The theunhingedhygienists’s Podcast

You Can’t Treat What You Don’t See
With Tosha Kozloski, RDH 🔬🦠
What if your patient’s mouth looks healthy... but the microscope tells a completely different story?
In this episode of The Unhinged Hygienists, Tasia Dallas, RDH and Lauren Kennedy, RDH sit down with Tosha Kozloski, RDH, educator, consultant, and founder of TOSH: Teaching Oral-Systemic Health, to talk about what may be hiding inside the biofilm we simply cannot see with the naked eye.
We’re diving into phase-contrast microscopy, biofilm, periodontal pathogens, salivary diagnostics, the oral-systemic connection, patient communication, and what happens when we stop treating periodontal disease like it’s simply a plaque-and-calculus problem.
Because sometimes the teeth look clean.
The probing depths don’t seem alarming.
The patient is brushing, flossing and showing up every six months.
And then you start scaling... and suddenly it looks like a crime scene. 🩸😂
So what the hell are we missing?
Tosha explains how microscopy can completely change the conversation by allowing patients to actually see what is happening in their own biofilm. Instead of another lecture about brushing and flossing, we can give patients objective information, involve them in the conversation, and help them understand WHY we’re recommending treatment.
🔬 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:
What phase-contrast microscopy can reveal about a patient’s biofilm
Healthy vs. unhealthy microbial activity under the microscope
Why seemingly “healthy” mouths can still bleed during treatment
Why biofilm is about more than how much plaque we can see
Microscopy vs. salivary diagnostics and why they can work together
How to collect a useful plaque sample
Why showing patients their own bacteria can completely change the conversation
Moving away from blaming patients for their disease
Why the language we use when discussing periodontal disease matters
How to explain infection, bone loss and treatment without drowning patients in dental jargon
Why we sometimes need to STOP talking and let the patient process what we’ve shown them
Using open-ended questions instead of information dumping
Making patients active participants in their own healthcare
The role of home care and biofilm disruption
Water flossing, lasers, GBT, ozone and modern periodontal tools
Why you don’t need every shiny new piece of equipment to start improving periodontal care
How to realistically implement microscopy into a busy hygiene schedule
Looking beyond the mouth and considering the patient’s immune system and whole-body health
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation:
If we find something different, we need to do something different.
Microscopy isn't about scaring patients with creepy crawlies.
It's about making the invisible visible.
It’s about giving patients information they can actually understand and helping them connect what is happening in their mouth to their health.
Because sometimes everything looks fine...
until you actually look.
And you can’t treat what you don’t see. 🔬
🦠 CONNECT WITH TOSHA KOZLOSKI, RDH
Instagram: @toshardh
TOSH: Teaching Oral-Systemic Health:tosh.care
Mouthy Matters:mouthymatters.com
👩‍⚕️ Dental professionals: Visit Mouthy Matters and select “I’m a dental professional” to access Tosha’s verbal scripts for helping patients better understand gum infection.
🪥 Patients & health-curious humans: Select “I’m here for my own health” to access Tosha’s Six Minutes to a Healthier Mouth quick guide.
🎙️ CONNECT WITH THE UNHINGED HYGIENISTS
Instagram: @theunhingedhygienistsTikTok: @theunhingedhygienistsYouTube: The Unhinged HygienistsSpotify: The Unhinged HygienistsApple Podcasts: The Unhinged HygienistsWebsite: theunhingedhygienist.com
💗 LIKE • SUBSCRIBE • FOLLOW • SHARE
If this episode made you rethink what you’re actually treating when a patient sits in your chair, send it to another hygienist who needs to hear this conversation.
We’re here to challenge old-school dentistry, ask better questions, and keep pushing hygiene toward whole-person healthcare.
Helping hygienists think differently so patients live differently.
Educate • Empower • Evolve
Stay unhinged. Stay curious. Keep asking better questions. 🔬🦠

Get Off the Bench: The Future of Dental Hygiene with The Guygienist
Alternative Titles
Hygiene School Was Only the Beginning
Stop Waiting for Permission with Matthew Bradley, RDH
The Guygienist Is Coming for Mediocre Dentistry
You Passed Your Boards… Now Become a Hygienist
Episode Description
What happens when a newly graduated hygienist refuses to sit quietly, accept the status quo, and become another production horse?
You get Matthew Bradley, RDH, better known online as The Guygienist.
Matthew joins Tasia and Lauren for a bold, honest conversation about finding your voice, owning your education, challenging outdated dental models, and preparing yourself for opportunities before someone finally calls you off the bench.
Matthew shares how growing up with constant cavities and difficult dental experiences ultimately led him into dental hygiene. What began as a plan to become a dentist evolved into a much bigger mission: to help move the hygiene profession forward.
The conversation dives into everything from male representation in dental hygiene and the controversial Preventive Oral Health Assistant role to medical-dental integration, patient education, insurance-driven care, prevention, burnout, corporate dentistry, professional advocacy, and the future of independent hygiene practice.
Matthew also explains why hygiene school is designed to help students pass their boards, not necessarily become the clinicians they ultimately want to be. That part? It is on us.
This episode is a reminder that graduation is not the finish line, experience does not automatically equal growth, and nobody else is responsible for building your career.
If you want more from this profession, it may be time to stop waiting for permission and start preparing to get in the game.
In This Episode, We Discuss
How Matthew’s childhood dental experiences inspired his career
Being a male in a predominantly female profession
Finding an authentic voice on social media
Using content to create change rather than chase an algorithm
Why hygienists must prepare before opportunities appear
The career trajectory that can lead hygienists toward burnout
Getting involved in the profession before becoming discouraged
Whether Preventive Oral Health Assistants could expand the hygienist’s role
The importance of standardized education and demonstrated competency
Opportunities for foreign-trained dentists within dental hygiene
Why dentistry may eventually need multiple provider levels
Medical-dental integration that actually includes medical professionals
Collaboration with speech-language pathologists, oncologists, ENTs, cardiologists, and other providers
Oral health considerations for patients undergoing radiation therapy
Xerostomia, oral sensitivity, and supportive product recommendations
Treating causes instead of repeatedly managing symptoms
Why hygiene school teaches students to pass boards, not master every clinical skill
The career-changing value of conferences and continuing education
Why patient education matters more than the fanciest technology
Disclosing biofilm and allowing patients to see disease for themselves
The difference between insurance guidelines and evidence-based care
How production-based compensation can influence clinical decisions
Why patients often believe insurance determines what is medically necessary
The limitations of procedure codes and the traditional dental insurance model
Why preventive dentistry must become both effective and financially sustainable
Matthew’s vision for independent hygiene practice
Investing in your own instruments, education, conferences, and growth
Why your employer cannot be solely responsible for your professional development
Biggest Takeaways
Hygiene school gives you the foundation.
It prepares you to graduate, become licensed, and begin practicing. Becoming the clinician you truly want to be requires education, mentorship, experimentation, conferences, and real-world experience after graduation.
You cannot outsource your growth.
Your dentist, employer, manager, or corporate organization may support you, but they cannot care about your career more than you do.
Patient education is clinical care.
Technology and advanced treatment modalities are valuable, but they cannot replace a patient’s understanding of their own disease, risk factors, and responsibilities at home.
Insurance coverage is not a treatment plan.
A procedure is not unnecessary simply because an insurance company refuses to pay for it. Care should be based on the patient’s health, evidence, risk, and individual needs.
Collaboration requires more than talking to ourselves.
Medical-dental integration cannot only consist of dental professionals explaining why the mouth matters. We must learn what physicians, speech-language pathologists, oncologists, therapists, and other professionals see that we may be missing.
Be ready before your opportunity arrives.
You may not currently work in your dream office, have complete autonomy, or receive every resource you want. Keep building your knowledge so that when the right opportunity appears, you are ready to step off the bench.
Mic-Drop Moment
“Hygiene school teaches you to pass your boards. For you to become the hygienist you want to be, that’s on you.”
About Matthew Bradley, RDH
Matthew Bradley is a registered dental hygienist, educator, advocate, speaker, graduate student, and content creator known online as The Guygienist.
Although still early in his clinical career, Matthew has built a powerful voice around professional growth, patient education, advocacy, medical-dental collaboration, prevention, and expanding what is possible within dental hygiene.
His philosophy is rooted in refusing mediocrity, supporting other professionals, remaining curious, and creating opportunities that help the entire profession grow.
Connect with Matthew
Follow Matthew on Instagram:
@the_guygienist
Connect with him for dental hygiene advocacy, professional growth, education, collaboration, and a refreshing perspective on where this profession could go next.
Connect with The Unhinged Hygienists
Want more candid conversations, clinical insight, blogs, and resources that challenge outdated thinking in dentistry?
Visit:
theunhingedhygienists.com
There, you can:
Read our latest blogs
Learn more about the podcast
Explore additional oral-systemic health content
Apply to become a guest on an upcoming episode
Follow The Unhinged Hygienists on Instagram for episode clips, behind-the-scenes chaos, clinical conversations, and the things everyone in dentistry is thinking but may be too polite to say out loud.
Call to Action
What part of your career have you been expecting someone else to build for you?
Share this episode with a hygienist who is ready to stop sitting on the sidelines, invest in their education, and create something bigger within this profession.
Subscribe, leave a review, and follow the show so you never miss an unfiltered conversation about dental hygiene, healthcare, professional growth, and the future of prevention.
 

Everything Your Grandma Told You About Oral Health... Might Be Wrong 👵🦷
Did Listerine really start as a floor cleaner?
Is charcoal toothpaste actually helping your teeth... or just making your sink look dramatic?
And who decided everyone should get their teeth cleaned every six months anyway?
In this episode of The Unhinged Hygienists, Anastasia Dallas, RDH, and Lauren Kennedy, RDH take a hilarious (and evidence-based) trip through some of dentistry's biggest myths, questionable marketing campaigns, and outdated advice that somehow refuses to disappear.
Nothing is off limits as they challenge everything from fluoride debates and hydroxyapatite to baking soda, mouthwash, water flossers, charcoal toothpaste, and the obsession with "burning means it's working."
If you've ever wondered whether your dental routine is based on science... or just decades of clever advertising... this episode is for you.
In This Episode
The bizarre history of Listerine (it's even stranger than you think)
Why the six-month recall isn't a one-size-fits-all recommendation
The truth about fluoride and why the conversation is more nuanced than social media makes it seem
Hydroxyapatite explained and why everyone's suddenly talking about it
Why baking soda isn't nearly as abrasive as you've been told
The problem with charcoal toothpaste
Why foaming toothpaste doesn't necessarily clean better
Oral probiotics and why killing every bacteria isn't the goal
Mouthwash myths and protecting your oral microbiome
Water flossers, tap water, filtered water, and why context matters
How marketing has shaped what we believe about oral health
The Biggest Takeaway
Science evolves.
Healthcare evolves.
Your oral care should evolve too.
The goal isn't to blindly follow trends or cling to old habits.
It's to stay curious, ask questions, and make decisions based on the best evidence available.
We'd Love to Hear From You
Which oral health myth shocked you the most?
Tell us in the comments.
What topic should we tackle next?
We might feature your idea in an upcoming episode!
Want to Be a Guest?
Have a unique story, clinical passion, or perspective that could inspire healthcare professionals?
Visit The Unhinged Hygienists to learn more, read our blog, and apply to be a guest on the podcast.
Connect With Us
🌐 Website, blog, guest applications, and more:https://theunhingedhygienists.com
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
📱 Follow The Unhinged Hygienists on social media for weekly episodes, behind-the-scenes content, clinical conversations, and plenty of unhinged moments.
Remember...
Question the marketing.
Question the myths.
Stay curious.
And never stop learning.

Episode 15: The Rise of the Healthcare Hygienist with Melissa "The Badass Hygienist" Obratka, RDH
Healthcare is changing...
The question is...
Is dental hygiene changing with it?
In this passionate, honest, and occasionally unhinged conversation, we're joined by one of the profession's biggest disruptors, Melissa Obratka (The Badass Hygienist), to talk about why dental hygienists must stop thinking like "tooth cleaners" and start practicing like the healthcare providers we were educated to be.
From outdated dental hygiene education to insurance-driven care, Melissa challenges everything we've accepted as "normal" and shares her vision for transforming hygienists into confident healthcare professionals who understand inflammation, oral-systemic health, prevention, communication, and leadership.
If you've ever felt like you were made for more than scaling calculus...
This episode is for you.
In This Episode We Discuss:
🦷 Why dental hygiene education is failing future hygienists
🦷 Why hygienists are being taught procedures instead of critical thinking
🦷 The difference between a traditional hygienist and a Healthcare Hygienist
🦷 Why inflammation should be driving every appointment
🦷 Oral-systemic health and preventive medicine
🦷 Airway, sleep, chronic disease and whole-body health
🦷 Why hygienists need to stop practicing according to insurance companies
🦷 The real reason so many hygienists feel burned out
🦷 Why curiosity is one of the greatest clinical skills you can develop
🦷 Communication strategies that help patients actually listen
🦷 Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and building patient trust
🦷 Why mentoring and continuing education matter more than ever
🦷 The future of dental hygiene...and why we're just getting started
🔥 Memorable Quotes
"There is no piece of calculus that's more important than preventing a heart attack."
"Healthcare hygienists don't just clean teeth...they help change lives."
"Medicine evolves. Why are we still practicing like it's 1995?"
"Stay loud. Stay disruptive. Keep leading by example."
Resources Mentioned
✔ Melissa's OPSM Framework™ (Oral-Systemic Preventive Medicine)
✔ 10-week Healthcare Hygienist Transformation Program
✔ Guided weekly coaching calls
✔ Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)
✔ Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
✔ Airway & Sleep Dentistry
✔ Oral-Systemic Health
✔ Inflammation & Chronic Disease
Connect with Melissa "The Badass Hygienist"
📸 Instagram:@thebadasshygienist
🌐 Website:https://thebadasshygienist.com
🎓 Learn about the OPSM Framework™ and upcoming courses:https://thebadasshygienist.com
Connect with The Unhinged Hygienists
🌐 Website:https://theunhingedhygienists.com
Visit our website to:
• Read our latest blog posts
• Listen to every podcast episode
• Learn more about our mission
• Apply to be a guest on the podcast
• Connect with us and join the movement that's redefining dental hygiene.
📸 Instagram:@theunhingedhygienists
🎥 YouTube:The Unhinged Hygienists Podcast
We'd Love Your Support ❤️
If this episode inspired you...
⭐ Leave us a 5-star review
🎧 Follow the podcast
📲 Share this episode with another hygienist who needs to hear it.
Together we're creating a movement that reminds hygienists exactly who they are:
Healthcare providers. Prevention specialists. Leaders.
Not just people who scrape teeth.
"Stay curious. Stay disruptive. Stay unapologetically unhinged." 🎙️
 
 
 
 

Your Mouth Is Talking... Is Your Body Listening?
Vitamins, Minerals, Gut Health & Why Your Mouth Is the Ultimate Health Snitch
Your mouth isn't just where cavities happen. It's often the first place your body waves a giant red flag that something deeper is going on.
In this episode of The Unhinged Hygienists, Tasia and Lauren dive into the fascinating connection between nutrition, gut health, sleep, inflammation, and oral health. They explore why bleeding gums aren't always about flossing, why your tongue might be trying to tell you something, and how dental hygienists can help connect the dots long before disease shows up elsewhere.
As always, expect a healthy dose of education... with plenty of squirrel moments.
In This Episode
🦷 Why oral health starts long before your toothbrush
🦷 The connection between gut health, inflammation, and periodontal disease
🦷 Why some patients do "everything right" but still have inflamed gums
🦷 What your tongue may reveal about nutritional deficiencies
🦷 Common signs associated with deficiencies in:
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
B Vitamins (B2, B6, B12)
Folate
Magnesium
Zinc
Iron
🦷 Why fiber deserves way more credit than it gets
🦷 Dry mouth and why it's a cavity's favorite invitation
🦷 How sleep affects inflammation, healing, and gum health
🦷 Why healthcare needs more collaboration between medicine and dentistry
🦷 Why hygienists should think like healthcare investigators instead of tooth cleaners
Key Takeaways
✔️ The mouth is connected to the rest of the body... every single system.
✔️ Healthy gums require more than brushing and flossing.
✔️ Nutrition, sleep, stress, hydration, medications, and gut health all influence oral health.
✔️ Bleeding gums are information, not just an inconvenience.
✔️ Prevention begins long before disease develops.
✔️ Dental hygienists are uniquely positioned to recognize early warning signs and help patients become curious about their health.
Challenge of the Week
Tomorrow morning...
When you wake up and stretch...
👉 Pay attention to your teeth.
Were you clenching?
Let us know in the comments! We want to know if you passed the Morning Clench Challenge.
We'd Love to Hear From You
Have you ever discovered a health issue because of something happening in your mouth?
Did improving your nutrition, sleep, or gut health improve your oral health?
Message us or leave a comment. We love hearing your stories!
Resources Mentioned
Discuss nutritional concerns with your physician or registered dietitian.
Speak with your dental professional if you're experiencing:
bleeding gums
dry mouth
burning mouth
recurrent canker sores
angular cheilitis
persistent inflammation
This episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or dental advice.
Connect With Us
🌐 Website: TheUnhingedHygienists.com
📸 Instagram: @theunhingedhygienists
🎙️ Interested in being a guest? Visit our website and complete the guest application.
If you enjoyed this episode...
⭐ Follow the podcast
⭐ Leave a review
⭐ Share this episode with a fellow hygienist or healthcare provider
Because the more we connect the dots, the healthier our patients become.
Stay curious. Stay hydrated. Stay unhinged. 😜

EP 14 | Holly's Unhinged Takeover with Holly Moons, RDH
What happens when you throw away the outline, ditch the script, and let one of the profession's most passionate hygienists take complete control of the conversation?
Pure unhinged magic.
In this episode, Holly Moons, RDH flips the script by taking over hosting duties and pulling surprise questions from her infamous "bowl of questions." Lauren and Anastasia have no idea what's coming next, leading to one of the funniest, most authentic, and thought-provoking conversations we've had on the podcast.
From mentorship and career growth to insurance frustrations, patient stories, periodontal therapy, professional advocacy, and even a heated pickle debate, this episode is packed with laughs, honesty, and practical takeaways for every dental professional.
In this episode we discuss:
• The power of staying curious throughout your career• Finding mentors who change your professional life• How conferences can completely shift your perspective• The patients we'll never forget• Difficult patient interactions and navigating challenging personalities• Why patient expectations matter more than we realize• Insurance and how it impacts patient care and our profession• Dental hygiene reciprocity and licensing frustrations across states• Standing up for yourself as a healthcare provider• Professional growth and investing in yourself• Favorite clinical products and periodontal therapy tips• Building confidence in your career• Funny stories from clinical practice• And yes...the great dill pickle vs. bread-and-butter pickle debate.
Whether you're a seasoned hygienist, a new graduate, or simply passionate about elevating healthcare, this episode reminds us why curiosity, community, and continuous learning matter.
Connect with Holly Moons, RDH
Instagram: @hollymoonsrdh
Connect with Lauren Kennedy, RDH
Instagram: @laurenthemyocoachWebsite: https://themyocoach.com
Connect with Anastasia Dallas, RDH
Instagram: @anastasiadallas_rdh
Follow The Unhinged Hygienists
Instagram: @theunhingedhygienistsWebsite: https://www.theunhingedhygienists.com
Visit our website to:
Read our latest blog posts
Stay up to date on new episodes
Access additional podcast resources
Apply to be a guest on The Unhinged Hygienists podcast through our guest application form
We're always looking for passionate dental professionals and healthcare leaders with stories worth sharing.
If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love your support!
⭐ Subscribe to the podcast⭐ Leave us a 5-star review⭐ Share this episode with a friend or colleague⭐ Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content, clips, and updates
The Unhinged Hygienists is more than a podcast. It's a movement dedicated to empowering dental hygienists to think bigger, practice differently, and recognize the incredible role they play in healthcare.
Because we're not just cleaning teeth.
We're changing healthcare...one conversation at a time.

The Unhinged Hygienists
Episode 13 | What Hygiene School Did Not Teach Us
🎙️ Episode Description
Dental hygiene school teaches you how to pass boards.
The real world? That's an entirely different curriculum.
In this episode, Anastasia and Lauren dive into the lessons no instructor could possibly prepare you for, from imposter syndrome and impossible schedules to office politics, career growth, ergonomics, and learning that perfection isn't the goal.
Whether you're a brand-new graduate waiting for your license or a hygienist with 25 years under your belt, you'll probably find yourself saying...
"Yep... nobody warned me about that."
This episode is packed with laughs, honest stories, practical advice, and reminders that you're doing better than you think.
In this episode:
🦷 The shocking transition from hygiene school to private practice
⏰ Why time management feels impossible at first
😬 Imposter syndrome (and why almost everyone experiences it)
💪 Protecting your neck, shoulders, wrists, and career
🔍 Why curiosity is your greatest career advantage
🏢 Questions every hygienist should ask during a job interview
📚 Continuing education that actually changes your career
🦠 Why staying current matters more than ever
❤️ How to stop chasing perfection and start building confidence
🌱 The importance of finding an office that aligns with your values
Favorite Quote
"You don't have to know everything. You just have to stay curious."
Connect With Us
📸 Instagram: @theunhingedhygienists
🌐 Website: www.theunhingedhygienists.com
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
If this episode helped you, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with another hygienist, hygiene student, or healthcare professional.
Music Mentioned
During the episode, Anastasia talks about wanting to use "If You Must" by Del the Funky Homosapien as the show's intro music and shares that she'd already reached out to the artist's team about licensing it.

Today we Welcome Brittany Glauz @BrushWithBritt.
What happens when a dental hygiene student starts posting on social media during COVID and accidentally builds one of the most recognizable brands in the profession?
In this episode of The Unhinged Hygienists, Anastasia and Lauren sit down with the one and only Britt from Brush With Britt to discuss her journey from dental assistant to award-winning hygienist, educator, entrepreneur, podcast host, and one of the profession's most influential voices. Together, they explore what it means to advocate for patients, challenge outdated thinking, embrace innovation, and create a career that extends far beyond the operatory.
From surviving hygiene school during COVID to winning the World Hygienist Award, building a social media empire, navigating criticism, and championing prevention-focused care, Britt shares the lessons she's learned along the way and her vision for the future of dental hygiene.
This conversation is packed with laughs, inspiration, professional growth, and a healthy dose of unhinged honesty.
🔥 In This Episode
🦷 Britt's journey from dental assistant to internationally recognized hygienist
🏆 Winning the World Hygienist Award
📱 How Brush With Britt grew into one of the biggest hygiene brands online
🎙️ Building a community through social media and podcasting
💪 Developing confidence and thick skin as an advocate
🦠 Why prevention and oral-systemic health matter more than ever
✨ Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), disclosing solution, and changing patient outcomes
🏥 Medical-dental integration and where hygienists belong in healthcare
👶 Fertility, pregnancy, cardiology, rheumatology, and the future opportunities for RDHs
🚀 Expanding the role of dental hygienists beyond the traditional operatory
💬 Favorite Quote
"Create the content you wish existed. Find your people. Stay consistent. The opportunities will follow."
⏱️ Episode Highlights
00:00 – Meet Brush With Britt
05:00 – Britt's path into dental hygiene
12:00 – Hygiene school during COVID
18:00 – The double-column debate
22:00 – Why GBT changed everything
30:00 – Building Brush With Britt
35:00 – Social media, trolls, and advocacy
40:00 – Hygienist-owned practices
46:00 – Medical-dental integration
49:00 – The future of dental hygiene
🎧 Connect With Britt
📱 Instagram: @brushwithbritt
🎙️ Podcast: https://brushwithbritt.buzzsprout.com/
Britt is an award-winning dental hygienist, educator, speaker, entrepreneur, content creator, and passionate advocate for prevention, oral-systemic health, and the advancement of the dental hygiene profession.
🦷 Connect With The Unhinged Hygienists
🌐 Website: www.theunhingedhygienists.com
💌 Join our email list for exclusive content, resources, updates, and upcoming guest announcements.
🌐 Lauren Kennedy: www.themyocoach.com
📸 Instagram: @theunhingedhygienists
About The Unhinged Hygienists
Hosted by Anastasia Dallas, RDH and Lauren Kennedy, RDH, The Unhinged Hygienists explores the conversations healthcare providers need to have but often don't. Through candid discussions, expert guests, and plenty of humor, we're on a mission to elevate the profession, challenge outdated thinking, and highlight the powerful connection between oral health and overall health.
Unhinged? Maybe.Necessary? Absolutely. 🦷🔥🎙️

What if your bleeding gums, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, brain fog, autoimmune symptoms, and inflammation aren't separate problems at all?
In this episode of The Unhinged Hygienists, Anastasia and Lauren take a deep dive into the fascinating connection between oral health, gut health, inflammation, and immune function. We explore the emerging science behind the oral-gut axis, discuss why symptoms often show up in different parts of the body, and explain why the mouth may be one of the earliest places to reveal that something deeper is happening.
From oral dysbiosis and chronic inflammation to food sensitivities, autoimmune disease, airway health, sleep, stress, and nervous system regulation, this conversation challenges the outdated idea that the body should be viewed as a collection of separate systems.
Because here's the truth:
Your body doesn't recognize specialties. It recognizes connection.
In This Episode We Discuss:
🦷 The oral-gut axis and why it matters
🦠 How oral bacteria may influence inflammation throughout the body
🔥 Why chronic inflammation is one of the biggest drivers of modern disease
💤 The role sleep, stress, and nervous system regulation play in overall health
🌱 Small lifestyle changes that can create meaningful health improvements
🧠 Autoimmunity, immune dysregulation, and microbiome imbalances
👄 Why your mouth often provides clues before symptoms appear elsewhere
🦷 The importance of biofilm management and oral microbiome health
🍽️ Food sensitivities, processed foods, and creating sustainable habits
💡 Why asking better questions may lead to better health outcomes
Key Takeaways
✔️ The mouth is not separate from the body.
✔️ Chronic inflammation rarely stays localized.
✔️ Oral health and gut health influence one another.
✔️ Symptoms are communication, not character flaws.
✔️ Small, consistent lifestyle changes often outperform extreme interventions.
✔️ Healthcare providers should be connecting dots, not treating symptoms in isolation.
✔️ Your body is always communicating. Learning to listen may change everything.
Resources Mentioned
• Eddie Pinero – Your World Within
• Dr. Heather Finley – Love Your Gut Podcast
Connect With Us
Follow The Unhinged Hygienists for honest conversations about oral health, airway, inflammation, nervous system regulation, gut health, and the future of healthcare.
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @theunhingedhygienists
🌐 Website: theunhingedhygienists.com
📧 Join our email list for exclusive content, episode updates, resources, giveaways, and upcoming events.
🌐 Lauren Kennedy, RDH | The Myo Coachthemyocoach.com
Share This Episode
If this episode helped connect a few dots in your own health journey, please share it with a friend, colleague, patient, or healthcare provider.
And remember:
The mouth is never just the mouth.

🎙️ THE UNHINGED HYGIENISTS
Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH: Why Dental Hygienists Need to Stop Asking Permission
What happens when a dental hygienist refuses to accept "because that's the way we've always done it" as an answer?
In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH—practicing hygienist, educator, entrepreneur, infection prevention expert, speaker, and owner of an independent dental hygiene practice.
Michelle shares her journey from feeling trapped in traditional hygiene to building a career that spans education, business ownership, infection prevention, travel hygiene, and healthcare advocacy.
We discuss:
✨ Why hygienists feel stuck—and how to break free
✨ The future of independent dental hygiene practices
✨ Why curiosity is the most important skill in healthcare
✨ Dental hygiene licensure frustrations across the United States
✨ Why "that's how we've always done it" is a dangerous mindset
✨ The importance of evidence-based thinking and challenging your own beliefs
✨ How to create change in dentistry without waiting for permission
✨ Why hygienists deserve a stronger voice in shaping the future of the profession
✨ The difference between being a scaler and being a healthcare provider
✨ Patient autonomy, informed refusal, and meeting people where they are
One of our favorite takeaways from Michelle:
"I got tired of asking permission to do the right thing."
If you've ever wondered whether there is more to dental hygiene than simply cleaning teeth, this episode is for you.
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CONNECT WITH MICHELLE STRANGE
📸 Instagram: @michellestrangerdh
🦠 Infection Prevention:@levelupinfectionprevention
🌐 www.michellestrangerdh.com
🌐 www.levelupip.com
🦷 www.smile-logic.com
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🎙️ Connect with The Unhinged Hygienists
🌐 Website:https://theunhingedhygienist.com
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theunhingedhygienists
🌐 Lauren Kennedy, RDH:www.themyocoach.com
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
✔ Stay curious
✔ Challenge your own assumptions
✔ Progress happens when people ask better questions
✔ Dental hygienists are healthcare providers
✔ The future of dentistry is collaborative
✔ You don't need permission to create change