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.
Holistic dentistry and the fluoride free movement have seen another big win in the battle to keep Americans safe from treated tap water. The victory is celebrated by residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and full coverage can be found on the Fluoride Action Network. On July 1st, the County announced they would no longer be purchasing fluoridated water from the city of Philadelphia. Instead, the County will get water from a new source that does not add fluoride to it. Throughout 2013, the movement toward fluoride free drinking water gained unprecedented momentum and media attention. This most recent victory in Bucks County, PA, shows the momentum is still alive and well, which is great news for everyone who understands just how harmful fluoridated water can be to the body. Infants are particularly susceptible to the side effects of fluoride toxicity, especially when fed formula prepared with fluoridated tap water. During preparation, water evaporates and fluoride concentration increases, delivering high doses of the dangerous mineral to infants’ delicate and still-developing nervous system. Fluoride Causes ‘Chemical Brain Drain.’ If you are still uncertain about the danger of fluoride, look no further than this Harvard School of Public Health study titled “Impact of Fluoride on Neurological Development in Children.” Philippe Grandjean, adjunct professor of environmental health, summarizes the report in a concise and alarming fashion: “Fluoride seems to fit in with lead, mercury, and other poisons that cause chemical brain drain,” he reports. Fluoride Free Dentistry You do not have to accept fluoride exposure. At Assure A Smile, we believe in providing a holistic approach to dentistry that minimizes exposure to known toxins. This “biocompatible” approach puts patients first, protecting them from the mental, emotional, and physical harm caused by toxins like fluoride. Schedule an appointment online, or call our office directly at 305-274-0047 to learn more about our holistic approach to creating healthy teeth and gums for life.
If you live in Miami, chances are good that your doctor has warned you about spending long hours in the hot Florida sun. You’ve probably also been cautioned to used a thick sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, and to reapply the lotion every 30 to 60 minutes to avoid sunburn and melanoma (skin cancer). With all the hearsay and confusion surrounding the subject of sun exposure and health, you might even find yourself taking refuge in the shade, just to play it safe. Avoiding the sun can be extremely detrimental to long-term health, however.
Oil pulling is an all-natural way to improve oral health. Although oil pulling is just now enjoying positive feedback from dental patients, it is actually an age old practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It wasn’t until the 1990s that health experts in the Western world began recommending oil pulling as a way to naturally detoxify the body, particularly the teeth and gums. Today, many holistic dentists recognize oil pulling as a safe, easy, and inexpensive way to significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay, oral infection, and gum disease.
With nearly 60,000 passionate Twitter Followers, Vani Hari’s Food Babe account is committed to spreading awareness for the sometimes toxic and alarming things found lurking in everyday food items. As a holistic dental practice, Assure A Smile applauds Ms. Vani Hari’s admirable activism and supports her mission to investigate what’s in your food.
When a patient exhibits obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and significant digestive system health problems, there’s a good chance the conditions are interrelated.
As the Miami community dons pink ribbons in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Assure A Smile would like to take a moment to share new medical research on the role iodine might play in preventing this terrible disease. Iodine and cancer share a close relationship for which the public must be aware, according to studies by cancer expert and author, Dr. David Brownstein, MD. And since this October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the link between iodine and breast cancer takes a special media spotlight. Iodine deficiency can also lead to dry mouth, cavities, and a host of other oral health conditions, making it important to learn how this essential element can be used to improve total body wellness.
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition characterized by a damaged intestinal wall. As a result of this damage, the contents of the small intestine slowly leak into the abdominal cavity and circulate throughout the body. This can cause much larger health issues, because under digested food particles and bacteria can accumulate and disrupt normal, healthy body function. In the first installment of this 2-part series, learn more about Leaky Gut Syndrome and the 4 main activities that cause it.