Straight to the Mouth with Dr Maria Papavergos

#8 The Art and Science of Behaviour Change; Making it happen, Mouths and Beyond | Prof Tim Newton

You might know it, but will you do it? The journey towards developing healthy behaviours is not straight forward. In this episode, Prof Tim Newton, Professor of Psychology as Applied to Dentistry, reveals some important considerations when it comes to making meaningful change happen. Tim shares his expertise on the role of the dental professional and the individual on how to effectively motivate and maintain healthy behaviours, with strategies for children, anxious patients and everyone. We discuss: * the key elements of changing people's behaviour * the importance of the individual's role in maintaining oral health * how to be an effective coach, to help people adopt healthy behaviours * different drivers for motivating towards healthy habits * the power of teamwork and a personalised approach * how we can effectively engage with and motivate children * addressing the needs of the anxious patient. This conversation is brimming with information, a must-listen. With thanks to my sponsor: Luvbiotics [https://luvbiotics.co.uk/pages/lozenges-page?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22489992179&gbraid=0AAAAA_KjR6g2kHasXh8UlEz0GHEuFl4Qf&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiajm-_CIkwMV65tQBh1P0QDLEAAYASAAEgJmrfD_BwE] - my favourite probiotic-powered dental care range. Please use code MARIALUVS for 50% off your first order. Valid until 31/03/2026.

#7 Fertility, Pregnancy and Birth; why your Oral Microbiome is Key | Dr Nauf AlBendar

When you think of fertility, you may not consider the impact of your mouth, but the bearing of the oral microbiome on the journey from preconception to parenthood should not be overlooked. In this episode, I have the privilege to tap into the expertise of Dr Nauf AlBendar, medical scientist and founder of The Womb Effect, to extract the evidence on the role of oral health on the reproductive pathway. We discuss: * how the mouth is the portal to the body and how dysbiosis in the oral microbiome can hinder reproductive function in both men and women * the impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health and fertility * how oral health contributes to pregnancy complications and shape the developing baby's oral microbiome * the differences between vaginally delivered and C-section babies in terms of their microbiomes * how we can optimise development of healthy pioneer species in the early years, through diet and lifestyle This is a fascinating conversation, I hope you enjoy listening.

#6 It's all in our Saliva; Diagnostics, Disease Prevention and the Path to Personalised Care | Dr Victoria Sampson

The microbes in our mouths are more powerful than you may think; the oral microbiome is the gateway to full body health and saliva is our secret agent when it comes to diagnosing, preventing disease and delivering personalised care. In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking to Dr Victoria Sampson, functional dentist and researcher, who unpacks the science behind saliva, explains how we can nurture our oral microbiome and unwraps why assessing the composition of bacteria and genetic profile from our saliva can help optimise our health outcomes. We covered: * the importance of the oral microbiome and the benefits of nurturing our good bacteria * the role of nitrate-reducing bacteria in cardiovascular health and how we can support them * the role of probiotics in the oral environment * the role of saliva and its importance in oral and overall health * genetic differences that can modulate your risk of oral disease * the role of saliva testing and possible future applications. I hope you feel inspired by this conversation, as much as I did. With thanks to my sponsor: Luvbiotics [https://luvbiotics.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoralx7DpDbPPF5QDGgT-h31f-ILI_UmOQ7LIfj4lG02g6zT0bfV] - my favourite probiotic-powered dental care range. Please use code MARIALUVS for 50% off your first order. Valid until 31/03/2026.

#5 Menopause, the Mouth and More… what we need to know | Dr Kuki Avery

It happens to half the population, yet still mystifies many of us and meets us unprepared; the menopause. The more we know, the better we can support women through this life stage. This episode opens up the conversation about all things menopause as Dr Kuki Avery, GP and Menopause Specialist, shares her expertise on how hormonal changes affect body, mind and mouth and what women can be doing to feel empowered and harness their health during this journey. We discuss: * what happens to a woman's body during the menopause. * how bone health is impacted and what we can do to prevent osteoporosis. * the importance of vitamin D. * how hormonal changes affect the mouth and how symptoms in the mouth can be managed. * the impact of dry mouth on oral health. * how changes to diet and lifestyle can be transformative when it comes to menopause symptoms and navigating the menopause journey. This is an important conversation, not to be missed. With thanks to my sponsor: Oralieve [https://www.oralieve-direct.co.uk/collections/oralieve-products?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18502778140&gbraid=0AAAAADDYzGQxzukSf_g7Qa-7RdyH0uE0w&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk6-tm5epkgMV55RQBh3X7RbZEAAYASAAEgKus_D_BwE] - products to moisturise and soothe a dry or sensitive mouth. Please use code TLD30 for 30% off their products.

#4 Mindfulness, Mouths and Ancient Wisdom; the Science of Human Flourishing | Sophie Maclaren

Ancient wisdom resonates with many an applicable science, not only when it comes to our health but how we conduct our lives. In this episode, I have the privilege to talk to Sophie Maclaren, leadership consultant, looking through a scientific lens as to how to thrive personally and professionally, in mind, body and emotions. We discuss: * the characteristics professionals need to cultivate to thrive in practice * how to counteract our overstimulated minds * becoming conscious of ourselves and our patterns of behaviour and how to translate these into personal flourishing * how to practice positivity and balance negative bias * the link between empathy and burnout experienced professionally * practices for human flourishing and redefining a 'break' * tools to help patients manage stress in the surgery setting and in their own lives This conversation is enlightening. I hope you enjoy listening.