Mind Your Mouth

Maria Florou

Welcome to Mind Your Mouth, hosted by Maria Florou—holistic dentist and wellness advocate. This podcast explores the powerful connection between oral health and overall well-being, helping you take a proactive approach to long-term health. If you’ve ever felt overlooked by traditional dentistry or wondered how your oral microbiome affects gut health, inflammation, and disease prevention, you’re in the right place. Maria shares expert insights, natural solutions, and practical tips to help you take control of your health. Whether you seek a personalized, holistic approach to dental care or want to ensure better longevity for yourself and your family, this podcast gives you the tools to make informed, health-conscious decisions. Follow for expert-led conversations and actionable wellness strategies—because a healthier mouth means a healthier body.

  1. 18.12.2025

    #032 - How Nitric Oxide Production in Your Mouth Affects Your Heart, Brain & Sex Life

    Did you know that the bacteria inside your mouth are responsible for up to 25% of your body’s nitric oxide — a molecule essential for blood pressure, circulation, brain function, and even sexual performance? In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Dr. Maria Flora dives deep into the complex ecosystem inside your mouth and explains why oral health is far more than just cavities and gum bleeding. You’ll learn: Why your mouth hosts over 700 species of bacteria How beneficial oral bacteria help regulate nitric oxide and vascular health Why aggressive oral bacteria are linked to over 57 systemic diseases The connection between oral bacteria and conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and cancer The role of Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal and other cancers How inflammation, saliva flow, and microbiome imbalance determine disease risk years before symptoms appear Why integrative dentists assess more than teeth — they assess your entire health trajectory Dr. Maria also shares practical, science-based tips you can start using today: Why to stop alcohol-based mouthwashes How warm salt water or bicarbonate rinses can support oral pH Why hydroxyapatite toothpaste may be a safer alternative to fluoride for many patients The importance of tongue scraping and proper hydration This episode will change the way you think about your mouth — not just as a smile, but as a powerful regulator of your overall health and longevity. 🦷 If this episode resonated with you, share it with your dentist or healthcare provider.⭐ Support the show by leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.📲 Follow Dr. Maria on social media: @casuarina_dental Take care of your smile. Take care of your health.See you in the next episode of Mind Your Mouth.

    8 Min.
  2. 17.12.2025

    #031 - How Oral Bacteria Travel to Your Gut, Brain & Heart

    Did you know that most diseases begin in the gut — but the gut actually starts in the mouth? In this eye-opening episode of Mind Your Mouth, Dr. Maria Flora reveals how oral bacteria don’t stay confined to your teeth and gums. They can travel through the digestive system, bloodstream, airways — and even through nerves — reaching the brain, heart, and other vital organs. You’ll learn: Why tooth decay is the most common disease worldwide Why cavities are not “just dental problems,” but active bacterial infections How oral bacteria migrate through the body — including a shocking nerve pathway The role of saliva, pH balance, fasting, hydration, and mouth breathing in tooth decay How constant snacking and acidic environments silently destroy enamel Why sugar isn’t the only villain — and what really drives cavities How oral infections are contagious and affect the people closest to you The growing scientific link between oral bacteria, inflammation, Alzheimer’s, and chronic disease This episode will completely change the way you think about brushing, flossing, eating habits, and dental visits — not just for your smile, but for your entire health and longevity. 🦷 If this episode resonated with you, share it with your dentist, family, and loved ones.⭐ Support the show by leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.📲 Follow Dr. Maria on social media: @casuarina_dental Take care of your smile. Take care of your health.See you in the next episode of Mind Your Mouth.

    19 Min.
  3. 16.12.2025

    #030 - The 4 Pillars of Integrative Health: Breath, Food, Sleep & Movement

    In this powerful episode of Mind Your Mouth, Dr. Maria Flora breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in modern healthcare: integrative health — the approach that blends the best of Western medicine with evidence-based complementary practices. You’ll learn how breathing, nutrition, sleep, movement, and even gratitude can rewire your physiology, calm inflammation, improve immunity, and reshape how your body and brain communicate. Dr. Maria also reveals: • Why 87% of people now learn about health through YouTube — and why science-based guidance matters • How breathwork techniques like the 4–7–8 method reset your nervous system • How food acts as chemical information — and how epigenetics lets you “turn off” bad genes • Why sleep is the body’s most powerful detox and memory-organizing tool • How functional movement reduces inflammation naturally • The overlooked healing power of gratitude and self-compassion • Real patient stories showing how integrative care transforms lives • Why dentists and doctors must work together to treat the whole person — not isolated symptoms Whether you’re a patient, healthcare provider, or simply striving for better well-being, this episode will change the way you see health forever. ✨ If you found this helpful, please leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts — it’s the best way to support the show. Follow Dr. Maria on social media: @casuarina_dental Take care of your smile. Take care of your health. See you in the next episode.

    15 Min.
  4. #028 - Is Fluoride Water Safe To Drink?! 💧🦷

    06.10.2025

    #028 - Is Fluoride Water Safe To Drink?! 💧🦷

    In this episode of Mind Your Mouth, Dr. Maria Florou investigates the safety of fluoride in drinking water and its impact on your health. From thyroid disruption to lowered IQ in children, she unpacks the latest research on fluoride exposure and why it’s no longer seen as a harmless cavity-fighter. Drawing from clinical studies and global data, Dr. Florou explores fluoride’s link to sleep issues, bone health, fertility, and neurodevelopment, while offering safer, science-backed alternatives like nanohydroxyapatite and reverse osmosis filtration. This episode is a must-watch for anyone questioning conventional dental advice and seeking a more informed, holistic approach to oral and systemic wellbeing. Want to achieve optimal health from the inside out? Discover the holistic dental approach that transforms your oral health and overall well-being. Get expert care from the team at Casuarina Dental—book your consultation today at https://casuarinadental.com.au/ and take the first step toward a healthier future! Follow Dr. Maria: https://www.facebook.com/casuarinadental https://www.instagram.com/casuarina_dental/ https://www.youtube.com/@casuarinadentalfamilyandho1796 The ultimate oral health stack Dr.Maria recommends:  Water Flosser: Amazon - https://geni.us/A3oaH Xylitol gum: Amazon -  https://geni.us/yxuB Sonic Tooth brush: Amazon -https://geni.us/ejM6z9h Rebounder/ mini trampoline : Amazon -https://geni.us/QoSBc Tongue scraper: Amazon - https://geni.us/CzBZLr Vitamin C: Amazon - https://geni.us/ynglB Aus Infra Red Sauna: https://hyperwellbeing.com.au/product-category/premium-full-spectrum-infrared-saunas/?ref=291 US Infra red sauna: https://sunhome.pxf.io/gOXNLB We get a small commission when you buy from the links above. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:03 - History of Fluoride in Water 00:03:28 - Debunking Fluoride Myths 00:04:45 - Recent Research on Fluoride Risks 00:06:56 - Fluoride and Pineal Gland Calcification 00:08:11 - Fluoride's Systemic Effects 00:10:12 - Checking Local Fluoride Levels 00:11:48 - Low-Cost Filter Options 00:12:20 - Simple Water Settling Method 00:14:07 - History of Hydroxyapatite 00:16:36 - Xylitol Gum for Dental Care 00:18:12 - Holistic Oral Care Basics 00:19:06 - Empowerment Through Knowledge

    21 Min.

Info

Welcome to Mind Your Mouth, hosted by Maria Florou—holistic dentist and wellness advocate. This podcast explores the powerful connection between oral health and overall well-being, helping you take a proactive approach to long-term health. If you’ve ever felt overlooked by traditional dentistry or wondered how your oral microbiome affects gut health, inflammation, and disease prevention, you’re in the right place. Maria shares expert insights, natural solutions, and practical tips to help you take control of your health. Whether you seek a personalized, holistic approach to dental care or want to ensure better longevity for yourself and your family, this podcast gives you the tools to make informed, health-conscious decisions. Follow for expert-led conversations and actionable wellness strategies—because a healthier mouth means a healthier body.