Center for Integrative Wellness and Cosmetic Dentistry - Dr. Katie To

12/30/2025

I want you to meet Dr. Minh Luu.

Here's why we work together: we share the same story.

Dr. Luu's journey into biological dentistry didn't start in a classroom. It started with her own health crisis. High mercury levels. Hashimoto's. Miscarriage. Her body was breaking down, and traditional medicine had no answers.

That's when she discovered what I discovered - that the mouth and body are connected. That dental materials matter. That there's a better way.

She became SMART certified to safely remove mercury. She's certified in biological dentistry and uses dental ozone therapy for conservative, health-focused care.

But here's what lights her up: cosmetic bonding.

Dr. Luu is a Digital Smile Design Master who creates beautiful smiles without compromising health. She teaches other dentists through KT Dental Seminars because she's that good at minimally invasive smile transformations.

As a former practice owner herself, she understands the transition from traditional insurance-driven dentistry to wellness-focused care. She gets it because she's lived it.

When Dr. Luu looks at your smile, she's not just seeing teeth. She's seeing your health history, your goals, your whole story.

Because personalized care means understanding that your health journey is uniquely yours.
💚

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Center for Integrative Wellness and Cosmetic Dentistry 🎄

There's something about this time of year that invites us to pause. To breathe. To reflect on the people, the moments, and the small miracles that carried us through another year.

This season, I find myself thinking about what wellness really means. And honestly? It's not perfection. It's not having it all figured out. It's the quiet courage to keep showing up for yourself, your health, your family, and the life you're building.

To everyone who has been part of this community this year, thank you. Whether you've been following along for years or just found us recently, your presence matters. Your commitment to your health inspires me.

This Christmas, wherever you are, I hope you feel held. I hope you rest without guilt. I hope you enjoy the moments with people you love and let your nervous system know it's safe to soften.

You've worked hard this year. You've grown. You've shown up even when it was heavy.

Now breathe. You made it.

Wishing you and yours a Christmas filled with warmth, gratitude, and the kind of peace that settles deep in your bones.

Wellness is a way of life. And today, that means letting yourself be still.

Merry Christmas, friends. 🤍
With love,
Dr. Katie To and team

12/24/2025

Let me tell you about something that changed how I think about cavity prevention and gum health.

Oral probiotics.

Most people know about gut probiotics, right? But here's what's fascinating: your mouth has its own microbiome. Over 700 species of bacteria living in there. And just like your gut, you want the good guys to outnumber the bad guys.

That's where oral probiotics come in.

BioGaia Prodentis lozenges deliver beneficial bacteria directly to your mouth. These aren't just any probiotics - they're specific strains (L. reuteri) that have been shown to support healthy gums, reduce plaque formation, and help balance your oral microbiome.
Think of it like this: if harmful bacteria are throwing a party in your mouth, oral probiotics show up as the good friends who help restore
balance.

I recommend these to patients who:

✨ Struggle with recurring cavities despite good hygiene
✨ Have gum inflammation or bleeding
✨ Deal with bad breath
✨ Want to support their oral health naturally
✨ Are recovering from dental procedures

And yes, there's a kids version too! Because starting good oral health habits early matters.

Here's the cool part: when you support your oral microbiome, you're not just helping your teeth and gums. You're supporting your whole body. Remember, your mouth is upstream. Everything you swallow goes downstream to your gut.

This is one of those simple tools that makes a real difference. Not a replacement for brushing and flossing, but a powerful addition to your wellness routine.

Do you use oral probiotics? Drop a comment if you want to know more about how to support your oral microbiome. 💚

12/22/2025

Want to know what I show my patients that makes them say "whoa"? Their own saliva. Under a microscope.

Your mouth is home to over 700 species of bacteria. Some are your allies, supporting digestion and immunity. Others? Not so friendly.
When we look at your saliva under the microscope, we see what's invisible to the naked eye - beneficial bacteria, harmful pathogens, sometimes even parasites and candida.

Here's the thing: those bacteria don't stay in your mouth. Every time you swallow, you're sending them to your gut. The same bacteria from gum disease have been found in arterial plaque, in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, in inflamed joints.
Your mouth is upstream. Everything below the neck is downstream.

I've had patients with chronic fatigue and digestive issues that doctors couldn't figure out. Under the microscope, their saliva told the whole story. We address the oral imbalance, and suddenly they're sleeping better, thinking clearer, feeling like themselves again.
Your oral bacteria are messengers, showing us what's happening in your whole body.

This is precision dentistry. Not just looking at teeth, but understanding the ecosystem.

Have you ever seen your saliva under a microscope? Drop a 🔬 if you're curious what yours would show.

12/20/2025

I almost made myself sicker trying to detox too fast.

When I first learned about my mercury toxicity, I wanted it all OUT immediately. But my functional medicine doctor stopped me. My body wasn't ready.

I learned the hard way that detox has to be done slowly, carefully, with support. Otherwise, you're just redistributing toxins, not eliminating them.

Now I tell every patient the same thing: there's no rush. Let's do this right.
If you have silver fillings, don't panic. But do get curious. Learn about safe removal.

Make sure your body is supported.

12/18/2025

Your nasal passages are the first line of defense for your airway. They filter, warm, and humidify the air before it reaches your lungs. But here's what most people don't realize: when your nasal passages are compromised, your whole body pays the price.

Mouth breathing, chronic congestion, sinus issues - they're not just annoying. They affect your sleep quality, oxygen levels, nervous system regulation, and even your oral microbiome.

I've been using Xlear's professional strength nasal spray for years now, and I recommend it to my patients all the time. Here's why I love it:

✨ 3x the power with xylitol - which naturally supports healthy nasal passages and discourages harmful bacteria
✨ Clean ingredients - no harsh chemicals or additives
✨ Supports your body's natural defenses - not just masking symptoms
✨ Gentle enough for daily use - helps you breathe easier, sleep better, and stay healthy

Think about it: if you're not breathing well through your nose, you're more likely to mouth breathe. Mouth breathing dries out your oral tissues, changes your oral pH, and creates an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. It's all connected.

Your airway health is oral health. Your oral health is whole-body health.

This is one of those simple, everyday tools that makes a real difference. Especially during this time of year when our immune systems need all the support they can get.

What's one simple wellness tool you swear by? Drop it in the comments - I'm always learning from this community. 💚

12/17/2025

What if I told you your mouth could predict your body’s future?

Most people think dentistry is just about fixing teeth, but it’s so much more than that. Your mouth is the gateway to your entire body, and reimagining dentistry as whole-body care could be the key to living longer, healthier, and more empowered lives.

Here’s the thing, your mouth is upstream. Everything below the neck is downstream. When we focus on the root causes like nutrition, sleep, posture, mindset, and emotional wellness, we can transform not just smiles but lives.

In my TED Talk, I share how my journey from traditional dentistry to biological and wellness dentistry changed everything for me and my patients. It’s a story about healing, hope, and the science behind why your mouth truly is the mirror of your health.

If you’ve ever wondered how your dental care could help you feel better, sleep better, and live longer, this talk is for you.

🦷 Wellness is a way of life. The mouth is where it begins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6M5V1qDaYY

Listen as Dr. Katie To shares how your mouth is the gateway to your body’s future, and reimagining dentistry as whole-body care could be the key to living lo...

12/16/2025

I get asked this all the time: "What exactly IS biological dentistry?"

Let me clear something up first: biological dentistry is real dentistry. We don't just spray water on you and say a prayer. 😄

We do everything a traditional dentist does. Fillings. Crowns. Extractions. Implants. Cosmetic work. Root canals (or safe removal of them). All of it.

The difference? We're concerned with your body as a whole.

In biological dentistry, we understand that the mouth is connected to the rest of you. What happens in your mouth affects your organs, your immune system, your brain, your energy.

So we ask questions other dentists don't ask. We look at biocompatibility, meaning which materials your specific body can tolerate. We use non-toxic materials. We follow safe protocols for removing things like mercury fillings.

We work alongside your other healthcare providers, functional doctors, naturopaths, and chiropractors, because we know we're all on the same team.

And we never forget that you're a whole person, not just a set of teeth
Biological dentistry isn't alternative dentistry. It's dentistry that finally makes sense.

💬 Have you ever wished your dentist would look at the bigger picture?

12/15/2025

Here's something most people don't realize. 🦠

The bacteria in your mouth don't just stay in your mouth.

It travels through your bloodstream and causes inflammation and disease in other parts of your body.

Where can it go?

🔹 Your gut — disrupting your microbiome and affecting digestion, immunity, and even mood
🔹 Your heart — increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease
🔹 Your brain — causing brain fog and cognitive issues. Studies have actually found oral bacteria in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
🔹 Your lungs — raising your chances of respiratory infections and disease
🔹 Your arteries — contributing to stroke risk

The scary part? You can't see it. You might feel totally fine while harmful bacteria is silently traveling through your system.
This is why we don't just look at your teeth. We look at what's living in your mouth.

Through oral saliva testing and microscope analysis, we can actually identify the types of bacteria hiding in there. Not guess. See.

Once we know what we're dealing with, we can create a plan to eradicate it and protect your whole body.

Your mouth is the gateway. What's living in yours?

Ask us about bacterial testing at your next visit. It could change everything you thought you knew about your health. 💛

12/12/2025

Two products we actually recommend to our patients. 🌿

When people ask what toothpaste I use, I tell them the truth: I stopped using traditional toothpaste years ago.
Here's what I use instead.

OraWellness Shine is a remineralizing tooth powder that helps strengthen enamel naturally. No harsh chemicals. No fluoride controversy. Just minerals your teeth actually need.

Healthy Mouth Blend is an organic oil blend that supports healthy teeth and gums. I love that it's nut-free, USDA organic, and works with your mouth's natural biology instead of against it.

Here's the thing about oral care products. Most conventional options are full of ingredients I can't pronounce and wouldn't put in my body. Artificial sweeteners, harsh detergents, questionable additives.

Your mouth absorbs what you put in it. The tissue under your tongue is one of the most absorbent areas in your body.

So why would I recommend products full of things I wouldn't swallow? I don't.

I recommend products that support health. That work with your body. That I actually use myself and give to my family.
These two have earned their spot in my bathroom and in our practice. 💛

Curious about making the switch? Ask us at your next visit. We'll walk you through it.

12/10/2025

Picture this.

Your career is finally flourishing. Your family is growing. Your business is thriving. You're living the dream. You made it.

And then your body starts shutting down.

Fatigue so heavy your arms feel like they're filled with sand. Brain fog that makes simple tasks feel impossible. Dandruff that won't quit. Rashes covering your face and ears. New food allergies that don't make any sense.

I told myself I was just tired. I was a new mom. I was building a business. Of course I was exhausted.

But my intuition kept whispering that something was really wrong.

I ignored it. I pushed through. Because that's what high achievers do, right?

Until I couldn't anymore.

When I finally saw a functional medicine doctor, the answer stopped me cold: heavy metal toxicity. Mercury. Lead.

My first thought was, this must be from eating too much seafood.

But she said no. This is inorganic mercury. It's from your work environment.

The same dental materials I used every day to restore smiles had been slowly poisoning my body.

I felt betrayed by my profession. By the thing I loved most.

But that moment of breaking became the start of my transformation. I made a vow: if I ever figure this out, I will make sure no one, not my patients, not my team, not anyone, ever has to feel this way again.

That's why I practice wellness dentistry now. That's why I'm mercury-free and mercury-safe. That's why I look at the whole picture.

Because I've been on the other side. And I refuse to let anyone else suffer in silence.

💛 If this resonates with you, I see you. Your symptoms aren't in your head. Your body is trying to tell you something.

12/09/2025

Did you know the Federal government has finally recognized that mercury used in dentistry is a major contributor to mercury pollution for our planet and mercury exposure for dental employees?

This is huge news.

Dr. Katie is the President of the IABDM (International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine) and wants to introduce a higher level of care called The Protect Protocol.

Here's the thing… traditional silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, contain about 50% mercury. When they're drilled out, tiny particles and vapors can be released into the air, exposing patients, the dental team, and ultimately our environment.

This isn't just about protecting our patients, though that's absolutely essential. It's about protecting our team members who show up every day to serve. And yes, it's about protecting our planet too.

During safe mercury removal, the patient breathes clean oxygen through a mask, is fully covered from head to toe, and the tooth is carefully isolated. Our team wears full protective gear and uses advanced suction systems to minimize exposure for everyone in the room.

The best part? This protocol is fully OSHA compliant.

When we protect what happens here, we protect the entire system. Our bodies. Our people. Our earth. 💚

"Becoming a biological dentist changed how I see dentistry forever." - Dr. Luu

Wellness is a way of life, and it starts with how we care for each other.