On this episode of My Allergist Dad, Drew and Dr. Z are joined by Drew’s uncle, dentist Dr. Sam Zwetchkenbaum (former chief of the oral health program at the Rhode Island Department of Health), to discuss how oral health connects to allergies, asthma, and whole-body inflammation.
They explore how the oral and gut microbiomes influence each other, how mouth breathing from untreated allergies can affect palate development and orthodontic needs, and how asthma and allergy medications (including inhaled steroids and drying drugs) can increase cavity risk by reducing saliva.
Sam explains fluoride’s role in protecting teeth, highlights findings from Medicaid claims showing kids on asthma medications needed more restorative care and extractions, and stresses brushing, flossing, rinsing after inhalers, healthier snacks, and consistent dental checkups—especially for older adults on multiple drying medications.
00:00 Dentistry Meets Allergies
00:40 Meet Dr Sam Z
01:41 The Dr Z Name
03:20 Oral Gut Microbiome
04:08 No Brushing Experiment
06:21 Allergies Change Mouth
07:31 Palate Growth Explained
10:05 Diet And Jaw Evolution
12:29 Meds Dry Mouth Risks
14:59 Fluoride Basics Debate
16:39 How Fluoride Works
17:31 Acid Sugar And Bacteria
18:31 Baking Soda Toothpaste
19:19 Sensodyne Family Stories
20:00 Fluoride Microbiome Debate
20:24 Inflammation And Oral Health
21:39 Flossing Diabetes Connection
22:24 Dog Teeth And Whole Body
24:12 Dry Mouth Med Side Effects
26:30 Dental Chair Allergy Myths
30:55 Metals Crowns Biocompatibility
32:18 Burning Mouth Syndrome
34:54 Asthma Meds Teeth Dominoes
38:28 Snack Swaps For Cavities
40:13 System Gaps And Messaging
43:13 Final Takeaways And Disclaimer