What is Holistic Dentistry… and Why Should You Care?

Episode 16 of Dangers in Dentistry, originally aired on KPRZ in San Diego.

Holistic dentistry. It’s a term that gets tossed around a lot. But what does it actually mean? Is it just another fad or way to charge more? Well, this episode of Dangers in Dentistry will give you the answers you need to make an informed decision.

Holistic dentistry is science-based dentistry that looks at the mouth’s affect on the whole body. Rather than focusing on the topical problem, we seek out the root cause and develop treatment based on the idea that what goes into the mouth affects the body.

Find out more about holistic dentistry in this week’s episode of Dangers in Dentistry, with America’s Holistic Dentist, Dr. Marvin.

Enjoy!
Dr. Marvin
San Diego, Encinitas Holistic and Natural Dentist

Is Stress Taking it’s Toll on Your Teeth?

The economy is bad. Unemployment is high. Real estate values are low… It’s a stressful time for many — if not most — families in America right now. But who’s taking the worst of it? Who — or what — is the biggest punching bag for all our stress? It’s possibly our teeth.

In a recent New York Times article (When Stress Takes a Toll on Your Teeth, By Camille Sweeney, October 7, 2009), Manhattan dentist Dr. Robert Rawdin, reported to have seen “20 to 25 percent more patients with teeth grinding symptoms in the last year. And in San Diego, Dr. Gerald McCracken said that over the last 18 months his number of cases had more than doubled.”

“We’re finding in a lot of double-income families, we have the people who have lost jobs and are worried, and then we have the spouse, who still has the job, with the added pressure and uncertainty,” Dr. McCracken said. “This can cause some real grinding at night.”

Teeth grinding — or Bruxism — is an unconscious act, so most people don’t know they grind their teeth. In fact, most grinders are night grinders, rubbing away at their teeth as they sleep. The only way to distinguish what’s going on is symptomatic. Jaw and facial pain, headaches and earaches are some of the most commonly reported. Perhaps the most damaging affect, however, is the physical wear on the teeth.

Teeth grinders can exert as much as 10 times the amount of pressure on their teeth when the are sleeping as they do when they are eating. Not coincidentally, they can also wear away the enamel on their teeth 10 times faster. Since we only get one set of “adult” teeth that are expected to last us a lifetime, the long term affects of severe tooth wear can be devastating.

So what’s the solution? On the high-end is veneers. Expensive, veneers can repair the look and functionality of your teeth. Unfortunately, veneers won’t help solve the root problem: you’ll still grind your teeth. The most common solution is an occlusal splint, or night guard.

Custom night guards can not only help stop the grinding, they can actually help train the muscles to stop the grinding motion altogether for some patients, eliminating the long term need for the guard.  Night guards are not all the same.  We fabricate guards the fit the lower teeth and are adjusted to the proper bite alignment.

While inexpensive night guards are available over the counter, many are made of soft plastics that can actually increase the chewing and grinding action, compounding the problem.  That’s right, run of the mill guards can make things worse!

Stress can affect us all in different ways, but one of the more common manifestations is the grinding of our teeth. If your teeth show wear in your molars or anywhere else — whether you’re stressed or not — or if you’re getting frequent facial pain or headaches, see a dentist. While over the counter and prescription pain medications can alleviate the pain, they will do nothing to solve the problem, which may well be rooted in your teeth.

Root Canals, Formaldehyde, Infections — Oh My!

Episode 15 of Dangers in Dentistry, originally aired on KPRZ in San Diego.

No one wants a root canal. But are there medical reasons to avoid the painful root canal therapy that so many people undergo?

The bacteria left in the tooth after a root canal can infect the mouth, the jaw, the blood stream, and the entire body. The chemicals used to sterilize your canal during the procedure (including formaldehyde) can also cause serious damage to your overall health.

So why are root canals performed? Do they really “save the tooth,” as endodontists and dentists like to say?

Discover the truth about the dangers — and benefits — of root canals in this week’s episode of Dangers in Dentistry, with America’s Holistic Dentist, Dr. Marvin.

Enjoy!
Dr. Marvin
San Diego, Encinitas Holistic and Natural Dentist

What’s in Your Water? Should You Be Concerned?

Episode 14 of Dangers in Dentistry, originally aired on KPRZ in San Diego.

Fluoride. It’s a medication, and you may be forced to take it without even being aware of it.

For years cities have been adding fluoride into public water supplies in an effort to improve dental health. Sounds good right? But there’s a problem: while topical fluoride can indeed help prevent cavities when applied directly to your teeth, ingesting fluoride has never been proven to be beneficial. In fact, many studies suggest connections between fluoride and bone cancer, among other things.

Find out why you may be forced to ingest a medication against your will, what you can do about it, and if you should be concerned at all in this week’s episode of Dangers in Dentistry, with America’s Holistic Dentist, Dr. Marvin.

Enjoy!
Dr. Marvin
San Diego, Encinitas Holistic and Natural Dentist

Dangers in Dentistry — Alternatives to Braces (Invisalign and other options)

Episode 13 of Dangers in Dentistry, originally aired on KPRZ in San Diego.

Do you remember the dreaded “head gear” that plagued school playgrounds in the early days of braces? Since then, orthodontics have come a long way. Smaller brackets, clear brackets, no rubber bands, ceramics, Invisalign, and now Minor Tooth Movement.

What are the differences? Which are safe? How do you know which is right for you?

Get the inside scoop on braces and your alternative options to achieving straight teeth and a proper bite during this week’s episode of Dangers in Dentistry with America’s Holistic Dentist, Dr. Marvin.

Enjoy!
Dr. Marvin
San Diego, Encinitas Holistic Dentist

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