My journey into oral–systemic health became deeply personal after experiencing pregnancy complications, including preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) at 23 weeks. That season of my life led me to look more closely at how inflammation, immunity, and oral bacteria can be connected to whole-body health.

Around that time, my first saliva test revealed elevated levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum — a bacterium that research has associated with inflammatory responses and pregnancy outcomes. While science is still evolving, learning about these possible links changed the way I think about prevention, awareness, and the role the mouth may play in overall health.

One of the most surprising lessons for me, even as a dentist with excellent oral hygiene, was realizing that some oral bacteria are not eliminated by brushing and flossing alone. Research shows certain microbes can persist below the gumline and may be shared between partners and family members through close contact. This reinforced for me that oral health is not just about cleanliness — it is also about understanding bacterial balance and systemic connections.

That experience didn't just shape me as a clinician. It shaped me as a patient, a mother, and a lifelong student of the relationship between oral health and whole-body wellness. Doctor Saliva was created to help others learn about their health earlier, ask better questions, and feel more informed — not alarmed.

This platform is rooted in both science and lived experience, with the goal of empowering families through education and awareness.