Holistic Dentistry Articles
Finally, An Integrative Dentist’s Opinion on Root Canals: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
My book on root canal infections that are hidden and not being seen by your dentist is coming out in 2018. It delves into this issue of infected root canals, how they come about and what to do about them. The reason I’m writing this book is that I’ve seen evidence in my practice that a sizable percentage of previously done root canals are actually still infected or have become reinfected over time. I will be presenting evidence of this over the coming months, but suffice it to say the percentage of undiagnosed infections due to root canals is alarmingly high. It is enough of a problem that I find myself having to speak up and start to document it with current cases.
Wait a Minute! Isn’t a Root Canal Supposed to Cure My Infected Tooth?
Yes, at least that is what you are told by your well-meaning dentist. What you are not told is that the tooth you are saving by doing a root canal no longer has a blood supply or nerve.
Healthy Gums, Healthy Heart
It may be fair to say that the gums are a foundation for health and wellbeing in the entire body and not just the mouth. February has been designated as Heart Health Month by the American Heart Association, and numerous studies have demonstrated the link between...
Why Routine Cleanings are Important and When to Use Lasers
Precision Dental Medicine is no longer just about measuring pockets; it means looking at the totality of the situation, including the body’s equilibrium and response to inflammation.
The Root Canal Cover-Up: Did George Meinig Have it Right?
Did George Meinig have it right when he wrote ‘The Root Canal Cover-Up back in 1993? Yes and no. The reason I say this is explained below, so keep reading. In his book, Meinig highlights the research done by Westin Price a century ago demonstrating how root canal infections cause other health conditions and illnesses in the body. Price was most famous for his rabbit experiments, where he implanted root canal teeth from his patients into rabbits and tracked how that animal fared afterward. What he observed was that the rabbits got sick and in many cases died as a result. After observing this scores of times, he coined the phrase ‘focal infection’, which basically means that the bacteria in one part of the body can affect or cause illness in another part of the body.
How to Not Get Exposed to Mercury During Amalgam Removal
Amalgams are silver-colored metal fillings. 50% mercury by volume. It has been estimated that up to 14% of the metal waste in the oceans is from dental amalgam. Its use has been banned entirely in Norway, Denmark and Sweden. In September 2020 an article published in...
Dr. Mercola Interviews Root Canal Specialist
I was a little surprised when I heard that Dr. Mercola interviewed Dr Kanter, a root canal specialist. Dr. Mercola is a man with a mission, familiar to many health-minded people as an advocate for natural health. The current conversation about root canals among many of his followers is generally along the lines of: ‘If you need a root canal, extract the tooth!’ or ‘Why would you want a dead tooth in your mouth?’
Oral Systemic Health – Why It Matters
In this post we discuss a unique model of prevention, treatment and maintenance that you will not find anywhere else. In order to maintain oral health it’s important to understand how the mouth works and how it heals. We also discuss what to do before, during and after treatment to maintain and/or restore oral health.
Infected Root Canal to Zirconia Implant – A Case Study
When a tooth has an infected root canal often times it needs to be removed and a ceramic implant placed instead. In dentistry we always try to leave the patient better off, and with old infected root canals, sometimes it is better to just remove the problem and start...
DIY Ways You Can Meet the Challenge of the Coronavirus Covid 19 – Part 3
We’ve all been shocked to learn that the President and first lady are in quarantine with the Coronavirus. This brings DIY protection for you and your family top of mind again. It’s always best to take a proactive approach with your health. In this instance, one way would be to boost your immune system.
DIY Ways You Can Meet the Challenge of the Coronavirus Covid 19 – Part 2
What is the significance of stress and inflammation and how do they impact the immune system? Stress causes aging because it causes inflammation, and inflammation is often created by chronic stress. Short tern stress, or the ‘Fight or Flight’ response, is to be expected as it is a normal part of life. However, when the stress response becomes chronic, meaning that it lasts for a long time, then it’s really hard on the body.
DIY Ways to Adapt to the Challenge of the Coronavirus Covid 19 – Part 1
This article is about do-it-yourself ways to adapt and still manage to thrive in these unusual times. As long as the ‘shelter in place’ mandate remains active, there is also an opportunity to be proactive and nurture yourself to better health.
Alert: High Blood Pressure Medication and Covid 19 Infections
A new research paper, just out as of March 23rd, states that high blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors negatively affect people with Covid 19 infections. James Diaz MD, of Louisiana State University Health Center, has proposed a possible explanation for the severe lung complications seen with some patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The paper states that there is a correlation between complications in the lungs and high blood pressure medication, specifically ACE inhibitors and ARB’s.
DIY Ways to Keep Your Mouth Healthy During the Coronavirus Mandate
I wanted to get out some DIY ways that my subscribers and patients can use to meet the challenge of the Coronavirus. So, over the next couple of weeks I will be posting tips and guidance on what you can do on your own to maintain and improve the health of not only your mouth, but your entire body.
One of the services dentists in California have had to eliminate is teeth cleanings. This includes all routine recall appointments. While this is not a big problem short term, long term it’s an issue. The gums and the mucosal lining of the mouth is exposed to the outside world and susceptible to microbial growth and infections. If you don’t get cleanings done on a regular basis, then these microbes make a home around your teeth and under your gums, creating constant inflammation. These microbes can also gain access to the rest of your body, because bleeding or ‘leaky’ gums can give aggressive microbes access to your bloodstream.
How Dentistry Can Meet the Challenge of the Coronavirus
Due to the changing global landscape caused by the Coronavirus, dentistry has had to adapt as well. Based on the ‘shelter in place’ mandate issued by California’s governor, all elective, non essential services are going to be suspended. This is the guidance from the CDA, the ADA, the CDC and Home Health as well. But what does that mean? If you have an appointment for a non essential dental procedure like a cleaning, you’ll need to reschedule your appointment. However, if you have an essential need that can’t wait, then you should definitely seek care and not put it off. What is essential care? Read more to find out.
Hidden Microbes in Your Mouth Affect Your Gut, Heart and Brain: Part 1
Can the microbiome in your mouth affect the microbiome in your gut? The answer is yes, according to a study in the Journal of Oral Microbiology, published in March of 2019. More on this later. First, let’s explore what the microbiome is and why it’s so important. We are actually walking, talking microbial ecosystems.