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.

In this episode of The Whole Health Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Kelly Blodgett, DMD, NMD, IBDM, and Megan Barnett, MS, CNS, sit down with breast cancer survivor Gina Newman. Gina shares her remarkable journey from an unexpected diagnosis at age 40 to facing stage 4 metastatic breast cancer over a decade later. Through a powerful combination of conventional treatment, integrative health strategies, mindset work, and lifestyle changes, Gina offers an inspiring story of resilience, hope, and healing.

3 Topics Discussed

• Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis – Gina’s first breast cancer diagnosis at age 40, how she discovered it, the treatment decisions she faced, and the importance of seeking second opinions.
• Facing Stage 4 Metastatic Cancer – The sudden return of cancer more than a decade later, the rapid progression of symptoms, and the coordinated use of both conventional and integrative medical strategies.
• The Role of Mindset, Faith, and Lifestyle – How positive visualization, meditation, faith, nutrition, and environmental changes became central to Gina’s healing process and long-term wellness.

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.

Dr. Jenn Simmons: Rethinking Breast Cancer Through Functional Medicine - Ep 20

In this episode of The Whole Health Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Kelly Blodgett DMD, NMD, IBDM and Megan Barnett MS, CNS, sit down with breast surgeon and functional medicine expert, Jennifer Simmons. MD. Dr. Jenn is a breast surgeon, integrative oncologist, 3x author, podcast host, 3x Summit Host, and founder of PerfeQTion Imaging. Dr. Jenn is also the founder of Real Health MD and PerfeQTion Imaging.

Topics Discussed Include:

• From Surgeon to Integrative Oncologist: Dr. Jen Simmons shares her powerful personal story of transitioning from a top breast cancer surgeon to an integrative oncologist after her own diagnosis, highlighting how functional medicine helped her truly heal and sparked her mission to help women reclaim their health after treatment.
  
  
• Reevaluating Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnostics: The conversation dives into the shortcomings of conventional breast cancer screening methods like mammograms, advocating for safer, more effective alternatives such as the aria teres test and sound wave imaging, while exposing the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
  
  
• Restoring Whole-Body Wellness After Cancer: Dr. Simmons emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of disease, restoring hormone health, and recognizing the interconnectedness of body systems—stating that true healing and prevention happen at home, through daily choices, not in a hospital.

Dr. Jenn’s Website:

https://www.realhealthmd.com/

Dr. Jenn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/

https://open.spotify.com/show/24pNDmbGKdvuI05b9rFndZ

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, co-hosts Dr. Kelly Blodgett DMD, NMD, IBDM and Megan Barnett MS, CNS, dive into the fundamentals of biological dentistry, exploring how it differs from conventional dental practices and why it matters for whole-body health.

Topics Discussed Include:

• Biological Dentistry Prioritizes Health-Conscious, Minimally Invasive Care
  Dr. Kelly Blodgett explains how biological dentistry focuses on treatments that align with whole-body health—avoiding toxic materials (like mercury) and unnecessary procedures (like aggressive crown prep or root canals), and instead honoring the uniqueness of each tooth and patient.
  
  
  
• Patients Must Advocate for Themselves and Ask Questions
  The episode emphasizes the importance of informed consent and patient empowerment. Megan and Kelly encourage listeners to seek second opinions, ask providers about all available options, and be cautious of practices that use terms like "holistic" or "biological" without demonstrating those values.
  
  
  
• Less Is Often More When It Comes to Dental Interventions
  The conversation highlights the value of taking a conservative, step-by-step approach to dental care. Instead of jumping to invasive procedures, providers should assess each case individually and allow the patient’s condition to guide treatment—prioritizing preservation over intervention whenever possible.
  
  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/

The Whole Health Podcast: Episode 18 with Georgia Gibbs, Traditional Chinese Herbalist

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Blodgett DMD, NMD, IBDM and Megan Barnett MS, CNS sit down with Traditional Chinese Herbalist, Georgia Gibbs.

Topics Discussed:

Healing through Traditional Chinese Medicine: Georgia Gibbs shares her personal health journey from modeling and chronic illness to healing with traditional Chinese herbalism, emphasizing the emotional and physical transformation that inspired her to study and practice the medicine.

Holistic, Element-Based Approach: The episode explores Chinese medicine’s diagnostic method of identifying energetic imbalances (like spleen/stomach meridian deficiencies) rather than disease labels, highlighting its strength in addressing hormonal, autoimmune, and digestive disorders through herbs, mineral balance, and cycle awareness.

Nature, Community & Empowerment: Georgia emphasizes reconnection with nature, emotional self-compassion, and community as critical for healing—particularly for women facing chronic stress and disconnection from their natural rhythms.

Georgia Gibbs’ Website: https://www.georgiamaegibbs.com/

Georgia Gibbs’ Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/georgiagibbs_/?hl=en

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

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.

Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholeHealthPod

The Whole Health Podcast: Soluble Fiber & Detoxification with Your Hosts, Dr. Kelly Blodgett & Megan Barnett- Ep 17

In this episode of The Whole Health Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Kelly Blodgett DMD, NMD, IBDM and Megan Barnett MS, CNS, dive into the overlooked yet essential role of soluble fiber in digestion, detoxification, and disease prevention. Megan shares how fiber supports liver function, balances the microbiome, and helps eliminate toxins, dispelling detox myths and offering practical dietary guidance for improving whole-body health.

Topics Discussed Include:

• Soluble Fiber as a Health Foundation: Megan emphasizes the critical role of soluble fiber in digestion, detoxification, and overall metabolic health. She explains how fiber supports natural detox pathways (poop, pee, sweat), binds toxins in the gut, and reduces disease risks like colon cancer and cardiovascular disease.
  
  
• Detox Misconceptions and Practical Guidance: The hosts unpack common myths around detoxing, clarifying that real detoxification is a continuous, natural body process—not a fad cleanse. Megan breaks down how fiber aids the liver in safely eliminating toxins, especially when paired with proper hydration and daily bowel movements.
  
  
• Accessible and Individualized Nutrition: The episode highlights affordable fiber-rich foods (beans, lentils, whole grains, flax, avocado) and discusses how personalized diets—including low-carb or paleo—can still incorporate fiber through supplementation. Megan shares her personal journey of discovering the overlooked importance of soluble fiber and how it reshaped her clinical approach.
  
  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/