Dental amalgam made headlines in early March when the Dr. Oz Show performed a demonstration that very clearly illustrated the toxic nature of the outdated silver fillings. Broadcasted on national television, the demonstration showed that silver fillings could leak odorless, extremely toxic mercury vapor when brushed by a normal toothbrush. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and holistic dentistry professionals are celebrating a new victory in the fight against toxic fillings, however. This year, more than 140 nations have signed into effect an international mercury treaty that lays the groundwork for an eventual “phasing out” of this dangerous material.
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Mercury Treaty May Mean the End of Toxic Dental Amalgam
Can Chelation Therapy Fight Cardiovascular Disease?
Since the 1950s, chelation therapy has been a leading doctor-recommended treatment option for individuals suffering with heavy metal poisoning. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved use of chelation therapy for more than 40 years, deeming it a “safe” and “effective” treatment for lead poisoning in particular (i). The American Cancer Society has likewise promoted chelation therapy, naming it “one of several effective treatments” for heavy metal poisoning in general (ii).
Heavy metal detoxification—whether by way of chelation therapy or other methods—is an essential part of maintaining holistic health and wellness. The human body cannot break down and flush heavy metals on its own, which may lead to potentially toxic and life threatening accumulation.
Japanese Researchers Invent ‘Tooth Patch’ to Prevent Tooth Decay
In Japan, scientists have created a new tool that many believe will help prevent tooth decay in the future. They call it the “tooth patch,” an ultra-flexible biocompatible film that scientists have designed to fit snugly over the surface of teeth. The film is made entirely of hydroxyapatite, the natural mineral from which tooth enamel is made. The developers of the tooth patch hope that it’s enamel-like composition will make it an effective shield to prevent tooth decay, as well as a restorative material that can be used to repair teeth with pre-existing cavities or dental caries.
Wichita, Portland, and Santa Fe Aim to End Water Fluoridation by 2013
Over the past year, the anti-fluoride movement has gained substantial momentum as communities from across the United States have begun to vote against public water fluoridation. Just recently, 3 communities in Indiana have voted to end the fluoridation of their water supplies. Those communities are Walkerton, North Liberty, and Lakeville, home to a combined 5,000 or more individuals who are now safe from fluoride exposure. Other communities in which the anti-fluoride movement is strong include Wichita, Portland, and Santa Fe.
Is There Fluoride in Your Produce?
When thinking about fluoride exposure and its sources, most people think about fluoride in the water supply. But many do not realize that fluoride is also present in the food supply since produce is sprayed with pesticides that contain fluoride.
How Does a Thyroid Disease Affect Oral Health?
Thyroid conditions make it difficult for the body to produce and regulate a normal amount of very important hormones. This causes a ripple effect that may throw major organs and body systems out of sync. In terms of oral health, the side effects of a thyroid condition may cause serious changes in both the function and health of the tongue, teeth, and gums.
What Causes Thyroid Disease?
It has been estimated that nearly 27 million Americans suffer with a thyroid condition that negatively impacts overall health. Such conditions may cause unexpected weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, depression, or dozens of other side effects. A reported 50% of individuals who have a thyroid condition are undiagnosed, creating the concern for greater awareness for thyroid health, function, and disease prevention.
To promote awareness for this growing health issue, Assure A Smile has created this special health report to provide an overview of what causes thyroid disorders as well as the most effective ways to keep the thyroid gland healthy.
6 Reasons to Go Gluten Free
Diet and oral health are connected in a number of interesting ways, and focusing on the former has an increasingly positive effect on the latter. Eating well sets the foundation for creating healthy teeth and gums for life, and oral health is promoted exponentially when daily food consumption is limited to the foods that are most healthy. Today, health professionals are compiling evidence that suggests food items like wheat, barley, and bread are causing serious health issues for a growing number of Americans. The evidence suggests that about 1% of the population has an adverse reaction to gluten, a protein found in most whole grains. This has prompted dental professionals to spread awareness for gluten by encouraging patients to consider how the wheat, barley, and other whole grains in their daily diet may be hurting overall health.
Sugar: The Friendly Enemy
Today, the average person consumes 150 pounds of sugar each year—nearly 20 times the amount consumed by the average person in the 18th century (i). Only about 60% of those calories are metabolized and converted into immediate energy; the remaining 40% are converted into fat molecules, stored, and reserved for energy production later. With this in mind, it is easy to see how sugar consumption is a key contributor to obesity. New research shows that excessive sugar consumption also leads to a number of other life threatening diseases, including type II Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Miami dentists have begun to spread awareness for this issue, warning patients to be weary of daily sugar intake not only to prevent cavities but to preserve total body health as well.
Can You Be Allergic to Fluoride?
Though there is much debate whether fluoride is helpful or harmful, studies have shown that people have hypersensitive reactions to fluoride. As recognized by the Physicians’ Desk Reference (1994, 48th Edition, p. 2335-6), these symptoms include gastric distress, headache, joint pain, lethargy, mouth lesions, skin rashes, visual disturbances and weakness. The book also says, “These hypersensitivity reactions usually disappear promptly after discontinuation of the fluoride.” Assure a Smile has prepared this research article to spread awareness for fluoride allergy and to provide patients with alternative methods of preventing tooth decay.
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