What lies beneath my holistic practice of dental hygiene is a long-held belief that the health of the mouth works in concert with your total health. Understanding preventive measures and exploring interrelated conditions are essential. I have seen remarkable, positive changes for patients who follow a holistic path. There is still a great deal of education to be done, but dentistry is gradually incorporating some complementary approaches into oral health and wellness. If you have someone who merely drills and fills, here are 5 things your dentist isn’t telling you:
#1: It’s all about your immune system
Healthy people have healthy mouths. If your immune system is challenged, it’s going to show up in your mouth. We’re talking about cavities, inflamed gums, bad breath, a coated or swollen tongue, perpetual “cold” sores, and a whole lot more.
This is a topic worthy of a hundred blogs; we’ll explore this in future posts. For starters, eating a healthy diet high in fiber, exercising regularly, and managing the stress in your life work together to keep your immune system robust. Strong immunity prevents harmful bacteria from gaining a foothold in your mouth.
#2: Natural products improve oral health
Multiple studies support the use of natural medicines and supplements in reducing bacteria and plaque. The international, peer-reviewed journal eCAM confirms that medicinal plant extracts with activity against oral bacteria are safe and effective in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.
In my own practice over three decades and in hundreds of case studies, I have investigated and witnessed how the right supplements can restore and enhance wellness, and reverse oral disease and its symptoms.
We know that calcium and vitamin D are important for strong bones and vitamin C decreases the risk of many pathologies, including cancer and chronic, degenerative diseases. But did you know that there’s a relationship between bone mineral density and tooth loss? Or that periodontitis is associated with a low concentration of vitamin C?
In addition to a multivitamin and mineral supplement, you can fight gum disease with:
- Chlorella: 1 capsule daily
- Flaxseed oil: up to 2 Tbsp daily
- Garlic extract: 1,200 – 2,400 mg in two divided doses daily
- Glutathione: 150 mg in three divided doses daily
- Methionine: 600 – 1,500 mg in three divided doses daily
- Grape seed extract: 100 mg daily
- Cilantro and parsley are also beneficial, as are probiotic supplements and probiotic-containing foods.
You might also consider the topical use of products that contain the following herbs:
- Aloe is noted for its healing effects, including the ability to heal injured tissue.
- Bloodroot reduces plaque, making it effective in natural mouth rinses.
- Calendula is a type of marigold containing carotenoids and flavonoids, which stimulate the immune system.
- Echinacea increases the number of T-cells and plasma cells, enhances the production of antibodies, stimulates the immune system, and helps to neutralize toxins.
- Goldenseal is used in mouth rinses as an astringent and and anti-inflammatory. Due to its high content of active alkaloids, goldenseal increases the blood supply to the spleen and stimulates the immune system.
- Grapefruit seed extract is a highly effective antioxidant that fights free radicals and helps treats infections.
#3: Prevention extends beyond brushing + flossing
You already know that you should brush gently at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and floss daily. But you may not know that it’s also a good idea to:
- Brush your tongue. You can also use a tongue scraper.
- Irrigate your teeth daily. Flossing isn’t enough.
- Use wooden gum stimulators when you can’t brush after meals.
- Massage your gums with a clean finger periodically.
- Drink diluted unsweetened cranberry juice to help prevent bacterial buildup in the mouth.
#4: Make your own toothpaste!
The right toothpaste will put you well on your way to dental health. Try this recipe and dilute it for an effective mouth rinse. It’s better than any product you can buy.
- 5 grams organic coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 5 grams organic clove oil (or try clove powder)
- 10 grams organic oregano oil
#5: Fluoride is toxic
Almost every time we turn on the TV, there’s a toothpaste commercial telling us that fluoride prevents cavities. The American Dental Association (ADA) endorses these products. However, what the commercials and the ADA aren’t telling us is that fluoride in the amounts available today is extremely toxic. As of May 2014, 77 human and animal studies raise grave questions about the impact of fluoride on neurological development, memory, and learning in children and animals. In addition, there has never been evidence presented that adding fluoride to our water benefits children’s dental health.
Consider natural toothpastes that are fluoride-free. Alfalfa, dandelion, and horsetail are natural sources of fluoride that strengthen the tooth’s enamel and reduce sensitivity. You can use these herbs to make a high-mineral tea to drink or use as an oral rinse.
Today, there is an increasing body of support for the multiple connections between oral health and total wellness. There are more links between the practice of medical dentistry and medicine then ever before. We have always known that protecting the health of gums will help patients to keep not just their teeth, but their lives. Unhealthy gum tissue leads to chronic infection and inflammation – and that is one of the most important concepts that has been developed in dentistry in the past 50 years. When inflammation is controlled, patients and physicians have a chance at controlling everything from heart disease to diabetes to successful pregnancy.
Victor Zeines, DDS has been practicing Holistic Dentistry for the past 25 years. He received his degree from NYC College of Dentistry and completed an internship at the Eastman Dental Center in Rochester New York. He is a published author and radio host, and has been featured in numerous media outlets. Learn more about Victor’s work at NatDent.com.
Photo Credit: Flickr / jlk.1 https://www.flickr.com/photos/joseph_k/
This is a very helpful piece. Loved your article and learned many things!
I would like to add a few more things that people can think about when they visit their dentist.
1. They are performing over 100 million mercury fillings per year without much indication of a collective resistance to the most toxic heavy metal a human can experience.
2. According to the Goldberg Group, authors of Biological Medicine, 100% of all root canals become infected over time.
3. Dentist again have not stood up collectively to denounce the harmful effects of fluoridation of water. Currently, 72% of American’s drinking water is fluoridated, not to mention, tooth paste, mouthwash, etc. Last year’s Harvard study showed a significant drop in I.Q. as a result of drinking fluoridated water.
4. Dentistry is the only profession that leaves a dead body part in your body as a treatment for a condition. Specifically, root canals leave a dead tooth in your body.
Victor Zeines wrote For starters, eating a healthy diet high in fiber, …
A cautionary note on fibres: avoid the so called “high-fibre” foods. Get your fibre from fresh vegetables and fruit.
Just as you avoid carbohydrates in bread, pasta, rice or noodles. You get enough from vegetables and fruits instead.
Yes Dr. John Marelli, my health has improved since removing various mercury fillings and two root canals, at the cost of three teeth though. Still, better late than never.