What's New in Holistic Dentistry?

by Dr. Burton Miller

 

Disease is a problem, but it is also an indicator that we have worked against the natural laws of health.

 

 

In regards to health, the good news is that our life span is increasing.  The bad news is that we now live long enough to experience a host of new diseases.  Many of these diseases last for years and cause slow destruction of tissues.  Examples of these include osteoporosis, heart disease, arthritis, cancer and Alzheimer’s. In dentistry we treat two of these chronic degenerative diseases—tooth decay and gum and bone disease. 

 

Bacteria can often be part of dental problems, but is generally not the only cause.  Gum, bone and tooth decay, like all chronic diseases, are indications that the natural laws of health have been broken.  Medical researchers are discovering that these natural laws of health are directly related to the chemical design of our bodies.  It is well known, for example, that we can put our body under chemical strain simply by overloading or depriving it of certain substances.  Researchers are finding more about what our body needs and what is detrimental to our health.  As a whole, many of us in the healing arts are learning how to better cooperate with the natural chemical processes of our body.

 

Health and Disease

Establishment health care providers are taught that health care is based on the simple premise that health is the absence of disease.  Disease symptoms are seen as the “problem,” and medicine or surgery is used to make them go away.  Little, if any, thought is given to the cause of the symptoms, however.  Although this line of thinking is known as “health care,” it is, in fact, really about “disease care.” 

 

Health has its roots in the order and balance among the cells, tissues and organ systems of our bodies, according to natural laws.  Prolonged and serious violations of these laws force our body to extremes, which result in disease—our body’s attempt to find a balance.  Disease is a problem, but it is also an indicator that we have worked against the natural laws of health.

 

Sub-clinical Health Indicators

Medical researchers have found that there are conditions which underlie all chronic diseases, including tooth and periodontal disease as well.  These conditions can exist long before we see disease; they may also worsen during the disease.  As subtle (sub-clinical) as these conditions are, they can be identified on blood-urine-hair testing.

They are as follows:

1.        Excess acid.  This is the tendency to build up acid in our body due to certain foods, pollutants and emotions.  This can be a major factor in tooth decay and periodontal disease.

2.        Anaerobic Metabolism.  Increased acidity leads to a tendency toward anaerobic metabolism (without oxygen), which can cause fatigue, disease and infection to set in.

3.        Excess free calcium.  We need a lot of calcium in our body, but have a small amount that floats “free” in our blood.  If our body is acidic for a long period, this free-floating calcium increases and can cause “stones” seen as calculus in the mouth, hardening of the arteries and other problems.

4.        Chronic inflammation.  Inflammation is natural and helps us fight infection and injury.  We often see this in patients with periodontal disease.  However, the inflammation must stop at a certain point or serious chemical imbalance occurs.

5.        Connective tissue breakdown.  Tendons, ligaments and a network of fibrous tissues in the body can break down, as in periodontal disease.  This is the result of the other four factors, plus lack of essential nutrients.

6.        Oxidative stress.  Oxidation is the method our body uses to convert food and air into living energy.  When oxidation gets out of control, it yields to pesky “free radicals.” Free radicals cause tissue destruction and aging.  Tissue destruction is seen in periodontal disease.

 

The question is: How can these factors be addressed?

 

What’s New?

Free Radical Therapy™ is a new and exciting addition to progressive dental care.   This therapy assists with prevention of tooth decay and gum and bone disease over and above traditional flossing and brushing techniques.  Free Radical Therapy also evaluates biochemical imbalances.  A comprehensive profile consisting of an extensive blood panel and urine test (and occasionally a hair analysis) is completed.  A thorough head, neck, jaw joint and oral examination is also provided.  A detailed medical and dental history is compiled that includes dietary habits and environmental exposure to toxic chemicals.  This information is processed through a unique computer program that generates a detailed report that summarizes body chemistry imbalance.  This 70 to 90 page report is easy to read and explains which of the subclinical indicators are out of balance, and to what extent they are out of balance.  The report also lists dietary and supplement information that will assist in determining lifestyle choices, providing the tools needed to regain oral and general health. 

 

For additional information about Free Radical Therapy or holistic dental care, Dr. Burton Miller can be contacted at Health Centered Dentistry, 907-277-2600, or on their website at www.hcdentistry.com.