Dr. Jigar Gandhi: Are Your Teeth REALLY Making You Sick? | TUH #179

Understanding Teeth as Organs and Their Impact on Health

Dr. Gandhi begins by challenging the common misconception about what constitutes an organ. He explains that each tooth qualifies as an organ because it is innervated by the trigeminal nerve, has a blood supply, lymphatic drainage, and a specific function—mastication. This perspective reframes how we view dental health, especially when teeth become “dead” due to root canals or trauma. He questions why dead or infected teeth are often left in the mouth, highlighting that such teeth can become reservoirs of chronic infection, silently undermining the immune system.

The discussion emphasizes that chronic dental infections are frequently overlooked contributors to systemic illnesses. Dr. Gandhi shares that many patients who come to him have already seen numerous doctors without resolution, often spending significant amounts on healthcare without improvement. He stresses that chronic infections in the jaw can cause immune fatigue—a progressive weakening of the immune system—leading to a wide range of symptoms that patients struggle to connect to their oral health.

The Hidden Dangers of Root Canals and Cavitations

A significant portion of the podcast focuses on root canals and cavitations—infected pockets in the jawbone that are not always visible on standard dental X-rays. Dr. Gandhi explains that while root canals can relieve acute pain by removing the nerve, they leave behind a dead tooth that can soak up toxins and harbor bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. These pathogens can travel retrograde along nerves, such as the trigeminal and vagus nerves, potentially affecting distant organs including the brain and heart.

Dr. Gandhi recounts personal stories and patient testimonials illustrating dramatic health improvements following the removal of infected teeth and cleaning of cavitations. Symptoms such as brain fog, psychosis, joint pain, autoimmune flare-ups, and even cardiac issues have been alleviated after biologic dental interventions. He underscores that many systemic diseases, including autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammation, may have their roots in these hidden oral infections.

The Role of Meridian Charts and Diagnostic Imaging

The podcast highlights the use of meridian charts—ancient Chinese medicine tools mapping teeth to various organs and body systems—as a reference to understand how dental issues might manifest as systemic symptoms. Dr. Gandhi notes that by examining a patient’s dental X-rays, especially with advanced imaging like cone beam CT scans, he can often predict or correlate symptoms without needing a full medical history.

He cautions that not all dentists claiming to practice biologic or holistic dentistry have the same level of training or expertise, which can lead to inconsistent diagnoses and treatments. Therefore, finding a well-trained biologic dentist is crucial for accurate assessment and effective care.

Chronic Infections, Immune Fatigue, and Systemic Symptoms

Dr. Gandhi and Gary discuss how chronic low-grade infections in the jaw can remain asymptomatic locally—no pain, swelling, or redness—yet cause systemic immune exhaustion. This immune fatigue impairs the body’s ability to keep latent viruses like Epstein-Barr or cytomegalovirus in check, leading to their reactivation and contributing to chronic illnesses.

They explore how inflammatory markers such as interleukins, TNF-alpha, and RANTES (CCL5) can sometimes indicate systemic inflammation but often fail to detect these hidden infections because the jawbone walls off the infection, preventing immune cells and blood from reaching the site. This encapsulation makes diagnosis challenging and often leads to misdiagnosis or labeling conditions as idiopathic.

Patients commonly present with symptoms like brain fog, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, joint pain, and autoimmune diseases. Dr. Gandhi stresses that these symptoms are often dismissed or treated symptomatically without addressing the underlying oral infection that may be the root cause.

The Oral-Systemic Connection and Cardiovascular Health

One of the most striking revelations in the podcast is the link between oral pathogens and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Gandhi references studies isolating the same bacteria found in infected root canals within arterial plaques, suggesting a direct pathway from oral infection to heart disease. The proximity of the oral cavity to the brain and heart, combined with the nerve and blood vessel networks, creates a “wide open hallway” for pathogens to travel and cause systemic damage.

This connection underscores the importance of addressing oral infections not just for dental health but as a critical component of overall longevity and disease prevention.

Biologic Dentistry Protocols and Patient Outcomes

Dr. Gandhi describes the biologic dental treatment process, which includes removing infected teeth or tissues, cleaning the jawbone with ozone and light therapies, and using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to promote healing. He shares how patients often experience immediate improvements in energy, mental clarity, and reduction of chronic pain after treatment.

He also discusses the importance of removing metals such as mercury fillings, titanium implants, and gold crowns, which can cause galvanic shock and low-grade electrical currents in the mouth, further complicating health issues.

Preventative Care and Oral Hygiene Recommendations

The conversation turns to daily oral care, where Dr. Gandhi advocates for a “platinum” oral hygiene routine beyond just brushing. He recommends tongue scraping with copper tools, flossing with non-toxic materials, and oil pulling with organic extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil to maintain a healthy oral microbiome. He advises against antiseptic mouthwashes that indiscriminately kill both good and bad bacteria and reduce nitric oxide production, which is vital for vascular health.

These simple yet effective practices can help prevent the buildup of harmful pathogens and support systemic health.

The Need for Greater Awareness and Collaboration

Both Gary and Dr. Gandhi emphasize the need for greater awareness among medical professionals and patients about the oral-systemic health connection. They advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists and physicians to identify and treat hidden dental infections that may underlie chronic diseases.

Dr. Gandhi points out the lack of a “dentist general” in public health leadership and hopes for broader acceptance and integration of biologic dentistry into mainstream healthcare.