When you think about improving your health, do you ever think about the health of your mouth? If you heard last week’s episode with Dr Emily Leeming, you will know just how important your gut microbiome is, for many aspects of your health, but did you know that your mouth also has its own microbiome, and the health of it is just as important?

Today’s guest is Dr Victoria Sampson, a functional dentist and researcher based in central London, whose work has been recognised all over the world, resulting in her becoming a scientific advisor and clinical lead to several international dental companies, as well as a topical team member of the European Space Agency and NASA. She has published numerous scientific papers, was the first dentist in the world to link gum disease with worse COVID complications. She also recently launched her own oral microbiome test, Oralis 1, which assesses the saliva for bacteria, inflammatory markers, and genetic mutations.

In this fascinating conversation, Victoria reveals why we must stop treating the mouth as separate from the rest of the body and explains how the oral microbiome – home to 700 different species of bacteria – influences everything from our blood sugar control to the health of our hearts.

She also shares compelling research showing how treating gum disease can improve our blood sugar levels, why men with poor oral health are nearly three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction, the relationship between the oral microbiome and autoimmune disease, the surprising link between oral health and fertility and so much more.

Throughout the conversation, Victoria shares practical tips that we can all use immediately to improve our short-term and our long-term health.

Whether you’re dealing with persistent dental problems despite good hygiene, managing a chronic health condition, or simply want to optimise your wellbeing, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that the path to better health might just start in your mouth. I hope you enjoy listening.

Watch the video version of this interview – click below.