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The controversy around the use or non-use of toothpaste has been long standing. Much of this has to do with the obvious fluoride content and its effects on our physical and mental health. (Seemy other blogs: The Flaws of Fluoride and Iodine vs.Fluoride: One Secret to Better Health ). But how about the other ingredients? Recently this conversation has come up in the office with many health conscious patients. As most of you already know, toxins in toothpaste are as “normal” as are those in our everyday food supply. Poison control warnings exist on the back of most toothpaste tubes (it would be great to see this on the food labels too), and for good reason. If you swallow too much of the paste you can become very ill, very quickly. And there are many documented cases of fluoride poisoning yearly, some fatal, that prove this point. So can somebody explain the logic of putting these poisons in our mouth daily? It may taste minty fresh clean, but the long term side effects can be horrific. And for those of us who don’t notice any effects from the daily use, be assured that these poisons are accumulating and building up creating some disease, or immune system problem years later. And the correlation between that health problem and toothpaste will be nil. Here is a quick review of the most common poisons added to our conventional and some “natural” toothpastes. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate. These are surfactants, detergents, and emulsifiers used in thousands of cosmetic products, as well as in industrial cleaners. It is present in nearly all shampoos, scalp treatments, hair color and bleaching agents, body washes and cleansers, make-up foundations, liquid hand soaps, laundry detergents, and bath oils/bath salts and of course most toothpastes. Although SLS originates from coconuts, the actual chemical used is not natural. During the manufacturing process, the SLS is contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a carcinogenic by-product. SLS is known to dry out the protective mucous membrane inside of your mouth. This cellular lining of the mouth is your first defense against infection. Research has also implicated this ingredient in the formation of canker sores or herpes breakouts. In other words, if you have a problem with chronic canker sores, look for this ingredient in your toothpaste. If it is listed, use a different toothpaste. Pyrophosphate compounds are ingredients in many tartar control toothpastes. It is a water-softening agent that removes calcium and magnesium from the saliva, so they can't deposit tartar (calcified plaque) on teeth. Pyrophosphate does not remove tartar, it merely helps prevent its formation. Many people with sensitive skin have experienced burning, itching, or red cracked skin around the mouth after using toothpaste with this ingredient. I know that I have. Triclosan is utilized for its anti-microbial effects. Recent research, published in Aquatic Toxicology, is the first to show that triclosan can act as an endocrine disruptor at concentrations found in North American streams. Triclosan’s endocrine disruptive effects were seen prominently at the thyroid gland in frogs. Silicon dioxide (silica usually from sand). Hydrated silica is a transparent abrasive used not only in white opaque tooth pastes, but in gel toothpastes as well. Calcium phosphate (chalk), calcium carbonate and alumina were conventionally used as the abrasive in toothpastes but they had the disadvantage of reacting with other chemical ingredients. Some brands may still use these. Often these toothpastes can have a long term harmful effect; the abrasives will wear down the enamel exposing the dentin underneath which is yellow, brown or gray in color. So if your teeth are getting darker over the years, it may be due to the abrasiveness of your paste. Titanium dioxide is the subject of new controversy. It is one of the top fifty chemicals produced worldwide. It is a white opaque and naturally occurring mineral. It has a variety of uses, as it is odorless and absorbent. This mineral can be found in many products, ranging from paint to food to cosmetics. In cosmetics, it serves several purposes. It is a white pigment, an opacifier and a sunscreen. Basically, it makes your toothpaste look more pleasant and uniform. Concern has arisen from studies that have pointed to titanium dioxide as a carcinogen. Artificial flavors, sweeteners, and dyes are added to toothpaste to improve the appearance, taste, or smell of the toothpaste. These ingredients can cause toxic reactions especially in children. Sweeteners such as saccharine is listed as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Sorbitol, another sweetener can cause diarrhea in some individuals. Aspartame, also a sweetener, has been implicated in liver and kidney damage. FD&C Blue No. 1, a coal tar dye often found in toothpaste has also been implicated as a carcinogen. Toothpastes have been around a long time. Hippocrates had references to toothpaste recipes as far back as 377 BC. Toothpastes can contain a myriad of ingredients. Chemicals are added to toothpaste to improve its mechanical properties, appearance, smell and taste. There are many natural alternatives. Keep an open mind. If you like this, you may also like Dr. Brand's Book

When you practice in the holistic dental realm, you come across some unusual requests. Typically, patients want their teeth restored but they want their new fillings to be from material that is “natural”. That can be a challenge, considering that all restoratives in dentistry are made of chemicals. So the idea here is to find the least toxic product and the least invasive technique to install it. Snap-on Smile Snap –on smile is one such product that delivers. Want prettier teeth, whiter teeth, and bigger teeth? Have lots of spaces between your teeth and can’t stand the idea of wearing a partial denture or cutting down healthy teeth to make a bridge? Or does the idea of placing an implant and possibly creating more stress on your immune system, not sit right with you? Snap-on smile is an easy solution. Two visits and two impressions. No needles. No drills. No pain. It is a non-invasive, reversible, and an affordable approach to restorative and cosmetic dentistry. The results have been life changing for many. Holistically speaking, it is BPA free and metal-free making it an excellent choice for the chemically sensitive or immune compromised patient. Also, this non-toxic material has been used medically in heart valve replacements, so we know historically it is durable, dependable and fairly biocompatible. So if you are ready for a holistic dental make over, Snap-on smile may be your answer. Call for an appointment to see if you are a good candidate for this simple life changing dental procedure. If you like this post, you may also like Cures for the Grinding Holiday Stress

Toxins in the human body are an ever growing health concern. Mercury fillings, fluoride and BPA in dental materials are just the tip of the iceberg. When you truly stop and think about how many poisons we are exposed to on a daily basis, “overwhelming” is an understatement. Toxins are not only in our food and medical supply; they are also in our living environment, including the air we breathe and the invisible EMFs that bombard us 24/7. This toxic load upon our bodies is of grave concern. As we aspire toward becoming more enlightened and improving our health, daily habits must be developed to reduce our body's lethal toxins. And if you are one of our regular readers, you know that we have touched on this topic many times before in several blogs. Zeolite is one substance worth exploring for body detoxification. Zeolite is a silicate based mineral and has the consistency of sand. When micronized, it can get down to a very fine powder. There have been many independent studies about its usefulness in health. Zeolite Zeolite has a negative charge which acts like a magnet to pull positively charged toxins and heavy metals out of the cells of the body. It works because of a cage structure which is very beneficial for trapping the heavy metals and toxins so your body is never re-exposed to them when they are pulled out of the cells. This is why there are very little side effects compared to other detox products which flood your body with all of these toxins at once and cause what is called a healing crisis (Herxheimer reaction) with significant side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, headaches, rashes, etc). Clinoptilolite is the industrial name for Zeolite and it is amazing minerals that are formed when a volcano erupts and spews hot lava into ocean water. Their combination of hot lava and cool ocean water cause the formation of a highly charged mineral particle called Zeolite. Zeolites are different than other antioxidants in they are more powerful. They have been proven to absorb toxins, free radicals, and heavy metals (even uranium 238 and plutonium) from your body, as well as boosting the immune system without side effects. This mineral will also balance the body’s pH. Disease forming organisms cannot live in a balanced pH environment. When Zeolite is ingested into the body, all of the positively charged (+) heavy metals, toxins, and harmful chemicals bond with the Zeolite and are flushed out through the urine within 6-8 hours. How Zeolite Protects and Restores Your Health: Eliminates Radiation Poisoning (x-rays, security scanners, nuclear) Detoxifies Heavy Metals, Including Mercury, Lead & Cadmium Flushes Environmental Toxins (smoke, cell phone radiation , chemicals) Cuts-off Food Supply to Cancer, Viruses and Parasites (separates them from our healthy cells) Boosts Your Immune System (strips off harmful pathogens protection so our immune system sees it) Balances Your Whole Body (alkaline effect on body) Zeolite can be mined with many impurities, so it is important to make sure that the one you use is high quality. By taking a small sample everyday, you will gently reduce the poisons accumulating in your body. Cleansing your body internally is as important as cleansing it externally. Regular use of Zeolite is a great way to accomplish this. If you like this post you may also like: A Gentle Heavy Metal Detox

Do you sometimes feel that you have done everything possible to get well, yet your chronic illness still prevails? Replaced your mercury fillings? Removed your root canals? Juiced? Raw food vegan diet? Detoxed by every available technique? If you are running out of options, you might consider getting the MTHFR genetic test. MTHFR is the acronym for methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase and this enzyme plays a key role in the process of methylation. It impacts your ability to make glutathione, a pivotal antioxidant for detoxification. People with MTHFR anomalies usually have low glutathione, which makes them more susceptible to stress and less tolerant to toxic exposures. Accumulation of toxins in the body and increased oxidative stress will lead to fatigue, premature aging and chronic health problems. People with MTHFR mutations have a reduced ability to eliminate toxins and heavy metals, including mercury. MTHFR genetic defects affect at least 40% of the population. Having the mutation does not necessarily mean that you will show symptoms or develop conditions associated with MTHFR. How the MTHFR genes express themselves can have a lot to do with a person’s nutrition, stress level, environmental factors and other genetic mutations. This may explain why two people can have the same MTHFR mutation and not be affected equally. Some conditions that may be associated with MTHFR gene mutations Autism Addictions: smoking, drugs, alcohol Down’s syndrome Frequent miscarriages Male & female infertility Pulmonary embolism and other blood clots Depression & anxiety Schizophrenia Bipolar disorder Fibromyalgia Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chemical Sensitivity Parkinson’s disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome Stroke Spina bifida Migraines Hyperhomocysteinemia Breast cancer Atherosclerosis Alzheimer’s Multiple Sclerosis Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) Nitrous Oxide Toxicity Although there are over fifty known MTHFR variants, the two primary ones are called C677T and A1298. Your medical doctor can order a blood test to determine if you have these genetic variants. Or, you can order a complete genetic profile yourself through 23andMe. And if you find that you have the genetic mutation, you might suggest other family members to be tested, especially if they have any of conditions listed above. Treatment for MTHFR mutations involves a special diet with nutritional supplementation. More information can be found at this website to further your understanding of MTHFR http/mthfr.net/ . If you like this post, you may also like Green Drinks

It has been 70 years since the United States first started adding fluoride to the municipal water supplies. Many legal battles to remove this toxin from our drinking water are in progress, but still this noxious chemical endures as a staple in our daily diet. Most developed nations in the world have rejected fluoridation, including 97% of western Europe. The United States, which fluoridates more than 70% of its water supplies, is an exception to this rule. According to the British Fluoridation Society, there are more people drinking artificially fluoridated water in the United States than all other countries combined. That last bit of information can really make you think. So, after 7 decades of fluoridation, what are the statistics? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “as a result [of water fluoridation], dental caries declined precipitously during the second half of the 20th century.” And they have all the statistics to back this up. Percentage Fluoridated Water vs. Number of Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control (1999) What the CDC failed to mention is that tooth decay rates have “precipitously declined” in all western countries, regardless of whether the country ever fluoridated its water or not. And since most (70%) western countries do not fluoridate their water, and yet their tooth decay rates have declined at the same rate as the U.S. and other fluoridated countries, then the fluoridation variable cannot be the determining cause. This fact can also be quickly demonstrated by examining the World Health Organization’s (WHO) data on tooth decay trends in each country. The following graph compare the tooth decay trends in western countries with, and without, water fluoridation. As you can see, the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) has continually declined in the last 40 years regardless of water fluoridation. As I have written before in my previous posting on The Flaws of Fluoride, studies have shown there is no benefit from ingesting fluoride. Topically, on the teeth, fluoride can help harden the enamel preventing decay. But so can other techniques that are more biocompatible to the body. (See Oil Pulling post.) Fluoride is not an essential nutrient. This means that no human disease – including tooth decay – will result from a “deficiency” of fluoride. But the harmful effects of over fluoridating, are many, as previously pointed out in The Flaws of Fluoride. Moving forward, one has to continue to take extra precautions in removing this useless poison from our drinking water. I know I will. If you like this post, you may also like: The Flaws of Fluoride Cooking with Fluoride?

Due to my many publications on alternative health, I was recently contacted by a health magazine for my ideas of unusual ways for adults to get a better night's sleep. And since many of the patients I see are dealing with this problem as well, I thought it would be worth sharing here. Here are the most common ways to get better sleep. Most of us know these already. Basic list for better sleep: 1. Keep the bedroom as dark as possible. That means removing nightlights and digital readouts from TVs, clock radios, computers, etc. 2. Do not exercise within 3 hours of bedtime. This will over stimulate your metabolism causing restlessness throughout the night. A few light stretches for muscle tightness is a good way to relax. 3. Avoid caffeine late in the day and do not eat heavy protein or carbohydrates within 3 hours of bedtime. Same reason as #2. 4. Keep a pen and paper handy to write down any mental worries. Creating an action plan on paper will allow your mind to relax from worries and anxiety. If you are doing all of the above and still having trouble sleeping, try this list: 1. Epsom salt bath. The high level of magnesium will relax muscles, reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. 2. A mineral drink- ¼ tsp of gray Celtic sea salt with 2 glasses of water before bedtime will supply 84 minerals to assist overall relaxation. Read The Miracle of Minerals 3. Herbal tea. Although we may be familiar with chamomile before bedtime, the Ayurvedic herbs Tulsi (Holy Basil) and Ashwaghanda make excellent relaxing teas that are also adaptogenic (balance stress hormones). Valerian root tea is another possibility. 4. Listen to the sounds of nature. Easy enough. Just find them on YouTube. It can be anything from the sounds of the forest, or a waterfall or birds chirping. Whale sounds, in particular can be very relaxing. 5. Listen to the sounds of Solfeggio. Also on YouTube. Solfeggio frequencies or music will rebalance your chakras and provide instant relaxation. And if you are a patient, you have already experienced this with your free 2 Minute tune-up at your dental visits. (We also offer full one hour sessions for deep relaxation.) 6. Count your blessings. While conventional thinking promotes counting sheep, counting blessings will put you in a state of blissful gratitude. It will allow you to release the worries of the day. 7. Turn off the computer screen at least 2 hours before bedtime. The bright light of the computer screen may alter the body’s natural production of melatonin that is critical to the normal sleep cycle. Use a blue light filter if you must use the computer before bedtime. There is also a free app you can get on line that will automatically adjust your computer screen light for you. See https/justgetflux.com 8. Sleep on natural fabric linens. 100% bamboo or cotton sheets are much more calming and grounding to the body than synthetic fabrics. 9. Ground yourself while sleeping. Use an Earthing pad while sleeping. This will keep you fully grounded to the natural Earth frequency. Not only is it relaxing but healing as well. 10. Put EMF protectors on all electrical appliances your bedroom. This will prevent the unsettling effects of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) during sleep. 11. Remove WiFi from the home. Hard wire your computers to the internet so that you are not exposed to disruptive EMF’s 24/7. When all else fails, the underlying cause may be hormone imbalance or adrenal fatigue. Best to see your medical doctor for evaluation. If you liked this post, you may also like: The Miracle of Minerals Jump Your Way to Health!

Tooth regeneration seems to be a big topic in the holistic dental community. As the work of Dr. Weston Price gets more popular, people are looking outside conventional dentistry for natural ways to restore their teeth. Eggshell supplementation may very well be part of the solution. Ground Eggshells Eggshell powder is a natural source of calcium and 27 other minerals. Experimental and clinical studies have shown eggshells to have a positive effect on tooth and bone metabolism. One positive study was observed on bone density in postmenopausal osteoporosis female rats. Clinical studies with postmenopausal women and women with senile osteoporosis showed that eggshell powder reduced pain, increased bone density, and also stopped bone loss. In vitro, eggshell powder stimulates cartilage growth through chondrocyte differentiation. The bioavailability of calcium from this source, as tested in piglets, was similar or better than that of food grade purified calcium carbonate. Theses clinical and experimental studies show that eggshell powder has positive effects on bone and cartilage and that it is suitable in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. So what about regenerating teeth? The composition of eggshells resembles our teeth. And it can provide the necessary amount of minerals to do the job. But is it enough to reverse decay? Probably not as there are other variables that come into play here: diet, pH, genetics and many co-factors not yet explored. But if you want to try and remineralize chipped teeth or rebuild bone supporting your teeth (or reverse osteoporosis), this might be worth a try. I would strongly advise taking a Vitamin K2 and Vitamin C supplement with this, as both nutrients are needed to bring the calcium into the bone and away from the blood vessels. Also check that your Vitamin D levels are adequate. If not, supplementation of D3 would be advisable. Eggshell Powder 1 -2 cartons of organic pastured chicken eggs 1 stock pot 1 coffee grinder 1 small Mason/glass jar with secure and clean lid 1. Start collecting eggshells and store in the refrigerator. When you have enough shells, rinse them well in water, removing any liquidy whites that might be remaining. You should keep the membrane intact with the shell as these have extra nutrients. (Glucosamine and hyaluronic acid in the membrane will improve joint health) 2. Boil the eggshells for about 10 minutes to kill all pathogens. 3. Drain shells. 4. Spread the shells on a pyrex or stainless steel baking sheet and let dry overnight. 5. After air drying, place in a low temperature oven (200 degree F) for about 10 to 15 minutes to dry out completely. Let cool to room temperature. 6. Put a few shells at a time into a coffee grinder and pulverize until they are powder form. 7. Store the powder in a tightly sealed glass jar (I use old vitamin bottles) in the refrigerator or in the cupboard away from heat. One eggshell is equal to about 1 teaspoon of powder, which contains 800 – 1000 mg of calcium. Daily dose is ½ to 1 teaspoon a day. Eggshell powder will not dissolve in liquids, so you might mix it into a smoothie or even oatmeal. It really doesn’t have a taste but it can feel sandy in the mouth. I tend to have it with water. As a side note, consider sprinkling a bit on your pet’s food. It will be beneficial for them as well. It is even helpful to plant health. The calcium from eggshells is extremely bioabsorbable. Milk and dairy have long been promoted as high calcium foods, but the calcium in them isn't bioavailable. This means that our bodies can't utilize it easily. Also, pasteurized milk products are acidic. They contribute to the overall acidic condition of the body, which causes the blood to rob more calcium from the bones. Eggshell powder may be the best calcium-mineral choice for improving our health. If you like this post, you may also like: Zeolite -A Daily Detox Seaweed Salad Anyone?

Recently at a dental meeting, I met many colleagues who promote their practice as mercury-free. As such, they believe that they are also mercury-safe since they no longer place amalgams within their practice. Although this sounds good in theory, the reality is significantly different. These mercury-free dentists have no safety protocol in place, and as a result, are exposing their patients, their employees and themselves to a heavy load of mercury aerosol each time old amalgam fillings are drilled out. When looking for a dentist to replace your silver mercury fillings, it is important to look for a dental office that is mercury-safe, not mercury-free. Statistically speaking, as of 2008, over 50% of practicing dentists no longer use silver (mercury) amalgam fillings, and as a marketing tool, many may be promoting their practice as mercury-free. A mercury–free dentist is one who no longer places silver mercury fillings. A mercury-safe dentist is one who follows a safety protocol to protect everyone in the office, including you! Mercury-Safe Dentistry Even though patients may get a non-mercury filling at a mercury- free dentist’s office, this does not mean that the patient and the office personnel are being protected in a mercury-safe manner. So be sure to ask the right questions when looking for a holistic dentist to replace your amalgams. Additionally, do not assume that all holistic dentists are mercury-safe or for that matter, even holistic. I found this out by personal experience. You can read about it here. Lesson learned: Always ask questions before choosing a health practitioner. If you like this post, you may also like: Are My Mercury Fillings Bad For Me? or Choosing a Holistic Dentist

As a dentist, I have seen many patients with significant jaw bone loss. This is not a good thing as it is a marker for loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Sometimes it may be associated with the usual symptoms of periodontal disease and you should read our previous post Floss First! for further clarity. But other times, the periodontal health looks fairly normal with minimal pocketing and no bleeding. Bone Loss around Teeth Upon seeing this bone loss, my primary question to the patient is “Have you had a bone density test?” And if they have had one, they already know that they have a bone density challenge (osteoporosis or osteopenia). If they haven’t had one yet and they do go, it is not surprising to find that they are usually low on the bone density scale. As many of you are already aware, your mouth health is a reflection of your body health, and many dentists can infer quite a bit by a comprehensive oral evaluation. (See Meridian Dentistry and Saliva Secrets: pH ) For those of you trying to reverse bone loss naturally, here is a base recipe of nutrients that may help. There are other specific factors depending on which bones are actually involved (jaw, legs, arms or spine) but those can be addressed individually if you ask at your appointment. These are the suggested nutrients necessary to rebuild human bone: • Strontium. (at least a 1000 mg). It should be taken on an empty stomach, away from other minerals and away from food • Vitamin D3. (3000 – 5000 IU). Best to take with fatty food, or it will not be absorbed. You might also consider having your blood levels tested. It’s a simple blood test. Ideally your blood levels should be over 60. • Minerals. Best way to get mineral supplementation is by taking a daily dose of gray Celtic salt. You can buy it at many health food stores. A good daily dose would be ½ teaspoon of the salt followed with 2 glasses of quality water. You can do a1/4 teaspoon twice a day if it is easier. The 2 glasses of water each time is still necessary. You can also put this salt on food. There are 84 minerals in gray Celtic salt. (see The Miracle of Minerals) It will not raise your blood pressure since the sodium content is very low. If you take it away from food, it will be absorbed more efficiently. DO NOT TAKE AT THE SAME TIME AS THE STRONTIUM. They will compete with each other and the strontium will not be absorbed. • Magnesium. Taking additional supplementation of Magnesium will activate Vitamin D (from the sun). • Vitamin K2. Found in grass fed meat, free range chickens and eggs, and almost all REAL fermented foods. (Not the make-believe yogurt found in most supermarkets). • Collagen supplements. You can buy this in powdered form, add to smoothies , or buy in capsule form. You can get collagen naturally by making a bone soup. (See The Benefits of Bone Soup) • Weight bearing exercise. You can stand on one leg for 3 minutes and then do the other leg for 3 minutes. This is the equivalent of an hour’s walk in terms of stimulating bone growth. You can also do weight lifting daily with 2-5 lb. weights. • Make sure your cholesterol is at least 180. If it is too low, you will not make enough Vitamin D. • Contrary to popular dogma, taking Calcium supplements alone will not create more bone. It must be taken with Vitamin K2 to actually be absorbed into the bone. • Use of a mini trampoline (rebounder) has also shown to be beneficial in stimulating bone growth. (See Jump Your Way to Health!) • Drugs used for osteoporosis (for example, Fosamax) do not create new bone. They simply prevent death of old bone. The bone that is there is dry, brittle and styrofoam-like. It is prone to fracture as much as having osteoporosis. It just looks good on the bone density test. As you restore the integrity of your skeletal bones, you may find that the bone supporting your teeth may also improve. There are other factors involved with the dental bone but these are the basics. You should see a difference in bone density within a year. Interested in learning more? Consider an appointment with Dr. Brand. Contact us at 212 947-0073 If you like this post you may also like: Gum Disease is Contagious

Candida (yeast) infections are on the rise; mostly due to side effects from medications, poor diet and alcohol use. It is one of those sneaky diseases that develops over the years, presenting with symptoms that are vast and non-specific. I would have to say that over 80% of my patients have some degree of this fungal infection, many of who believe it is something else going on in their body. Candida Overgrowth (Thrush) Photo credit Creative Commons: MariaJosse2 Small amounts of the Candida fungus are usually present in the mouth, digestive tract, and skin of most healthy people. It is normally kept in check by other (good) bacteria and microorganisms in the body. However, illness, stress, medications and poor diet can disturb this delicate balance, causing the fungus Candida to grow out of control and create a vast array of diverse symptoms. Here is a basic list of Candida overgrowth symptoms: 1. Skin and nail fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus 2. Feeling exhausted, or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia 3. Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea 4. Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, IBS 5. Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, brain fog, 6. Skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, hives and rashes 7. Irritability, mood swings, anxiety or depression 8. Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching 9. Seasonal allergies or itchy ears 10. Strong cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates And a basic list of simple nutrients to take daily to do away with it: 1. Probiotics and FOS (fructo oligosaccharides) daily 2. Capryllic acid or coconut oil 3. Pau d’arco (capsule or tea) 4. Oil of oregano 5. Grapefruit seed extract 6. Black walnut oil It may take several months before you feel a shift back to health from the Candida overgrowth. Persistence is key. During this time period, you must avoid all carbohydrates and sugars, as this will continue to feed the fungus. An important factor to also consider is that Candida thrives in the presence of mercury. As long as you have mercury silver fillings in your teeth, it may be extra difficult to get completely past the Candida infection. So if you have mercury amalgam fillings, you might seriously think about getting them replaced sooner, not later. If you like this post, you may also like: Baking Soda and Oral Health

A recent study (published in PLOS ONE), has found that the amino acid L-arginine destroys the bacteria which cause cavities and gum disease. L-arginine is a common amino acid found naturally in red meat, poultry, fish, soy and certain dairy products. It helps rid people’s teeth of destructive biofilms that cause poor oral health. Foods with L-Arginine Dental biofilms cause the formation of dental cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease. According to the NIH, 92% of adults (age 20 to 64) of the American population have dental cavities; and according to the ADA, nearly 50% have moderate or severe periodontal disease. L-arginine is currently being included in certain toothpaste formulations as it is thought to protect against dentine hypersensitivity. The study shows that the same concentrations of L-arginine potentially can control dental plaque formation, and may be beneficial in protecting against gum disease. Presently, most methods for dental plaque control involve the use of antimicrobial agents, such as pyrophosphate or triclosan (See Toothpaste: Poison or Panacea post), which are toxic chemicals aimed at killing plaque bacteria. These antimicrobial chemicals have been the subject of debate about overuse in recent years. Researchers say the mechanism for how L-arginine causes the disintegration of the biofilms needs further study. These initial findings show that arginine can change how cells stick together, and can trigger bacteria within biofilms to alter how they behave so that they no longer stick to surfaces. Further clinical trials and studies are planned, but the authors say these early results are promising and indicate that L-arginine could take the place of current plaque-controlling substances. Moving forward with this, it is worth looking into taking L-arginine as a nutritional supplement, and perhaps adding a bit to you homemade toothpaste. If you like this post, you may also like: Reversing and Preventing Cavities or Toothpaste: Poison or Panacea

Root canal teeth are frowned upon in the holistic community. For those in the know, endodontically treated teeth are a source of chronic low grade infection and can create a stress on the entire immune system. Statistically, it has been shown to have a correlation with autoimmune diseases and some types of cancers. Photo credit Creative Commons: Larry Shaw As an integrative dentist, I have had many patients come to me throughout the years looking for an alternative to root canal. Conventional dentistry says that the only other choice to root canal treatment is extraction of the tooth. And this may be true if the nerve is irreversibly infected. But for many cases, root canal can be avoided altogether. A typical example is a tooth with a deep cavity but the nerve is still vital. With the use of lasers, ozone, topical medicaments, nutrition and homeopathy, the nerve can heal itself. For resistant infections, we also use Acupuncture to open the meridian of the tooh involved so that the other modalities mentioned above can work more effectively. If the nerve is severely infected or is already non-vital, root canal can still be avoided, after the infection is brought under control. This may take longer to achieve, but is worth the effort in the long run. The challenge is that conventional dentistry believes that a painful, abscessed or dead tooth is already a sign that a root canal is obligatory. And in many situations, this may be so. And this philosophy can work for the masses that are looking for a quick fix. But for those of us who know that the body can heal itself if given the proper environment to do so, the integrative treatment mentioned above may be the solution. Our teeth can protect themselves from infection when we nourish our body with specific foods that keep us in balance. It requires some conscious choices of food and supplements. It may not always work, since much depends on your state of health and how committed you are to seeing this through. When you do this, you can heal infected teeth, and you may prevent the need for root canals. So for those of you looking to avoid root canal, rest assured, you can. Always seek out a second opinion before undergoing any invasive or surgical procedures. If you like this post, you may also like Choosing a Holistic Dentist