help to determine whether a supplement is necessary to address a deficiency. Testing the oral microbiome can help to determine which bacteria may be causing your gum disease and which herbs or probiotics have the most evidence behind their use.

    Below you will find more information on the common functional medicine tests that I use in my clinic, the price, and how the results help to shed light on the causes of cavities, gum disease and bad breath.

  • I currently utilise the Nutripath Oral Microbiome Mapping (Test code 2200) in my clinic to understand the bacterial drivers of cavities, gingivitis, gum disease and bad breath.

    Emerging evidence links oral infections to chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and even Alzheimer’s dementia.

    Understanding which bacteria dominate your mouth can make or break the success of your dental treatment. This is because different bacterial species will thrive in different environmental conditions - the pH of your saliva, sugar intake, hormone fluctuations, stress and inflammation levels all affect which bacteria survive and which bloom into overgrowth (infection) Different species will also cohabitate and cooperate in order to colonise the mouth together.

    All the mechanical dental treatment in the world (cleaning, scale and root plane, flossing, brushing, even periodontal surgery) will not resolve the environmental factors that allowed the infection to take root in your mouth (high blood sugar, inflammation, poor immunity, hormonal drivers etc)

    Testing the oral microbiome allows us to choose the herbs or nutrients that are most specific to that bacteria for the most efficient treatment. It also provides insight into the environmental influences that need to be addressed in order to create a healthy home for your teeth and gums.

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    Lastly, the oral microbiome map can show whether there are healthy numbers of the beneficial probiotic bacteria needed to sustain a healthy mouth.

    At the time of writing, the Nutripath Oral Microbiome Mapping is $192 AUD including test, postage and collection fees.

  • Gut microbiome profiling is a valuable tool for understanding how well your gut is digesting food, the integrity of your gut lining (assessing for intestinal permeability - also known as leaky gut syndrome) and for taking a snapshot of your gut microbes - the bacteria, viruses, candida, parasites and worms that live in your large intestine.

    The Nutripath Complete Microbiome Mapping (Test code 2206) is an at-home stool test available to my clients for investigating the health and function of their gut.

    Digestive health is almost always implicated in the health issues that present further afield. We must remember that the mouth is actually the start of the gastrointestinal tract, and that the teeth and gums make up a significant part of the digestive process - chewing food is the first stage of digestion. The saliva contains enzymes that assist with the breakdown of food. Bacteria and other microbes that are swallowed will travel through the gut. The tissue in the mouth is also semi-permeable and can absorb nutrients but also medications and toxins directly into the bloodstream, similar to the lining of the intestine.

    As the mouth and lower regions of the gut are so intimately connected, it is reasonable to assume that infections in the mouth are a canary in the coalmine for gut microbiome imbalances further down, and that inflammation in the lining of the gut will be mirrored in the gums and often the skin. This has been reflected in my own clinical experience and that of my colleagues and mentors.

    Investigating and treating the gut can help to resolve systemic inflammation, prevent reinfection, aid in immune system function, improve nutrient absorption and ensure proper detoxification and clearance of hormones that affect oral health and healing.

    The Nutripath Complete Microbiome Mapping test is $426 AUD including test, postage and collection fees at the time of writing June 2026.

  • Dried Urine Hormone testing (DUTCH) analyses the urine for over thirty different hormones and their metabolites in order to assess hormone production but also detoxification and excretion.

    Fluctuations of both sex and stress hormones affect the balance of bacteria in the mouth but also the gut, vagina and skin.

    Clients who are experiencing chronic or recurring infections (gum disease, oral thrush, pregnancy gingivitis for example) can benefit from investigating and supporting hormone balance.

    Sometimes dramatic hormonal changes during high stress periods, puberty, pregnancy, lactation and menopause (or andropause) can fuel serious changes to the oral environment and oral microbiome. If your dental issues began or worsened in correlation with a major hormonal change, the DUTCH test can be a good way to untangle what’s going on.

    The DUTCH test is an at-home urine test and is available by referral for $430 AUD at the time of writing (June 2026)

  • Blood testing is often used by general practitioners in their assessment of your health - you tell them the problem, they order the test, most of the time the result is in range, they tell you that everything looks normal and send you home.

    But you’re still tired, you still catch every cold going around and you still have bad breath or a sore back or whatever other symptom you went in there to get help with.

    Laboratories print reference ranges on their pathology results using data gathered from testing the unwell and those experiencing disease. There is no nuance for age, biological sex or ethnicity. Put plainly, the ranges are based on what is commonly seen, not necessarily what is healthy or optimal functioning.

    Your ferritin (stored iron) level for example may fall at the bottom end of normal, which is low enough to affect you personally, but not so low that you’re blatantly deficient. Most GP’s aren’t going to feel confident in prescribing anything or even truly understanding the result in relationship to your iron regulation, oxygen transport and day to day health.

    Naturopaths can read routine pathology results in the context of what is optimal (not what is common, or ‘normal’ in an increasingly unhealthy population)

    Perhaps the most glaring example is in the testing of fasting insulin. Insulin is the hormone that regulates the use of sugar (glucose) by your cells. This is needed because the sugar must be used and not allowed to stay high in the bloodstream (high blood glucose is inflammatory) A high fasting insulin shows that your body needs to work extremely hard to get that sugar into use and to keep your blood glucose at a normal level. Many laboratories consider a fasting insulin level of 3-21 mU/L as ‘normal’. Any number under 21 mU/L and you’re doing fine. Naturopaths want to see fasting insulin between 3-5 mU/L to represent healthy blood sugar control. Any higher and we need to be improving insulin sensitivity to reduce the risk of Type II diabetes. General practitioners may not be alarmed until you are in a full diabetic or pre-diabetic state.

    Uncontrolled blood sugar is a major driver of inflammatory oral health conditions such as gum disease - you don’t need to be diabetic to benefit from insulin and blood sugar support. Most dentists and doctors won’t know to tell you that it is a two way street - gum disease can worsen insulin resistance, and insulin resistance will worsen gum disease.

    Even the most basic, normal looking blood test results can be an information gold mine when read by the right eyes.

    Naturopaths are positioned perfectly to address misunderstandings around your routine pathology results and to provide nutritional and herbal recommendations which complement your dental treatment.

    I can provide a second opinion on blood testing that you have had done before, or suggest relevant tests to be ordered either privately or through a willing GP.

    Blood tests relevant in the treatment of cavities, bad breath and gum disease:

    • Inflammatory markers (CRP/ESR)

    • White blood cell count (WBC)

    • Vitamin D status (25-OH)

    • Serum sex hormones

    • Fasting insulin

    • Fasting blood glucose

    • Thyroid hormones & thyroid antibodies

    • Nutrients such as zinc, B12, iron, calcium, magnesium and more