In this episode, Nichole sits down with Dr. Robert Yu, a holistic-minded periodontist based in St. Petersburg, Florida, to explore how pregnancy, postpartum, and the seasons of motherhood can impact your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.

Dr. Yu was the surgeon behind Nichole’s year-long dental healing journey — removing old root canals, clearing infections, rebuilding bone with grafts and a sinus lift, and placing a ceramic dental implant. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked connection between motherhood, hormones, nutrient depletion, bone health, and gum disease — and what every woman should know about supporting her mouth and body through each stage of life.

This conversation bridges holistic dentistry and conventional periodontal care, offering education, empowerment, and real-life insight for women who want to approach dental health from a whole-body perspective.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How pregnancy and postpartum nutrient depletion affect bone and gum health
  

• The link between periodontal disease and pregnancy outcomes like preterm or low-birth-weight babies
  

• Why many OB-GYNs and midwives don’t emphasize gum exams — and why they should
  

• The difference between traditional titanium implants and metal-free ceramic (zirconia) implants
  

• The mouth–body connection: how oral bacteria can influence heart health, inflammation, and systemic disease
  

• Dr. Yu’s preferred vitamin and mineral support for jawbone healing (vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and Metagenics Bone Builder
  

• Why informed consent matters in dentistry — and how to advocate for yourself as a patient
  

• The truth about bone graft materials (human, animal, and synthetic) and how to make an informed choice
  

• Dr. Yu’s thoughts on light therapy, microcirculation, and energy-based healing for post-surgical recovery
  

• The power of collaboration between dentists, functional medicine doctors, and holistic providers
  

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding can deplete minerals and weaken bone structure, including the jawbone.
  

• Healthy gums support a healthy pregnancy — untreated gum disease has been linked to preterm birth.
  

• A gum exam (periodontal exam) is just as important as a dental cleaning for expecting or new moms.
  

• Bone and gum health are influenced by vitamin D, calcium, and hormonal shifts.
  

• Holistic dentistry bridges prevention and science, empowering women to make choices that align with both intuition and evidence.