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Having a problem getting a date? Or a job? The cause may be more esoteric than your personality, looks, or business qualifications. Bad breath or halitosis is a condition that very few people talk about upfront. It’s an awkward topic that is usually discussed about you, after you have left the room. Most of us are afraid that it may create embarrassment or awkward feelings if actually discussed with you. So let me set the record straight. If you are supposedly a GOOD friend to someone who has a halitosis problem, live up to your reputation and BE a GOOD friend, and tell your buddy that they have a problem. It is very correctable; usually within a short period of time. But it will NEVER get fixed if your friend doesn’t know he has a problem. Photo credit Creative Commons: Bob Muceto There are many reasons for bad breath. The most obvious dental reason is infected gums (periodontal disease) or rotting teeth (cavities). A simple visit to the dentist will usually get this under control quickly. But there are other causes, usually not so obvious. Below is my list of the most common causes of halitosis: 1. Infected gums 2. Cavities 3. Residual infections from root canal 4. Sinus problems 5. Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) 6. Digestive problems (GERD, constipation, etc) 7. Medication side effects 8. Dry mouth due to diet 9. Overuse of alcoholic mouthwashes 10. Cigarettes 11. Odorous foods 12. Ketosis (usually in diabetics and people on high protein low carb diets) 13. Chronic illness The challenge is what to do for the person who has perfect teeth and gums? Well, in my 30+ years of actively treating halitosis, I can honestly say that the answer is “Plenty!” Here’s a simple list of do it yourself fixes. If these don’twork, it is definitely time to see a professional for help. There is no reason for anyone to feel hopeless about their breath problem. 1. Visit your dentist to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. 2. Drink more water. At least half you weight in ounces. 3. Cut back on cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine as these will continue to add to the problem. 4. Get you sinus condition/ allergies under control. As long as there is a congestion or dripping you will still have a problem. 5. Read up on your meds and speak with your physician about their side effects. Also , have your physician check to make sure that you are not diabetic (many people are and don’t even know it!). 6. Limit intake of onion, garlic, etc. 7. Actively work on rebuilding your immune system and digestive tract. 8. Use non-alcoholic mouth rinses. 9. Use sugar free gums and mints (xylitol preferred). 10. Floss and brush after every snack or meal. Bad breath can be cured. But no cure can be found until you know the cause. If you come to our office for a halitosis evaluation and treatment, all these causative factors mentioned (and more) are exposed in detail. Our natural holistic approach is 99% effective and everyone leaves after the first visit feeling the difference. Einstein once said that “The problems we face today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that created them”. Conventional mouthwash is not the answer to curing bad breath. It’s time to think outside the box and try a comprehensive holistic approach. What are you waiting for? If you lke this posting, you may also like: Oil Pulling

As many of you already know, we always take a pH reading of your saliva at every routine hygiene visit. The question I often hear is “Why?’ Well, to put it simply, the saliva pH has got to be the easiest gauge of your overall health. No blood sample. No urine sample. But in less than 2 seconds we can tell the general condition of your entire body. Pretty amazing stuff! A healthy saliva pH runs about 7.0, fairly neutral. We can give or take plus or minus 0.5, depending on what you have eaten before the reading. If your pH is below 6.5, which is most often the case, chances are that you have bodily inflammation and at least one of several hundred possible degenerative diseases. Fibromyalgia, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, headaches, intestinal and skin issues are usually at the top of the list. If your pH is below 6.0, you are probably mineral deficient and have already been diagnosed with a degenerative chronic disease. Besides the physical degeneration, your teeth may be demineralized (not good) setting you up for cavities or excessive wear or thinning of the enamel. So if your teeth look like ghosty teeth or an empty shell, you might want to have your pH checked to confirm this. Periodontal disease can be another issue, as it is a chronic inflammatory condition. Effects of Acidic pH An acid pH body is more prone to illness. In an acidic environment, red blood cells stick together like a clump of hair in a stuffed sink drain. This formation limits the amount of oxygen carrying capacity because red blood cells sandwiched between the two ends of red blood cells are compressed against each other and therefore unable to carry oxygen. Reduced oxygen leads to fatigue and weakness. Furthermore, cancer cells thrive in this oxygen deprived environment setting you up for this immune system disease. Here’s the rundown when the body is too acidic.There is a: 1. Decrease in the body's ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients 2. Decrease in energy production in the cells 3. Decrease in the body's ability to repair damaged cells 4. Decrease in the body's ability to detoxify heavy metals 5. Enhanced environment that enables tumor cells to thrive 6. Susceptibility to fatigue and chronic illness There are some simple ways to correct this. And if you are truly into improving your health, you will try as many as possible. · Cut out white flour, sugar, processed foods · Reduce red meat intake · Eat more fruits and vegetables · Add green juicing to your daily diet · Detox as much and as often as you can (see our many blogs on Detoxification) · Find ways to de-stress (meditation,sleep, deep breathing, grounding) · Add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to your drinking water daily As a side note, lemon juice actually has the ability to re-alkalise the body through the digestion and salivary pathways. It can be taken quite simply as a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar in water in the morning and evening. Since lemon juice and vinegar are quite acidic in the mouth, it is advisable to rinse with plain water immediately after ingesting. Additionally, it is a good idea to drink the mixture with a straw to protect your teeth from the acid. What if I'm Overly-Alkaline? Alkalinity on the other hand is relatively rare, but if your saliva consistently tests above 7.5 pH, you need to be proactive in rebalancing. You should follow the same steps as above as these steps have a buffering effect, or in other words they are balancing, tending to bring the pH back toward normal no matter which direction it has gone. The only additional step would be the addition of digestive enzymes, as the pH of the saliva is a reflection of the small intestine pH. Most people with alkaline pH have digestive issues which are due to the reduced amount of enzymes from the high pH in the small intestine. The importance of maintaining optimum saliva pH is therefore a critical factor in balancing your optimal health. Be proactive and monitor your progress with easy to use pH strips. Better yet, ask us at your next visit for your free evaluation. If you liked this blog, you may also enjoy: Green Drinks

An interesting occurrence just happened with our dog Celeste. She has been with us since the age of 9 weeks, so we pretty much know her personal doggie health and habits. She has always eaten very healthy home cooked food from stainless steel or ceramic bowls. But about 6 months ago, we started serving her food from the plastic container that it was stored in from the refrigerator. Shortly thereafter, she developed a little growth on her lip. The veterinarian said that Celeste probably bit herself and that the little fibroma could be surgically removed or left there. The thought of putting Celeste under anesthesia to remove a benign small growth was quickly dismissed. Maybe it will go away on its own (Hah! That almost never happens.) Then about 3 weeks ago, part of her nose started changing color from black to pinkish white. It was on the same side of her face as the fibroma. There was nothing in my mind that even put these same two facial anomalies in the same category. But as most of us know, there are no coincidences. Further detective work was started. This time I went online to see if I could find the answers myself. (Those who know me, know that I do not give up easily when it comes to health challenges). The internet has a plethora of solutions for every problem. We just have to use discernment and some common sense when filtering through these websites. Not wanting to buy into the gloom and doom of my dog being old (she’s only 3) or has a weird skin condition or blame it on the weather (hard to believe but seasonal change will cause this nose color shift), I looked into it further. I think it was somewhere around page 5 of the Google search, that other causative factors surfaced. There was something I found about chemicals in plastic dishes possibly creating the color change. I figured this would be a simple thing to correct. We immediately changed all her serving bowls back to stainless or ceramic. Guess what? In three days, not only was her nose changing back to its normal color but that growth on her lip was also disappearing. One week later, there was no trace of any dis-ease on her nose or lip. My beautiful healthy puppy had her baby face back. Thank you Celeste for that personal real live lesson on the dangers of plastics in our environment!!! The thing to realize is that Celeste is a 12 pound dog. The effects on her were visually seen. If you are a 100 or 200 pound person, the effects will not be so obvious. And Celeste is EXTREMELY healthy so her immune system was able to keep these toxins at the skin surface without being deeply absorbed into her internal organs. That is probably the real reason why everything resolved so quickly. Which brings me to the dangers of BPA. Bisphenol-A (BPA) has become epidemic in our plastic reliant society. It not only affects our current population, but there is also evidence that it is passed on to newborns in utero as well. It is an endocrine disrupter; a synthetic estrogen mimicker (xenoestrogen). Hormonal disruption or imbalance leads to infertility, puberty, sexual and gender identity problems, diabetes, obesity and possibly even estrogen related cancers. It is used in most plastic bottles, the inner linings of beverage and food cans, inks for store receipts, printers and paper money, and some cosmetics and clothing apparel. Even the CDC reported in 2004 that BPA has appeared in the urine of over 90% of people tested. So why is this important in dentistry? Because many of the composites and most of the sealants used in dentistry have bisphenol- A in them. Yep. You read that right. You took out your toxic silver mercury fillings and may have replaced them with toxic white ones. Not what I would call progress. So you as the educated consumer need to stop being so trusting of your health professional (see my personal experience in Choosing a Holistic Dentist), educate yourself some more, and make some better choices. It sure worked for Celeste. And by the way, the sealants and white filling materials that we use in our office are BPA free. No worries here. If you liked this post, you may also like: Are My Mercury Fillings Bad for Me? Seal Out Tooth Decay

Billions of dollars have been made from putting plastics, fluoride and heavy-metal containing technology into everyday life. The industrial world is wealthy beyond belief. And the truth is that our bodies have become the world’s biggest toxic dumps. And due to the recent questions that I have received from patients from my last blog, there is a need to mention plastic detoxing. The thing to realize is that plastic is everywhere. It is not only found in nearly all packaged foods, but even in cardboard milk containers that are now coated with plastic rather than wax. It is also sprayed on commercial and some organic produce to preserve its freshness. Ever notice that sticky plastic wrapping at the cut stem of your organic bananas? It’s there to protect the bananas from black mold. The problem is how to protect you from the “protective” plastic. So I think that even if we make a conscious decision to avoid plastic containers, cups, wraps and even canned food (coated on the inside with plastic), plastic will still show up in our bodies, as this xenoestrogenic substance is ubiquitous in the environment (cosmetics, non stick pans, out gassing from new furniture, carpets, etc.). The list is literally endless and it is pretty much impossible to avoid all xenoestrogens unless you live on a deserted island far away from the modern world. Environmental medicine is a new expansive topic, and it is easy to see why. Dealing with this fallout, the question is: what do I do to remove these xenoestrogenic plastics out of my body? The answer is: EVERYTHING!!! When you choose a natural holistic lifestyle, there is never just one thing that needs to shift. It may start with your diet- removing the obvious unhealthy foods and replacing them with a more natural choice. From there it goes to detoxing your home, workspace and even dropping people that are creating imbalance in your life. On my road to amazing health, detoxing my body is number one. If you are waiting for other people to change, or for someone to hold your hand and give you what you need so that you can be healthier, you may be waiting a very long time. Actually, that day may never come. Besides, giving away your power to someone else to fix your health, again may set you up for being even sicker. (That explains why conventional doctors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S.). You can take a ton of nutritional supplements and exercise to have a perfect physique, but you will never be truly healthy until you start removing all the chemicals that you have accumulated your whole lifetime. A simple place to start is by reading my previous blogs on detoxing, and go from there. As for the specific issue of xenoestrogens from plastics, my best suggestions are: · Ingest foods rich in phytoestrogens. They are found in flax seeds, sprouted beans, some fruits and vegetables. Phytoestrogens bind to the estrogen site preventing the xenoestrogens from being bound. Do avoid tofu, as there is much controversy on its side effects from over consumption. · Eat tons of cruciferous vegetables. (Preferably raw, fermented or lightly steamed). This would include, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale. They are rich in indole-3-carbinole. This converts to di-indolyl-methane (DIM). DIM then induces certain enzymes in the liver to block the production of toxic estrogens and improves the production of the beneficial forms. (If you have a hypothyroid condition, you should consult a qualified practitioner for guidance). · Avoid coffee as some studies show that it can boost estrogen levels. · Avoid foods that have been treated with hormones or pesticides. They are both xenoestrogens. Eat organic as much as possible. · Avoid the excessive use of lavender essential oil. Steamed Cauliflower for Detoxification Photo credit Creative Commons: Lablascovegmenu This would be my quick list for detoxing plastics from the body. With further research, there is always more that can be done. Xenoestrogens are one of the most troubling types of endocrine disruptors. It will mimic estrogen and attach to the body's estrogen-receptor sites, in both women and men (notice men are developing breast overgrowth). These xenoestrogens interfere with hormonal signaling and are believed to cause an increased risk of hormonal imbalances contributing to breast, prostate, and reproductive cancers; reduced fertility; early puberty in children; menstrual irregularities; endometriosis; numerous cysts and other disorders. Start now and detox. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will transform. Never put your health on hold. You are much too important to wait. If you liked this post, you may also like: The Flaws of Fluoride

One of the most stressful times of the year is during the holidays. Between Thanksgiving and New Years, partying and family gatherings are at the top of the list. But for many, somewhere along the way, the stress, the unrealistic expectations and the unreasonable demands show up; and the next thing you know, you're anxious, depressed, over-tired, and dreading one more day of the so-called "holiday good cheer." If you have been waking up with your teeth clenched, and your head muscles in painful spasm, you might seriously consider seeing your dentist for some resolution, before you do some significant harm to your dentition or you temporal mandibular joint (TMJ). Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding (bruxism), does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis, significant damage can arise. Most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull,constant headache or sore jaw is a telltale symptom. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears them grinding at night. In some cases, bruxism can result in a fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. The chronic grinding or clenching may wear teeth down to stumps. Definitely not pretty, and real expensive to restore. So prevention really is key here. I remember one patient told me that she felt she had literally “eaten her teeth away.” She felt that her entire face had shrunk, making her look much older and more worn than her true age. And her lower teeth were now the same size as grains of rice. Bruxism So, not only can severe grinding damage teeth and result in tooth loss, it can also affect your smile, your jaws, your hearing, your TMJ and even change the appearance of your face. If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist. Not only can she examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, but she can also fabricate a custom night guard to prevent further damage. Bear in mind that not all night guards are the same, so it is important to make sure that your dentist is knowledgeable of the many different types and their usage. Night guards should be comfortable, so if the one you have feels like you are wearing a brick in your mouth, and you won’t wear it because it hurts, it may be time to get that second opinion. Comfort is key if therapy is to be successful. As for breaking the habit of bruxism, there are some simple natural techniques that we have integrated into your therapy to assist with relaxation and de-stressing. Addressing the anxiety issue, trigger points (tight muscles), and long term habit of clenching, are instrumental in turning this around. As for the short term holiday season stress, here are some simple things that I recommend to reduce that stress: Get organized. Make lists or use an appointment book to keep track of tasks to do and events to attend. Once you put it in writing and see a tangible list to work with, you will feel that you have control over your life. Just say no. It's okay to say "no" to events that aren't important to you. This will give you more time to say "yes" to events that you really do want to attend. You even have permission to say “no” to everything; just to focus on “me time”. The most important investment of your time is resting, rebuilding and doing what you want, even if you spend this time curled up in bed with a good book. You are still the #1 person to take care of. Not your friends or family. Know your spending limit. Lack of money is one of the biggest causes of stress during the holiday season. Set a budget, and don’t spend more than you've planned. It's okay to tell your child that a certain toy costs too much. Don't buy gifts that you'll spend the rest of the year trying to pay off. Materialism is definitely overrated. Give something personal. You can show love and caring with any gift that is meaningful and personal. It doesn't have to cost a lot. Write personal notes and let people know how important they are to you. Home baked goods packaged prettily are a definite winner. Share the tasks. You don't have to do everything yourself. Share your "to do" list with others. Spend time with friends and family while you share tasks like decorating, wrapping gifts, and preparing the holiday meal. Be realistic. Try not to put pressure on yourself to create the perfect holiday for your family. Focus instead on the traditions that make holidays special for you. And remember that just because it's a holiday, family problems don't go away. If you have a hard time being around your relatives, it's okay to set limits on time allocation at visits. Seek counseling if necessary. If you don't have a therapist, consider a visit with us for a relaxing energy healing session. We even have an intuitive metphysical healer who can help you release any emotional traumas or karmic issues creating this stress. The holidays can be a joyful time, offering a chance to reconnect with friends and family. But they can also be stressful. If when you think about all that you have to do during this holiday season and your body tightens up, your stomach gets a twisty feeling, or your heart or head pounds, then you have holiday stress. Look at the above list and try to integrate it into your life. Your teeth and the rest of you will appreciate it. Happy Holidays! If you like this post, you may also like this: Enlightened Dentistry

For centuries, Nori has been valued as a food of longevity and detoxification by Asian cultures. It is a sea vegetable known for its nutritional and medicinal qualities.Western cultures have now embraced it for its health benefits, particularly in its ability to cleanse the body of toxins and heavy metals that cause a variety of health problems. Rich in minerals like iodine and potassium, seaweed is believed to boost the body's natural immune system and improve thyroid and liver function which will further help with detoxification. Knowing this, you should seriously find ways to incorporate it into your regular dietary eating habits. Roasted Seaweed Strips What stirred my interest in seaweed was that I kept seeing health conscious people eating these little green strips from store bought cellophane bags that say “Roasted Seaweed Strips.” Not knowing what kind of seaweed is used, and not knowing if it was at all tasty, I purchased a bag and gave it a try. And all I could think was “This is a joke.” Basically the strips tasted like toasted Nori with a little oil and salt. And for this they charge a dollar (It was a .17 oz bag- not even 1 ounce). Sure enough, when checking the ingredients, seaweed, oil and salt are it. So I experimented in the kitchen with some Nori, made a big batch this morning of “Roasted Seaweed Strips.” They didn’t last very long. Not only did us humans gobble it up, but we had plenty of help from Celeste (my amazingly healthy yorkie-poo). Creating simple healthy snack foods is a hobby of mine. I love my junk food just like everyone else, and I am always finding ways to make them into healthy junk foods. My easy raw chocolate recipe is definitely my #1 healthy snack and you can read my blog on this to find the recipe. Nori strips is now #2. It takes less than 5 minutes to make and its health benefits are beyond anything that you might get from some other salty chip in a bag. The high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in sea vegetables, make it one of the healthiest foods on the planet. New and exciting findings indicate that ocean algae can reduce our rate of fat absorption by 75%, thanks to a digestive enzyme called lipase. So it is also a great way to reestablish your healthy body weight. Sea vegetables are very high in iodine, a much needed mineral that most Americans are deficient in. Iodine is necessary for thyroid and hormone production. So you should consider adding Nori to your diet if you have any hormone imbalances. As an added plus, sea vegetables are also very low in calories. Nori is the Japanese word for seaweed. It is commonly used as the wrapper for sushi, but now it can be used as a simple snack food. Did you know that it is also one of the ocean vegetables highest in protein? It offers lots of fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, iron, minerals, EPA, vitamin C and essential B12. So, it’s not just for sushi anymore. I like Nori since it is easy to work with in the kitchen and it is easily found in most health food stores. I’ve posted my recipe below. If you are afraid to try it since it might taste seaweedy, you can always doctor up the flavor a little more with toasted sesame seeds, onion or garlic powder or use toasted sesame oil instead of olive oil. Here’s the basic recipe. Dr. Brand’s Easy Nori Chips · 1 package of organic toasted Nori sheets (at least 5 to 10 sheets) · Olive oil (in a spray can is easier) or toasted sesame oil · Sea Salt to sprinkle · Garlic powder/Onion powder/Wasabi powder –All are optional if you like that kind of flavor. I do not suggest mixing them. Just use one. 1. On a large clean flat surface or counter, lay out at least 4 sheets of Nori. Lay out more if you have the space. 2. Spray with oil. Evenly spread (you can use your fingers) the oil on the entire surface of the Nori or brush with a pastry brush to lightly evenly coat the Nori. 3. Sprinkle with salt. 4. Turn over the Nori and do exactly the same thing on the other side. 5. Lay the salted Noris on top of each other. Cut evenly into 4 to 6 pieces. 6. Store in a dry container in a cool place. Refrigerator is fine. (Might be helpful to place a desiccant packet in the container to keep it fresher longer. I transferred over the desiccant that came from the pack I bought.) This is a simple to make snack with a tremendous amount of health benefits. I’ve already made small ziplok bags full to take with me for a quick pick-me-up during the day. And if I’m not careful, Celeste (my dog) may finish it for me. Nori has maintained its popularity as attested by the proverb, "Nori each day will keep the doctor away.” It sure beats eating an apple a day. And besides, I have eaten at least 5 sheets of Nori this afternoon; I’m set for the week. Bon appétit! If you liked this post, you might also like: Seaweed Salad Anyone?

Recently, I have noticed that many patients have been bringing in their elderly parents for dental checkups. This is a great idea since it appears that a good percentage of the elderly have been remiss in their personal oral hygiene. As we age, “senior moments” (of forgetfulness) become more and more common. Not recalling important faces, names and appointments may be the beginning signs but it can soon be followed by chronic forgetfulness or depression. Adding to this are physical challenges such as arthritis and fatigue that can produce limited mobility. And before you know it, your loving lively spitfire parent has become an uncooperative recluse. They rarely leave the house and have little interest in maintaining their health. Not only will their physical and mental health decline, but their dental health will also take its toll. Managing a toothbrush may be a physical hardship or intellectually it may not even register. And with the rising number of medications that most seniors take daily, oral side effects (dry mouth causing rampant decay and periodontal disease) can quickly lead to frequent dental infections and loss of teeth. Photo credit Creative Commons: homecaregiverstore@gmail.com It was only a century ago that the average lifespan was about 35 years old. Living past the age of 40 was somewhat of an oddity, as most people usually succumbed to infections or accidental death. But due to advances in modern medicine, we are all living way past the age of our ancestors, and many of us in not so great health. There are about 33 million people over the age of 75 in the US and this number is growing fast as baby boomers lead the way. Most people in this age bracket have periodontal disease or are already missing teeth. And the adage that the mouth is a reflection of the health of the body, is especially true for our older patients. If they have infected teeth or no teeth, eating nourishing food will definitely be difficult. While geriatric dentistry is not a designated specialty, there are many who think it should be. This is largely because of the complexity of the issues involved in treating this older segment of the population. Rather than thinking about the advancing chronological age of the patient, we need to think about the medical complexity of the individual. Cancer, hypertension, diabetes, depression, arthritis and even memory issues are at the top of the list. In addition, there are the effects of many prescription medicines and their drug interactions. The geriatric population may include your parents or neighbors. Many have outlived their family members and live alone. They deserve a lot of attention and TLC (tender loving care) so it is really important that they visit the dentist regularly. Their oral condition needs to be monitored frequently so that their health can be optimal. It is always best that they see a dentist who understands the implications of their many health facets. Most elderly do not complain, but that doesn’t mean that all is well in their mouth. Even if they have no teeth, mouth screenings still need to be done to evaluate for oral cancer, vitamin deficiencies, and mouth sores. Dentures still need to be checked annually as they tend to loosen over time due to bone and gum resorption. Going to the dentist when things hurt is usually too late. As a routine, geriatric patients should be coming for regular dental visits just like the rest of us. So next time you make an appointment for yourself, consider making one for your elderly neighbor or relative. Offer to come with them. Not only will you be helping them, but you will also be setting a good example for your friends, colleagues and children. Our elders took good care of us when we were children. Now it is our turn to return the favor. Neglecting our geriatric population is not a solution. Be the person in charge and do the right thing. Someone will be sure to return the favor when you need it. Dental Care for Senior Citizens If you like this post you may also like: Silver Diamine Fluoride in Caries Management

Health, happiness, Dr. Oz. Three ingredients that create a sure recipe for success. The Health and Happiness Summit with Dr. Oz at Radio City Music Hall this weekend was definitely a success. With an enthusiastic audience of 6000, and a cast of health experts with amazing credentials, how can you go wrong? Even William Shatner showed up for a few minutes of entertainment. So hard to believe he’s over 80 years old and still appears so much younger. There were many pearls of health, but for blog purposes, the focus will be on the two most nefarious toxins in the dental field. Mercury and fluoride. A Jerome meter (checks for mercury vapor) was brought on stage and it showed no mercury from a dental silver filling set in teeth. The teeth were brushed. The Jerome meter went soaring. The crowd went wild. The Jerome Meter Testing For Mercury As for me, I was sitting there giggling. This was unbelievable. Sure this test is all over YouTube, and I have seen it before in person at holistic dental meetings, but here it is in a mainstream alternative Dr. Oz presentation. (I would love to see that put on national prime time TV.) This was an amazing progressive step for holistic dentistry. Actually, I felt like running up on the stage and hugging Dr. Wentz (the presenter), who is I might add, NOT A DENTIST! Woohoo! And to make matters more interesting, he then purposefully broke a CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulb. These are those new energy-efficient alternatives to conventional light bulbs. CFL bulbs will use around 75% less electricity than an incandescent bulb with the same light output, while lasting about 10 times longer. But did you know that it is filled with mercury? And if you break one, you need to dispose of it like hazardous waste. Well, Dr. Wentz broke one, and the Jerome meter registered about a hundred times higher than the filling reading had. Now the audience was really on edge. Then he moved onto fluoride- that familiar additive found in toothpaste and tap water. Besides displacing iodine and messing up your thyroid, he also pointed out that fluoride pulls calcium and magnesium out of your bones and thereby gives you weak bones. Something to think about if you have osteoporosis. (As a side note it will also inactivate your pineal gland, which will affect your melatonin and sleep patterns). Toothpaste Label for Fluoride Also of interest was the fluoride being released from non-stick pans when they are heated. (That means every time you use them!) I never really knew that but I guess it makes sense since they are fluorocarbon (fluorine- carbon) based. And if they’re scratched or nicked, the chemicals from the non-stick pans are going in your food, even without heating it. All in all, a phenomenal summit with inspirational stories and science to make it real. Dr. Oz made each of us promise to call 3 friends when we got home and tell them three things we learned to better their health. I guess this blog will do the job. Now, it’s your turn. Tell 3 friends what you just learned and keep this informational health chain alive. Pay it forward. Thank you. If you enjoyed this post, you may also like: The Flaws of Fluoride Are My Mercury Fillings Bad for Me

Air abrasion was invented in the 1940's, as an answer to the age old challenge of making dental care treatment as humane and as painless as possible. It has survived all these years with limited usage but has recently made a tremendous comeback since the numbers of bonded fillings has increased. Back in the old days, before bonded fillings, air abrasion usage was fairly limited to specific dental procedures. Nowadays, it can be used for almost all restorations as a way to remove decay and increase the bond strength of your white composite bonded restorations. Air Abrasion Machine Air abrasion has many advantages over rotary (drill) instrumentation. Many of the air abrasion procedures can be performed without anesthesia. It does not lead to micro fracturing of the enamel. It is extremely conservative and can be used to remove only demineralized and decayed tooth structure. It can be utilized in conjunction with laser-fluorescence caries diagnostic equipment (we have it) to detect occlusal pit and fissure decay at a very early stage, and to treat the lesion painlessly and atraumatically, sometimes with a sealant (BPA free). Treating cavities when they are small will lead to smaller fillings. We no longer have to work with “extension for retention” mentality (make the hole bigger, wider and deeper so that the filling will stay in), which is very typical for conventional mercury fillings. Using a drill-less (air abrasion or laser) route has pretty much put the dental drill out of business for small cavities. Air abrasion involves using a miniature sand blaster-like instrument that sprays a powdery, non-toxic abrasive powder against the tooth. Its effect is precise and gentle. This process efficiently removes the carious (decayed) parts of your tooth, and leaves the healthy parts intact. It will preserve the natural enamel and as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible. Air abrasion is perfect for children. With regular checkups,decay can be located early and most times it can be treated without injections or the noisy drill sounds.I know you wish they had this when you were a kid. Me too. These are the advantages of Air Abrasion: · Strengthens all bonded restorations: sealants, fillings, onlays, crowns · Removes small cavities, usually painlessly · No noise of drill · No vibration or heat · No micro fracture of tooth · Usually no anesthesia needed · No needle and no drill= no fear and no pain These are the limitations: · Can only be used with small cavities; not in deep decay · Cannot be used for root canals or crown preparation or gum treatment · Leaves a powdery residue (a little messy) that is easily rinsed away · Dental drill may still be needed to complete the preparation The white odorless powder used is aluminum oxide (alumina), the fourth most abundant compound in the earth’s crust. Since it is an aluminum based compound, I have had several patients over the years ask about its safety. Here’s my understanding. Its hardness is second only to the diamond. It is insoluble in water, chemically inert, “environmentally friendly” and allowed in landfills. Due to its extensive use in the medical (microderm abrasion) and dental fields, many studies have been performed to investigate the potential toxicity of aluminum oxide. Respiration: In order for the alumina to reach the alveoli of the lungs, the particles must be very small, less than 5 microns. Most alumina systems have a variety of crystal sizes of between 53 and 180 microns, with no more than 3% at less than 53 microns. If these particles become airborne and are inhaled, they are effectively trapped by the passageways of the nose and the mucosa-coated, ciliated epithelial cells of the upper bronchial tree of the lungs and are effectively removed by the clearing of the nose, coughing to the exterior, or swallowing. They should not affect your lungs. Personally, having worked with air abrasion for the last 20 years, I have never had a patient experience any breathing issues from it. Alzheimer’s Disease: Noxious aluminum exposure to patients and operators from air abrasion procedures would require that the aluminum in the crystals not only be converted into a biologically active form, but also, be introduced into the bloodstream or tissues of the body. As discussed earlier, the chemical form of aluminum crystals is aluminum oxide, a compound that is chemically inert. Chemical inertness translates to the fact that the aluminum is very tightly bound to oxygen (AL2O3 is the chemical formula for alumina)) and is not soluble in water or plasma. Therefore, aluminum in this chemical form cannot ionize or become complexed with other chemical species, cannot become biologically active and should not affect any brain neurons. Thusly…No Alzheimers. I would be more concerned about aluminum foil wrap, aluminum soda cans and aluminum takeout food containers. Consider also the aluminum in baking powder products as well as deodorants. These are the basis of aluminum toxicity in your bodies. Not aluminum oxide used in air abrasion. Alumina has been the mainstay of dental restorations for decades, and new processing techniques have improved its performance. The abrasive in dental paste used to polish teeth is a form of aluminum oxide crystals. These crystals are also used in the technique of air abrasion for removal of certain types of dental caries. Its capabilities and user-friendly attributes make it an excellent choice for a non-invasive pain-free dental experience. Ask how we can use Air Abrasion at your next visit. If you liked this post, you may also like: Healthy Children Have Healthy Teeth

I take my cues for blogging from the patients that come to the office. Lately, I have had a cluster of clients with issues concerning their lymph system. The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs. It is composed mainly of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and lymph. Lymph vessels, which are different from blood vessels, carry fluid called lymph throughout your body. Lymph contains white blood cells that defend you against germs. Throughout the vessels are lymph nodes. Along with your spleen, these nodes are where white blood cells fight infection. Your bone marrow and thymus produce the cells in lymph. They are part of the system, too. The lymphatic system clears away infection and keeps your body fluids in balance. If it's not working properly, fluid builds in your tissues and causes swelling, called lymphedema. Other lymphatic system problems can include infections, blockage, and ultimately cancer. Not a good thing if your lymph system is backed up. Mini trampoline Rebounder What immediately comes to mind, as an excellent therapy for maintaining a healthy lymph system is rebounding. Of course you need to work with your physician if you have a serious lymph issue but whatever the doctor is recommending, add rebounding to the protocol and you will be sure to progress even faster. Rebounding is an amazing health technique for detoxing, rebuilding and effectively improving your metabolic rate. It is an exercise that reduces body fat; firms muscles on your legs, thighs, abdomen, arms and hips. It will increase your agility; improve balance; strengthen muscles over all; provide an aerobic effect for the heart; rejuvenate the body when it's tired; and generally put you in a state of health and fitness. I have done it for years, and I find that it is a great way to decompress after a stressful day as well as improve my vitality. I usually do it with music and find that it can be an intense invigorating workout. I start with walking; go to jumping, twists, running, leg lifts, and jumping jacks. Hard to believe there are so many different moves possible on a 3 foot wide trampoline. When you get into the zone, you will feel like a kid again. The specific long-term health benefits of rebounding have been proven again and again by the medical community. Here is a shortlist of rebounding benefits. 1. It increases the capacity for respiration. 2. It circulates more oxygen to the tissues. 3. It tends to slow down aging. 4. It causes muscles to perform work in moving fluids through the body to lighten the heart's load. 5. It tends to reduce the height to which the arterial pressures rise during exertion. 6. It lessens the time during which blood pressure remains abnormal after severe activity. 7. It holds off the incidence of cardiovascular disease. 8. It increases the functional activity of the red bone marrow in the production of red blood cells. 9. It aids lymphatic circulation, as well as the flow in the veins of the circulatory system. 10. It encourages collateral circulation. 11. It strengthens the heart and other muscles in the body so that they work more efficiently. 12. It reduces the likelihood of obesity. 13. It lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 14. It stimulates the metabolism. 15. It promotes body growth and repair. 16. It improves the glandular system, especially the thyroid to increase its output. 17. It adds to the alkaline reserve of the body which may be of significance in an emergency 18. It will improve bone density. 19. It reserves bodily strength and physical efficiency. 20. It expands the body's capacity for fuel storage and endurance. 21. It improves coordination through the transmission of nerve impulses and responsiveness of the muscle. 22. It affords muscular vigor from increased muscle fiber tone. 23. It offers relief from neck and back pains, headaches, and other pain caused by lack of exercise. 24. It enhances digestion and elimination processes. 25. It allows for better and easier relaxation and sleep. 26. It results in a better mental performance, 27. It curtails fatigue and menstrual discomfort for women. 28. It minimizes the number of colds, allergies and digestive disturbances. Remember when you were a kid and you had so much fun on the trampoline? Well, you can do it again, but this time your intention is for detoxification and rebuilding health. Age is not a limiting factor as most rebounders now come with a safety bar to hold. This is a great video that explains how rebounding can assist in detoxing and improving your health. Benefits of Rebounding https://www.thebrandwellnesscenter.com/blog/categories/detoxification If you like this post you may also enjoy our others on Detoxification

When one hears the word hemp, one usually thinks of something illegal (marijuana) or the fabric that makes potato sack bags. Though its name might be a bit misleading, hemp milk is a perfectly legal, not to mention a healthy alternative for everyone to drink. Produced from the seeds of the hemp plant, this milk has only begun to be sold in the United States within the past few years. One concern that people have about hemp milk is that it might contain some of the chemical THC which is found in marijuana. Rest assured that this ingredient is not present or associated with hemp milk. All hempseeds are imported since it’s currently not legal to grow the hemp plant in the US. Some hemp milk producers have to rely on obtaining hemp seeds from farmers in Canada or Europe, where the growth of hemp plants for oil or milk is perfectly legal. Hemp Seed Milk Organic hemp milk is also a great alternative to debatable cow milk. It is lactose free and contains no antibiotics or hormones. Even more importantly, it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, protein, calcium and other essential minerals and vitamins. Best of all it has no cholesterol and actually tastes deliciously nutty. You can buy it at your health food store for a nominal price, but why bother when you can make it at home for pennies. Here’s my recipe: Dr. Brand's Recipe for Hemp Milk Ingredients:· 1 cup hemp seeds (shelled) 5-6 cups of purified water Natural Sweetener, such as Grade B Maple Syrup or Raw Honey Vanilla extract or powder to taste Pinch of salt Directions: 1. Let seeds soak in enough water to cover for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator. 2. Combine the soaked hemp seeds in ablender with the purified water. Use more water to achieve a skim milk consistency and less water to produce a heavier cream consistency of the milk. 3. Turn blender on high for 2-3minutes, or until you reach your desired consistency. The water will start to look milky. 4. After blending you can sweeten the milk by adding the natural sweetener, with the vanilla and pinch of salt. 5. You can drink it thick or strain it through cheese cloth or sieve to remove the large seed particles. The leftover seed pulp can then be used as an excellent body scrub or facial mask. I usually just add a little more sweetener to it with raw cacao powder. It tastes like thick lumpy chocolate pudding. Absolutely delicious, healthy and filling. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator in a sealed glass container. Shake well before each use. You can use it as a base for smoothies or drink it straight. Organic hemp milk contains no sugar, no cholesterol, and is free of soy and gluten. For many people, these factors make it an obvious choice for an abundant source of vital nutrients. The essential fatty acids, vitamins & nutrients that are contained in organic hemp milk provide a wide variety of health benefits. Organic shelled hemp seeds can be purchased online. I usually buy in bulk and keep the bag of seeds airtight and refrigerated. Organic hemp milk may very well be the best alternative for those of you who either do not like cow milk, suffer from lactose intolerance, or are vegetarians. While the taste of it may be something that you have to adjust to, you might just find that you actually prefer it to any of the other milk products you have tried. Bon appétit How to Make Hemp Milk and a List of its Benefits If you enjoyed this blog you may also like: Benefits of Raw Chocolate

Common sense might dictate, “If I brush harder, my teeth will get whiter.” Unfortunately, this kind of thinking can backfire. Overbrushing is the number one cause of tooth abrasion. Initially, your teeth may look cleaner and brighter with vigorous brushing, but ultimately you will wear the outer white enamel layer thin and the yellow/brown/gray secondary layer will begin to show through. That may explain why your teeth get darker as you get older. If the enamel is worn away, not only will the teeth look darker, but perhaps even look thinner. Toothbrush Abrasion Toothbrush abrasion may also affect your gums too. Often the earliest sign of the problem is what people describe as a ‘little ledge’ in the tooth at the very margin near the gum. The person often feels this with a fingernail and sometimes there is an ‘electric shock sensation’ when the area is touched with the fingernail or a toothbrush bristle. Sometimes, there are no shocking symptoms but sensitivity to cold may be a regular occurrence. As the damage progresses, it becomes more and more noticeable, with the gum tissue receding away, causing the tooth to look longer as more of its root surface is exposed. The damage to the tooth eventually manifests as a v-shaped notch at the gum margin which increases in both width and depth over time. What’s important when brushing your teeth is not how hard you scrub, but that you use the proper technique and that you do a thorough job. And that is a skill that takes time to master. So don’t just scrub your teeth clean; brush them properly with care and consciousness. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for two to three minutes to get the most thorough cleaning. In my opinion, if you do it right, it should take less than a minute to properly brush your teeth. The following are some basic tips for brushing your teeth correctly: Floss first. Use a soft-bristled nylon toothbrush to prevent gum damage and dental wear in the root area. Do not use a hard-bristled toothbrush. Do not use a natural bristle toothbrush. See Toothbrush Recommendations Brush your tongue before your teeth. Place the head of your toothbrush with the tips of the bristles at a 45-degree-angle to the gumline when brushing .Move the toothbrush with short strokes and a circular motion, several times in each spot – do NOT saw back and forth across the teeth with your toothbrush. Apply just enough pressure to feel the bristles against the gums. If you are squashing the bristles, you're brushing too hard. Always brush the backs (tongue facing side) of your teeth first and work your way forward. Use toothpaste with a low abrasive level. The best way to avoid abrading your teeth and gums is by seeing your dental professional for regular checkups. Make sure that you review proper brushing technique. Once the abrasion damage is done, it is impossible to reverse it naturally. By implementing a little extra awareness in your brushing technique, your teeth can stay strong and healthy for life. If you like this post you may also like: Cures for the Grinding Holiday Stress OIl Pulling