<p>In this episode, Nichole sits down with <strong>Dr. Robert Yu</strong>, a holistic-minded <strong>periodontist based in St. Petersburg, Florida</strong>, to explore how pregnancy, postpartum, and the seasons of motherhood can impact your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.</p><p>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 <strong>ceramic dental implant</strong>. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked connection between <strong>motherhood, hormones, nutrient depletion, bone health, and gum disease</strong> — and what every woman should know about supporting her mouth and body through each stage of life.</p><p>This conversation bridges <strong>holistic dentistry and conventional periodontal care</strong>, offering education, empowerment, and real-life insight for women who want to approach dental health from a whole-body perspective.</p><p><strong>What You’ll Learn in This Episode</strong></p><ul><li><p>How <strong>pregnancy and postpartum nutrient depletion</strong> affect bone and gum health<br></p></li><li><p>The link between <strong>periodontal disease and pregnancy outcomes</strong> like preterm or low-birth-weight babies<br></p></li><li><p>Why many OB-GYNs and midwives <strong>don’t emphasize gum exams — and why they should</strong><br></p></li><li><p>The difference between <strong>traditional titanium implants</strong> and <strong>metal-free ceramic (zirconia) implants</strong><br></p></li><li><p>The <strong>mouth–body connection</strong>: how oral bacteria can influence heart health, inflammation, and systemic disease<br></p></li><li><p>Dr. Yu’s preferred <strong>vitamin and mineral support for jawbone healing</strong> (vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and Metagenics Bone Builder<br></p></li><li><p>Why informed consent matters in dentistry — and how to advocate for yourself as a patient<br></p></li><li><p>The truth about <strong>bone graft materials</strong> (human, animal, and synthetic) and how to make an informed choice<br></p></li><li><p>Dr. Yu’s thoughts on <strong>light therapy, microcirculation, and energy-based healing</strong> for post-surgical recovery<br></p></li><li><p>The power of collaboration between <strong>dentists, functional medicine doctors, and holistic providers</strong><br></p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Pregnancy and breastfeeding can deplete minerals and weaken bone structure</strong>, including the jawbone.<br></p></li><li><p><strong>Healthy gums support a healthy pregnancy</strong> — untreated gum disease has been linked to preterm birth.<br></p></li><li><p><strong>A gum exam (periodontal exam)</strong> is just as important as a dental cleaning for expecting or new moms.<br></p></li><li><p><strong>Bone and gum health are influenced by vitamin D, calcium, and hormonal shifts.</strong><br></p></li><li><p><strong>Holistic dentistry bridges prevention and science</strong>, empowering women to make choices that align with both intuition and evidence.<br></p></li></ul><p><br></p>