The best resources on the body-mouth connection that every dentist should know about

The more we learn about the human body, the clearer it becomes: dentistry isn’t just about teeth. The mouth is a mirror, and often a gateway, to the body’s overall health. There is a growing body of evidence that links oral disease with systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and dementia; the connections run deep and they’re reshaping the way we think about patient care.

If you’re a dentist, recognizing these connections isn’t optional, it’s what positions you as a true healthcare partner for your patients. It changes the way you diagnose, plan treatments and have conversations in the chair.

While there’s no shortage of reliable information, the challenge can be finding it and knowing what to trust.

In this article, I’ve curated a list of resources - from big-picture thinking to clinical advice - to help you deepen your understanding of the body–mouth connection and bring that knowledge into your daily work.

How to use this oral–systemic health guide

We’ve grouped the resources into two areas: foundational research and practical integration.

Some will give you the evidence you need to back your recommendations. Others will offer ideas you can put into practice straight away. A few will help you explain these concepts to patients in a way they can relate to. I suggest starting with the resources that feel most relevant to your work and build from there.

Best foundational resources on the oral–systemic connection

Outlive – Dr Peter Attia (Longevity and Prevention)

A preventative, science-based look at living a longer and healthier life. Dentists can apply its principles by understanding the systemic link between oral health and the chronic diseases Attia highlights.

Breath – James Nestor (Airway Health and Systemic Health)

Explores how the way we breathe influences everything from sleep to craniofacial growth — and why dentists are well placed to help patients improve it.

Jaws – Dr Sandra Kahn & Paul R. Ehrlich (Craniofacial Growth and Systemic Health)

Shows how lifestyle changes have affected jaw development, leading to airway and functional issues. Valuable for anyone focused on prevention and early intervention.

Practical ways to bring the oral–systemic link into daily dentistry

Saved by the Mouth – Dr Katie Lee (Oral Health and Whole-Body Wellness)

Blends patient stories with clear explanations of how the mouth affects the body. Useful for developing the way you explain these ideas to patients.

Dr Miguel Stanley’s Vision for Revision Dentistry (Holistic Dentistry and Systemic Health)

Dr Miguel Stanley combines high-quality restorative work with a focus on long-term biological health. His articles and interviews challenge us to rethink our role in systemic care. Here are three must-see resources:

Article: Dentistry 3.0: Why “revision dentistry” is the next frontier in oral and systemic health

YouTube Interview: Oral health and longevity: How your teeth could be shortening your lifespan

Blog: Rethinking the role of the modern dentist

Dr Victoria Sampson’s Salivary Testing and Holistic Dentistry (Oral Microbiome Testing)

A pioneer in using salivary diagnostics to spot early signs of systemic disease. Her work shows how a simple test can have a big impact on patient care.

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Dr Stanley Liu’s Research on Sleep and Airway Health (Sleep-Disordered Breathing Dentistry)

Research exploring the relationship between airway health, sleep-disordered breathing and systemic disease. This is especially relevant for dentists treating TMD, bruxism or orthodontic patients.

The AlfiPodcast by Dr David Alfi

Dr David Alfi brings us conversations that connect dentistry with wider health topics. A good source of ideas for explaining the body–mouth connection in everyday language.

Key takeaways for applying the body–mouth connection in dentistry

I believe that the body–mouth connection is a powerful idea to bring into everyday dentistry. When you understand the science, use it in your workflows and explain it in simple terms, it can make a real difference to your patients’ overall health.

You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Start with one or two of the resources in this list and let them guide how you plan treatments and talk with patients.

Even small shifts in how you explain these links can build trust, improve compliance, and help patients see you not just as their dentist, but as a true partner in their health.

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