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Greatest Smile Dentistry

Greatest Smile Dentistry

Written by: Greatest Smile Dentistry
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About this listen

Welcome to the Greatest Smile Dentistry Podcast, where we dive into everything related to oral health. Idealized by Dr. Alexandre Ribeiro, DDS, MS, this podcast offers expert insights, practical tips, and the latest news in dentistry to help you achieve a healthier smile.Greatest Smile Dentistry Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • More Than Just Teeth: The Oral–Heart Connection
    Jan 27 2026

    our mouth is more than just a smile — it’s a window into your overall health. 🦷❤️
    In this episode, we explore the powerful and often overlooked connection between oral health and heart disease

    Research shows that gum disease and chronic oral inflammation may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes. But how does a problem in the mouth affect the heart? And what warning signs should you never ignore?

    Join us as we break down the science behind the mouth–heart connection, explain how bacteria and inflammation travel beyond the gums, and share practical steps you can take to protect both your smile and your heart.

    Because taking care of your oral health isn’t just about teeth — it’s about your life.


    V.E. Friedewald, et al., The American Journal ofCardiology and Journal of Periodontology editors’ consensus: periodontitis andatherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, J. Periodontol. 80 (7) (2009) 1021–1032,


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    14 mins
  • Exploring the Link Between Periodontitis and Alzheimer’s Disease: Evidence from a Systematic Review
    Jan 20 2026

    Did you know that the health of your gums may be connected to the health of your brain?

    In recent years, research has increasingly explored a possible link between periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums, and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.

    Periodontitis is caused by harmful oral bacteria that trigger long-lasting inflammation in the mouth. The problem is that this inflammation doesn’t stay localized. Studies suggest that periodontal bacteria and their byproducts can enter the bloodstream, reach distant organs, and even cross the blood–brain barrier, promoting inflammation within the brain.

    One of the most studied bacteria in this context is Porphyromonas gingivalis, commonly associated with advanced periodontal disease. Components of this bacterium have been identified in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, raising important questions about its role in disease progression.

    In addition, the chronic systemic inflammation associated with periodontal disease may lead to persistent activation of microglia — the brain’s immune cells — contributing to neurodegeneration and the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

    It’s important to emphasize that periodontitis does not directly cause Alzheimer’s disease, but it may act as a modifiable risk factor. This means that maintaining good oral health could be a simple and accessible strategy to help reduce long-term systemic and neurological risks.

    The key takeaway is clear: oral health is not separate from overall health. Prevention, early diagnosis, and proper treatment of periodontal disease may have benefits that go far beyond the mouth — potentially helping to protect brain health as well.


    nchingolo, A.M.; Oral Health and Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review of the Periodontitis–Alzheimer’s Connection. Appl. Sci. 2025,

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    15 mins
  • Gum Disease and Pregnancy Risks
    Jan 13 2026

    Did you know that gum disease may be linked to pregnancy complications?
    In this episode, we explore the scientific evidence connecting periodontal disease to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. Learn how oral inflammation can impact maternal and fetal health — and why periodontal care may play an important role during pregnancy.

    Martínez-García M, et.al. Periodontal Inflammation and Systemic Diseases: An Overview. Front Physiol. 2021 Oct 27

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    11 mins
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