Functional Roots explores the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Hosted by a holistic dental hygienist, this podcast digs into the root causes of inflammation, gut health, the oral microbiome, and more—all through a functional and naturopathic lens. If you're a wellness-minded pro or curious about the mouth-body connection, you’re in the right place. Grab your herbal tea and let’s get to the root of it all.
Biomimetic Dentistry, Root Canals & Hydroxyapatite: Dr. Paul O’Malley on Healing the Mouth Naturally
Biomimetic Dentistry, Root Canals & Hydroxyapatite: Dr. Paul O’Malley on Healing the Mouth NaturallyWhat if dentistry worked with your body instead of against it? In this episode of Functional Roots, hygienists Amanda and Heather sit down with holistic, biomimetic dentist Dr. Paul O’Malley to unpack how biomimetic dentistry preserves natural tooth structure, seals and rebuilds teeth in layers, and can dramatically reduce the need for crowns and root canals. They dive into the “downward spiral” of traditional drill-and-fill dentistry, when (and how) root canals may be appropriate, and why material biocompatibility testing matters. Dr. O’Malley also shares the story behind Great Oral Health—his hydroxyapatite-based, microbiome-supporting system—plus practical insights on pH, decay drivers beyond bacteria, and simple habits that protect enamel. If you’re into functional, holistic, or biologic oral health, this one’s for you—like, subscribe, and share with a friend who wants to save their teeth
Nano Safety and Quality Control01:07:55 Resources and Final Takeawayshttp://drpaulomalley.com www.GreatOralHealth.com http://greatoralhealth.com/ https://www.instagram.com/paulomalleydds/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/greatoralhealth_inc/?hl=en
17 Aug 2026
Nitric Oxide, the Oral Microbiome & Whole-Body Health (with Dr. Shawn J. Green, MyFitStrip)
In this episode of Functional Roots, hygienists Amanda and Heather interview Dr. Shawn J. Green—nitric oxide scientist, inventor, and founder of MyFitStrip—about how oral health connects to whole-body wellness through nitric oxide biology and the oral microbiome.
Dr. Green shares his early Walter Reed research showing immune cells generate nitric oxide via iNOS to defend against intracellular pathogens like malaria, then explains why dental professionals should care: supporting nitrate-reducing “good” bacteria can boost local nitric oxide, suppress nitric-oxide–sensitive pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis, shift oral pH, and support systemic nitric oxide bioavailability.
They discuss prebiotic nitrate strategies (diet and slow-release lozenges/gums), ingredient choices like vitamin C, xylitol, and zinc, concerns about sterilizing antimicrobials and mouthwash, the role of potassium nitrate toothpaste, nitrate vs nitrite, and how MyFitStrip test strips measure salivary nitrate and nitrite as lifestyle feedback.00:00 Welcome to Functional Roots00:38 Meet Dr Shawn Green04:11 Early Nitric Oxide Research08:20 iNOS and Immune Defense11:44 Why Hygienists Should Care13:44 Prebiotic Nitrate and Oral Microbiome21:55 Bristle Scores and pH Shifts28:10 Responders and Microbiome Resilience33:22 Vitamin C Xylitol Zinc Synergy39:05 Potassium Nitrate Toothpaste Debate47:40 Ingredient Label Red Flags48:51 Zinc and Oral Benefits50:44 Nitrate vs Nitrite Explained55:24 Beets Aren’t the Best01:00:49 MyFit Strip Basics01:03:54 Reading the Two Columns01:11:02 Do Inflammation Strips Change01:12:59 Key Takeaways Recap01:16:47 Industry Pushback and Shift01:20:06 Dentistry as Preventive Cardiology01:21:33 Where to Find MyFit Strip01:23:23 Final Thanks and Wrap
28 Jul 2026
Mobile Dentistry in a Rural Provider Desert: Courtney Justice & Painted Sky Dental
Functional Roots hosts Amanda and Heather interview registered dental hygienist Courtney Justice, founder of Painted Sky Dental, a mobile nonprofit bringing high-quality oral healthcare to rural and underserved communities in southwestern Colorado.
Courtney shares her path from history major to hygienist, how public health experiences exposed oral health disparities, and how Colorado’s independent hygiene practice enables her to deliver care via her fully outfitted dental van.
She explains barriers patients face—limited fluoridated water, water scarcity, contamination concerns, transportation, low insurance access—and how she provides 90-minute adult visits with X-rays, screenings, perio care, SDF/ITR, and oral-systemic education using teledentistry collaboration.
Courtney discusses funding challenges, donated supplies, Medicaid-based pricing, free care for veterans and domestic violence program participants, advocacy work, and a new “Sponsor a Smile” donation campaign via @paintedskydental.00:00 Welcome to Functional Roots00:41 Meet Courtney Justice02:26 From History to Hygiene04:14 Seeing Care Disparities06:13 Recruited to Durango08:27 Colorado Hygiene Autonomy09:52 Hygienist vs Therapist11:07 Mobile Van Clinic Setup12:32 Funding and Sustainability15:41 Finding Communities to Serve17:53 Water Access and Oral Health20:40 Education and Outreach Tools21:54 Yeast Demo and Parenting22:24 Water Fluoridation Advocacy23:01 Inside the 90 Minute Visit26:21 Pricing and Equity Model28:46 Funding and Partnerships31:38 Policy Passion and Compacts34:24 Protecting Hygiene Scope40:35 Patient Impact Story42:31 Teledentistry With MouthWatch44:13 Sponsor a Smile Wrap Up
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
51
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Functional Roots Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
