Although virtually every physician agrees that regular physical activity, weight loss, adequate nutrition, and quitting smoking all result in health benefits, their business model does not allow the integration of these lifestyle modifications due to the short duration of the average visit, reliance on pharmaceuticals and lack of integrative care. Functional Medicin, on the other hand, focuses more on lifestyle changes than medication. A new study shows that this is a superior approach.
Read MoreDental insurance, although a benefit is more limited than it appears. The amount of money insurance companies are willing to pay in any given calendar year does not go very far. To that end, I am dedicating today’s post to the ins and outs of insurance, the typical indemnity-style ones, and the traditional insurance our ancestors all benefited from.
Read MoreThe CDC reports that 40 percent of children between the ages of 3 and 6 use potentially dangerous amounts of toothpaste. Fluoride-containing toothpastes have a warning on their label stating “Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately”. There are definite risks for toxicity from the fluoride in toothpaste. However, topical fluoride can help prevent tooth decay. The decision to use it is the focus of today’s post.
Read MoreTraditionally, humans have always eaten fats and oils that were predominantly saturated and animal-based. New industrial seed oils have replaced the traditional fats like butter, tallow, and lard. These oils contain large amounts of omega-6 oils which are problematic for our health. We utilize fats for a variety of uses including building blocks for cell membranes, and energy storage. This high omega-6 substitution has had a dramatic effect on our health which I will discuss in today’s post.
Read MoreI had the pleasure of speaking with the creator and owner of Primal Life Organics Trina Felber this week live on FaceBook. We spoke about a number of topics near and dear to my heart such as how the introduction of “dense acellular carbohydrates” into our diets has been disastrous not only for our teeth, but for the rest of our bodies as well. We also spoke about the dangers of fluoridated water to our health. I also stressed how important it is to have a dentist trained in how to safely remove mercury containing fillings using the non-toxic SMART technique. I hope it is helpful and enjoyable!
Read MoreI spoke about how processed carbs ruin our teeth and health, and I get into the specific mechanisms of tooth decay and gum disease. I hope you enjoy the video and more importantly I hope it can help you better understand how processed carbs work in insidious ways to harm our health.
Read MoreRed light therapy is becoming more and more popular lately. The benefits are so numerous as to seem too good to be true. In today’s post I will discuss the science behind the claims.
Read MoreA recent study shows a strong connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. The germ that causes gum disease has been found in the brains of Alzheimer Disease sufferers. Substances known as gingipains are secreted by the bacteria are responsible for much of the damage. The good news is that gum disease is easily treatable. The same study shows that there may be a new drug on the horizon to inactivate gingipains.
Read MoreToday I want to talk about the connection between gum disease and heart disease. I am going to talk about one specific recent study, and I am going to get more scientific than usual, so forgive me, but the information is too good to ignore.
Read MoreOil pulling is an ancient ayurvedic therapy for maintaining oral hygiene. It involves swishing approximately 1 tablespoon of oil typically edible oils including coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes and then spitting it out The popularity of oil pulling has seen a recent surge in popularity. The practice has been verified as a legitimate therapy and also as a wive’s tale. Which one is true? This post will cut to the truth of the matter.
Read MoreI often find myself striving to be a better person physically, spiritually, and intellectually. This can take quite an effort sometimes. The only way I find I can keep up with myself is to get plenty of rest. This post is dedicated to my good friend Al Danenberg who despite a terminal diagnosis, is still growing himself, and teaching me how to grow a better me.
Read MoreVitamin A is critical for healthy teeth and jaws. There are a few misconceptions about it. One issue is that β-carotene is equivalent to vitamin A. This is not the case and could lead to low vitamin A status.
Read MoreIn today's post I am going to talk about neonatal oral care, the assessment of your newborn’s mouth, tongue and face for neonatal problems, and when to take your baby to the dentist for the first time. The recommendations are not universal. I will explain why in this post.
Read MoreAfter about four more months of and measuring my food, counting calories, and tracking macronutrients,my thoughts have changed somewhat. I thought I would share them withg you in todays post.
Read MoreThere is a well known association between cardiovasular disease and gum disease. A simple test for CRP can help to diagnose both of them. Today, I will discuss the connection between the two diseases, and how a CRP test may be a useful tool in treating and diagnosing them.
Read MoreToday, we don’t have to hunt or even farm our own food, we have climate control everywhere, we are highly entertained, we have medicine for everything, and we can gain goods and services at the click of a link. In constructing this "paradise”, we have lost the need for most common human interactions. In today’s post, I will explain whye are stronger when we come together, and how that can be achieved even in today's divided world.
Read MoreWhy are some people are choosing to eat a meat-only diet. Is this a safe diet? Can you get all the nutrients you need from it? Will it give you cancer? Find out in this post…
Read MoreA large segment of my patient population believe that swollen gums happen normally about every six months due to plaque build-up. They come for their cleaning, the plaque is removed, and they are good to go for the next six months. There is nothing normal about having swollen gums. Unfortunately, it is so common, most people just accept it as a normal occurrence. It can be an indication of potential dietary issues.
Read MoreLip incompetence is a condition where the lips cannot form a seal when your jaw is at rest without straining. It should be diagnosed and correct as soon as possible. It is generally very easy to detect, but in some cases it can be tricky. If you suspect you may have this condition, consult with your dentist as soon as you can.
Read MoreDuring a recent health conference, I found myself explaining why I was not just a run of the mill dentist. My real passion is cutting through all of the bad health advice, misconceptions, half-truths and downright lies out there and disseminating the plain truth to those willing to listen. As they say, if I catch you a fish, I have fed you a meal, if I teach you how to fish, I have fed you for a lifetime.
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