Ultimately , “truly holistic dentists are dentists who perform dentistry that is good for the body as well as the teeth and gums," said Dr. Irineo Marvin DDS of the Center for Natural Dentistry in San Diego, Calif.
There has been an on-going debate for decades on the efficacy of using mercury in tooth cavities because mercury is so toxic. Mercury is cheap, effective and easy to use. And therein is the problem. There are many possible health issues linked to mercury. While this article is not specifically about mercury, I would be remiss if I didn’t include some considerations regarding it.
What the Experts Say
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the effects on health from the use of mercury include but may not be limited to the following symptoms: “tremors, emotional changes (e.g.) mood swings, irritability, nervousness, excessive shyness); insomnia; neuromuscular changes (such as weakness, muscle atrophy, twitching); headaches; disturbances in sensations; changes in nerve response; performance deficits on tests of cognitive function.”
According to Dr. Marvin, “Mercury vapor which is considered the deadliest form of mercury is inhaled, passes through the lungs into the blood system which carries it to virtually all the body tissues.”
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the Guide for Dentists for Managing Mercury and Amalgam Wastes: Mercury is a persistent bioaccumulative toxin that can cause damage to the human brain and nervous system. It is especially harmful to a developing human child.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation states “New York Law forbids the use or possession of elemental mercury in the practice of dentistry.” Amalgam capsules must be used. Using amalgam capsules render the mercury confined and more safe.
The American Dental Association notes, “Although mercury in the form of dental amalgam is stable, amalgam should not be rinsed down the drain…”
Additionally, “some mercury is released into the air eventually collects in the waterways where it enters the food chain.”
You may recall from history that in the 1800s, workers in hat factories that used mercury in the making of felt became ill, causing them to have tremors, mood swings and behave irrationally. The phrases “mad as a hatter” and “Mad Hatter disease” were born out of this.
While it is inappropriate for me to caution the reader or make any claims, I have advised my own dentist to not use mercury in my teeth if I need fillings. The plethora of information about mercury and warnings by the government have caused me to consider removing the present mercury in my teeth.
A Visit to a Holistic Dentist
On a lighter note and more to the point of this article, I decided to visit a holistic dentist, right here in Brooklyn.
Ivisited and interviewed Dr. Eugenia Rosenthal, who has been practicing since graduating in 1980 from the NYU School of Dentistry. I arrived early to study the office and while waiting for her, I had a chance to appreciate it. The atmosphere in the waiting room created a calming effect. The staff was pleasant, and there was a small lovely waterfall, soft furniture and a pleasant staff. There was also a number of books on holistic health including holistic dental health (quite remarkable to see in a dental office.) But the most remarkable thing I noticed was the patients.
There were three patients who came in and left, and each was smiling! Yes, smiling going to and from the dentist! I asked one woman why -- she said that the whole experience was comfortable and she felt at ease knowing that no unnecessary procedures or drugs would be used. She brought her whole family there. The whole experience was comfortable??? I was really looking forward to meeting with the doctor now!
although most of the questions I had could be researched on the Internet, I was excited to be getting answers from an in-person interview with a real holistic dentist. Here is what I learned:
Dr. Rosenthal, with sincerity, referred me back to the Hippocratic Oath that begins, “First do no harm.”
Iasked her to explain why her patients were smiling. She explained that she uses the least invasive procedures. “It’s much about the relationship between the doctor and the patient,” she said. “It is a partnership.” For example, most of us know that sugar is bad for our teeth, but there is a lot more to know about the nutritional implications. Dr. Rosenthal actually takes the time to educate and guide her patients so they can better be a partner in their dental care. Other modalities she may use are: an acupressure point for gag reflex and Rescue Remedy (a flower essence preparation) for the frightened patient.
"It is necessary when striving for excellence to change techniques and methods to improve health,” she said. Some of these changes come at great cost to the doctor for new equipment to support holistic technology.
She writes very few prescriptions because they are not needed in her practice.
The key differences
Remembering that there is often crossover in practices, here is generally what the holistic dentist may do differently:
* Eliminate the use of mercury fillings
* Use composite fillings (there are different compositions including glass,
quartz and porcelain.)
* Eliminate the use of fluoride (Some research shows that fluoride reduces
the risk of cavities while other research links serious disease to fluoride.)
* Use digital x-rays instead of traditional x-rays. (Digital x-rays utilize
less radiation units. More pictures can be taken in less time so there
is less exposure to radiation)
* Laser surgery may be used. It is bloodless or involves less blood, and
actually sterilizes the gums as it cuts thus supporting healing of the gums.
* Alternatives to root canal are used first
* A test for biocompatibility may be used to see if dental materials that go
into the body are safe for the patient.
* Acupuncture may be used instead of strong anesthesia
* Treating the underlying symptoms that cause dental/gum problems.
The best advice I can give, is to read up on it and ask questions.
======================================================================Resources
Reversing Gum Disease Naturally by Sandra Senzon. This book is more than just about gum disease. It is about how the mouth is a reflection of overall health. It is easy to read. I think of it as a course in Holistic Dentistry 101.
The Periodontal Solution-Healthy Gums Naturally by James Harrison & Constance Clark This book is also an introduction to holistic dentistry and reader friendly
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) has produced a You Tube video called Smoking Teeth = Poison Gas. This video is quite dramatic and disturbing but very informative as to the effects of using mercury for dental cavities.
Using a team of scientists, the BBC produced a startling video also about the effects of mercury. Poison in the Mouth 1994
Dr. Eugenia Rosenthal 2371 Ocean Parkway (718) 615-1770
Dr. I. Marvin DDS website is extremely informative. Go to Dr. Marvin Center for Natural Dentistry
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To the reader who asked about yoga and men:
Thank you for your comments regarding yoga not being directed towards men. I agree with you, which is why I titled my article, Yoga For the Full-Figured Body.
There are times when yoga classes do need to be separate for a certain comfort level, religious considerations or issues unique to each sex as pregnancy.
Yoga postures were originally designed by men and actually have to be adapted for the female structure.
It appears that in our culture fewer men are drawn to yoga. Some men are drawn to a more rigorous practice as Vinyasa, Bikrams , Ashtanga, Power or Gym yoga. There is yoga available for everyone from Restorative Yoga to Chair, Gentle, Full-figured, Regular and all the strenuous classes.
Yoga is good for every body/mind.
