Oral Health as Whole Health: Insights from Dr. Kim Kutsch - Ep 24

In this episode of The Whole Health Podcast, hosts Dr. Kelly Blodgett, DMD, NMD, IBDM, and Megan Barnett, MS, CNS, sit down with Dr. V. Kim Kutsch, CEO of Oral BioTech and creator of CariFree. A dentist, inventor, and educator with over 40 years of clinical practice, Dr. Kutsch has pioneered innovations in minimally invasive dentistry, lasers, and caries risk assessment—holding 17 patents and shaping modern approaches to oral health. He shares how a lifetime of curiosity led him to reframe cavities as a biofilm disease, pushing dentistry beyond “drill and fill” toward prevention and individualized care. Listeners will hear insights on the links between oral health and whole-body wellness, the role of diet, medications, and genetics in decay, and practical strategies for lasting oral balance. Dr. Kutsch also reflects on the challenges and joys of innovation, mentorship, and creating products that make a real difference in patients’ lives.

-Dr. V. Kim Kutsch’s Journey and Innovations
With over 40 years in dentistry, Dr. Kutsch has been a pioneer in lasers, minimally invasive dentistry, and product development. He shares how curiosity and persistence shaped his career, leading to multiple patents, companies, and global lectures.

-Understanding and Preventing Tooth Decay
Dr. Kutsch discusses the complex factors that drive cavities—saliva, diet, genetics, medications, and lifestyle—and why traditional “drill and fill” approaches fall short. He emphasizes risk assessment, biofilm science, and personalized strategies to help patients become decay-free for life.

-Oral Health and Whole-Body Wellness
Listeners will learn how oral microbes are linked to heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even depression. Dr. Kutsch explains how maintaining a balanced oral environment not only prevents decay but supports overall health and longevity.

To learn more about Megan Barnett’s clinic and practice, click below:
https://bioloungepdx.com

To learn more about Megan's organic soluble fiber blends, click below:
https://thinkflorasophy.com

Learn more about Dr. Kelly Blodgett's dental practice below:
https://www.blodgettdentalcare.com/

About The Whole Health Podcast:
Hosted by Dr. Kelly J. Blodgett, DMD, NMD, IBDM, and Megan Barnett, MS, CNS, this podcast is dedicated to advancing biological dentistry and integrative health. Join Kelly and Megan as they dive deep with experts and leaders across various disciplines to explore the connections between oral health, nutrition, and holistic human wellness.

🎧 Listen now: https://thewholehealthpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

In this episode of The Whole Health Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Kelly Blodgett, DMD, NMD, IBDM, and Megan Barnett, MS, CNS, sit down with Dr. Leslie Douglas, Laboratory Director at DNA ConneXions.

About Dr. Leslie Douglas:

Dr. Douglas has been the Principal Investigator and Laboratory Director of DNA ConneXions, as well as the Laboratory Manager of BioComp Labs, two CliA Certified specialty labs located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

DNA ConneXions focuses on bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic molecular-based detection assays, where Dr. Douglas’ main focus has been on the research and development of PCR-based assays focusing on oral microbes and Lyme Disease. BioComp Labs performs a high complexity serum biocompatibility assay to determine an individuals overall reactivity levels in response to dental materials.

Topics Discussed:

-What DNA Connexions does: species-specific PCR testing of the oral microbiome (88-organism panel) using samples like bone, extracted teeth, cavitations, implants, Super Floss, and saliva—plus at-home kits.

-PCR 101 vs. antibody tests: how PCR detects microbial DNA (targeted primers, thermal cycling), why results indicate current presence, and why urine is a useful sample site for Lyme detection.

-Oral–systemic links & clinical implications: microbes in root canals/cavitations, potential systemic dissemination, Lyme and co-infections (e.g., Bartonella, Babesia), and how results inform targeted therapies and care plans.

DNA ConneXions Website:https://dnaconnexions.com/

To learn more about Megan Barnett’s clinic and practice, click below:

https://bioloungepdx.com

To learn more about Megan's organic soluble fiber blends, click below:

https://thinkflorasophy.com

Learn more about Dr. Kelly Blodgett's dental practice below:

https://www.blodgettdentalcare.com/

About The Whole Health Podcast:

Hosted by Dr. Kelly J. Blodgett, DMD, NMD, IBDM, and Megan Barnett, MS, CNS, this podcast is dedicated to advancing biological dentistry and integrative health. Join Kelly and Megan as they dive deep with experts and leaders across various disciplines to explore the connections between oral health, nutrition, and holistic human wellness.

In this episode of The Whole Health Podcast, hosts Dr. Kelly Blodgett, DMD, NMD, IBDM, and Megan Barnett, MS, CNS, trace the history of food trends from the 1950s to today, reflecting on how shifting cultural norms, government guidance, and marketing have influenced the way we eat. They highlight how the rise of artificial flavoring and convenience foods altered our relationship with nutrition, often leading to confusion and extreme dietary swings. From the fat-free craze of the 1980s to the carb-restrictive Atkins and keto movements, they discuss how each trend shaped public perception of health. Megan emphasizes how dietary advice often oversimplifies complex needs, leading people toward imbalance. Ultimately, they advocate for personalized nutrition and a return to whole, fiber-rich foods as the foundation of lasting wellness. The conversation underscores that balance, not extremes, is the key to healthy eating across a lifetime.

Topics Discussed:

• The evolution of food trends over the past 50 years — from home gardens and minimally processed foods to the rise of convenience packaging, artificial flavoring, and global cuisines.
  
  
• The pendulum swings of nutrition advice — cultural shifts from fat-free diets in the 1980s, to low-carb/high-fat trends like Atkins and keto, and now to today’s high-protein movement.
  
  
• Personalized nutrition and whole foods — how extremes often fail, why context and lifestyle matter, and the importance of returning to real, unprocessed foods with adequate fiber for long-term health.

To learn more about Megan Barnett’s clinic and practice, click below:
https://bioloungepdx.com

To learn more about Megan's organic soluble fiber blends, click below:
https://thinkflorasophy.com

Learn more about Dr. Kelly Blodgett's dental practice below:
https://www.blodgettdentalcare.com/

About The Whole Health Podcast:
Hosted by Dr. Kelly J. Blodgett, DMD, NMD, IBDM, and Megan Barnett, MS, CNS, this podcast is dedicated to advancing biological dentistry and integrative health. Join Kelly and Megan as they dive deep with experts and leaders across various disciplines to explore the connections between oral health, nutrition, and holistic human wellness.