Oral health is not just about avoiding cavities.
Have you been brushing, flossing, using mouthwash… and still dealing with gum disease, recurring decay, or unexplained health symptoms? Well, you’re not alone.
Most people are fighting oral disease the wrong way.
In this episode of Never Been Sicker, I sit down with holistic dentist Dr. Paul O’Malley to unpack what he calls a silent epidemic affecting nearly half the global population: chronic gum disease and tooth decay. But this conversation goes far beyond just teeth.
Because your mouth isn't a sterile zone. It’s an ecosystem. And when that ecosystem is disrupted, the ripple effects can reach far beyond your smile into the systems that keep your body running every day.
If you’ve ever felt like your body is waving red flags that no one connects back to your environment or exposures, this episode will probably feel familiar.
The Hidden Oral Ecosystem Most People Miss
We’ve been taught to think of bacteria as the enemy.
So we nuke them. Strong mouthwash. Harsh chemicals. “Kills 99.9% of germs.” Does any of this sound familiar?
On the surface level, it all sounds productive. But here’s the problem.
Your mouth is home to a complex microbiome with beneficial bacteria included. Some of these microbes play a role in nitric oxide production, circulation, and immune signaling. When we wipe everything out indiscriminately, we disrupt balance. And disease often fills the vacuum.
Dr. O’Malley explains it succinctly: We’re told to kill everything and then wonder why problems keep returning.
It’s the same pattern I see in environmental health “resolutions” being marketed. Harsh quick fixes that offer temporary relief. The root causes, though? Totally untouched.
Different system. Same mistake.
Who You’re Listening To: Dr. Paul O’Malley
Dr. O’Malley has spent more than 25 years practicing biomimetic and holistic dentistry, focusing on minimally invasive, biocompatible care. He’s trained internationally, holds a mastership in biomimetic dentistry, and has been a long-time member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.
In short: He rebuilds teeth without breaking the body. And he’s one of the leading voices connecting oral health to whole-body and environmental wellness.
Mercury Fillings, Hidden Toxins, and the Mouth-Body Connection
One of the most eye-opening parts of this conversation centers on mercury-containing amalgam fillings.
Dr. O’Malley explains that these fillings can release small amounts of mercury vapor over time. On their own, each exposure may seem minor. But when layered with modern environmental stressors, food additives, and household toxins, they can contribute to the body’s overall toxic load.
I draw a familiar parallel in my line of work. In environmental health, we see the same story:
- Small exposures.
- Repeated daily.
- Over years.
- Until the body can’t compensate anymore.
- Illness occurs.
Dr. O’Malley also walks through what safe mercury filling removal actually looks like, including protective protocols that minimize exposure for both patients and dental staff.
No scare tactics. Just informed choices.
When Oral Imbalance Reaches Beyond the Mouth
This is where our conversation gets especially important.
When harmful bacteria, chronic inflammation, or heavy metals linger in the mouth, they don’t stay contained there. The mouth has direct access to the bloodstream, immune system, and nervous system. Over time, that means oral imbalances can influence:
- Systemic inflammation levels
- Immune system activation
- Cardiovascular stress
- Brain and cognitive function
- Gut microbiome balance
For some people, this shows up as fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or unexplained inflammatory symptoms. For others, it’s recurring infections or slow healing. And often, no one thinks to trace the pattern back to the oral environment.
That’s why this conversation matters. Because the body works as one connected system.
Why “Kill Everything” Dentistry Keeps People Stuck
Dr. O’Malley challenges another long-standing belief: that sterilizing the mouth is the path to health.
Instead, he frames oral care as:
Out with the bad.
- In with the good.
That means supporting beneficial bacteria, rebuilding mineral structure in teeth, and restoring balance rather than waging chemical warfare.
This includes:
- Hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste alternatives
- Oral probiotics
- Mineral-supporting gum products
For a discount on Dr. O'Malley's go-to products on Great Oral Health, use the cope HomeCleanse15 at checkout!
And remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s resilience and longevity.
And once again, the message mirrors my environmental work:
- Remove harmful exposures.
- Support the body’s natural systems.
- Let healing follow.
The Biggest Takeaway: Your Mouth Is Part of Your Environment
If you’ve followed my work, this will sound familiar: your body responds to your environment.
That said, there are many different environments that impact our wellness! Just to name a few:
- Your home environment.
- Your chemical environment.
- And yes, your oral environment.
Dr. O’Malley encourages us all to start with:
- A thorough dental exam
- Identifying chronic infection
- Evaluating dental materials
- Supporting the oral microbiome instead of erasing it
Not quick fixes. Not band-aids. A path that actually addresses the root and designed for long-term resilience.
Why You’ll Want to Listen to This Episode
- If you’ve ever wondered:
- Why oral issues keep coming back
- Whether dental materials impact systemic health
- How the mouth connects to immune and inflammatory load
- Why modern dentistry sometimes misses root causes
This episode can help you connect the dots.
Clear science. Real-world clinical insight. A shared philosophy with environmental health.
And most importantly: A path forward.
Listen to Episode #108 of Never Been Sicker now. Because healing often starts where no one thinks to look.
Meet Today’s Guest: Dr. Paul O’Malley
Dr. Paul O’Malley is an internationally trained biomimetic and holistic dentist with over 25 years of experience. He has completed hundreds of full-mouth reconstructions, delivered more than 10,000 veneers, and specializes in minimally invasive, biocompatible dentistry.
A few highlights from his current career include:
- Vice President of the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry
- A long-time member of the IAOMT
- A leader in safe mercury filling removal protocols
- Founder of Great Oral Health product line
- Former featured dentist on TLC’s “10 Years Younger”
Follow Dr. Paul O'Malley:
