Today, patients have the opportunity to experience a safer and more thorough approach to oral health and wellness. Named biological dentistry, this method of oral health care differs from traditional “drill and fill” dentistry in several key ways. This article has been created to introduce South Florida families to the concept of biological dentistry, and why it’s important.
The New Year is here, and for many people that usually means one thing: It’s time to recommit to better health, wellness, and happiness! As we reflect on 2014, the editor’s of the Miami Dentist Blog would like to highlight a few of our most-read articles on oral health and total body wellness. From everyone at Assure A Smile, we wish you and your family a healthy and prosperous New Year!
This October, we saw an exciting victory for the Consumers for Dental Choice campaign against the use of dangerous and potentially toxic dental amalgam (silver fillings). Now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new rule that will require all dental offices to use amalgam separators when performing procedures involving mercury-rich dental amalgam. In addition to acknowledging the inherent danger of dental amalgam, the EPA’s proposal also aims to reduce mercury pollution by requiring dental offices to more carefully capture, contain, and dispose of the hazardous metallic debris.
According to a new poll by Zogby Research Services, only about 1 in 10 patients are told by their dentist that dental amalgam (silver fillings) contains a potentially harmful level of liquid mercury (i). It’s estimated that over 1 billion teeth have been restored with dental amalgam worldwide, presenting a serious health concern for the patient, the environment, and the general world population.
Worldwide, it’s estimated that more than 180 million people have teeth the have been repaired with some sort of dental restorative material. In total, that’s a staggering 1.4 billion teeth. From the 1950s through present day, one of the most common dental restoratives has always been dental amalgam. Often called “silver fillings,” this metallic mixture is prepared with up to 50% or more liquid mercury. Poisoning from these “mercury fillings” is a risk that holistic dental professionals are quick to warn patients about, even though agencies like the American Dental Association refuse to formally acknowledge any potential health problems associated with their use. At Assure A Smile, we take a holistic approach to dentistry that focuses on both oral health and total body wellness. We believe patients should be educated about mercury poisoning, dental amalgam, and the long-term health risks associated with silver fillings.
In 1991, the World Health Organization released a report confirming that the mercury content of dental amalgam (used for silver fillings) was the single greatest source of mercury pollution in non-industrialized settings. Since that time, health professionals and environmental scientists have pushed hard to have the material banned. Unfortunately, there is nothing illegal about putting this dangerous neuro-toxin in your mouth. Learn more about the dangers of mercury-rich dental amalgam in the free infographic below.
In light of recent studies that have scientifically linked heavy metal accumulation with the development of diabetes and other chronic diseases, Assure A Smile is raising awareness for heavy metal toxicity, testing, and treatment options in Miami. Dr. Herrmann is a certified nutritionist, holistic health expert, and has personal experience with overcoming heavy metal poisoning from mercury.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on making positive changes to the teeth and oral tissues. Unfortunately, patients sometimes see cosmetic dental procedures as unnatural, artificial, or unnecessary. An overwhelming amount of research suggests otherwise, indicating that cosmetic procedures can actually spur far-reaching improvements in holistic health. It's easy to see how cosmetic enhancements like bonds, dental implants, and orthodontics improve the structure, alignment, and physical health of the mouth. But studies also show cosmetic procedures help patients to live healthier and happier lives by providing less obvious improvements to mental and emotional well being.
Leaders from around the world have officially signed an agreement that will phase-out the use of mercury, an extremely hazardous neurotoxin that is still being used in a variety of production processes and medical products, including silver dental fillings. Named the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the treaty is a big victory for environmentalists, health professionals, and consumers worldwide as it lays the foundation needed to cease mercury use and ensure its ethical and safe disposal. Read more about the Minamata Treaty, and watch the video below to see representatives from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) speak at this historical event.
New studies show that green tea leaves and extracts contain toxic levels of sodium fluoride, leading many health professionals to question the safety of this powerful source of antioxidants. Once celebrated for the ability to fight cancer, improve cardiovascular health, and stimulate natural weight loss, green tea products are now the subject of increased scrutiny and study.