In my last post, I dropped a bit of a bomb about how your oral microbiome is directly affecting your hormones. (If you missed it, go back and read it here—seriously, it’ll change how you think about brushing your teeth.)

Now for the good news: there are actually proven, natural strategies you can use to protect your oral microbiome and support optimal hormone balance. And no, you don’t need to spend a fortune or follow some crazy restrictive protocol.

Let me share what actually works—backed by research, refined through experience, and tested in real life.

The Problem with Most Store-Bought Oral Care Products (Sorry, Not Sorry)

Okay, I’m about to tell you something that might make you look at your bathroom cabinet differently. Most of those bright, minty-fresh products you’ve been using? They’re actually harming your oral microbiome.[1,2]

I know, I know. You bought them because you wanted healthy teeth and fresh breath. But here’s what the companies selling these products don’t want you to know…

High-Peroxide Whitening Products: The Microbiome Killer

Look, I get it. We all want white teeth. I’ve been tempted by those Instagram ads for whitening strips too. But here’s what’s actually happening when you use those high-concentration peroxide products:

Those whitening chemicals (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) bleach your enamel effectively. But they’re also:[3,4]

• Killing both the good and bad bacteria in your mouth
• Creating an imbalance in your oral bacteria
• Setting up the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to take over
• Actually damaging your tooth enamel with repeated use (ironic, right?)
• Causing tooth sensitivity—that pain when you drink cold water

Here’s the thing: when you wipe out all your bacteria, the harmful ones often come back faster than the beneficial ones. It’s like disturbing a garden—the weeds are the first to return and they take over everything.[5]

I’ve seen this happen to so many people. They whiten their teeth, feel great for a few weeks, then suddenly they’re dealing with increased sensitivity, more cavities, and worse breath than before. It’s not a coincidence.

Harmful Ingredients to Avoid

Watch out for these ingredients in your toothpaste and mouthwash:[6]

Non-Toxic Whitening Strips:

• Luminex non-toxic strips: These use gentler ingredients that won’t destroy your oral microbiome while still helping to brighten your smile
• Look for products with lower peroxide concentrations (under 3%)

Natural Toothpaste Options:

• Choose toothpastes without SLS, triclosan, or artificial ingredients
• Look for brands that use natural ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils – I like Luminex and Tom’s
• Hydroxyapatite toothpaste can strengthen teeth naturally

Microbiome-Friendly Mouthwashes:

• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes that kill all bacteria
• Look for mouthwashes with natural ingredients like tea tree oil or xylitol
• Some mouthwashes now contain probiotics to support good bacteria!
• Salt water rinses are a simple, natural option

Oil Pulling: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

When I first heard about oil pulling, I was fascinating, yet not sure that I could fit one more regime into my morning routine. Then I tried “habit stacking” and started to swish, right after I brushed my teeth. At one point, when I did have a tooth ache, I increased it to 4x a day and viola, I was able to clear the problem in 1 day. No trip to the dentist! And now? I’m a convert.

Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice that’s been around for literally thousands of years.[7] And before you write it off as woo-woo alternative medicine, let me show you what the science actually says.

How It Actually Works

The technique is simple: you swish edible oil (I use coconut, but sesame and sunflower work too) in your mouth for 10-20 minutes before spitting it out. Think of it as a natural, oil-based mouthwash.

Here’s what’s happening in your mouth during those 10-20 minutes:[8,9]

Physical removal: The swishing action dislodges bacteria and debris from all those hard-to-reach places

Oil properties: The oil mixes with your saliva, creating a substance that traps bacteria (kind of like how soap works)

Natural antibacterial: If you’re using coconut oil, it has natural antibacterial properties from compounds like lauric acid

Keeps the good bacteria: Unlike harsh mouthwashes, oil pulling reduces harmful bacteria without killing everything

Studies show that oil pulling can reduce bad bacteria while keeping your beneficial bacteria intact.[10,11] That’s a big deal! You’re getting selective reduction instead of total elimination.

What the Research Shows

I’m not one to recommend something just because it’s “natural” or “ancient.” I want to see real evidence. And the research on oil pulling is actually pretty solid:[12,13]

Here’s how I do it:[14]

Simple Steps to Support Your Mouth-Gut-Hormone Connection

The good news is that you can take simple steps to keep this whole system healthy:

For Your Mouth:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with non-toxic toothpaste
• Floss daily – Flossing might be even more important than brushing! It removes bacteria from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Consider a water flosser (like Waterpik) for deeper cleaning between teeth and along the gum line
• Try modern flossing tools like the Slate electric flosser for easier, more effective flossing
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings
• Replace your toothbrush every three months
• Avoid products with harsh chemicals like SLS and high-concentration peroxide
• Try oil pulling for 5-20 minutes a day. Even 3-5 days a week is a good start.
• Choose whitening products carefully – look for non-toxic options like Luminex strips

For Your Gut:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables (the fiber feeds good bacteria)
• Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit processed foods and sugar
• Consider taking a probiotic supplement (talk to your doctor first)
• Get enough sleep (your gut bacteria need rest too!)

For Your Hormones:

• Manage stress through exercise, meditation, or hobbies
• Get regular physical activity
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics (they can kill good bacteria)
• Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol uses up glutathione, your body’s main detoxification molecule. Glutathione is essential for your liver to process and remove excess estrogen.[15,16] When you drink alcohol, your body uses glutathione to break down the alcohol, leaving less available to detoxify estrogen. Even moderate drinking (one to two drinks daily) can significantly deplete your glutathione.[17,18]
• Support your liver’s detoxification with nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and foods rich in glutathione (asparagus, avocados, spinach)
• Don’t smoke

Personalized Testing: The Game-Changer You Need to Know About

For years, I’ve been teaching about “personalized or bio-individualized medicine”. The exiting news is that it’s finally here!! 

VIOME: The Test That Changed How I Think About Supplements

Let me tell you about VIOME. This company has analyzed the microbiomes of over 1 million people to understand their unique gut and oral microbial ecosystems.[19] And I’m one of them.

Here’s the concept that really hit home for me: Your microbiome is as unique as your genome.

Think about it. The probiotic that worked wonders for your friend? It might do absolutely nothing for you. Or worse, it might actually feed the wrong bacteria in YOUR gut. This is the principle of bio-individuality—your body has unique needs based on your specific biological signature.

The testing process is simple:[20]

1. I ordered a kit online (took like 2 minutes)
2. Collected samples at home—a stool sample for gut testing and saliva for oral microbiome (yes, it’s as straightforward as it sounds)
3. Sent the samples back to their lab
4. Got detailed results about my unique microbiome in a few weeks

• Identify the exact bacterial species living in your gut and mouth
• Analyze what these bacteria are actively producing right now
• See how these bacteria are affecting your inflammation, hormones, and overall health
• Determine your specific nutritional needs

• Provide targeted prebiotics that feed the specific beneficial bacterial strains I need more of
• Include probiotic strains that will actually colonize successfully in MY gut environment
• Supply the exact micronutrients my body showed functional deficiency in
• Support optimal hormone metabolism based on MY estrobolome composition

Every month, my supplements arrive at my door, already customized for me. No guessing, no generic one-size-fits-all formulas.

Everyone’s estrobolome is different. Some people have lots of bacteria that reactivate estrogen. Others have very little. VIOME showed me exactly where I fell on that spectrum and whether my gut bacteria were contributing to too much or too little estrogen.

Your oral bacteria affect you differently than they affect me. The specific harmful bacteria in my mouth and their effects on my gut and hormones are unique to me.[24]

Generic probiotics are hit or miss. That expensive probiotic your wellness influencer recommended? It might have the wrong bacterial strains for YOUR gut. VIOME tells you exactly which strains will actually help you.[25]

The Actionable Recommendations (Not Just Data)

This is what I love most—VIOME doesn’t just dump data on you and say “good luck.”[26] They give you:

• Specific foods to eat MORE of (based on what feeds YOUR good bacteria)
• Foods to AVOID (based on what feeds YOUR harmful bacteria)
• Customized supplement recommendations
• Lifestyle changes tailored to YOUR results

For example, my results showed that asparagus and artichokes are particular superfoods for me, and beneficial for MY microbiome. And, I should avoid beef. Who knew?

Is It Worth the Investment?

Look, I’m going to be straight with you. VIOME testing and supplements are more expensive than buying generic probiotics at Walmart or Amazon.

But here’s my question back to you: How much money have you spent on supplements that didn’t work? How many different probiotics have you tried? How much time have you lost feeling exhausted and dealing with hormone issues?

For me, VIOME actually SAVED me money in the long run because I stopped wasting cash on products that weren’t right for my body.

Plus, when you’re dealing with hormone imbalances—PCOS, endometriosis, irregular periods, stubborn weight gain, brain fog—having actual DATA about what’s going on in your body? That’s priceless.

Who Should Consider This Testing?

Consider VIOME if you:

• Struggle with hormone imbalances and conventional approaches haven’t worked
• Have tried “everything” but still don’t feel better
• Are tired of guessing which supplements to take
• Want to actually UNDERSTAND your specific body
• Experience digestive issues, inflammation, or unexplained symptoms
• Want to know if your oral health is affecting your overall health
• Are interested in prevention and optimization, not just treating problems

Over 1 million people have already taken control of their health with this approach. The technology exists. The data is there. The question is: are you ready to stop guessing and start knowing?

The Bottom Line

Taking care of your oral microbiome doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By:

• Avoiding harsh chemicals in your oral care products
• Using natural alternatives like oil pulling
• Choosing non-toxic whitening options
• Supporting your gut with good food and probiotics
• Limiting alcohol to preserve your glutathione
• Considering personalized testing with VIOME

…you can protect your mouth-gut-hormone connection and support your overall health naturally.

Remember: everything in your body is connected. Your mouth, your gut, and your hormones all work together as a team. When you support one, you support them all!

Ready to take the next step? Consider trying oil pulling this week, switching to a non-toxic toothpaste, or exploring personalized testing with VIOME to discover exactly what YOUR body needs. Click here if you’d like to benefit from VIOME’s testing or bio-individualized products.

Your hormones will thank you!

Warmest,

Lori 

References

1. Balancing Teeth Whitening and Oral Microbiome Health. East Village Dental. 2024. Available at: https://eastvillagedental.ca/the-teeth-whitening-on-the-oral-microbiome/
2. Altenburger MJ, Bernhart S, Schülke S, Hertrampf A, Hannig C. Effect of an oxygenating agent on oral bacteria in vitro and on dental plaque composition in healthy young adults. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2014;4:95. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2014.00095.
3. Grobler SR, Senekal PJ, Kotze TJ. A critical review of modern concepts for teeth whitening. Dent Mater. 2019;35(1):65-83. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2018.10.006.
4. Kim JH, Kim S, Garcia-Godoy F, Park YS. Dentin abrasion using whitening toothpaste with various hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Am J Dent. 2023;36(2):55-61.
5. Goodman JD. Does Hydrogen Peroxide Kill all Mouth Bacteria? Dr. Janice Goodman & Associates. 2025. Available at: https://dentistryintoronto.com/does-hydrogen-peroxide-kill-all-mouth-bacteria/
6. Adams SE, Arnold D, Murphy B, et al. A randomised clinical study to determine the effect of a toothpaste containing enzymes and proteins on plaque oral microbiome ecology. Sci Rep. 2017;7:43344. doi: 10.1038/srep43344.
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10. Shanbhag VKL. Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene – A review. J Tradit Complement Med. 2017;7(1):106-109. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.05.004.
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14. Dhotre S, Jahagirdar V, Suryakar A, Chavan-Gautam P. Oil pulling, an ancient practice for a modern world: Beneficial effects with precautions. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2017;21(3):461-462. doi: 10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_231_17.
15. Guerri C, Grisolia S. Changes in glutathione in acute and chronic alcohol intoxication. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1980;13(Suppl 1):53-61. doi: 10.1016/s0091-3057(80)80009-8.
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27. VIOME. The Science Behind Viome. Available at: https://www.viome.com/pages/science
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