Ready to BITE into better health?
If you think oral care is just about having a sparkling, Instagram-ready smile, think again. Imagine waking up in so much excruciating pain that you genuinely fear you’re having a stroke. That’s the intense, real-life story shared by, me, Grant Fedoruk that kicks off this crucial episode of Life Shouldn’t Hurt.
Joined by my co-host Anita Cassidy and functional dentistry expert Dr. Mandeep Johal, Grant gets into a topic often overlooked but absolutely essential to overall wellness: dental health.
This is more than just a conversation about cavities—it’s an urgent call to action. We explore why neglecting your teeth can be catastrophic to your systemic health, and what steps you can take today to ensure that life truly doesn’t hurt, not even when it comes to your teeth.
The Whole-Body Approach: Why Your Dentist Needs to Look Beyond the Tooth
Dr. Mandeep Johal, a leading functional dentist, explains that oral health is deeply connected to your physical and mental well-being. Functional dentistry takes a “whole body approach.” Rather than just fixing a problem, Dr. Johal seeks the root cause, considering factors like stress and gut health.
The Systemic Secrets Your Mouth Holds:
- Heart and Brain: Gum disease is a systemic issue. Studies have shown that bacteria typically found in the mouth are also found in the brain, linking oral hygiene to conditions like Alzheimer’s.
- Fertility and Pregnancy: Oral health is so crucial that in some regions, patients are required to get dental clearance before undergoing major surgeries (like hip or knee replacements) or even IVF treatment. Gum disease has been linked to pre-term birth, and oral bacteria have been found in the uterus.
- Immunity: Your dental health directly impacts your immune system. Ongoing infections in the body are sometimes traced back to an infected tooth that wasn’t caught.
Dr. Johal emphasizes that bleeding gums are not normal. In fact, seven out of ten Canadians spit blood into the sink and ignore it. But your gums should bleed as much as your eyeballs do—meaning, not at all. If your gums bleed, it’s time to ask your dentist why. It may even warrant a visit to your family doctor to look for underlying issues.
Beyond Brushing: Jaw Pain, Breathing, and the Airway Connection
This episode goes far beyond routine cleaning, tackling issues familiar to many listeners:
- Bruxism and Root Canals: Grant shares his own experience with grinding his teeth (bruxism), which led to enamel loss and a triple root canal. The pain was so severe he feared he was having a stroke. Though prescribed a mouthguard, he struggles to wear it due to a gag reflex.
- TMD and Headaches: As physiotherapists, the hosts regularly treat jaw pain, particularly Temporalmandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD). Symptoms can include difficulty opening the mouth beyond 30 mm or jaw locking. They stress that jaw treatment must include the neck, especially the suboccipital muscles.
- Sleep Apnea and Airway: Dr. Johal specializes in airway orthodontics. She explains that adult sleep apnea is often the “fire” that results from “smoke signals” missed in childhood—like open-mouth breathing or frequent allergies. Her practice uses myofunctional therapy (tongue training) to help patients of all ages improve breathing and jaw development.
Actionable Tips for a Healthier Mouth and Body
Red Light Reminder
Grant shares a clever habit: keep floss pick placers in your car and use them at red lights—far better than texting.
Electric Toothbrush Wisdom
Electric toothbrushes are scientifically proven to remove more plaque than manual ones. The key is technique: hold the brush still, half on the gum and half on the tooth, and let it do the work. Moving your hand too much can cause you to miss the critical gum line where plaque tends to build up.
Dietary Smarts for Strong Teeth
Limit highly acidic drinks like carbonated water and energy drinks. Sodas are strongly linked to tooth decay. For children and adults, chewing harder, fibrous foods like carrots helps develop the mastication muscles, which influence bone growth in the face and jaw.
Reframe the Dentist
Don’t dread the dentist—they’re your ally in lifelong health.
Support our movement:
Every episode of Life Shouldn’t Hurt is dedicated to helping people navigate life’s toughest challenges with empathy, insight, and real solutions. Your support ensures we can continue to bring expert advice, heartfelt conversations, and impactful stories to those who need them most. If Life Shouldn’t Hurt has made a difference in your life or the lives of others, please consider a financial contribution. Every donation, big or small, helps sustain our mission—to create a world where healing, hope, and resilience thrive.
Thank you for believing in the power of this work. Together, we can continue making a difference
In Health, Grant Fedoruk
This information is not meant to replace the advice or treatment of a qualified physician or physiotherapist. It is meant for information only. Please seek an assessment and discuss your treatment options with your caregiver prior to making a decision about your treatment path.
