COURSE OVERVIEW:

This two-day course is designed to provide implantologists of all levels the ability to confidently integrate three dimensional diagnosis and treatment planning in their daily practice.  The program will consist of lectures and case presentations, over-the-shoulder hands-on computer software training, practical hands-on exercises and a live-surgery demonstration during which use of the computer generated surgical guide and accessories will be demonstrated. In addition, anatomical interpretation and sequential diagnostic protocols for implant planning and placement will be taught and explained. On the second day simulated surgical implant placement will be practiced on computer generated models from the scans submitted by attendees. In the afternoon there will be a live surgery demonstration during which a computer generated surgical guide and accessories will be demonstrated.

 COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:

• Understand the importance and advantages of cone-beam imaging.
• Assess implant recipient site anatomy three-dimensionally.
• Differentiate abnormal findings versus artifacts.
• Identify vital structures and tagging them on a CBCT study.
• Utilizing software tools to enhance visualization and diagnostics.
• When to refer to an ENT for further evaluation.
• Identify the prosthetic need for site preparation and/or preservation.
• Cone beam CT evaluation using a sequential diagnostic protocol.
• Perform interactive treatment planning on your own computer.
• Utilize CBCT and virtual implant planning software to increase case success.
• Know how to order and customize surgical guide design for each case.
• Understand the workflow from obtaining a scan, to ordering surgical guides.
• Utilize the In Vivo surgical guide drill handle kit.
• Decision making when purchasing a CBCT unit.
• Medico-legal ramifications of CBCT.

RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES:

1. Submission of a basic dental implant case you plan to treat in your practice after attending the course.
2. A laptop computer with enough processing power to download and utilize the InVivo software during and after the course.
3. All participants to this course will receive a free 60-day fully functional version of InVivo 5 implant planning software installed on their laptop computer.

Please contact Charles Banh for more information on the above listed items at 408-885-1474 or by email at charles@anatomage.com.

SCHEDULE:

Friday, June 7, 2013: Advanced Clinical Curriculum

Saturday, January 8, 2013: Hands-On

LODGING/LOCATION:

This 3D diagnosis and treatment planning program will be held at Miles of Smiles Implant Dentistry located at 801 Wayne Ave, Suite #G200 in Silver Spring, Maryland. Sessions on both days will start at 8 a.m. and end around 4 p.m. Lodging information will be sent upon receipt of your registration.

CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES:

Full refunds may be granted only if notification is received no later than May 20, 2013. Cancellation after this time will result in a $350 processing fee. We cannot assume responsibility for losses due to participant travel arrangements.

REGISTRATION

This is a two-day course, 12 CE (continued education) credits will be awarded and full tuition for both days is $599. International Academy of Ceramic Implantology Members (IAOCI) save $100.

    Full Tuition: $599.00

    IAOCI Member: $499.00

    First-time IAOCI Members: $199.00 (Must sign up by May 17, 2013)

If you are not yet a member of the IAOCI you can sign up for a one year membership ($395.00) at www.IAOCI.com/join. All IAOCI memberships will be verified before you are enrolled in the course.

This course has limited space and only ten (10) doctors will be able to attend this session.

For further information please call Ronetta at 301-588-0768 to register.

Dr. Noumbissi was invited to present the first ever presentation in ceramic implantology at the scientific session of the 104th Meeting of the Philippine Dental Association in Manila. This one of a kind and well attended event took place at the SMX convention center in Pasay City.

COURSE OVERVIEW:

Once zirconia dental implants have been placed in bone they need to be protected from early micro and macro movements. Furthermore during the four to five months of implant integration both for esthetic and functional purposes, clinician and patient have a need for protective appliances. Such appliances will vary based on multiple factors such as occlusion, finances and area of implant placement to name a few. The second aspect of teeth replacement with one-piece zirconia implants is the choice of adequate materials for cementation and definitive prosthetics. With a combination of lectures and live restorative demonstrations this course will focus on the prosthetic aspects of zirconia implantology. This course is designed to provide the clinician with the ability to predictably and confidently protect one-piece zirconia dental implants immediately after implant placement and during bone integration. The lecture material will cover selection of ceramics for predictable restoration of zirconia implants, how to select appropriate materials for priming and bonding of zirconia to zirconia and other ceramics leading up to cementation as well as cement selection.

 This course will include in-depth coverage of:

• Zirconia as a dental implant material.
• Bonding mechanism of zirconia.
• Soft and hard tissue assessment prior to implantation.
• Learn about appropriate prosthetic treatment planning.
• Selection of temporization modality for one-piece zirconia implants.
• Immediate, delayed and protective temporization techniques.
• Selection of permanent restorative materials.
• Restorative methods and materials.
• Achieving superior aesthetic results.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

This course will enable you to:

• Recognize indications for successful metal free teeth replacement.
• Site preparation and/or preservation for optimal prosthetic results.
• Learn how to select and the indications for different temporization techniques.
• Utilize CBCT and virtual implant planning software to increase case success.
• Appropriate selection of permanent restorative materials.

SCHEDULE:

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Friday, March 29, 2013

LODGING/LOCATION:

The Zirconia Implantology Program will be held at Miles of Smiles Implant Dentistry located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Sessions on both days will start at 8 a.m. and end around 5 p.m. Lodging information will be sent upon receipt of your registration.

CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES:

Full refunds may be granted only if notification is received no later than March 20, 2012. Cancellation after this time will result in a $350 processing fee. We cannot assume responsibility for losses due to participant travel arrangements.

REGISTRATION

This is a two-day course, 12 CE (continued education) credits will be awarded and full tuition for both days is $599. International Academy of Ceramic Implantology Members (IAOCI) save $100.

Full Tuition: $599.00

IAOCI Member: $499.00

New IAOCI Members: FREE (With first time one-year membership $395.00)

If you are not yet a member of the IAOCI you can sign up for a one year membership ($395.00) at www.IAOCI.com/join. All IAOCI memberships will be verified before you are enrolled in the course. This course has limited space and only eight doctors will be able to attend this session.

For further information please call Christine at 774-992-4096 to register.

This article was written by Dr. Noumbissi and published in the January 2013 edition (International Section) for the Orofacial Chronicle Journal from Bhopal, India.

Background

Since Dr. Brånemark first introduced titanium dental implants, a variety of materials have been used successfully for about 40 years. Today implants are made either of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) or titanium alloys.  In addition to its biocompatibility, titanium was also initially believed to be inert, nontoxic and nonallergenic1,2. However, several drawbacks have been documented in the literature with the use of titanium and titanium alloys as implant materials in medicine and dentistry. High concentrations of titanium have been detected in tissue surrounding dental implants mostly as a result of wear or corrosion of the titanium implant surface.  In an animal study Weingart et al.3   showed that nine months after titanium implantation, titanium particles had spread and were found in adjacent lymph nodes. This indicates the possibility that phagocytes could transport titanium particles to the lymph nodes without any initial or immediate inflammatory response and potentially cause later immunologic reactions.

The Facts

An increasing number of people who suffer some form tooth loss are choosing to replace their teeth with dental implants. For the last thirty plus years the only and highly successful option for freestanding tooth replacement available in the United States and other countries has been titanium and titanium alloy dental implants. There are increasing reports both in dentistry and medicine of individuals developing sensitivity and allergies to titanium and/or titanium alloys. Even of more concern some of these implants are corroding once exposed to body fluids such as saliva and developing electrical activity when they are coupled with prosthetic components made of other metal alloys. Titanium implants as they corrode are known to release metal ions which create low level electrical currents through the body but also weakens the structural integrity of the implants. With recent advances in implantable biomaterials research and technology, bioceramics such as zirconia (zirconium dioxide) are now available and a new generation of modern implants is made of zirconia. Zirconium Silicate (ZrSO4) is mined and is treated and transformed into zirconium dioxide which is also called zirconia. Zirconia is the crystal form of the material zirconium which is a transitional metal. After mining and processing of zirconium silicate, zirconium is isolated and further processed under high temperature and pressure. Zirconium then undergoes an oxidation and crystallization process which allows it to transition into a structurally stable and inert crystal. This bioceramic crystal is called Yttrium Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconium Polycrystal (Y-TZP) also called zirconium dioxide. Therefore zirconium dioxide is not a metal and presents exceptional physical and biological properties. Zirconia can sustain an extreme load capacity, features a very long service life, and presents no conductivity or interference in the body’s meridian systems; it is the most hygienic, non-electricity conducting and stable material for dental implantology and orthopedics. Zirconia implants also present no danger of corrosion, something that is often a serious problem with metal based dental implants. Corrosion of a titanium dental implant occurs when it is coupled with the metal framework or abutment of the crown which more often than not is a less noble metal or alloy than that of the titanium implant. The implant and crown assembly bathes in saliva which is an electrolyte and a good conductor of electricity; this leads to all sorts of chemical and electrical imbalances in the body and to a phenomenon called “battery mouth”. Another advantage of zirconia is its low affinity for plaque (picture#1). Clinical observations and studies show that zirconia implants compared to or next to titanium implants accumulate much less plaque and allow for superior gingival health (picture #2).

Radioactivity and Zirconia Implants

There is a controversial and highly misunderstood aspect of zirconium dioxide in terms of its radiological output. Zirconium Silicate (ZrSO4) depending where it is mined can be contaminated with natural radioactive isotopes including radium (226Ra) and thorium (228Th). This was a major concern in the early 1990’s because the ores selected were contaminated. Today zirconium dioxide processing plants have the technology to remove these contaminants and are able to yield and use very pure powders. For example, the radiation emitted by a 3 mol% Y2O3-ZrO2powder was the same order of magnitude as alumina powder, both of which were several orders of magnitude less than that typically measured for water, vegetables and livestock. Zirconia hip ball replacements weigh approximately 100mg and have a natural radiological output of 1mSv per year. The average weight of a zirconia dental implant is 1g, translating into a natural radiological output of roughly 0.01mSv/year. Therefore the radiation risk of zirconia bioceramics is negligible and given that the World Nuclear Association states that the typical background radiation experienced by most people in North America is 3.4mSv, there is little concern for adverse biological effects on the implant recipient.

Conclusion

Zirconia dental implants are a sensible and clearly a healthier alternative to conventional and titanium implant bridges, partials or Overdentures. Furthermore zirconia by virtue of its translucency and all-white color makes it the most aesthetically pleasing option available today for tooth replacement (picture #3 & picture #4). This is a new era in implant dentistry and the science of oral implantology.

Referrences:

1-  Rabin, Steven I., MD; Calhoun, Jason H., MD, FACS, editor: Immune Response to Implants  

2- Allauddin A Siddiqi, Alan G T AG Payne,Warwick J WJ Duncan. Titanium allergy: could it affect dental implant integration? Clin Oral Implants Res 22(7):673-80 (2011)  

3- Weingart D, Steinmann S, Schili W, Strub JR, Hellerich U, Assenmacher J, Simpson J. Titanium deposition in regional lymph nodes after insertion of titanium screw implants in the maxillofacial region. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg.1994 Dec:23 (6Pt2): 450-2  

4- Scarano A, Piattelli M, Caputi S, Favero GA, Piattelli A. Bacterial adhesion on commercially pure titanium and   zirconium oxide disks: an in vivo human study. J Periodontol. 2004 Feb;75(2):292-6

BACKGROUND:

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), states that “Integrative Medicine combines mainstream medical therapies and complimentary and alternative medical therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.” An alternative medicine that is used in conjunction with a conventional one is known as a “complementary” medicine. An example of such practice is when patients undergoing chemotherapy use natural ginger syrup to prevent nausea. In 2007 a comprehensive National Health Interview Survey was conducted on the use by American adults of complementary alternative medicine which is also known as CAM. The results showed that approximately 38 percent of adults surveyed use CAM.  In dentistry dental implants are  a “conventional” or a mainstream dental therapy and currently the vast majority of implant dentists  use conventional medical therapies such as  surgery, synthetic drugs and titanium implants to manage healing and achieve bone integration and effectively replace teeth.

There is an overuse of synthetic drugs to manage patients recovery after implant surgery and this has led to many surgeons and other practitioners to underestimate their patients ability to self heal. This can only happen if they are detoxed and their immune system properly restored and empowered. Today an increasing number of people are choosing healthier lifestyles, alternative medicine and are more and more reluctant to accept metals to be implanted in their bodies. They also increasingly resist the idea of synthetic drugs-only options to treat or prevent health problems. Dental and medical research show there is increasing evidence that medical and dental metal implants will corrode and trigger various types of health problems in some individuals including metal sensitivity, metal toxicity, delayed healing after implant surgery,  and even delayed implant failure many years after implantation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Miles of Smiles Implant Dentistry is presenting this unique two-day course where multidimensional medicine and holistic dental implantology intersect. This program is designed to demonstrate the intimate correlation between multidimensional medicine and successful zirconia (ceramic) implant surgery. The first goal of this course is to enable the participants to understand and appreciate the critical interrelationship that exists between a clean body, a boosted immune system and optimal recovery from implant surgery. As such during consultation the doctor will be taught how to obtain relevant information from the patient and determine what type of pre and post surgical detoxification and immune boosting protocols to request from the multidimensional physician. Protocols as simple as timely IV administration of targeted vitamins and minerals make a significant difference in patient recovery allowing for optimal, fast healing and ultimate success of dental implants. The second objective of this program is also to present  top to bottom natural, drug free protocols and methods of metal-free tooth replacement with ceramic implants.

This course will enable participants to:

• Obtain proper medical history.
• Order the right pre and post surgery immune boosting and repair protocols.
• Understand the importance of detoxification prior to implant surgery.
• Understand the rationale behind the use of zirconia as a dental implant material.
• Recognize indications for successful placement and integration of zirconia dental implants.
• Proper and predictable selection of temporization techniques for one-piece zirconia implants.
• Appropriate selection of permanent restorative materials.
• Use of natural, effective, less-invasive interventions whenever possible.
• Appropriate use of conventional and alternative methods to facilitate the body’s innate healing response after implant surgery.

SPEAKERS:       

Dr. Sakiliba M. Mines, MD is an Integrative Family Physician. She has been a pioneer in Integrative Medicine, practicing for over 30 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry -Nutrition at Spellman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and her Medical Doctorate from Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She completed her specialty as a Family Physician at Howard University Hospital and currently holds a Doctorate of Integrative Medicine. She is a member and instructor with the International Association of Colon Hydrotherapist, and a member of the American Holistic Medical Association. Dr. Mines is the medical director and founder of The Institute of Multidimensional Medicine and Medical Spa. Dr. Mines utilizes extensive medical diagnostic testing, quantum physics assessments, genetic testing and detoxification  and has developed natural and holistic protocols to optimize patients healing and recovery from medical and oral surgery procedures. Dr. Mines is a researcher who presents the newest information to her patients. Dr. Mines teaches at seminars and lectures  nationally and internationally to educate the community and her colleagues.

Dr. Sammy Noumbissi, DDS MS obtained his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Howard University College of Dentistry. After obtaining his DDS, he received formal training in Implant Dentistry at the three-year Graduate Dental Implantology Residency program at Loma Linda University in California. Dr. Noumbissi is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Implant and Advanced Clinical Dentistry and a reviewer for the Journal of Oral Implantology and he is active in clinical research and in areas that further the science of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Noumbissi is also a published author and has published abstracts and articles in peer reviewed dental journals.                                           Dr. Noumbissi is founder of Miles of Smiles Institute for Dental Implantology; he lectures extensively and trains dentists nationally and internationally on topics relating to diagnosis and treatment planning and the multiple applications of implants and ceramic dental implants in oral rehabilitation.

Continued education hours: Twelve (12) CEU will be awarded.

Course fee: $599 before February 10, 2013.

Registration: Please call Ms. Ronetta Jones at 301-588-0768

Lodging: Lodging information will be provided upon completion of registration.

OXYGEN/OZONE THERAPY IN DENTAL MEDICINE

                                                          Silver Spring, MD

January 25 -26, 2013

Hosted by: Dr. Sammy Noumbissi

                                              INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Phil Mollica

This two-day course is hosted by Dr. Noumbissi and presented by Dr. Mollica. He will cover the multiple uses of oxygen/ozone in dentistry. Oxygen/ozone is known to be  anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic. Therefore ozone acts at the cellular level and interacts with human cell membranes in unique  and different way from that of pathogens. In this course the use of oxygen/ozone will be explained in the management of periodontal disease, prevention or arrest of tooth decay, rescue of failing dental implants and the elimination of infection in endodontically treated teeth.

About Dr. Mollica :

Dr. Mollica graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey Dental School in 1983. He entered a one year residency in Ora-Facial Pain at NJDS finishing in 1984. Dr. Mollica completed his Master’s Degree in Human Anatomy in 1979 from Fairleigh Dickinson University, School of Dentistry. He completed a Doctorate in Integrative Medicine and Naturopathic Medicine from Capital University of Integrative Medicine in 1999. Dr. Mollica is an Emeritus Professor of Integrative Medicine at Capital University of Integrative Medicine. He currently is President and Professor at the American College of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey. Dr. Mollica has lectured around the world and authored text on Integrative Biologic Dental Medicine and Oxygen/Ozone Therapy in Dental Medicine. He is one of the most active continuing education lecturers in the dental world. Lecturing over 30 courses per year.

To learn more go to: www.ozonefordentistry.com/Doc_files/ozone%20article.pdf

Why ceramic dental implants are better than conventional bridges?

When it comes to options for tooth replacement patients are increasingly opting for dental implants over the usual dental prostheses such as dentures or conventionally placed bridges. Since implants sit securely in the jaw and look like natural teeth, they offer superior durability and outstanding aesthetics when compared to conventional bridges. However there is an increasing resistance to metals among people and in implant dentistry there is a shift away from metal or metallic based crowns, partials and implants.

There are four major categories of restorations available for tooth replacement:

Bonded dental bridge

Bonded dental bridges use the teeth adjacent to the empty space to help support the missing tooth by using a very thin piece of metal or tooth-colored material to overlay and bond to the back of the adjacent teeth. A tooth replacement or “dummy tooth” is set between these two bonded pieces in order to fill in the empty space. Failure rate is about 25 percent after just five years of use. Furthermore the gap widens because the bone recedes as a result of no longer having a tooth in place. This ultimately results in the weakening of the adjacent teeth which can become loose and eventually fall out.

Cantilevered dental bridge

A cantilevered restoration uses the closest tooth next to the empty space to support the missing tooth using the either the back of the neighboring tooth or a full crown to help support the missing tooth. Success rate is higher than with a bonded bridge depending on how much pressure the actual replacement endures due to grinding and normal wear. This method of tooth replacement has fallen out of favor because the supporting tooth gets torqued and fatigued and more often than not eventualy fractures.

Conventional dental bridge

Getting fitted for a dental bridge requires shaving down and modifying of the teeth on either side the space where the tooth or teeth are missing. This is done in order to fit a conventional bridge. This is a process that significantly weakens the ground teeth and sets them up for fracture and root canals in the future. Unfortunately conventional dental bridges predictably fail at a range from 20 percent over 3 years to 3 percent over 23 years.                                                                                                      With dental implants the dentist does not need to affect the health or longevity of neighboring teeth at all. Once placed, implants are firmly set into the bone making them more natural than dentures or conventional bridges, with none of the shifting that dentures normally display.

Some problems with conventional bridges

• They are bonded to the adjacent tooth with a glue-like substance, bridges more often become loose and fall out
• They cracks and fissure form over time, due to normal wear and tear and become fragile and prone to breakage
• Improper fit can lead to either tooth decay or irritation to the surrounding soft tissue around them.

Dental implant

A ceramic dental implant is created from a high performance material (zirconium oxide) that is inserted into the bone to act like a natural tooth root. Zirconium oxide also called zirconia is a crystal phase of zirconium and due to its nonmetallic construction the ceramic dental implant does not interfere with the body’s immune or meridian systems and therefore significantly reduces the potential for rejection. Furthermore ceramic implants do not interact with electromagnetic fields such as those emanating  from cell phones, cell phone towers and microwaves. Once inserted into the jaw, the implant integrates directly into the bone to give firm support to the artificial replacement that it is built to hold and should last the lifetime of a patient. Routine maintenance of a dental implant is exactly the same as a person would follow for normal teeth.

Healthy Patients Prefer Ceramic Implants

Patients who prefer dental implants say that they are more comfortable and provide a more secure fit than fixed bridges or removable dentures. However all implants are not equal and ceramic implants unlike metal implants are made in one piece from the root to the top just like a natural tooth. Therefore ceramic implants do not have joints and do not retain plaque and harbor billions of bacteria like two-piece metal implants. For those who no longer have any natural teeth, ceramic implants can be placed to support and retain dentures and eliminate the embarrassment and discomfort they can cause in social situations when they slip and click. Loose and ill-fitting dentures hamper the everyday pleasure of eating comfortably.

Reasons to consider a ceramic dental implant:

• preserves healthy natural tooth and bone structure
• looks and feel like natural teeth
• enhances a sense of self-confidence when eating, talking and smiling
• no gooey denture adhesives to deal with
• no embarrassingly loose dentures
• improves quality of speech
• no electrical or electromagnetic activity in your mouth

Anyone who is missing one or more of their teeth may be a candidate for implants. If more than a few of the teeth are missing, implants in supporting a crown or bridge can replace those teeth and function as normal teeth without concern for loss of bone and decay. If all or most of the teeth are missing, then implants may be placed to fix in place a full-mouth non-removable set of teeth.

No such problems with ceramic implants

Ceramic dental implants are recommended to patients because:

• Chewing is easy with excellent biting pressure provided by implant
• When done properly and dilligently cared for, dental Implants are reliable and provide long-standing service, for decades with few, if any complications
• Comfortable fit and lifetime durability because they are well secured and integrated with the bone and gums
• They remain clean because they do not accumulate plaque and bacteria
• Metal-free bioceramic
• They do not generate nor conduct electricity

Considering the overall advantages patients can expect to benefit from as a result of choosing a dental implant, they are better able to enjoy a healthier and greener lifestyle without the restrictions many denture and bridge wearers face. The more secure foundation offered by a dental implant, the better biting pressure becomes, making it possible to enjoy the foods that a patient probably would not be able to eat using a dental prosthetic. As a result improved chewing ability leads to better nutrition and improved overall health.

On  April 18 and 19 2013, The holistic Dental Association (HDA) will be hosting its 36th annual conference in Herndon Virginia in the United States. Since its foundation in 1978, the HDA ‘s mission has been to promote an awareness of dental care as it relates to the entire person.   The HDA also brings together dentists who have a common interest in treatment modalities that are not included in dental school curriculum. Furthermore in recent years more and more people have heighten their awareness in their own health and regard good health to be more than just the absence of disease. Dr. Noumbissi is a member of the Holistic Dental Association and limits his dental implantology practice to metal-free implant dentistry. Over the last thirty years the only and most popular method of teeth replacement has been titanium metal dental implants and research is increasingly proving that implantation of metals can lead to systemic health problems in areas of the body remote from the oral cavity. Dr. Noumbissi will be one of the podium speakers at this annual conference and will be presenting clinical evidence of the safety and health benefits of metal-free dental implants.The topic to be covered will be  “Zirconia a Viable and Sometimes Necessary Alternative for Teeth Replacement”.

For more information on this conference please follow:  http://www.holisticdental.org/Default.aspx?pageId=1460693

The first of its kind, the Metal-free Implant Dentistry Summit will be held in Miami Florida at the Hilton Bentley in South Beach.  Dr. Noumbissi will be one of the main podium speakers at this conference. The summit will be held December 7 and 8, 2012, zirconia as an implant material will be presented in multiple aspects of implant dentistry including prosthetic and surgical. Aesthetic, single and multiple top-to-bottom metal-free teeth replacement cases will be presented and discussed. Dr Noumbissi will present his ongoing clinical evaluation of zirconia implants for full mouth reconstruction.

Over the past century, the levels of fluoride in foods purchased at the grocery store have steadily increased due to several factors including; the mass fluoridation of water supplies, the introduction of fluoride-based pesticides and the use of mechanical deboning processes in the meat industry.

One of the biggest problems is produce – both organic and non-organically grown — which is sprayed with pesticides. The newer pesticides contain alarmingly high levels fluoride making the typical North American’s daily consumption about 1.8 milligrams of fluoride — almost twice the amount of fluoride delivered from drinking one liter of fluoridated water. The consumption of non-organic foods is now thought to account for as much as one-third of the average person’s fluoride exposure.

Where did we go wrong?

Courtesy www.FluorideAlert.org

Early in 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommended that water fluoridation programs should lower the levels added to water from 1 ppm fluoride 0.7 ppm. Although helpful, even this measure clearly does not go far enough to solve the problem, as many children continue to ingest levels of fluoride much higher than is recommended, or considered ‘safe’. When you consider all of the sources of fluoride contamination it isn’t surprising that we are seeing a dramatic increase in dental fluorosis (a tooth defect caused by excess fluoride intake) and a marked rise in cases reported over the past 60 years.

Where is all this fluoride coming from?

The fluoride-based pesticide called cryolite (a white or colorless mineral made up of fluoride, sodium and aluminum in crystal form) is essentially sodium aluminum fluoride, which is used for its ability to kill produce-loving insects. Cryolite also adheres to produce in a thick layer that effectively ‘seals’ the produce in pesticide and is extremely difficult to remove before consumption. Fresh produce that is temporarily stored in a warehouse environment is also treated with a gas fumigant, used to kill insects and rodents. This fumigant is recognized to leave extremely high levels of fluoride residue “in or on” stored foods.

The naturally occurring levels of fluoride in fruits, vegetables, meat, grain, eggs, milk and fresh water supplies are generally very low (less than 0.1 ppm) with the exception of seafood, tea and deep-well water which all have elevated fluoride levels without human interference. As a general rule, the fluoride level in food increases as a byproduct of the industrial food-making process. This is particularly true in the U.S. where mass water fluoridation programs are in use, since food processors use the public water supply to make their products. The basic rule is more processing equals the more fluoride. Juice that is not made from concentrate will thus have less fluoride than reconstituted juice.

Organic food is less contaminated than non-organic food and a person’s exposure will thus be reduced if they eat more organic fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Cereals, mechanically deboned meats, and black or green tea are sources to avoid if possible. Mechanically deboned meat is problematic because “most meats that are pulverized into a pulp form (e.g., chicken fingers, chicken nuggets) are made using a mechanical deboning processes. This mechanical deboning process increases the quantity of fluoride-laden bone particles in the meat. As a result, research has found that mechanically deboned meat contains higher levels of fluoride” (The Fluoride Action Network, http://www.fluoridealert.org/content/chicken/), which is then transferred to the consumer’s dinner table. Black and green teas are naturally high in fluoride regardless of whether they are grown organically without pesticides due to how the plant readily absorbs fluoride thorough its root system.

What’s so bad about fluoride?

Recent studies have shown that hydrofluorosilicic acid levels in the body increases lead accumulation in bone, teeth and other calcium dependent tissues. This happens when the free fluoride ion acts as a transport of heavy metals, allowing them to enter into the soft tissues where they normally would not be able to go, including sensitive organs such as the brain.

In terms of acute toxicity (the amount that can cause immediate toxic consequences), fluoride is more toxic than lead but slightly less toxic than arsenic – which explains why fluoride has long been used in rodenticides and pesticides. It is also the reason accidents involving over-ingestion of fluoridated dental products including fluoridated gels, supplements and water can cause serious poisoning even leading up to death. There are reports of people who have in fact developed crippling skeletal fluorosis – a bone disease caused by excessive consumption of fluoride — from drinking high amounts of iced tea alone.

According to the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) excessive fluoride exposure is well known to cause a painful bone disease (skeletal fluorosis), as well as a discoloration of the teeth known as dental fluorosis. It has also been linked to a range of other chronic ailments including;

• arthritis,
• bone fragility,
• glucose intolerance,
• gastrointestinal distress,
• thyroid disease,
• cardiovascular disease
• certain types of cancer

People who are at highest risk to fluoride include infants, individuals with kidney disease, individuals with nutrient deficiencies (particularly calcium and iodine), and individuals with medical conditions that cause excessive thirst.

Fluoride also has the ability to stimulate the harmful effects of other chemicals and heavy metals in the environment, potentially making them even more harmful than they would be otherwise. For example, when you combine chloramines with the hydrofluorosilicic acid, the combination becomes very effective at extracting lead from old plumbing systems, promoting the accumulation of lead in the water supply – water which is then consumed by animals and humans alike.