Lifestyle and Nutrition

Because your smile is part of the bigger picture.

At Gibside Dental, we believe that dental care shouldn’t stop at your teeth. The way you eat, breathe, sleep and manage stress all shape your oral health—and, in turn, your wider well-being. Our lifestyle programmes connect these dots, giving you the tools to support both your smile and your whole body health.

Nourishment beyond the smile

Dr Harriet Beaty brings a unique perspective to Gibside. Alongside her work as a dentist, she has also trained in nutrition, diet and exercise. This means her approach to care goes beyond fillings and check-ups—helping patients understand how diet and nutrition play a vital role in preventing decay, managing gum health, and even reducing inflammation linked to chronic disease.

Together, we can look at:

• Food choices that strengthen teeth and gums.
• Nutritional support for healing after dental treatment.
• Identifying links between diet, chronic inflammation and conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

The body-mouth connection

Your oral health weaves into your overall health more than you might think. Research has linked gum disease and jaw issues to wider conditions, including:

• Heart health: Gum disease raises cardiovascular risk.
• Diabetes: Diabetes and periodontal disease have a strong two-way relationship: diabetes increases the risk of periodontal disease, and the inflammation from periodontal disease can worsen blood sugar control.
• Skin and autoimmune concerns: Inflammation in the mouth can trigger other inflammatory problems elsewhere in the body. Emerging evidence shows links to other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and Alzheimer’s.
• Airway health: Airway restrictions start with the mouth and jaws, and your dentist can help screen you for airway problems.

Understanding these connections helps us empower patients to make choices that protect their whole-body health—not just their smile.