Dried Licorice Root Eliminates Bacteria That Cause Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Research on dried licorice root released in January, published in ACS’s Journal of Natural Products, reports that two of compounds found in licorice, licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, may play a significant role in “treating and preventing tooth decay and gum disease.”

Stefan Gafner and his team of researchers point out that the dried root of the licorice plant is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, especially as a way to enhance the activity of other herbal ingredients, or as a flavoring. And herbalists and alternative health practitioners have long known of the many benefits of licorice including; to relieve respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, colds, coughs, congestion, sore throat, and allergies. In addition, it is used for stomach ailments including heartburn from reflux, inflammatory issues, skin conditions (eczema and psoriasis), minor skin infections, and liver problems.

The leading cause of tooth loss is gum disease and tooth decay which is best managed by good oral hygiene practices and regular trips to the dentist, but the discovery of the antibacterial properties of dried licorice root now offers an additional way to stave off these dental health issues. Before using the dried licorice root it is best to take stock of any other prescription drugs you may be using as it has been known to have adverse effects when used with certain prescription drugs.

Glycyrrhizin, one of the more common components found in licorice, has long been believed to contribute to its many therapeutic properties. Additional substances that have been identified in licorice include compounds called flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). But to test whether the root could combat specific bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities, the researchers focused on the licorice compounds called licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, which tested as the most effective antibacterial substances. Together, these substances killed two of the major bacteria responsible for dental cavities and two of the bacteria that promote gum disease while the substance licoricidin honed in on and killed a third gum disease bacterium. The researchers also indicate that these substances could treat and quite possibly prevent oral infections.

For a list of precautions visit the Herb Library, and/or consult with your physician before taking licorice root supplements.

Root Canals: More Dangerous Than Mercury Fillings

Click the player below to listen to this episode of Let’s Talk Dentistry with San Diego holistic dentist, Dr. Marvin.

Dr. Marvin talks about Al rejoins the show this week to re-touch on his personal experience, just how root canals in your body may be far worse then you ever would have thought. The infections and what they cause within your body are dramatic and truly need to be addressed by many. join us now and listen in on all the great information Dr. Marvin has for you today.

San Diego Holistic Dentist Welcomes Biological Dentist Dr. Stacy Godes to The Center for Natural Dentistry

The Center for Natural Dentistry (www.NaturalDentistry.us) has taken another significant step in it’s fight to protect and preserve the health of it’s patients by hiring Dr. Stacy Godes to join Dr. Marvin Pantangco at San Diego’s prestigious holistic dental practice.

November 3, 2011 – San Diego holistic dental practice, The Center for Natural Dentistry, is pleased to announce the addition of biological dentist Dr. Stacy Godes to it’s team.

The Center for Natural Dentistry — a holistic dental practice in San Diego integrating natural procedures with traditional science-based dentistry — is focused on improving whole-body wellness through proper, effective dental care with an eye on improving the health of it’s patients.

The addition of Dr. Stacy Godes provides two benefits to existing and new patients:

• It provides patients with another skilled, experienced doctor to work with (The Center for Natural Dentistry was consistently booked up to five weeks in advance. Dr. Godes’ addition provides more opportunities for patients to schedule an appointment)
• It adds ozone therapy to the practice’s alternative dental offerings. Ozone Oxygen/ozone therapy, when introduced into the living system, disinfects the area treated, both safely and effectively. Treating with ozone in dentistry can increase blood flow, enhanced immune response, and provide a more rapid healing response. It’s often used as an alternative method of fighting cavities and periodontal disease.

“Being a holistic dental office, we never place mercury fillings,” says Dr. Marvin, “but it goes beyond that. We are seeking to improve and enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients. We never perform root canals, we follow a strict extraction protocol to prevent bone infection, we use non-surgical methods to treat gum disease, we are extremely cautious when removing mercury fillings, and we never use metals in our restorations. We also test our patients for biocompatibility before using any new materials… we are holistic dentists in every sense of the word. Adding Dr. Godes to the team takes us to a new level and allows to provide even better service to our patients.”

Dr. Stacy Godes (pronounced ‘Goddess’) chose to pursue a career in the dental profession as a way to help people achieve their goals related to overall health and well-being; a career choice that she says is exceptionally rewarding for her at The Center for Natural Dentistry as our newest holistic dentist. Combining the art and science of dentistry into a tool for healing is not just an interest, but a passion for Dr. Godes, as she works to promote health and healing of her patients.

Trained at University of the Pacific in general dentistry and at the IAOMT and IABDM in holistic dentistry, Dr. Godes is a valuable addition to the team and an asset to our patients.

“At The Center for Natural Dentistry, we help patients who have an appreciation for natural health as well as patients who have suffered from long-standing systemic health problems. Many of our patients have tried traditional medicine with unsatisfying results. We offer an alternative look – a look into how their mouth affects their overall health — with some amazing results.”

To celebrate the addition of Dr. Godes to The Center for Natural Dentistry team, they are offering a FREE 30-minute phone consultation to anyone who would like to know if holistic dentistry is right for them or to patients who have long-standing systemic health issues and are looking for answers. If you have “tried it all” when it comes to improving your health, don’t give up. Call for a free consultation to find out how holistic dentistry may be able to help you: 760-536-1199.

About The Center for Natural Dentistry:
The Center for Natural Dentistry provides San Diego residents with safe, effective alternative dental care. Dr. Marvin and Dr. Godes offer holistic dentistry without using toxic chemicals, expensive surgeries, and needless drilling. For information — including a free phone consultation — visit http://NaturalDentistry.us or call (760) 536-1199.

Contact:
Dr. Marvin
The Center for Natural Dentistry
760-536-1199

http://naturaldentistry.us/

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The World Health Organization urges “switch” away from amalgam

Great news from Charlie Brown at Consumers for Dental Choice. I can’t say it much better than he did, so you can read his letter verbatim, below.

In a clear sign that dentistry’s amalgam era is fading, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) just released its long-awaited report on dental amalgam.  In Future Use of Materials for Dental Restoration, WHO urges “a switch in use of dental materials” away from amalgam.

“[F]or many reasons,” WHO explains, “restorative materials alternative to dental amalgam are desirable.”  The report describes three of these reasons in detail:

• WHO determines that amalgam releases a “significant amount of mercury”:  WHO concludes that amalgam poses a serious environmental health problem because amalgam releases a “significant amount of mercury” into the environment, including the atmosphere, surface water, groundwater, and soil.  WHO says “When released from dental amalgam use into the environment through these pathways, mercury is transported globally and deposited.  Mercury releases may then enter the human food chain especially via fish consumption.”
• WHO determines that amalgam raises “general health concerns”:  While the report acknowledges that a few dental trade groups still believe amalgam is safe for all, the WHO report reaches a very different conclusion: “Amalgam has been associated with general health concerns.”  The report observes, “According to the Norwegian Dental Biomaterials Adverse Reaction Unit, the majority of cases of side-effects of dental filling materials are linked with dental amalgam.”
• WHO determines that “materials alternative to dental amalgam are available”:  WHO concludes that “Materials alternative to dental amalgam are available” – and cites many studies indicating that they are superior to amalgam.  For example, WHO says “recent data suggest that RBCs [resin-based composites] perform equally well” as amalgam.  And compomers have a higher survival rate, says WHO, citing a study finding that 95% of compomers and 92% of amalgams survive after 4 years.  Perhaps more important than the survival of the filling, WHO asserts that “Adhesive resin materials allow for less tooth destruction and, as a result, a longer survival of the tooth itself.”

We have come a long way.  Less than a year ago, dental trade groups were circulating an unedited and unreviewed draft of this report to government officials, implying that it was WHO’s final position.  But the draft was riddled with factual errors and scientifically unsupported claims.  Consumers for Dental Choice – working with non-governmental organizations, scientists, and environmentalists from around the globe – organized a letter-writing campaign to insist that the draft be immediately withdrawn, accurately rewritten, and properly reviewed.

And it worked!  Now WHO has removed all claims of amalgam’s safety.  Now WHO has committed itself to “work for reduction of mercury and the development of a healthy environment.”  Now “WHO will facilitate the work for a switch in use of dental materials.”

Thank you to everybody who urged WHO to take this important step to protect future generations from dental mercury.

It’s time for the U.S. FDA to catch up with the world – and we need your help.  FDA’s support for amalgam is radically inconsistent with WHO’s new position.  Please contact Dr. Jeff Shuren, Director of the FDA Center for Devices, at

Email:  jeff.shuren@fda.hhs.gov

Fax:  301-847-8149 & 301-847-8109

Telephone:  301-796-5900

Mail: 10903 New Hampshire Ave., WO66-5431, Room 5442, Silver Spring MD 20993-0002
Here is a sample letter:
Dear Dr. Shuren:

In its recent report, the World Health Organization concludes that dental amalgam releases a “significant amount of mercury” and raises “general health concerns.”  In light of these serious problems, WHO calls on health authorities like FDA to take action now: “Health authorities can play an active role in advocacy for use of dental materials alternative to amalgam…Directives can be set up for provision of dental care incorporating concerns for oral health and the environment.”   

The WHO report says “Materials alternative to dental amalgam are available.”  In particular, “Alternative restorative materials of sufficient quality are available for use in the deciduous [baby] dentition of children” – the population whose developing neurological systems are most susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of dental mercury according to FDA.  So there is no excuse for subjecting children to the risks associated with dental mercury exposure.

FDA needs to stop amalgam use in children immediately and join WHO in working for a switch to the many mercury-free alternatives to amalgam.    

Sincerely,
Your name

Thank you for working with us to protect everyone worldwide from mercury fillings!

– Charlie, 18 October 2011

Charles G. Brown
National Counsel, Consumers for Dental Choice
President, World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry
316 F St. NE, Suite 210, Washington DC 20002
Telephone: 202-544-6333
Fax: 202-544-6331

The Top Story Today in Tampa… not what you think

I’m in Tampa, Florida today for a conference and had some shocking news when I woke up. The news? Pinellas County (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, etc.) is REMOVING fluoride from it’s water.

The really shocking thing? This news story was AHEAD of the death of the venerable Steve Jobs in this morning’s paper(s).

While the battle over fluoride is beginning and/or raging in many municipalities around the country, the fact that Pinellas County — of all places, not the stereotype for alternative health by most measures — is big news, even if it wasn’t affected for health reasons (more on that, below).

Here’s a link to just one of the headline stories (I have so far seen it on the cover of three major papers): http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article1195449.ece

Here’s another shocker: Who was the organization that stopped the fluoridation and affected this headline change in policy? Not the IAOMT, not the Fluoride Action Network, not the IABDM… nope, it’s none of the above. Instead, it was the Tea Party. Yes, the conservative political group affected the change to end fluoridation in Pinellas County.

I won’t say too much else except this: Read some of the quotes in the articles, as they are classic of mainstream thinking. Here’s a sampling:

• “I think the tea party has engulfed themselves or surrounded themselves with conspiracy theorists,”
• “I think it’s embarrassing and shortsighted,”

Oh, and what spawned the change? Well, it certainly wasn’t the health effects. Nope, it was the government’s use of taxpayer money. Oh well… at least it’s a start!