Dental Disorders

Going to the dentist is often considered an unpleasant experience. Most people associate the dentist’s office with pain, jarring sounds and medical devices that contribute to patient anxiety just by virtue of their appearance. Of course, much of this apprehension is due to the many common dental problems people often experience at some point in life, such as cavities, root canal problems and gum disease.

What many people do not know is that these conditions, which are commonly viewed simply as uncomfortable, anxiety-producing annoyances, can actually lead to a variety of infections in the body. The potentially harmful consequences are little known because conventional dentistry treats the mouth as if it were separate from the rest of the body. The assumption is that once the problem is corrected there is no further cause for concern. Biological or holistic dentistry on the other hand, supports the view that infections of the teeth, gums and other areas in the mouth are connected to health or lack thereof in the rest of the body.

Poor oral hygiene and oral health has been found to be related to other serious health problems, including heart disease, death from respiratory trouble¹ and pancreatic cancer.² Biological dentists therefore devote part of their attention to eliminating toxic dental materials, ensuring that infections do not emerge or remain in areas where they often go unnoticed, and minimizing other stresses to the immune system. Of course, they also deal with common dental ailments.

While dental woes are common to most people today, it has apparently not always been so, as prior to industrialization, societies were found to have much less dental decay.³ This was before fast food, junk food and food that may not really be food at all, when people ate natural diets, without pesticides, and there was not massive contamination of the environment with all sorts of toxic chemicals. These people also had no exposure to manmade electricity or wireless technologies, as we have today, which degrades the bone and causes calcium ions to leak from membranes throughout the body.

Being that the teeth and mouth are part of the rest of the body, a complete biological system that heals itself, they should be respected for this self-healing capacity, just like the rest of the body. Trusting that your mouth is imbued with its own self-sustaining intelligence is the first step in combatting the very real problem of dental anxiety, and dental decay. This chapter will introduce you to many of the substances and methods of natural healing for the teeth and mouth which are found to rival in efficacy the standard of care in modern dentistry.

Most people experience tooth decay that begins as small holes in the teeth. When a cavity occurs, decay may progress and the hole gets larger, leading to more severe loss of tooth structure. However, the substances used as fillings for cavities can be harmful. The most common type of filling, which has been used for over 150 years, is the silver amalgam filling.

What many people do not know is that it contains a large percentage of mercury which is a material known to be more toxic than lead. It is believed that vapors from the mercury in fillings are released at low levels and can enter the body through inhalation. Mercury from fillings can also be ingested, as tiny portions of the metal dislodge. Dental amalgams have been found to be correlated with increased levels of urinary mercury in children, indicating a higher systemic load of mercury in their bodies.⁴ A 2012 clinical trial conducted by Al-Saleh and colleagues found that mercury amalgams affect kidney function in children and influence biomarkers of oxidative stress, possibly even reducing the capacity of the body to repair DNA.⁵ A 2015 study published in Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy reported that women who’d had amalgam fillings were 1.132 times more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease than women who hadn’t.⁶ People with mercury amalgam fillings have also been found to have higher incidence of multiple sclerosis.⁷ Mercury fillings are even more dangerous now than they were 30 years ago, because they interact with man-made radiofrequency and microwave radiation that powers wireless telecommunications technologies, which is now present almost everywhere there is human habitation, and many places where there isn’t, at unprecedented levels. A 2016 study by authors Mortazavi and colleagues found that radiation from WiFi increased the amount of mercury that is released from amalgams compared to those not exposed to the radiation.⁸ Wireless radiation has also been found to redistribute metals throughout the body.⁹

Some substances which have been studied for their protective or healing effects in cases of mercury exposure, and/or consequent damage to the kidneys, include the following (note that some of these have been studied in animals): dates (Middle Eastern Phoenix dactylifera),¹⁰ arugula seeds (Eruca sativa),¹¹ astaxanthin (algae is a vegan source)¹² glucan (a fiber from oats, barley, sorghum, and rye),¹³ vitamin C, ¹⁴ curcumin from turmeric,¹⁵ luteolin¹⁶ (present in celery, green and other peppers, perilla leaf, carrots, olive oil, peppermint, thyme, rosemary, oregano and chamomile tea^{17 18}), coriander,¹⁹ oral dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA),²⁰ chelation therapy,²¹ mangiferin from mangos,²² DL-alpha-lipoic acid,²³ chlorella,²⁴ silymarin from milk thistle,²⁵ and garlic.²⁶ A combination of probiotics with extracts of dandelion, coriander and date palm seeds were more effective than each alone in remediating mercury poisoning of rats.²⁷

The first stage of periodontal, or gum, disease is gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gum tissue. If left without proper care and nutrition for a long time, gingivitis can evolve into a more serious form of periodontal disease called periodontitis. In this condition, the bone underneath the gum begins to dissolve. This can cause pain and eventual tooth loss. (See the chapter on Periodontal Disease).

These are chronic infections within the jawbone. This condition is generally a result of diseased tissue or infected bone that is left after teeth have been removed. Circulation is then impeded and proper healing cannot take place. This situation can be corrected by cleaning the lesion.

This is the condition popularly known as grinding the teeth. It is not uncommon and it occurs most often at night. The reason this condition is a cause for concern is that when people

grind their teeth, it places abnormal pressure on the teeth and on surrounding areas. This can create an environment that leads to more serious dental problems, such as toothaches, periodontal disease and infections.

Poor diet and lack of proper nutrients constitute a major reason for tooth decay and bruxism. All the refined foods in today’s American diet, particularly sugar and packaged and processed foods, throw off the balance of the body and poison it. Hidden food allergies, which increase chances of infection, can also be a problem. Some sweeteners which are not harmful to health include organic raw honey,²⁸ organic stevia (an herb),²⁹ organic blackstrap molasses,³⁰ and xylitol (best sourced from organic birch, not corn, or if from corn, from non-GMO, organic corn). Note that erythritol, another sugar alcohol like xylitol, has recently come under scrutiny due to association with serious cardiovascular events.³¹

Stress is another cause of dental disorders. It affects our bodies in a few ways. It can over activate the adrenal glands, which allows for too much calcium in the bloodstream. That calcium is taken from bones, causing them to be weakened and damaged. Stress can also negatively impact the immune system, lowering resistance to overall infection and disease. An overlooked factor which both increases stress response and causes calcium ion leakage is exposure to microwave radiation from wireless technologies like cell phones.

Other things linked to the development of problems with the teeth include psychotropic and antipsychotic drugs, childhood antibiotic formulations, and energy drinks, as will be discussed later.

There are also lifestyle considerations, oral habits and environmental factors that will contribute to an increased amount of bacteria in the mouth. These include smoking, chewing tobacco, heavy metal contamination, swallowing incorrectly, biting lips or nails, breathing through the mouth, thumb sucking, chewing gum, poorly fitting bridges, crowns (caps) and chemicals such as pesticides and drugs. The teeth may also be filled with toxic metals and other dental materials, which are poisonous. Other factors in dental health include the resistance level of the individual (if it’s low, infection can take hold more easily) and skeletal deformities, either congenital or due to trauma. In addition, electrogalvanism, electrical currents created by dissimilar metals in dental fillings and on different teeth, can lead to severe health problems.

According to a 2012 systematic review published in Pediatric Dentistry, defects of the tooth enamel, or surface coating of the teeth, and recurrent canker sores were observed in approximately 10% to 96% and 4% to 41% of 2- to 86-year-old celiac patients, respectively.³²

³³ This indicates that investigation into the associations between glyphosate exposure and vaccination and tooth decay are warranted. Exposure to glyphosate appears to be connected with herpes³⁴ and celiac disease,³⁵ and childhood vaccination seems to be implicated in both celiac disease^{36 37} and canker sores (see Herpes). The role of childhood vaccination in the development or prevalence of oral health problems, especially in childhood is unknown. Exposure of the mouth to agricultural chemicals such as glyphosate has been found to result in oral diseases including tooth decay, but more study is needed.³⁸

When dental problems are part of a systemic response throughout the body, they may be correlated with conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, heart problems, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, arthritis, some forms of cancer (e.g., osteosarcoma and thyroid cancer), vision impairment and pain in the face, head, or joints.

The major signs of advanced cavities are pain and extreme sensitivity to heat and cold, since the nerve is more exposed. When fillings are very old, material will get worn and change shape. Teeth can break, causing fillings to fall out. Then food can wedge in the hole causing constant irritation.

Bacterial infection in the gums is characterized by bleeding, puffy gums, gum erosion at the base of the tooth and bad breath. Some researchers have pointed out that bacteria may not be a cause but a symptom of infection, which may originate from some form of poisoning, such as by exposure to environmental toxicity. In this view, bacteria is not the enemy but is helping to break down tissue that has been damaged or has died due to toxicity from heavy metals, pesticides, or other poisons. In this case, supporting the body with wholesome, organic foods, pure reverse-osmosis filtered or distilled water, fresh air, positive emotions, and time spent in nature in unpolluted environments may help the body to more quickly detoxify and restore itself to a state of health. When gum infection advances to a more serious stage, it can be marked by bone loss in addition to gum loss, toothache, loose teeth and nerve sensitivity.

Cavitations may cause no symptoms or, at the other extreme, severe discomfort. This can manifest as chronic facial pain, persistent pain in the eyes and distress in other areas of the body.

Drilling ... This is usually an accepted part of several procedures used to correct a wide variety of dental problems. While drilling is helpful in removing decay, patients should be aware that it could also cause a variety of difficulties. For instance, if a drill is used improperly or at too high a speed, it can cause trauma to the tooth, resulting in inflammation and infection. As in all areas of healthcare, it is important to choose your dentist carefully, seeking someone recommended by satisfied patients, preferably those who have been with the practitioner over a long period.

Root Canal ... This is a procedure performed to salvage a badly damaged tooth where the nerve is affected. In the root canal process, the dentist will remove the contents from the pulp chamber (nerve and other debris), and then seal the root canal space. Root canals are associated with severe adverse events.

Fluoridation ... Fluoride has generally been considered beneficial for preventing tooth decay. It is included in toothpastes and in many communities’ tap water. The problem is, though, that fluoride is actually a toxic chemical. Studies have shown that areas using fluoridated drinking water have a higher percentage of hip fracture and cancer cases among their populations than do neighborhoods with non-fluoridated water. In fact, a 2018 epidemiological study found that fluoride in the drinking water is associated with tooth decay in children.³⁹ A 2015 systematic review of over 100 studies concluded that there was insufficient modern evidence to recommend

water fluoridation as a means of reducing tooth decay in populations. The authors were unable to identify any evidence that met the inclusion criteria of their review that could determine the effectiveness of water fluoridation in preventing tooth decay in adults. They also noted that there is a significant association between dental fluorosis, when the teeth become mottled and brown, and fluoride levels in water.⁴⁰ Fluoride levels greater than 3 ppm can adversely affect the reproductive system; fluoride can also harm thyroid function, decrease glucose tolerance, and harm the immune system. Acute fluoride poisoning, with high doses of fluoride, can be fatal; symptoms of acute fluoride toxicity include gastric disturbance, muscle spasms; low blood pressure, narrowing of the bronchi (air passages in the lungs), dilated pupils, heart arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, electrolyte imbalance, impaired circulation, overproduction of dilute urine, kidney and respiratory system failure leading to death.⁴¹

However, more common is chronic fluoride toxicity, which can result in dental fluorosis (mottling of the teeth); skeletal fluorosis, or increase in bone mass and density due to fluoride deposits in the bone, which is accompanied by pain, joint stiffness, difficulty moving, hunching and curving of the spine, tingling sensation, muscle weakness, fatigue, arthritis, osteoporosis in long bones, spinal cord compression and calcification of ligaments, neurological defects, muscle wasting, osteosclerosis and calcification of ligaments; harms to the kidneys, including structural and functional changes (prolonged exposure greater than 8 ppm); harms to the gastrointestinal tract; harms to the central nervous system, including learning disorders, mental development delays, decreased intelligence, hyperactivity in children, neurological symptoms including numbness, pain and muscle spasms, decreased memory and learning ability; and harms to the developing fetus, including malformation of the embryo, impaired bone formation, chromosomal harms, and brain damage. Some of these chronic effects occur at very low doses, under 10 ppm,⁴² while many toothpastes commonly contain 440-2800 ppm.⁴³ Children have been found to swallow a great deal of the toothpaste they are given.⁴⁴ Fluoride can also contribute to the development of eye degenerative diseases.⁴⁵

Drinking water filtered through a system that removes fluoride is advised. These may include reverse osmosis and distillation.

The best treatment for dental problems is prevention. And this starts with a good dietary foundation. To maintain a healthy mouth, make sure your meals are centered on whole organic fresh foods and include a high-protein breakfast. Products rich in calcium, such as green, leafy vegetables, will help to produce strong teeth. Raw fruits and vegetables are particularly important because of their ability to enhance enzyme functioning. Eating more vegetables was associated with fewer cavities in Ecuadorian children

undertaken under the guidance of a qualified practitioner who can inform you of dosage and contraindications and monitor potential side effects.

Supplements and Herbs ... Vitamins E, A and D are beneficial to healthy teeth and gums, and vitamin C (500 mg four times daily) is important for gum health and will help fight plaque. Vitamin D status is associated with dental decay in children, so it’s important to get D in the diet or spend time safely in the sun (see Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke for information about severe ozone layer depletion and precautions to take when spending time outdoors).⁴⁹ In order to properly fortify the bone, which is the foundation of the teeth, the following are suggested: silica and zinc, to ensure adequate bone formation; manganese, to maintain the ligaments that surround the teeth; and magnesium and calcium, which are crucial to ensuring the strength of the bones. Potassium, selenium, phosphorus and iron are nutrients that also support the system. Essential fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, are also beneficial because they facilitate the transport of calcium and magnesium through the cell membrane. Other recommended supplements include bioflavonoids and coenzyme Q10 (100 mg per day), which aid in cellular respiration; garlic and chlorella, which neutralize and eliminate some of the contaminating heavy metals and strengthen the immune system; and GLA, which enhances prostaglandin production and possesses anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Taking a vitamin B complex daily, L-glutathione two times per day and grapefruit seed extract three times a day helps combat gum disease. Folic acid could be supplemented (800 mcg a day) or used in a solution as a mouth rinse to alleviate infections and combat periodontal disease.

Also good are herbal preparations, mouth rinses and toothpastes containing herbs. Herbs should always be organic. Supervision by a qualified herbalist is recommended, as he or she can inform you of contraindications, dosage, and monitor potential side effects. The following herbs may be useful: bloodroot, which prevents bacteria from sticking to newly formed plaque; the anti-inflammatory calendula, for swollen gums; and goldenseal, which contains berberine; and myrrh and tea tree oil, which have antibiotic qualities. In addition, sage oil, chamomile and caraway oil can be used. The supplementation of an herbal formula containing rose hips, bilberry and sea buckthorn supports the immune system and assists in fighting infections due to its antioxidant properties. A combination of herbal and vegetable oils—such as rosehip seed oil, borage oil, black currant seed oil, grape seed oil, evening primrose oil, wheat germ oil, natural vitamin E oil, plantain oil extract, carrot seed oil, essential oil of lemon, laurel, caraway and fennel—might stop gum bleeding and promote restorative functions. Wheat germ and other oils may be rancid at the time of purchase; check carefully for rancidity prior to each consumption, store as indicated in the fridge or freezer, and consume within a relatively short period after purchase.

Proper Dental Hygiene ... Tooth brushing can be made a part of any daily routine. And one should not forget to include the tongue in the brushing routine. It is recommended that a person brush gently with baking soda as it is non-toxic compared to many conventional toothpastes. A paste consisting of 3 parts pharmaceutical-grade baking soda, and 1-part BioSalt, can be applied where the gum meets the tooth (sulcus). Use a vibrating motion of the toothbrush. This combination can neutralize the acid environment in the sulcus.

When eating in general, but especially when eating sugary foods, or even fruits, it may be a good idea to rinse the mouth well with water after eating, and do something to stimulate

the salivary flow. It may not be advisable to brush right away, to allow time for the saliva to neutralize the acids in the mouth introduced by the food, so as not to rub those acids into softened enamel and wear it away when it is most vulnerable.

There may be no greater savior for your teeth than that substance which your mouth is already continuously producing—your saliva. In the mouth, the saliva bathes the surface of the teeth, and is the main vehicle for removing harmful substances as well as providing beneficial ones to the biofilms covering the teeth.

The founders of a brand of natural oral health products have coined the term “mouth probiotics” to describe the ancient Chinese technique of swishing one’s own saliva around the teeth,^{62 63} just as in the practice of oil pulling, discussed below, but with no additives—just saliva. Unlike in oil pulling, where a secondary substance is taken in the mouth and should not be swallowed, in this technique, swallowing is thought to be ok because saliva is swallowed constantly throughout the day naturally, even when not eating, and aids in digestion. Though no clinical trials appear to have been conducted on this technique, it would be an interesting line of inquiry to determine its efficacy in maintaining oral health, considering its low cost and accessibility. The literature points to the importance of saliva in maintaining oral health.⁶⁴

You may have heard of oil pulling, which is the Ayurvedic practice of taking oil in the mouth and swishing it around for a period of time on a regular basis, usually daily, to strengthen the teeth, gums and jaw and to prevent decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, throat dryness and cracked lips. While some have said that the effect of oil pulling is just that of a placebo, a 2011 study found that, when using sesame oil, as is traditionally used in Indian folk healing, there is clear evidence that swishing the oil in the mouth leads to saponification and emulsification of the oil, lending itself to the cleaning of the teeth.⁶⁵ A 2008 triple-blind randomized controlled found that oil pulling with sesame oil was effective in reducing streptococcus mutans bacteria.⁶⁶ Another study found that it was effective in reducing plaque, gingival scores and bacteria in adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis.⁶⁷ A third found that oil pulling was equally effective to a pharmaceutical mouthwash, chlorhexidine, on reducing halitosis (bad breath) and its associated bacteria.⁶⁸ Coconut oil pulling has also been found to be effective in reducing plaque and plaque-induced gingivitis.⁶⁹ Sunflower oil can be used as well. Whichever oil you choose, it should be organic and preferably cold-pressed.⁷⁰

To practice oil pulling, take about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth—you don’t want more than that or it will be hard to keep it all in as you go—and swish it around for a while. Gradually, the amount of saliva in the mouth increases in a mixture with the oil. Some studies have found benefits even from just one minute of this,⁷¹ but traditionally it’s done for longer. As you just begin the practice, don’t try to force yourself to do it any longer than it’s comfortable, as it can be strange and uncomfortable at first, but as you get used to it, many people will keep swishing for up to 20 minutes. As you hold the oil in your mouth, you want to swish it all around, just like you would a mouthwash, so it contacts all surfaces and moves between the teeth. The oil should never be swallowed at the end as it contains things you want to remove from the body. Also, be careful never to breathe it in so it goes down the airway. This practice is not recommended for children under 5, who may experience difficulty breathing. It’s recommended to do this on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, but you can also do it before each meal when the stomach is empty. When you’re finished, spit the oil out in the trash, not down the sink, as the oil can eventually clog pipes.⁷²

In traditional Ayurveda, oil pulling is lauded not just for its ability to heal the teeth and mouth but is thought to heal the body of a variety of illnesses. Ayurveda hypothesizes that the tongue is connected to different organs such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, small intestine, as well as the spine. Oil pulling is thought to aid in the excretion through the tongue of toxins from the body, such as heavy metals, chemicals, bacterial and environmental toxins, and capture them

in the oil, which is then spat out, removing them from the body altogether. The Ayurvedic text

If a problem already exists, there are many treatments that can be considered. In the case of cavities, conventional dentists, holistic and biological dentists will place fillings. However, given the potentially harmful effects of the silver amalgam filling, it is important to discuss the other options available with the dentist. Biological dentistry will ensure that the patient receives the type of filling that is best suited to his or her needs. The dentist will test the patient for biocompatibility of the materials that are to be used. Often, people have several types of metals in their mouth, from fillings, crowns and other dental work. Dissimilar metals in the mouth can block energy and incite illnesses in the body. Therefore, ensuring that the metals in the mouth are compatible is an important practice that most conventional dentists do not perform.

it is a very serious decision to make, and should be done only when there is no possible avenue to save the tooth.

Dr. Louisa Williams director of the Marin Naturopathic Medicine clinic, practicing in San Rafael, California, said, “Good dentists do everything possible to try to save a tooth. They don’t recommend extraction—or even a root canal—until all other avenues of treatment have been exhausted. These can include ozone injections to try to heal infection in the tooth, laser treatments, isopathic remedies (Notatum 4X, Aspergillus 4x, etc.), and nutritional support (ubiquinol/CoQ10, crystal sulfur/MSM, Schuessler’s cell salts, original Quinton Marine Sea Plasma, etc.) It should also be noted that it is essential in most cases to clear the teeth of any toxic dental materials such as mercury amalgam, and aluminum and nickel in conventional porcelain and gold crowns, before extracting teeth.”⁸¹

Other than those mentioned above, a number of other natural mouthwashes have undergone clinical trials. These are often measured against, and found preferable to, the “gold standard” pharmaceutical chlorhexidine, due to their relative lack of side effects. Chlorhexidine can have quite unpleasant side effects even at low doses, including staining the teeth brown. discoloration of the tongue, alteration in or loss of taste (hypogeusia), tongue and mouth numbness and pain, dry mouth (xerostomia), the formation of hard masses on the teeth (calculus), swelling of the salivary (parotid) gland, burning mouth syndrome (oral paraesthesia glossodynia), skin shedding (desquamation) of the oral mucosa, and hypersensitivity reactions followed by severe anaphylaxis. Another serious adverse effect of this drug is antimicrobial resistance, in which the bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic effect of the chlorhexidine.⁸²

Some herbal ingredients that have been shown to be effective include the following:

Sea salt and xylitol.⁸⁴ Xylitol-based chewing gum has also been used,⁸⁵ as has xylitol syrup applied topically to the teeth of children.⁸⁶ Such products should be checked carefully that they contain only organic ingredients, and contain no other harmful ingredients. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol and is used as a sugar replacement; it has been found very helpful in reducing tooth decay,⁸⁷ but is toxic to pets, so should be kept away from them under all circumstances. Xylitol should be derived from organic corn or organic birch.

Sweet wormwood

Tulsi, or holy basil (Ocimum sanctum).⁹¹ Has been found to be as effective as chlorhexidine.⁹² Manuka and raw honey.^{93 94} These types of unrefined, unfiltered health-promoting honey can never be substituted for conventional honey, which sometimes isn’t even honey.⁹⁵ Make

sure to always purchase organic, so the product is not contaminated with pesticide residues.

Grape seed extract

Sage

Turmeric

A 2007 multi-practitioner pilot data-collection study systematically recorded the results of multiple homeopathic dentists’ appointments, patient details, prescriptions and outcomes. 90.1 percent of the patient follow-up cases studied had positive results. Strongly positive outcomes were reached in the frequently treated conditions of pericoronitis, periodontal abscess, periodontal infection, reversible pulpitis, sensitive cementum, and toothache with decay.

Arsenica Album ... This is used in doses of 6-30c for delicate, bleeding gums or a toothache that is alleviated by warm water.

Belladonna ... This is prescribed for early dental abscess characterized by redness and irritation in dosages of 30-200c. It is also beneficial for the pain associated with bruxism.

Calendula ... This topical solution can be used as a general disinfectant to heal injuries and reduce pain. (However, to guard against closing the wound before the infection has had time to drain, it should not be applied where an infection exits on broken skin.) It can also be used as a mouthwash.

Coffea Cruda ... This has a tranquilizing effect and is often used for a toothache that gets worse with heat but is relieved by cold water or ice. It can be given in doses of 30-200c.

Ferrum Phosphoricum ... Given in doses of 12-30c, this medicine is used for throbbing pain or gums that bleed after brushing.

Hepar Sulphuris

Hypericum ... This is another good remedy for trauma, particularly for easing sharp pain associated with tender gum tissue. Not only does hypericum decrease pain and swelling, It fosters the regeneration of disjoined nerves. It is given at a 30c potency.

Melissa officinalis ... A 2019 clinical trial used a homeopathic preparation of lemon balm to treat sleep bruxism in children, reporting promising results.¹¹⁹

Mercurius Solubilis ... This is used for festering gum tissue, indicated by a coated tongue and bad taste in the mouth.

Staphysagria

Also, an herbal preparation that works to minimize inflammation is a paste consisting of a bit of myrrh and peppermint oil combined with goldenseal root powder. Place directly on the infected area.

Acupuncture can be used in dental treatment; research shows that this ancient technique is effective in relieving pain after dental surgery. Acupuncture should not be performed in the presence of man-made electromagnetic fields including wireless radiation from cell phones, Bluetooth and WiFi, as metallic needles or other metallic implements may conduct microwave and radiofrequency radiation into the body.

The Bach flower remedies comprise a system of thirty-eight flower remedies, distinct from other “flower essences” or herbal medicines. They have been found to improve behavior and reduce dental anxiety among children undergoing dental work, as well as induce physiological improvements during surgery, compared to placebo. In one study, music therapy was found to induce physiological benefits during surgery as well.¹²⁰ Bach flower remedies can be self-prescribed using the book Twelve Healers and Other Remedies by Dr Edward Bach. No more than five are to be taken at a time, and the remedies are selected based on the dominant mental state as described in Twelve Healers. They must be taken four times a day minimum. A mouthwash can be created using the remedies and swished around the troublesome teeth, but a sip of the Bach remedy in water should always be swallowed prior to swishing, as these remedies must always be taken internally whenever they are applied externally. The remedy

Crab Apple is indicated when there is something felt to be wrong with the body, or which disturbs the sufferer.

Probiotics can not only help to heal the gut but heal or maintain the health of your mouth as well, which should not be surprising, as the two are directly connected. A healthy balance of microorganisms in the mouth is thought to be one of the hallmarks of good dental health.

The extraction of wisdom teeth is routinely performed, though there are some practitioners who feel that the wisdom teeth,

It’s most important that refined sugar and sugary foods be eliminated from the diet (particularly soft drinks which can remove calcium from the teeth). Sugar consumption is highly correlated with dental decay,

including marijuana, caffeine and diuretics. Energy drinks have also been shown to have harmful effects on the mouth and teeth.¹³⁶ Non-organic foods should be eliminated, as pesticides and other agricultural chemicals are toxic to humans and contribute to all health problems. Teflon, aluminum and other toxic cookware may be replaced with non-toxic cookware. It may be worthwhile to investigate removal of mercury amalgam or other metal dental fillings in consultation with a biological dentist.

Some people have the habit of breathing mostly through the mouth. This is thought to contribute to improper dental and facial development, leading to more dental problems. Notably, it contributes to dry mouth, which, as mentioned, impedes the ability of the saliva to keep the teeth healthy. A number of studies have indicated that children with chronic mouth breathing are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay.¹³⁷ Making it a habit to keep the mouth closed, unless breathing cannot be managed without it open, can go a long way in protecting your teeth. However, if you are having trouble with nasal breathing due to allergies or some other problem, you may wish to look into addressing these problems separately, in order to restore your ability to breathe through the nose.

Mouth-breathing is related to improper tongue placement, especially at a young age.¹³⁸ Ideally the tongue should be suctioned gently against the upper palate of the mouth, with the sides in contact with the inner sides of the upper teeth, but not pressing against the back-sides of the front teeth. Learning to do this properly can especially help if you breathe through the mouth uncontrollably at night. Myofunctional treatment may help to remediate this.¹³⁹ This type of therapy, which retrains the muscles of the face, neck and mouth and remedies poor tongue posture, may also help to straighten the teeth. Improving overall body posture, which is connected to proper face and jaw posture, is also covered in this mode of therapy.¹⁴⁰ (See TMJ Disorders).

Dental x-rays, and all diagnostic x-rays, are a source of considerable radiation exposure, and this exposure can contribute to cancers¹⁴¹ and other harms (see Breast Cancer for evidence on harms caused by diagnostic x-rays). Dental x-rays are among the most used medical x-ray tools and the most common source of artificial radiation exposure.¹⁴² Sometimes there are financial incentives for doctors to prescribe x-rays, and one may be especially likely to experience this when switching dentists.¹⁴³

Hydrogen peroxide has commonly been recommended as a tooth whitening agent and a disinfectant mouthwash. However, it has been found to induce cellular death in the pulp cells of the teeth¹⁴⁴ and to cause other harms.^{145 146 147}

If you are a mother to an infant, or are pregnant, it may be wise to avoid bottle-feeding at night. Children who were primarily breastfed were found to have lower incidence of tooth decay, even with long-term breastfeeding, while milk-bottle feeding at night was associated with higher risk of childhood decay, according to a 2008 comparative study.¹⁴⁸

Interestingly, if snacks between meals are the primary occasions on which you become most tempted to eat sugary or processed foods, a simple, no-cost technique may be able to help you prevent yourself from snacking so much. Chewing each bite of food for thirty seconds, in other words, prolonged chewing of a meal, was found to decrease appetite and snack intake between meals in a 2013 randomized controlled study.¹⁴⁹ Chewing your food thoroughly can also improve digestion,¹⁵⁰ useful since the health of the mouth and that of the gut are connected, and good digestion therefore improves both. Additionally, if gluten intolerance plays any role

in your health problems, enzymes in the saliva have been discovered to help in the digestion and breakdown of gluten, making it less of a threat to the digestive tract. So if you eat gluten-containing foods, it’s good to chew them very thoroughly.

To prevent dental problems, eat a good diet consisting of whole, fresh organic foods and products rich in calcium. Consider taking a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements and using the herbal extract aloe vera as a mouthwash. Practice proper dental hygiene, including brushing with baking soda flossing and getting regular cleanings by the dentist.

Biological dentistry warns about the use of silver amalgam fillings and supports checking the biocompatibility of metals in the mouth in order to determine the right filling substance for a particular person.

Saliva can remineralize the teeth, and so techniques like gum chewing and oil pulling which increase salivary contact with the teeth may be beneficial. Chewing your food well can also positively impact gut health.

Probiotics can improve oral health.

Teeth should not be operated upon or extracted unless as a very last resort. In such exceptional cases, there are several therapeutics that can help in the surgical process.

A paste of myrrh, peppermint oil and goldenseal root can be placed directly on an infected area to minimize inflammation.

Many other herbal ingredients rival pharmaceutical mouthwashes in efficacy and safety.

Acupuncture is effective in relieving pain after dental surgery. It should not be performed in the presence of wireless radiation or other man-made electromagnetic fields.

Homeopathic remedies can be used in dental treatment.

Training oneself, if it’s not already a habit, to breathe through the nose rather than the mouth can contribute to improved oral health and correct dental and facial development.

Breast feeding infants gives protection against dental decay.

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