The Oral Microbiome: The Hidden Biomarker Driving Aging, Fertility & Systemic Inflammation

Functional dentistry is emerging as a powerful missing link in systems-based care. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with Staci Whitman, DMD, IFMCP, a leading voice in functional pediatric dentistry and co-founder of the upcoming Institute for Functional Dentistry. Together, they explore how the oral microbiome, airway health, saliva, hormones, nutrition, and stress physiology shape systemic inflammation, chronic disease risk, and long-term health outcomes. You’ll learn how to recognize oral contributors to gut issues, autoimmunity, cardiometabolic disease, cognitive decline, sleep disorders, and more—plus practical tools you can use right away in a medical setting, including a simple five-question airway and breathing screener. If you’re looking to expand your longevity and whole-body health framework, this conversation offers clear, actionable insights you won’t want to miss. Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/

GUEST DETAILS Dr. Staci Whitman is a board-certified pediatric and functional dentist and co-founder of the Institute for Functional Dentistry (IFD). She integrates the oral microbiome, airway and sleep health, nutrition, hormones, and early childhood development into modern dental care. She also founded Bloom Kids Dentistry and has an upcoming book on the oral microbiome.

Website: http://doctorstaci.com

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