Groton Wellness

So you have a visit scheduled at the dentist. Fearful? With exciting advances in technology you shouldn’t be anxious any longer. Some offices have digital radiographs to greatly reduce x-ray exposure. Intraoral cameras that can show you up close where dental problems may be brewing so early intervention might mean less extensive treatment. Modern brushing, flossing and irrigating equipment and techniques can mean fewer trips to the gum specialist. Listening to your favorite CD or perhaps overhead cable TV can be a wonderful distraction.  Many offices even offer Sedation to allow the ultimate in relaxation during the dental visit. 

Nonetheless, in spite of all these advances and amenities there is still something in the dental office to be worried about. Mercury-containing silver fillings. They represent a 150 year-old technology that is still employed today in most dental offices. Despite often being referred to as “silver fillings” or “silver amalgam fillings”, they actually contain over 50% mercury. And, unfortunately, it has been proven that the mercury in the amalgam fillings is not stable but rather leaches out into the oral cavity at rest. The mercury vaporization increases when the fillings are stimulated or heated such as when brushing or eating a hot meal. This vaporized mercury is then inhaled, picked up by the bloodstream and carried throughout the body for storage in the tissue of the brain, kidneys, liver, thyroid etc.  Mercury is a known neurotoxin, one thousand times more toxic than lead and is the most toxic, non-radioactive substance known to man. With so many other technological advances in dentistry, it is disappointing that this ancient technique is still employed even today. Informed Consent is not even required in most states.

This is where Holistic Health Focused Dentistry can step in and make a difference. Holistic dentistry goes to great lengths to be mercury “safe”. Not only does Groton Wellness no longer place mercury silver fillings, but they are extremely careful to make sure that any existing mercury silver fillings are safely removed to avoid further contamination of the patient or the dental staff and office. Of the many things that set Holistic Dentistry apart from Conventional General Dentistry it is the practice of being “mercury safe” that is perhaps the most important, not only to protect your health but also that of the environment. “Healthy Green” dentistry it may also soon be called.  Written by Jean Nordin-Evans DDS

Over the past ten years, there has been an increase in the understanding of how our health is affected by the daily exposure to toxins. Some of these toxins specifically affect nerve cells and these are called neurotoxins.

Many illnesses can be caused by, contributed to, or exaggerated by neurotoxins. Illnesses can include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and autoimmune diseases including Multiple Sclerosis, allergies, autism, depression, and learning disabilities just to name a few. Fatigue, depression, insomnia, memory loss and blunting of the senses are common early symptoms of many of these diseases.

US FDA website:

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/
DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/ucm171094.htm

The first full paragraph under the heading “Potential Risks” states:
“Dental amalgam contains elemental mercury. It releases low levels of mercury vapor that can be inhaled. High levels of mercury vapor exposure are associated with adverse effects in the brain and the kidneys.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also stated that there is no safe level of mercury exposure. Even if enough mercury hasn’t accumulated in the body to the point of causing a symptom related to a disease, that doesn’t mean you are not going to eventually feel the negative effects of it. In addition to mercury and metal exposure through dental work, we are chronically exposed to many other neurotoxins through our environment, including dioxin, formaldehyde, insecticides, PCBs and wood preservatives. Our food and diet are another source of neurotoxin exposure including aspartame and artificial sweeteners, food coloring, fluoride, as well as methyl and propyl parabens found in cosmetics. In order to restore health, the mechanisms of the body that clear the toxins must be supported and the toxins will then slowly be released.

The first step in restoring health is to remove metal sources. Mercury-amalgam removal from the teeth alone will seldom result in a total restoration of health. However, when mercury is removed, the body starts to more effectively eliminate all other neurotoxins. The body’s own elimination process can then be assisted with additional therapies such as colon hydrotherapy, various forms of massage, lymphatic drainage, acupuncture, detoxification saunas and mineral and clay baths. During the detoxification process the body must also be supported with high quality organic and raw foods, supplements and immune boosting therapies such as IV Vitamin C. As a person moves through this healing process it is also important to nurture and support their emotional and spiritual aspect, through body-mind therapeutics such as yoga, bio-feedback, Zero Balancing and psychotherapy.

There is no one approach for every person and it is important to seek out highly trained and licensed dental, medical and holistic practitioners who look at each individual as a unique being, listening to their stories to help provide an integrative healing plan. Next month we will explore Holistic Dentistry and mercury removal.

Groton Wellness is a revolutionary center for health and healing. We offer integrative family medical care, health focused dental care, wellness therapies, nutrition and education – all working together. The practitioners care for the whole person – mind, body and spirit – through every aspect of our services. Groton Wellness can offer you greater wellbeing as a partner in your health. We are located in Mill Run Plaza, Groton, MA. To learn more about removing toxins from your life call us at 978-449-9919 or visit www.GrotonWellness.com