Freedom from Fluoride

With all of the discussion about how public water supplies across the United States are artificially fluoridated – allegedly to help prevent tooth decay – while the evidence showing that ingesting fluoride is NOT the best way to protect oral health, one must wonder – is there a safe alternative?

Happily, the answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’ – and the solution is as simple as supplementing your diet with vitamin D, which not only helps prevent cavities, but it also helps to keep your gums healthy. Oddly enough this isn’t really news since the link between adequate vitamin D levels and increased cavity prevention is long established, with documentation going as far back as 1861-1865.

Putting Light on Historical Research

According to the Vitamin D Council there are more than a few comprehensive studies that clearly illustrate the connection between solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) light and dental cavities (or caries). These observations begin during the Civil War when a certain population was rejected due to tooth loss – those most notably coming from areas of the United States that lacked consistent sunshine. Then, in the 1900’s enlisted men were similarly evaluated and rejected. A few decades’ later researchers began charting the number of cavities among adolescent boys – and an undeniable correlation between available regional sunlight and the increase or lack of cavities became obvious. Finally, during the 1950s researchers were able to demonstrate that schoolchildren living in the sunnier inland counties of Oregon had fewer caries than those living in persistently foggy coastal counties.

How Vitamin D Works to Prevent Cavities

Vitamin D and calcium creates the best combination to prevent cavities, but at the same time one must remember; adding vitamin D to the diet after the fact will not cure a cavity. However, vitamin D and calcium can reduce the likelihood that additional caries will develop.

Not only is vitamin D naturally produced by the body in response to sunlight, but it comes with no side effects – particularly when activated though exposure to sunlight and as long as proper dosages are followed when using supplements. Vitamin D – which is found in such foods as shiitake and button mushrooms, mackerel and salmon, herring, tuna, catfish and eggs – among others – while green leafy vegetables are a good source for calcium – and calcium we already know it is necessary for bone health. Together these important nutrients create a powerful antimicrobial peptide or protein which actually attacks oral bacteria known to cause dental caries.

Fluoride vs. Vitamin D – A No-Brainer

The prevention of cavities through responsible exposure of adequate sunlight combined with vitamin D supplementation is quite simple and an effective method for achieving good oral health. Whereas fluoride in any form does not adequately prevent cavities but will very likely damage the body when ingested.

What is the Correct Dose?

The only way to know for sure if your vitamin D levels are optimal is to have your blood tested. The Vitamin D Council notes that as of yet there are no observational studies or randomized controlled trials on how vitamin D reduces the risk of cavities. Since there is considerable difference from one person to the next in response to vitamin D supplementation, please see your alternative health practitioner for more information on the available types of vitamin D supplementation and to find out what will work best for you.

New Research: The Links Between Obesity and Gum Disease

Obesity and Gum Disease

Maintaining healthy weight supports good oral health

Gum Disease and Obesity: Reaserch Shows Correlations

The correlation between obesity, diabetes and gum disease is something natural, holistic and biological dentists are well familiar with. New studies indicate that by reducing the fat in the body, the incidence of gum disease will improve. While research going back to 2003 has clearly demonstrated that obese adults are at higher risk of gum disease than are normal-weight people many people who are overweight or obese develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes as well, putting this population at even greater risk of gum disease. Following the epidemic of obesity the statistics are staggering; in the US approximately one of every three persons born in 2000 will develop diabetes in his or her lifetime.

Good news for health conscious Americans and for those who are working to improve their health through diet and exercise; Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers recently reported findings from a pilot study that followed 31 obese people diagnosed with gum disease. Those who had fat cells surgically removed showed significant and rapid improvement in their symptoms of gum disease, while those who remained naturally obese showed little or no improvement.

Half of the group had gastric bypass surgery and had fat cells from the abdomen removed. That half showed much greater recovery from gum disease than did a control group of obese people who also were treated for gum disease but did not have the gastric bypass surgery or fat removed – and therefore presumably did not lose weight or work to increase their overall healthfulness. The tell tale finding of the study shows that the majority of participants who underwent surgery demonstrated significantly lower glucose levels following the procedure.

Diabetes is a complex disease with both vascular and metabolic components. A symbiotic connection appears to exist between diabetic control and oral infections. When gum disease sets in, metabolic control of diabetes is worsened. When diabetes is worsened, gum disease progresses.

Gums affected by gingivitis often bleed and are sensitive, but not always. Other signs include swollen gums, loose teeth, a bad taste in the mouth and persistent bad breath. While virtually anyone can develop periodontitis (gum disease), or diseases of the tissues surrounding the teeth and gums, people with diabetes often have more severe cases that can both cause and predict additional diabetic complications.

People who are diagnosed with adult onset diabetes type 2 are generally better able to control their symptoms though diet, exercise, weight loss and possible medications. This type of diabetes is associated with physical inactivity and obesity and therefore represents the population most likely to be affected by the Case Western Reserve University study – knowing as we do now, that by losing weight (or dropping the fat) not only can they reduce the risk of complications from diabetes, they will also lower their risk of developing gum disease, and/or increase their ability to fight existing periodontitis and restore the gums to full health.

No doubt research on this subject will continue, but the good news for those of us who are concerned with maintaining good oral health is that by following a healthy diet, getting regular dental check-ups, following a routine of adequate physical exercise and maintaining a healthy weight we are much more likely to have healthy gums and teeth. And, in the process we are much less likely to develop diabetes or obesity. Good common sense for some, great news for the rest of us.

Allergies and the Dentist’s Office

Allergies Can Start in the Dentist’s Chair

There has been quite a bit of attention paid to the various metals or amalgams used in dentistry pertaining to the toxic effects that they can have on the body. In addition to metals used in fillings and bridges, it is important to be aware that dentists also use a wide assortment of cements, anesthetics, bonding materials, temporary appliances, denture materials and more – and every one of these substances can potentially cause a negative reaction once placed in the sensitive environment of the mouth.

Fortunately for our patients, holistic dentists are well aware of the potential for compatibility issues with the materials we use in our practices, and therefore we work hard to make sure that our patients are able to tolerate any substance that we might introduce into the mouth. Unfortunately many people don’t realize that the substances and materials mainstream dentists use, but do not test for compatibility, may be causing some serious health issues in their patients. Many problems can start out as something as innocuous as an allergic reaction at the time of placement. To compound the problem, there is much evidence pointing to a correlation between allergies and autoimmune disorders. In other words, if the source of the allergy is not pinpointed and removed, then potentially the resulting reaction could manifest itself as an autoimmune disorder.

So, whether you are considering having some dental work done now, of if you have serious and persistent health issues and suspect a correlation to previous dental procedures – understanding how an allergic reaction can instigate larger health issues will help you decide how to proceed.

Understanding Allergies

An allergic reaction is best described as an overreaction of the body’s immune system which usually springs up in response to something relatively harmless known as an ‘allergen’. Allergies are caused by the activation of an antibody in the blood called immunoglobulin E. Allergens we are most familiar with include pollens, grasses, bee venom, medications and certain foods such as peanuts and eggs. Common symptoms include a runny nose, itchy eyes or rashes and sometimes people have difficulty breathing. Although reactions are usually mild, occasionally they can be severe, or even fatal.

In the dental industry, allergies to various materials aren’t the only issue causing concern; patients have long been known to have adverse reactions to gold and ‘silver’ amalgam fillings – reactions that can last a lifetime if not treated. Dental material allergies and amalgam allergies can both present anywhere from a few hours to a few days after exposure to the material and symptoms can include swollen lips, oral, head and neck rashes and sometimes lesions in the mouth. Although these symptoms may appear to clear up on their own without medical intervention after just a few days, the body may well continue to fight what it considers to be a foreign agent, releasing a torrent of antibodies into the bloodstream over a long period of time.  As a result one must be wary that the potential of long term exposure could cause a cascade effect impacting the immune system in very unhealthy ways.

How Allergies Lead to More Serious Problems

Between 15 and 25 million Americans are reportedly affected every year by one autoimmune disorder or another – and as of yet, no medical authority is pointing the finger at any particular culprit.  At the same time allergists suspect that defects in the immune system and hypersensitivity often begin with something as seemingly benign as an allergic reaction.  When you consider that the word “autoimmune” means self-immune and it is characterized by the immune system turning on itself in attack in a state of hyperactivity of the immune system then you can begin to see the similarities between autoimmune disorders and allergies, and doctors are  beginning to realize that allergies are quite often a precursor to autoimmune disease.

Many health problems are recognized to be related to mercury (and other metals) used in ‘silver’ fillings, and its longtime impact on the body is suspected to be instrumental in autoimmune diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Psoriasis, and Scleroderma. Other autoimmune disorders that we are hearing more and more about include; Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and others.  With this alarming rise in autoimmune diseases, it makes sense for us to take whatever steps we can to ensure that our patients are biocompatible before allowing any substance or material to be permanently affixed into the mouth.

Be Safe from the Get-go

The unique thing about putting a potentially incompatible dental material in the mouth is that it presents a 24-hour a day exposure that you simply cannot get away from. Unfortunately there isn’t any one set of materials that are compatible for every person since every patient is different and presents a unique physiology. However, there are some materials that are recognized to be better tolerated by more people than other materials. People with weak immune systems have an even greater difficulty finding substances that can be tolerated but fortunately there are ways to test everyone for compatibility. The most common types of tests used by holistic dental offices include:

• Clifford Materials Blood Test
  The blood test will offer results that are based on true allergens. Specifically the Clifford Materials Test is a blood test that will determine if a blood serum sample will react to known dental materials. Although this test can provide valuable information about existing allergies, results may not be as comprehensive when it comes to testing for materials the patient has not yet been exposed to.
• Electro-dermal Screening (EAV)
  Electro-dermal screening is performed by using a machine that tests dental materials according to their compatibility with the patient’s acupuncture meridian system. This test will allow us to determine more than just what materials are compatible, but which materials appear to be optimal for a particular patient. As with muscle testing, we can determine reactions to substances and elements the patient has never previously been exposed to.
• Applied Kinesiology
  Applied kinesiology is based upon the activity of muscles and the relationship of muscle strength to health. This test is based on bio-feedback and will give strictly ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. Using applied kinesiology we are able to test both commonly used items and items that a person has never been exposed to, and by using the body’s biofeedback abilities, identify those items that weaken the individual.

Allergy Testing – An Important Part of the Whole

As natural dentists, our goal is to treat the whole person through the use of safe, natural and painless methods. Our innovative approach to dental care focuses on the health and wellness of the mouth in relation to the whole body, including identifying and treating issues pertaining to allergies and autoimmune disorders. In addition to providing allergy testing, we are able to recommend a variety of natural and herbal products that can help support the immune system – helping to bring our patients to a greater state of overall wellness.

The Facts About Ozone Therapy in Dentistry

Ozone: Natural Healing Agent … or Just a Lot of Hot Air?

Touted as a skincare treatment, a cure for cancer, and Mother Nature’s sunscreen, Ozone (O3) has also raised interest – and eyebrows – in the dental industry. As a 12-year dental practitioner passionate about holistic healthcare, I have been drilling down on the truth about ozone therapy. Here, let’s bust some myths about ozone and explore the proven applications of this treatment option.

True: Ozone is the strongest oxidizer in medicine. It’s the most powerful anti-bacterial treatment known, with the ability to kill viruses, yeasts, and bacteria.

True: Our bodies naturally produce ozone. Our white blood cells, which we use to combat infections, live in an ozone environment. Ozone applied as a dental treatment supplements that which our bodies already use naturally to kill bacteria and fungus.

False: Ozone treatment is a proven cure for cancer. Ozone does inhibit the growth of new tissue, and some proponents advocate that certain cancer cells can be inhibited by ozone, but there are no studies or clinical trials proving as much.

True: Ozone is not yet approved by the FDA for medical purposes. It is, however, FDA approved for food preservation and water treatment.

False: Olive oil infused with ozone can make you look younger. Some products, however, infused with ozone, are used for the treatment of skin inflammation including dermatitis and seborrhea.

True: Ozone has been used successfully for many years to combat cavities, infections, periodontal disease, tooth sensitivity, and cavitations. It also has effective applications in whitening and oral surgery.

False: Ozone is toxic to humans in all forms. Ozone, inhaled in certain quantities, can cause respiratory issues in mammals. At The Center for Natural Dentistry, however, we follow protocols that strictly limit ozone inhalation in quantity.

True: Ozone in dental therapy is not administered in toxic doses; it is not inhaled, or injected into the blood stream. At the Center for Natural Dentistry, we deliver ozone under a strict protocol, making it a safe and effective treatment option.

True: As a practioner of dentistry, I have seen remarkable and often immediate results from the use of ozone therapy. The strong and vital correlation between our oral environment and our entire body is supported by the use of holistic treatments such as ozone.

Further Reading:

Ozone Therapy as Treatment in Dentistry
http://naturaldentistry.us/1672/ozone-therapy-as-treatment-in-dentistry/

Dr. Frank Shallenberger, M.D., has noted 13 major effects of ozone on the human body, which help explain its effectiveness in holistic dentistry.

1. Ozone stimulates the production of white blood cells. As a result, allergies have a tendency to become desensitized.
2. Interferon levels – globular proteins that orchestrate every aspect of the immune system – are significantly increased.
3. Ozone stimulates the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor, inhibiting the growth of lone, metastasized cancer cells.
4. Ozone stimulates the secretion of IL-2, one of the cornerstones of the immune system..
5. Ozone kills most bacteria at low concentrations.
6. Ozone is effective against all types of fungi.
7. Ozone is the best virucide.
8. Ozone is antineoplastic, which inhibits the growth of new tissue.
9. Ozone oxidizes arterial plaque.
10. Ozone increases the flexibility and elasticity of red blood cells, allowing oxygen levels to stay elevated for days, or even weeks after treatment with ozone.
11. Ozone accelerates the Citric Acid Cycle. Also known as the Kreb’s Cycle or TCA Cycle, this is a very important step in the glycolysis of carbohydrate for energy.
12. Ozone makes the anti-oxidant enzyme system more efficient.
13. Ozone breaks down petrochemicals, which have a potential to place a great burden on the immune system.

What’s the Best Toothpaste? — Part 2

Simple Science: The Best Toothpaste

In the wide and confusing world of popular tooth cleansing products undoubtedly the safest, most effective combination you can use on your teeth is a soft bristle toothbrush and water, twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. Back up this simple exercise by flossing at least once a day, without fail — and you will have the healthiest mouth around.

But realistically most of us who are interested in maintaining a healthy oral environment probably will feel slightly dissatisfied with the notion that you can have clean teeth without using minty commercial toothpaste. So, what are the healthiest options and how can you make sure you are using products that promote clean teeth and preserve your overall good health?

It’s All In the Ingredients

When you consider that Ben Franklin used a combination of honey and ground charcoal to clean his teeth, it becomes fairly evident that people have been concerned with keeping their teeth clean for a very long time and over the course of time; there has been quite a few interesting ways of accomplishing the important feat of good oral hygiene.

Take for example an ancient Egyptian recipe discovered in 2003 dating back more than 1,500 years that combined one drachma of rock salt – (approximately 100th of an ounce) – two drachmas of mint, one drachma of dried iris flower and 20 grains of pepper all carefully crushed and mixed together to form the best known “powder for white and perfect teeth”. Modern scholars daring enough to try the concoction for themselves found it ‘abrasive and painful to use’. And so … it’s no doubt why we’ve been looking for better alternatives ever since.

Ingredients to Avoid

The most common ingredients in toothpaste include; Silica and Limestone, Aluminum Oxide (provides coarseness to scrubbing) Titanium Dioxide (made from the minerals ilmenite, rutile and anatase – to give toothpaste its white pigment), Mica (adds sparkle to the toothpaste) and of course, fluoride.
For many of the ingredients in toothpaste there are potential health concerns and some have proven to be downright toxic. Some of the biggest offending chemicals include the following:

Fluoride: a byproduct of the fertilizer industrial – this toxic chemical can cause a myriad of health problems when ingested (usually as an additive of the public water systems) and, ironically it is a known demineralizer that removes calcium from teeth and bones causing discolorization of teeth leaving them brittle.

Saccharin and other artificial sweeteners: People ingest synthetic sweeteners and don’t realize how harmful it can be to their health, much less their teeth. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any artificial ingredients in your toothpaste, particularly in the form of sweeteners.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and other detergents: used in many known products as a foaming agent and as with most detergents SLS is known to be harmful to the skin, eyes, brain, liver and lungs. It is also quite corrosive and harmful to skin tissue. SLS is also widely used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and car wash soaps.

Aluminum: when combined with fluoride, aluminum is absorbed into the body at an alarming rate, and aluminum is a metal that seems to collect in the brains of Alzheimer’s victims.

Silica or Zirconium: an abrasive mineral – harms gums and wears away tooth enamel which is particularly hazardous for people who brush a little too enthusiastically or when combined with hard bristle toothbrushes.

Healthy Alternatives

Everyone is looking for a healthy alternative, so what’s the best toothpaste? What’s the best alternative? The fact is, each and every person reacts differently to different ingredients. Take for instance, the case of a recent patient of ours: she had been recommended a bee propolis toothpaste which, by most accounts, is a very biocompatible toothpaste. She broke out into blisters along her guns (and no, she is not allergic to bees). Even within our office we have different employees who are sensitive to different toothpastes. The choice of one employee actually causes dry mouth in another employee. So what’s the best toothpaste for you? You’ll have to learn the ingredients and try different types until you find one that you are most compatible with.

Mixing Up the Homemade Pastes

An online search will turn up hundreds of recipes for toothpaste, and most of those at least start with the two basic ingredients of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. For anyone interested in trying their own hand at making homemade toothpaste just keep in mind that you want to avoid anything that might be overly abrasive to tooth enamel or harmful to the gums, and never swallow the ingredients.
For its recognized healing properties, Aloe Vera is a good ingredient to include as is diluted tea tree oil but most recipes focus on taste and giving a lasting sense of freshness to the mouth. Some of those ingredients include cinnamon, ginger, fennel, clove, spearmint and peppermint – all relatively harmless when combined with other dry ingredients but stay away from essential oil versions of these flavors unless they are well diluted as they can cause burning sensations to the mouth and gums.

Store Bought Toothpastes

There is an unending list of toothpastes on the market today, some claiming to be ‘natural’ while still including ingredients that are either on our list of things to avoid or chemicals that cannot be pronounced. The bottom line is; avoid any toothpaste that has more than six or seven ingredients and never buy anything that contains chemicals or ingredients that you cannot identify. Look for toothpastes that do not contain fluoride, aluminum, artificial sweeteners or detergents and beware of toothpaste marked ‘natural’ – do your homework and read the label.

Toothpaste Analysis

To help make your decision easier (or maybe more difficult) we have compiled a list of many of the most popular alternative toothpaste options. We have done our best to provide complete analysis, but as formulas change, this list may become out of date. Hopefully it provides a starting point for you in your search.

Enjoy… and good luck!

This File May be Best Viewed if You Download it Using the Link Provided… It’s a Large Document.
Best Toothpastes