Your Mouth Might Be the Missing Link to Your Hormone Health

Hello Warriors!

We talk a lot about gut health here at ‘Pause Like a Warrior. But what if the real starting point for your gut — and even your hormone health — is much higher up… like inside your mouth?

This week on The Suburban Warrior Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Toni Engram, a biological dentist, integrative health coach, and founder of Flourish Dental Boutique in Richardson, TX. Her own battle with Crohn’s colitis — while running a dental practice and raising a toddler — forced her to question everything she’d been taught about medicine, diet, and dentistry.

Her discovery? The same root-cause, whole-body approach that helped her heal could also transform how she practiced dentistry. Today, she helps patients connect the dots between their oral health and overall wellness, from autoimmune disease to perimenopause.

If you’ve ever wondered about fluoride, root canals, mouthwash, or why your gums and teeth seem to change during menopause, this conversation will be your “ah-ha” moment.

7 Bite-Size Truth Bombs from Dr. Toni

(AKA: Why You’ll Never Look at Your Toothbrush the Same Way Again)

1. Your mouth is the first stop of your gut.
Saliva contains enzymes that kick-start digestion — and your mouth’s mucosa is a direct line to your bloodstream. Everything you eat, drink, or swish matters.

2. Fluoride isn’t the hero you think.
Dr. Toni points to growing evidence linking fluoride exposure — especially in drinking water — to reduced IQ in children, thyroid disruption, and possible calcification of the pineal gland. Her advice? Go fluoride-free and filter your water.

3. Root canals are complicated.
While they save teeth, they can also harbor anaerobic bacteria that stress your immune system. For some people, that low-grade inflammation tips their “toxic bucket” over, sparking health issues elsewhere in the body.

4. Mouthwash ≠ daily must-have.
Most conventional rinses act like “Roundup” for your mouth, wiping out good bacteria with the bad. Use antimicrobial rinses only short-term, and follow with oral probiotics to reseed the microbiome.

5. Menopause changes your mouth too.
Falling estrogen levels can dry out oral tissues, shift your microbiome, and accelerate gum recession or decay. If your teeth suddenly start moving or breaking down, hormones might be the hidden culprit.

6. Crowns, fillings, and metals aren’t neutral.
Materials matter. Dr. Toni prefers ceramics like zirconia to avoid potential galvanic (battery-like) effects from mixed metals in the mouth.

7. Diet trumps drill.
Processed carbs — even the “healthy” crackers and granola bars — fuel cavity-causing bacteria. Fill your plate with protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense foods, and your teeth will thank you.

One last warrior note:
Whether it’s menopause, autoimmune flares, or unexplained fatigue, your dentist might be playing a bigger role than you think. Dr. Toni’s message is clear: a healthy smile starts with a healthy body — and vice versa.

If you missed the full episode, click the link below and take notes — your teeth (and hormones) will thank you.

From Rage to Resilience: The Surprising Upside of Getting Older

Rage is one of the most common—and least talked about—symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. For many women, it can feel like an emotional ambush: one minute you’re fine, the next you’re ready to bite someone’s head off over a misplaced coffee mug.

But here’s some good news: a new analysis from The Menopause Society found that as women get older—especially through the menopausal transition—they often get better at managing their anger. Emotional regulation skills tend to improve with age, making it easier to meet frustration with more calm, perspective, and even humor. Researchers think it’s a mix of life experience, shifting priorities, and yes, hormonal changes that help transform those sharp reactions into measured responses.

So while menopause might crank up the physical heat, it seems to cool our tempers in the process. You can read the full study results by clicking the image below.

Ready to Reclaim Your Health in Midlife?

Reclaiming your health in midlife isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. Whether you’re feeling out of balance, run down, or simply not like yourself, this is your moment to take charge. The From ‘Pause to Power Roadmap is your free, practical guide to navigating perimenopause with clarity, confidence, and zero shame. Download it now and take the first step toward feeling stronger, more energized, and unapologetically you.

Ready to Warrior Up!

Listen to the Full Episode: Suburban Warrior podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for reading—and remember, knowledge is power! If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t ignore them. There is help (and hope) out there. Stay tuned for our next newsletter to keep transforming your mindset and rocking your inner warrior!