Posts Tagged ‘305 dentist’

Dental Amalgam 101

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

Dental amalgam is the proper term to refer to the silver material that is used in dental procedures like fillings.  This material is actually a combination of mercury and at least one other metal, like tin.  Invented in France in the early 1800s, dental amalgam has remained a popular filling agent because of its strength.  However, experts at the World Health Organization have made a clear assertion:  Mercury from dental amalgam feeds more mercury into a person’s body system than any other source combined, prompting many to seek safe amalgam removal.

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

We know that arsenic is a powerful poison, used for years by farmers as a toxin to kill insects, bacteria, and fungi.  We think of lead as a toxic poison as well, remembering the massive recall of nearly 1 million Mattel toys that were allegedly tainted with lead-rich paints.  There is a delicate balance to achieve when dealing with poisons and consumers.  In the case of arsenic, very low concentrations can prove helpful, killing only insects while helping to grow healthy crops.  In the case of Mattel, however, a massive recall was necessary because the concentration of lead was far too great.  Dental amalgam falls in the latter category; dental professionals from around the world agree that amalgams contain high concentrations of mercury that inevitably finds its way into your body tissue (i).

Mercury Absorption from Dental Amalgam

Mercury is an extremely toxic poison that can kill when ingested in large amounts.  Alarmingly, the dental amalgam used in silver fillings may be composed of up to 60% mercury or more.  With this in mind, Dr. Gary Null and Dr. Martin Feidman of New York set out to test mercury absorption with relation to dental amalgams.  Their results were astonishing:  the mercury from silver fillings is ingested at a rate of 10-50 times the level deemed “safe” by the U.S. Public Health Service (ii).  Variance in absorption is due to individual filling composition and the personal habits of the patient.  However, their study clearly reflects the dangerous nature of silver fillings.

Safe Amalgam Removal

Many patients are turning to safe amalgam removal to ride themselves of their highly toxic silver fillings.  For South Florida residents, choosing a Miami dentist to have your silver fillings removed requires due diligence.  Ensure the dental professional you seek takes the proper precautions when removing fillings.  For example, dental dams are necessary to cover the oral cavity and prevent inhalation of amalgam fragments and mercury vapor.  Assure a Smile is one of South Florida’s leading holistic dentistry practices that specializes in safe mercury removal.  To learn more, please contact Assure a Smile today!


(i) http://www.yourhealthbase.com/amalgams.html

(ii) See above.

Holistic Wellness Requires Detoxing!

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

miami-dentist-holistic-wellness-requires-detoxingThe Miami Dentist Blog has covered heavy metal toxins before.  These metallic chemicals are everywhere, and we ingest them more frequently then we think.  To make matters worse, heavy metals accumulate in the body.  Over time, this accumulation may lead to serious health conditions.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Holistic dentistry is thought of as people dentistry.  The idea that a patient is a complex, interconnected puzzle is at the very core of the holistic approach to dentistry.  Not surprising, this approach involves an assessment of the nutrients an individual ingests.  The things we eat have a profound impact on the overall wellness of our bodies, an impact that extends far beyond the teeth and gums.

It is important to remain attentive to the foods we eat.  Unfortunately, heavy metal toxins are abundant in the water and processed foods we consume most often.  This is bad:  heavy metals are being linked to serious illness.  With increased exposure to heavy metals comes an increased risk of developing lung cancer, impaired respiratory system, anemia, liver damage, and stomach or intestinal irritation (i).

Holistic Dentistry Guide to Heavy Metals

The first step in limiting exposure to heavy metals is to know what they are and where they come from.  Three of the most common heavy metals include aluminum, lead, and mercuryAssure a Smile has posted this quick reference guide to help you identify these metals in their most common forms (ii):


Aluminum

Aluminum is a chemical element of the Earth’s crust.  It is most recognizable in the kitchen; sold in rolls, aluminum foil is often used to cover food before refrigeration.  The material is also common in sporting goods like baseball bats and golf clubs.  However, this metal is also prevalent in a number of consumable goods including antiperspirants, milk, table salt, seasonings, American cheese, and bleached flour.


Lead

Lead is another one of the Earth’s natural elements.  This material is used in building construction, weights, and lead-acid batteries.  This metal is extremely dangerous and has been linked with nervous system and brain disorders.  What many people will find surprising, however, is how many sources of lead there are in our environment:  car exhaust, lead based paint, canned fruits and juices, and even toothpastes.


Mercury

Mercury is one of the most toxic materials of which we know.  Increased exposure to this material may cause serious illness as well as nervous system defects in developing babies.  Of great concern to holistic dentists is the use of mercury in dental amalgams.  Dental amalgam, or silver fillings, may be as much as 60% mercurySafe amalgam removal is highly recommended for patients who have this dangerous chemical in their teeth.


Once identified, these common sources of heavy metals can be avoided.  Limiting exposure to unfiltered drinking water, food seasonings, canned foods, and lead paint is the only way to safeguard against the development of serious illness.  Dental amalgam removal is further advised by holistic dentists to rid patients of a major source of heavy metal exposure, limiting long term health risk.



(i) http://www.tip2000.com/health/waterpollution.asp

(ii) Junger, Alejandro. “Appendix.” Clean. New York: HarperCollins, 2011. 292-93. Print.

Give Your Love the Smile of Their Dreams

Saturday, January 15th, 2011

miami-dentist-give-smile-of-dreams-1The 60 degree chill may have come to rest over Miami, but warmth still burns as Valentine’s Day approaches!  February 14th is just around the corner; this year, consider giving the gift of beauty and confidence.  Beginning January 15th, Assure a Smile will offer the Valentine’s Invisalign Special, your chance to enroll yourself or a loved one in the clear braces system that has created over a million smiling faces nationwide!


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Our 2010 Miami Invisalign Special was a great success!  We are proud to welcome so many new patients to our practice, and we know you will enjoy your new smiles!  2010 may have ended, but our commitment to creating healthy and beautiful teeth is still alive.  Starting February 1st, new Invisalign patients will receive a special promotion:


$500 off Invisalign clear braces treatment, and a $500 credit towards a teeth whitening treatment upon Invisalign completion!


A jaw dropping, pure white smile is more affordable than ever this year, and just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Invisalign vs. Metal Braces

Many are hesitant to try Invisalign over traditional metal braces.  New technology usually causes apprehension; it is normal to hesitate.  After all, clear plastic aligners seem ineffective compared to heavy duty metal and wiring.  However, the company proudly boasts the creation of over a million smiles since its founding.  And it is easy to see why Invisalign is so popular.  The clear braces system offers many comforts that you simply do not receive when being treated with metal braces.  These include comfort, cleanliness, and effectiveness:


Comfort

Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, clear polyurethane plastic.  These durable mouth pieces are safe to place in your mouth and, best of all, they do not agitate the insides of your cheeks and gums.


Cleanliness

Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can brush and floss normally!  Simply remove the aligners in the morning, during the afternoon (if you brush in the afternoon), and in the evening to clean your teeth as usual.  The removable nature of Invisalign allows patients to completely clean the hard-to-reach areas of the teeth and gums with ease, decreasing the likelihood of developing excessive plaque and tooth decay during treatment.


Effectiveness

Many dentists, including myself, have seen patients achieve dramatic results with Invisalign.  For an additional professional opinion, we turn to Michael Ayzin, DDS.  Dr. Ayzin, a cosmetic dental professional operating in Orange County, California, reports that each patient he has treated with Invisalign has been “completely happy with their results,” (i).  Dr. Ayzin and myself are not alone.  Thousands of professionals  have helped patients nationwide to achieve the smile of their dreams with Invisalign.

Miami Invisalign Providers

Assure a Smile is a leader in providing Miami Invisalign services.  Our practice has a depth of experience in helping patients create healthy, beautiful smiles that breed confidence.  Beginning February 1st, take advantage of our Valentine’s Invisalign Special!  Don’t forget to Follow us on Twitter to keep in touch with future promotions and holistic health news!



(i) http://www.realself.com/question/does-invisalign-really-work

Miami Dentistry News: Government Recommends Less Fluoride

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

miami-dentist-news-government-recommends-less-fluorideIt’s nearly everywhere:  in our water, mouth rinses, and now toothpastes.  Fluoride has been the go-to chemical for cavity prevention for over 50 years.  Now, however, the Center for Disease Control warns that the chemical may be too prevalent.  Too much fluoride may lead to serious oral health problems including hidden caries and fluorosis.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Miami dentists have warned patients of fluoride overload.  Our Miami Dentist Blog wrote of this issue in late November.  The article is titled Warning:  Too Much Fluoride and it serves as a good information source for further details on the effects of excessive fluoride intake.


The warnings have gone national; this weekend’s installment of the Wall Street Weekend Journal features an article on the harmful effects of excessive fluoride.  The Federal government now warns Americans that the mineral may cause fluorosis in young children, a condition whereby the enamel of the teeth becomes streaked with off-white discoloration.  This news is in light of a recent Center for Disease Control study conducted between 1999 and 2004.  The study found that a whopping 41% of children ages 12-15 exhibit signs of dental fluorosis.  This rate has nearly doubled since 1986, when levels were only about 23%.


Miami Dentistry Fluorosis FAQ

The Miami dentists at Assure a Smile have created the following Frequently Asked Questions guide to assist parents in learning more about fluorosis prevention:

What is fluorosis?

Fluorosis is a discoloration of tooth enamel.

What causes fluorosis?

Fluorosis is caused by excessive ingestion of the mineral fluoride.  The mineral is most readily available in unfiltered tap water, however, is becoming widely applied to a variety of dental products.

When is my child most at risk?

Children are most at risk around age 8.  This is a critical moment in the child’s life, as the permanent teeth are developing below the gums.

Am I at risk?

Survey your smile.  Those at risk of excessive fluoride intake will notice that their teeth have developed vertical, off-white colored streaks.  Also consider the frequency with which you use or consume the following:  tap water, fluoride supplements, fluoride mouth rinse, and fluoride enriched toothpaste.

What may I do to prevent fluorosis?

Limit your intake of fluoride.  Consider purchasing a water filtration device to remove the fluoride from your tap water.  Also, avoid toothpastes, supplements, and mouth rinses rich in fluoride.


Holistic dentists have been aware of the potential for fluoride overload for some time.  If you are searching for a dentist in Miami, you may wish to find a professional who takes the holistic approach to dentistry. 

A Miami Dentist Recap: Healthiest Foods 2010

Friday, December 31st, 2010

miami-dentist-recap-healthiest-foods-2010Dentists in Miami are very concerned with the foods their patients eat.  For holistic dentists, food takes on even greater importance.  As the old adage tells us:  you get what you put in.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Eating well balanced, nutrient packed meals pays benefits well beyond merely satisfying your hunger.  When you eat well, you feel well.  As 2010 draws to a close, let’s take a moment and reflect on the healthiest foods of the past year.  Some may look familiar, but take a closer look and you will find that the past year saw an increase in exotic foods that lead to better health.


  1. Salmon—salmon is a great source of both protein and healthy fats.  This heart-healthy food is recommended by the American Heart Association because it is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.
  2. Soy—vegetarian, vegan, or plain meat-eater, soy is derived from soy beans and packed with nutrients like zinc, omega 3s, magnesium, and B vitamins.
  3. Green Vegetables—broccoli is the MVP of this food group, toting vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, and fiber.
  4. Acia Berries—2010 saw a surge in this exotic fruit, and it’s no secret why.  Acia berries are loaded with antioxidants (over 2x that of blueberries).  Antioxidants nutralize free radicals in the body, preventing cellular damage and leading to overall better health.
  5. Whole Grains—consume the recommended 4-5 servings of this food group each day and you’ll get an army of complex “good” carbohydrates, as well as vitamin B, E, magnesium, iron, and fiber.

Increasing the frequency with which you consume the above foods will better your overall health in several ways.  First, each of these foods contains a substantial amount of high quality calories, with the exception of green vegetables.  It is important to ingest plenty of calories throughout the day to minimize those late-night hunger pains that usually lead to sugary snacks.  Second, each of the above foods is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, or omega 3 fatty acids.  These nutrients are essential in promoting longevity and vitality, helping your body to stay healthy.  Omega 3s, in particular, have the added benefit of lowering LDL, or bad cholesterol.


While seemingly out of place on the Miami Dentist Blog, nutrition information is nevertheless a cornerstone of dental educationHolistic dentistry takes the approach that dental problems may actually be manifestations of other deeply rooted problems.  Often times, these problems stem from poor nutrition.  By taking the holistic approach and identifying causal factors, holistic dentists are better able to educate patients and ensure the problem does not persist.


To learn more about holistic dentistry and the perceived interconnectedness of the body, visit our interactive Meridian Tooth Chart.  There, you will find that each tooth is thought to be linked to specific organs, glands, and other body elements.

Warning: Too Much Fluoride!

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

miami-dentist-warning-too-much-fluorideSince the 1945 communities have been adding fluoride to water supplies.  At first, the purpose was to improve general public health by treating water to help strengthen teeth.  Now, however, modern research shows fluoride treatments can pose serious dental risks.  Overuse of fluoride may cause hidden caries, illusive areas of plaque that may cause major dental problems.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Like most technological advances, fluoridated water treatments were first implemented to improve the general health of the community.  In those days, fluroride was recognized as a beneficial chemical that could strengthen the enamel of a tooth.  The theory was simple and straight forward:  if you strengthen the enamel of the tooth, you make the tooth less susceptible to plaque and bacteria.


Soon, other companies began to capitalize on this notion.  Toothpaste companies and general dentists alike begin incorporating fluoride in toothpaste and dental cleanings, respectively.  Today, Aquafresh even offers a new toothpaste deemed “revolutionary” for its ability to send fluoride gel in between teeth, providing deep cleaning.  With significant amounts of fluoride in public water, consumer products, and dental cleaning procedures, one may wonder if we are suffering from too much of a good thing.


Too Much Fluoride?

If a little fluoride strengthens teeth, then a lot really strengthens teeth, right?  Wrong.

Fluoride has the ability to strengthen teeth to an unnatural extreme.  When this happens, several things may result including hidden caries and increased rate of gum infection.


Hidden Caries

Hidden caries are areas of plaque or bacteria infection that are usually undetectable with the naked eye.  These areas propegate deep within the grooves and pits of teeth, most commonly among the molars.  Hidden caries are thought to be caused by unnaturally tough, impenetrable tooth enamel.  The pits of teeth are inevitably weaker than the sides and surface, both because of reduced exposure to fluoride and regular cleanings.  As a result, these deep, hard to reach areas are infected because of their weakness relative to the rest of the tooth.  Plaque (get more from AS)


Assure a Smile is well educated and attuned to the problems that excessive fluoride exposure may cause.  The Diagnodent Laser, for example, uses laser technology to detect hidden caries and other infections that may be caused by fluoride overload.  Patients may seek to limit their exposure to fluoride in the following ways:  filter tap water to remove fluoride, avoid fluoride enriched toothpaste, avoid regularly rinsing with fluoride mouth rinse, and seek a dentist in Miami who understands the risks associated with fluoride and treats patients accordingly.

Heavy Metal Detoxification

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

miami-dentist-heavy-metal-detoxificationHeavy metals accumulate once ingested, making them a serious danger.  Tiny amounts of heavy metals, like the mercury in tuna, embed themselves in the body.  Over time, the concentration of these metals can lead to the development of disease.  Heavy metal detoxification, however, can help you regularly remove heavy metals from your body.

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Our Miami Dentist Blog has reviewed in great detail the dangers of heavy metals like mercury.  We’ve suggested considering silver amalgam filling removal as a treatment to prevent the development of serious health risks, like auto-immune disease.  In this post, we will explore several other ways in which the body can naturally flush these toxins.

Protein

We have discussed how an adequate amount of protein makes for a healthy breakfast.  Now, though, we turn to daily protein intake to accomplish another goal:  ridding your body of heavy metal toxins.  Protein supplements containing an amino acid known as gluthaione have been known to help the body flush toxins (i).  Often times, these supplements are available in several delicious flavors that go well in between meals.

Herbs and Antioxidants

There are also several herbs that help the body flush itself naturally.  Cilantro, coriander, chlorella, and green tea are all viable options (ii).  Cooking with these herbs, especially cilantro, is a great way to make them a consistent addition to your daily life.

White Composite Fillings

Attempting to detoxify your body through consistent flushing is powerless if you continually expose yourself to toxic heavy metals. We’ve explored safe silver filling removal in previous posts as a way to replace mercury-rich silver fillings with safer white composite fillings.  This is an essential step in long-term detoxification, as it will remove the mercury fillings from your mouth, nearly eliminating the toxic vapors to which you are exposed daily.


(i) http://www.all4naturalhealth.com/mercury-detoxification.html

(ii) see above.

A Heartfelt Plea For Mercury Filling Removal

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

miami-dentist-heartfelt-plea-safe-mercury-removalWhen it comes to mercury and your body, each major organ system is at risk.  The heart and cardiac system, however, are particularly susceptible to poisoning from mercury.

Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann:

Once the toxicity of mercury enters the bloodstream, it races through the blood and to each major organ.  The damage that inhaled mercury can cause is permanent and deadly, however, it can be avoided altogether.  Consulting a dentist about safe mercury filling removal is the best way to avoid developing extremely harmful health conditions.


Methyl mercury in Dental Amalgam

Dental amalgam is composed of silver, tin, and most noteworthy mercury.  It is important to realize that the mercury content of an amalgam (silver) filling is proportional to the amount of amalgam using in the filling.  In other words, larger fillings contain larger amounts of mercury.  Once in the mouth, the mercury is exposed to a good deal of pressure and heat.  The natural chewing motion of a person’s jaws, combined with anxious jaw clenching and teeth grinding, exert pressure on silver fillings.  When combined with the warmth of the human body and the oral cavity, this pressure gradually vaporizes the mercury content of amalgam fillings.  As the mercury is vaporized, it is intermittently inhaled at dangerous concentrations.

Mercury Exposure and the Cardiac System

As amalgams emit mercury vapor, it passes into the bloodstream.  Once in the bloodstream, the poisonous substance races throughout the body.  Once reaching the head, the mercury passes through the brain-blood barrier and collects in the brain, causing long term damage to the central nervous system (i).  Recent studies show that subjects with amalgam fillings also show “markedly higher blood pressure, lower hemoglobin levels, and lower percentages of red blood cells,” (ii).


Safe Mercury Filling Removal

The only way to prevent mercury from damaging the circulatory system, and other vital organs, is to limit exposure to it.  Safe mercury filling removal can rid the mouth of toxic amalgam fillings, thereby reducing the rate at which you are exposed to intense mercury vapor inhalation.  As a Miami dentist, I cannot understate the importance of replacing silver fillings with white fillings.  For more information on these procedures, please contact Assure a Smile today.


(i) http://tuberose.com/Mercury_and_the_Heart.html

(ii) see above.

Urinary Tract Infection or Mercury Poisoning?

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

miami-dentist-urinary-tract-infection-or-mercury-poisoningA staggering 34% of adults in the United States report having experienced a Urinary Tract Infection.  Recent studies, however, indicate that the culprit may be mercury poisoning.


Comments by Dr. Ted Herrmann

While urinary tract infection, or UTI, remain prevalent among young adults over 20 years of age, new studies indicate that this statistic may be inflated.  First, let’s examine the symptoms of UTIs before exploring the benefits of amalgam (silver) filling removal:


Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

The physicians behind Emedicinehealth.com define a UTI as an infection affecting any of the areas urine travels through as it leaves the body (i).  These areas include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.  Common UTI symptoms include the following:

  1. Dysuria, experiencing pain or a burning sensation while urinating
  2. Inflammation and irritation of the urethra and bladder
  3. Frequent urination
  4. Experiencing the sensation of being unable to hold urine
  5. Experiencing the sensation of being unable to urinate easily
  6. Cloudy or bloody urine
  7. Lower abdominal pain
  8. Vomiting or nausea
  9. Fairly high fever
  10. Experiencing involuntary shaking or chills


MERCURY POISONING IN DISGUISE

While the frequency of UTIs is very real, especially among American adults, the symptoms mirror those of a urinary system that has been poisoned by mercury.  Dr. J. Trowbridge, author of The Yeast Syndrome, is on the forefront of researching the possible correlation between UTIs and mercury poison.  In his book, he states that several doctors report that 98% of patients with chronic UTI also exhibit high levels of mercury toxicity.  This alarmingly high percentage of UTI patients begs the question:  do these individuals have a UTI, or are they experiencing similar symptoms that are brought about by mercury poisoning?


MERCURY AND HEALTH

As a Miami dentist and certified nutritionist, I can say that no amount of mercury is safe.  The only way to avoid mercury poisoning is to reduce your exposure to it.  The professionals at Assure a Smile offer holistic health care services including amalgam filling removal for patients with old, amalgam (silver) fillings . Replacing silver fillings with a composite, or white, filling can greatly reduce your risk of developing serious health problems.


(i) http://www.emedicinehealth.com/urinary_tract_infections/page3_em.htm#Urinary%20Tract%20Infection%20Symptoms

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings and Holistic Health

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Could you be inhaling poisonous vapor?  If you have amalgam (silver) fillings, you most likely are.

COMMENTS BY DR. TED HERRMANN:

We know that mercury is the most toxic non-radioactive chemical on Earth (i).  We know that this chemical vaporizes under pressure and heat.  We also know that, when vaporized, this chemical is tasteless, odorless, and easily inhaled without notice.  Why, then, does it make sense to have such a chemical in your mouth?

The human mouth is naturally one of the warmest regions of the body.  Used for chewing and breaking down food, the mouth also has the ability to clench and exert pressure on its teeth.  The natural warmth of the mouth, combined with the pressure its jaws can force onto teeth, make teeth one of the worst places to put a toxic chemical like mercury.  Chewing, unconscious jaw clentching, and nighttime teeth grinding all contribute to the health hazards of amalgam (silver) fillings.

Cavities and Mercury Fillings

To better understand the dangers of silver fillings, let’s examine how fillings work.  When you have a cavity, your dentist will remove the plaque and bacteria from your tooth.  Depending on the amount of plaque and the extent to which it has damaged your tooth, this process will leave a hole in the enamel of the tooth.  A solution of metal is then prepared, consisting of 50-60% mercury and varying levels of silver and tin.  This solution is called amalgam.  The mercury rich amalgam is then shoved into the hole in your tooth.

Contrary to popular belief, this filling is not bound directly to the tooth.  Instead, it is forcefully stuffed into the cavity until the entire space is filled.  The cavity is sealed as the filling corrodes naturally over time.  This corrosion process, however, creates problems down the road.

Mercury Toxicity and the Mouth

The corrosion process that seals a silver filling into a tooth never stops.  The continual corrosion of the filling eventually creates micro fractures along the surfaces of the tooth.  Over time, these fractures accumulate and eventually crack the tooth.  In some cases these fractures may lead to the tooth being broken altogether.  As this happens, amalgam fillings are exposed to two very bad forces:  pressure from natural chewing, and heat from the mouth.  The combination of pressure and heat vaporizes the mercury content of the filling, creating an odorless, tasteless, highly toxic gas.  Since the gas emits from a filling in a tooth, it is easily inhaled at levels 10-50 times the level considered safe by the U.S. Public Health Service (ii).

As a Miami dentist and holistic wellness professional, I cannot understate the harmful effects that mercury can induce.  Simply put, no amount of mercury is safe.  A proposition in California, enacted in 1994, requires dental professionals that the use of silver fillings “causes birth defects and other problems”(iii).  Assure a Smile Miami Dentistry offers safe mercury removal to help patients replace silver fillings with much safer composite, or white, fillings.  Contact our holistic dentists to learn more about safely removing and replacing silver fillings.


(i) http://www.dreddyclinic.com/dangers_of_toxic_metals.htm

(ii) http://www.yourhealthbase.com/amalgams.html

(iii) http://www.dreddyclinic.com/detox_tips_10.htm