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.

The electrifying aspect of titanium dental implants

It’s unlikely that if you popped a light bulb socket into your mouth that it would light up, but did you realize that your teeth may actually be conducting enough electrical current to short circuit your brain?

Teeth that have been treated, repaired or replaced using any type of metal alloy contain all the necessary ingredients to create an environment akin to a charged battery … in your mouth. Titanium or metal implants are one of the types of dental repairs that can create what is called ‘oral galvanism’ or ‘the battery effect’ in the mouth.

How it works

As it turns out creating a battery is a fairly simple process of immersing two or more different metals into a liquid (in this case, saliva) and they automatically conduct electricity. Saliva acts as and is an excellent ‘electrolyte’, while metal dental implants provide the dissimilar metals to make the magic happen. An electrical current is generated when metal ions from the dental metals are conveyed into saliva. This phenomenon is called “oral galvanism,” which literally means that this unique oral environment acts like a miniature electrical generator producing measurable electric currents in the mouth.

Oral galvanic toxicity, as it is known, creates several major complications to the human body, including:

• The action of electrical currents in the mouth increases the rate at which metal implants are corroded, including titanium based dental implants. The ions that are released react with the organs of the body, leading to increased sensitivity, an inclination towards inflammation and potentially autoimmune disorders.
• As a person’s sensitivity increases through oral galvanism the likelihood of damage to the soft tissue of the mouth can occur. An increased rate of corrosion increases the chance of developing immunologic or toxic reactions to metals.
• The process of oral galvanism also disrupts normal electrical currents flowing into brain tissue and can disrupt the natural electrical current in the brain.

Titanium is NOT Biocompatible

Through the process of oral galvanism titanium implants release metal ions into the mouth and jaw bone constantly. This type of chronic exposure may very likely trigger inflammation, allergies and autoimmune disease in susceptible individuals and slowly weaken the immune system is healthy adults.

With an increase in people receiving titanium dental implants these days, cases of intolerance to these types of oral repairs is on the rise. A recent study that followed 56 patients who developed severe health problems after receiving titanium-based dental implants described medical problems including muscle, joint and nerve pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurological problems, depression as well as skin rashes and inflammation.

When intolerance occurs the most logical treatment is to have the metal implant removed and/or replaced with a more biocompatible and bioinert material such as a ceramic implant. Patients who have had metal implants replaced have reduced metal sensitivity overall and report long-term health improvement in the majority of cases.

Oral Galvanism and Ceramic Dental Implants

Ceramic dental implants have proven to be highly biocompatible to the human body and due  to their poor electrical conductivity they do not exhibit ion release (or galvanism) when compared to metallic implants. Studies have shown that the way an implant is integrated into the surrounding bone (osseointegration), whether it is made of ceramic or titanium is very similar. But ceramic implants have a comparable, if not greater rate of performance and durability, making them an excellent alternative to titanium implants.

Considering that titanium dental implants can provoke metal sensitivity, inflammation, autoimmune disorders (among other things), while ceramic dental implants are completely metal-free while providing increased durability and a higher level of aesthetics, there is no logical reason for the average person to consider anything other than a biocompatible alternative; ceramic dental implants.

Resources:

Be Very Careful When Replacing Teeth http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/08/08/Be-VERY-Careful-When-Replacing-Missing-Teeth.aspx
Z-Systems – For a Healthy Bright Smile http://www.z-systems.biz/en/7349/patients.html
Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 25: 349–360, 2006
Labome.com — Intraoral electrogalvanism – http://www.labome.org/topics/dentistry/intraoral-electrogalvanism-17918.html

Biocompatible Zirconium Oxide Ceramic Dental Implants

In the world of medicine, zirconium oxide is being used more consistently as the material of choice for bone related reconstruction, particularly hip prosthesis. This growing trend has led to substantial clinical reports which confirm the high biocompatibility and quality of zirconium oxide, making it an attractive component for use as dental implants. Not only does Zirconium Oxide overcome most of the pitfalls of other dental implant products (such as Titanium), but patients now have a choice of a material that is esthetic, strong, pure, corrosion-free, biocompatible and capable of being used for all dental implant and appliance applications.

Why biocompatibility is so important

The immune system will typically respond to non-compatible dental materials as if they were infections or ‘invaders’ by initiating a cascade of reactions geared toward eliminating that ‘invader’. A good analogy to this would be how your body reacts to a cold or flu by elevating levels of lymphocytes and activating the immune system, a reaction that eventually rids the body of the cold or flu. The difference is that with dental toxicity the source of the problem is permanently imbedded in the mouth, and therefore there is no way for the ‘infection’ to be eliminated by the immune system.

Using only quality biocompatible materials that are proven to have very low adverse allergic reactions and present no negative responses from the immune system is highly important for the health of our patients. It is also the reason that biological, natural and holistic dental practices strive to use only materials that are as neutral as possible. Zirconium is a very strong, inert material with very low allergic potential and therefore a higher biocompatibility than other materials used as dental implants.

What non-compatibility looks like

Considering that every person’s body and physiology is unique, some individuals will be more compatible than others with certain types of materials used in dental treatments and procedures. But ultimately, a biocompatible material will not cause:

• allergic reaction
• irritation
• inflammation
• foreign body response (rejection)
• cancer and other autoimmune disorders

An all-ceramic dental crown over an all-ceramic dental implant looks and functions very much like the missing tooth did. Ceramic implants provide metal-free tooth replacement solutions, eliminating concerns of allergies and biocompatibility issues thereby lessening concerns for damage to the immune system. Zirconium Oxide provides safe, holistic results that are comfortable, natural in appearance and biocompatible:

• Zirconia implant is the holistic dental implant for absolute metal-free dentistry
• The white color of Zirconium far surpasses the metallic appearance of Titanium
• Ceramic implants and crowns retain less plaque and calculus than Titanium and therefore promote healthier gums and mouth

Our objective is to make as many biocompatible options available to our patients as possible and it is important to us to achieve the highest level of biocompatibility, particularly in cases where patients have compromised immune systems. Whenever considering a dental restoration we strongly suggest that extensive biocompatibility and metal allergy testing be done beforehand to ensure the best results.

For the second year in a row, we had a very successful and fulfilling day. We had over 150 visitors stop by our booth and we were able to share and enlighten  the public on the virtues of replacing missing teeth or stabilizing loose dentures and partials without using metal dental implants. Miles of Smiles Implant Dentistry is one of the few practices in the world that offers top-to-bottom metal free teeth replacement solutions. The  implants we use are made with a bioceramic called zirconia or zirconium dioxide. Zirconia is the ceramic phase of zirconium and it is not only biocompatible but also biologic. Unlike metal implants (titanium), zirconia implants are not susceptible to corrosion, will not break down and does not allow low level electrical activity in the mouth.

“Can I Be Allergic to Titanium Dental Implants?”

Discover the Links Between Metal Allergies and Dental Implants

By far, the most commonly implanted metals used in orthopedic and dental restoration devices are cobalt/chrome, stainless steel and titanium. Virtually all implants are alloys, meaning they are a combination of several different metals. The base metals (iron, nickel, lead, zinc and copper) are found in the highest quantities, but smaller amounts of other metals are also found in the implant. Considering that roughly ten to fifteen percent of the population experiences some form of allergic reaction to metal it is important to consider alternatives to metal implants.

Why All the Fuss about Metal Allergies?

An allergic reaction is a response of the body’s immune system when it detects an invasion of foreign substances, whether living or non-living. Allergic responses can range from a mild rash to death from a multi-system shutdown known as anaphylaxis. A person can become allergic to virtually anything, anywhere and anytime, including metals.

Environmental exposures to metals include; joint replacement, dental implants, dental restorations, jewelry, body piercings and even mobile phones. Traditionally nickel, cobalt and chromium have been the most prevalently reported contact allergens; however gold and palladium (primarily alloys that contain more than one metal) have drawn more attention recently. In the United States, studies show that the prevalence of nickel allergy is on the rise (likely due to the growing popularity of body piercings). Metal allergy is also being reported in association with certain device failures following surgical placement such as stents into coronary (heart) blood vessels, hip and knee prostheses, as well as dental and other implants.

Metal Dental Implants – originally the only choice

Metal dental implants were originally made out of commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy, providing the only option for anyone wishing to undergo implant tooth replacement. One aspect of titanium and titanium alloys is that they are generally considered ‘osteophilic’ (bone-friendly) and therefore considered to be biocompatible, providing a clear improvement over dentures and bridges. With a growing body of evidence to the contrary provided by researchers and patients alike, we now know that placing metallic dental implants and other restorative devices can potentially provoke allergic reactions and implant failure. One study involving 1,500 patients helped to drive the fact home when it demonstrated that titanium allergy could be clearly detected in dental implant patients. A notably higher risk of positive allergic reaction was found in patients whose implants failed for no other known reason other than that they had a higher incidence of allergic reaction.

Worst Case Scenario – Autoimmune Disorders

The most significant symptom which can cause the most severe problem is ‘chronic fatigue’. Muscle pain and chronic fatigue presenting without any known cause are the more serious symptoms associated with an allergy to metals. Unfortunately, since people don’t usually link overall fatigue with an immune disorder stemming from a metal implant they can suffer from this type of reaction for months or years before seeking help.

Autoimmune Disorders on the Rise

Between 15 and 25 million Americans are reportedly affected every year by one autoimmune disorder or another.  When you realize that an allergic reaction is actually the immune system turning on itself in a state of hyperactivity of the immune system then you can begin to see the correlation between autoimmune disorders and allergies, and doctors are now beginning to realize that allergies are quite often a precursor to autoimmune disease.

A growing list of health problems are suspected to be related to metal allergies potentially instrumental in the onslaught of autoimmune diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Psoriasis, and Scleroderma, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and others.  With this alarming rise in autoimmune diseases and the suspicion of a correlation between metal allergies and a weakening immune system it only makes sense to take whatever steps we can to ensure that our patients are biocompatible with an implant before allowing any substance or material to be permanently affixed into the mouth.

The Better Alternative That Can Last a Lifetime

Today, ceramic dental implants are considered to be the best and safest alternative to metal implants. The advantage of these implants is that they are ceramic, they are made from zirconium oxide also called zirconia and thus there is no concern of corrosion, allergic reaction or electronic interference. Overall qualities of ceramic dental implants include;

Biocompatibility: the zirconium used in the manufacture of ceramic dental implants is an inert material with very low allergic potential.
Strength: The strength of the dental implant is exceptional compared to other metal implants.
Metal-free: no corrosion, no galvanism effect, no metallic taste, no electronic disturbances and no Gum irritation.                                             Hygienic: Oral plaque and tartar do not accumulate on the surface of zirconium imlpants, therefore they remain clean and allow for a healthy environment around the implant bone and soft tissue.

Allergy Testing – An Important Part of the Whole

Our goal is to treat the whole person through the use of safe, natural and painless methods. Our innovative approach to dental care focuses on the health and wellness of the mouth in relation to the whole body, including identifying and treating issues pertaining to metal allergies and autoimmune disorders. We only recommend products that we know to be safe and that will provide the most positive, lasting results for our patients, such as ceramic dental implants. To learn more call to schedule your free personal consultation today.

What are the Benefits of Ceramic Dental Implants?

Well over 100 million Americans suffer some form tooth loss, and today ceramic dental implants represent the most aesthetically pleasing option available for tooth replacement. Ceramic implants are comfortable for our patients, and due to their all-white color they present the most natural looking results. Dental implants are the better alternative to bridges, partials or dentures (find out why ceramic implants are better than bridges here) and most importantly; ceramic dental implants perform just like natural teeth.

When teeth are removed or lost due to trauma or infection the underlying bone is no longer used, resulting in a weakened jaw and bone loss. This makes it difficult to smile, chew and do other things most of us take for granted. Furthermore teeth next to the lost tooth/teeth shift and and the opposing one(s)  drift into the spaces left by missing teeth. These ultimately lead to malocclusion, jaw collapse, jaw muscle pain and even chronic headaches. Dental implants provide the same function as the natural tooth root which they replace, including stimulating the bone in the most natural way possible and maintaining adjacent and opposing teeth in their place. Ceramic dental implants prevent bone deterioration and improve a patient’s ability to chew food normally.

Dental implants can last a lifetime and are placed directly into the bone where the teeth are missing. They do not adversely affect the adjacent healthy teeth as do traditional bridges. Implants bond to the jawbone and become part of it – making a connection as strong as a natural tooth root.

Some of the benefits of ceramic dental implants:

• Improve one’s ability to bite and chew
• Function exactly like natural teeth
• Do not interfere with adjacent teeth
• Provide a more youthful appearance to the face and jaw line
• Eliminate bone deterioration that can occur with tooth loss
• Do not cause unsightly metal coloring around the gums
• Are metal free and do not corrode or breakdown in the oral environment
• Easy to keep clean because they do not attract nor accumulate bacteria-loving plaque
• Do not conduct electricity or interfere with the body’s meridian energy pathways
• Provides stability without the need for messy adhesives

Whether you’re concerned about metals in the mouth or prefer to have natural looking teeth, ceramic dental implants provide the best alternative to titanium dental implants.

For more information or a free consultation, please give us a call today: 301-880-1410

Metal-Free Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges

The science of ceramic, metal-free dental implants provides a comfortable and natural alternative to bridges for patients who have suffered tooth loss. Metal-free dental implants are made of the ceramic component of zirconium also called zirconium oxide or zirconia. Due to zirconia’s physical and optical properties, metal-free implants are all-white in color , highly attractive in appearance,  and look and feel like natural teeth so much so that you might forget that you ever lost a tooth (for more information about the cosmetics of metal-free dental implants, please read The Cosmetics of Ceramic Dental Implants).

What’s the Difference Between Dental Implants and Bridges?

A conventional dental bridge can be made with a metal framework or entirely from porcelain or zirconia. However whether its metal based or ceramic, it is created by using adjacent teeth to support a pontic, or fake tooth. In this way, otherwise healthy teeth are often ground down and crowned (or “capped”) to facilitate a bridge to span the space where teeth are missing. So what is the difference between a bridge and a dental implant? A dental implant is applied directly into the jawbone mimicking the tooth’s natural structure without touching the surrounding teeth. An even better method of tooth replacement is by using zirconia implants therefore taking advantage of its metal-free and extremely stable physical properties. Zirconia dental implants do not corrode or breakdown when in contact with oral fluids, furthermore little to no plaque (tartar) accumulate on their surface.

How Long do Dental Implants and Bridges Last?

FAQ About Dental Bridges:

Most dental bridges last from 5-10 years before needing to be replaced. A bridge relies on the adjacent teeth and on the bridge’s structure for support. Surrounding teeth lose their strength due to being ground down to support a bridge and are susceptible to decay and even fracture due to loss of enamel and tooth structure in the process.

FAQ About Metal-Free Dental Implants:

Metal-free dental implants can last a lifetime and are placed directly into the bone where the teeth are missing. They do not adversely affect the adjacent healthy teeth, do not corrode or conduct low level electrical currents in the oral cavity. These low level electrical currents also called galvanic currents will lead to events ranging from weakening of conventional metal implants to the death of bone cells around implants;  this eventually leads to implant loosening and failure. Zirconia implants bond to the jaw bone and become part of it without affecting it – making a connection often stronger than a natural tooth root.

Do Bridges and Metal-Free Implants Cause Bone Loss?

Dental implants act as substitute tooth roots, providing the same function as natural tooth roots including stimulating the bone in the most natural way possible.  When teeth are removed or lost due to trauma or infection the underlying bone is no longer used, frequently resulting in a weakened jaw and bone loss. This makes it difficult to smile, chew and do other things most of us take for granted.

FAQ About Dental Bridges:

When teeth are lost or extracted, the bone that previously supported those teeth no longer serves a purpose and begins to deteriorate, or ‘resorb’. When a bridge is used to connect two teeth, normal pressure is not applied on the jawbone in such a way that the bone is stimulated as it would be in a healthy mouth, leading to bone loss in the area where the tooth was lost. Eventually the bone loss spreads to the supporting teeth of the bridge which over time gets loose, fractures and/or fails.

FAQ About Metal-Free Dental Implants:

Just like metal (titanium) implants, replacing teeth with metal-free dental implants involve placing an artificial root made of zirconia back into areas where there are no teeth. This results in renewed stimulation of the bone in the jaw preventing long term bone loss, thereby preserving and strengthening the structure of the jaw.

Not only do dental implants sit securely in the jaw and look like natural teeth, they also offer superior durability and outstanding aesthetics. Implants of a variety of materials have been used successfully for about 40 years and the latest generation of ceramic implant systems made of zirconium oxide (zirconia) take the science of dental implants to the next level.

Are Dental Bridges or Ceramic Implants Easier to Clean?

Caring for dental implants is very much like caring for natural teeth by following standard oral health care measure such as brushing and flossing.

FAQ About Dental Bridges:

Flossing bridges is not an easy task and requires time, patience and consistency making it difficult to follow routine everyday oral hygiene which can leave the underlying natural tooth structure at risk of decay and gum disease. Almost invariably over time decay occurs under supporting crowns of the bridge leading to the need for root canal treatment or tooth loss altogether.

FAQ About Metal-Free Dental Implants:

Individual dental implants allow easier access between teeth making it possible for patients to resume normal dental care. Furthermore zirconia dental do not collect plaque around them allowing for healthier gums and underlying bone.

Should You Choose a Metal-Free Dental Implant or a Bridge?

The bottom line for most people who have experienced tooth loss is that dental implants are a better solution. Implants are the closest thing possible to natural teeth, are fixed in place and offer a healthy alternative for oral and bone health, plus they support general well-being. Patients, who have metal-free dental implants a less likely todevelop metal sensitivity over time, remark that they look better, feel better and are more confident.

A new movie available for download and viewing online called ‘Mercury Undercover’ is exposing the abhorrent practices going on at the national level that prevent mainstream Americans from learning the truth about poison contamination from dental amalgam. Mercury Undercover illustrates all the evidence about mercury contamination, and features interviews by doctors, renowned scientists, environmental experts and survivors of mercury poisoning.

The disturbing issues brought to light in this film are geared to alarm viewers just enough to cause them to pause before buying and consuming fish products and to take into consideration the potential ramifications of their next dental procedure.

A few points brought up by this movie include:

• The Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, suggested thirteen years ago that dental amalgams could account for up to 75 percent of a person’s daily mercury exposure. There is approximately 1,000 mg of mercury in the typical silver amalgam filling, nearly one million times more mercury than is present in contaminated sea food.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that between 3-17 micrograms of mercury are released daily into the body by stimulating the filling through chewing, brushing and grinding, compared to only 2-5 micrograms from fish and all other environmental sources combined. An editorial in The New England Journal of Medicine also stated that dental amalgams were “possibly the chief source of exposure [to mercury] of a large segment of the U.S. population”. As shocking as it is, Americans and Europeans actually have more mercury in their mouths than exists in all manmade products combined – estimated at more than 1,000 tons. More than 180 million Americans of all ages host a total of 1.46 billion restored teeth, and the vast majority of those restorations are silver amalgams containing mercury. This measures out to about 75 percent of adults being exposed daily through silver amalgam fillings.
• The 2nd largest mercury polluters in the U.S. are dental practices. As a result of their continued use of mercury amalgam fillings, another 29.7 tons of mercury is discharged into the air, water and soil each year from installation and removal of amalgams. Mercury coming from dental offices is reported to be the largest source of mercury found in wastewater today. According to an article authored by Michael Bender (co-founder of the Mercury Policy Project), at least 40 percent of mercury streaming into public water treatment plants starts out in the dental office. And wastewater treatment plants are not set up to remove mercury, so it ends up in waterways and oceans where it contaminates marine life before cycling back into the food chain and ending up on your dinner plate. Ultimately, when you consider the costs associated with environmental cleanup dental amalgams are actually the most costly type of dental fillings on the market – in terms of environmental damage and harm to living organisms, including humans.

And a point of our own:

• Amalgams found in cadavers also post a risk to the environment. Emissions from the combustion of mercury fillings during the cremation process act as a major contaminator of air, waterways, soil, wildlife and food.

No less than 7-9 metric tons of mercury seeps into the atmosphere annually during the cremation process. As a result, it is expected that by the year 2020 the cremation of human remains will be the largest single cause of mercury pollution. And, it all started in the dental office.

Mercury Amalgams are not as cheap as dentists would like you to think

Amalgam fillings contain more mercury than any other product sold in America. And they are highly profitable to a dentist, which explains why it is so difficult to get them to use healthier composite products. Dentists can install amalgam fillings much faster than many composite fillings, and once installed they keep the patient coming back for repairs (due to the damaging effects of metal fillings on the structure of the tooth).

The average “amalgam” filling is typically a mixture of silver, copper, tin and zinc with an equal amount of mercury (up to 50 percent mercury). Fillings naturally deteriorate over time, leaching the various metal components into the body in the process and they react to substances such as acid in the mouth, causing the filling to deteriorate even more rapidly. The deteriorating vapor then enters the body and is subsequently inhaled into the lungs where it is absorbed into the blood stream. Likewise, as we eat, mercury is incorporated into food, is then swallowed and digested and absorbed into the bloodstream where it is distributed to more vulnerable tissues and organs. Mercury vapors readily pass through cell membranes, across the blood-brain barrier and into the central nervous system, where it causes psychological, neurological, and immunological problems. Children and fetuses, whose brains are still developing, are most at risk, but virtually anyone exposed to mercury in this way is at risk.

Aspiring dentists continue to be taught that the mercury in amalgams is “bound” with the other metals and therefore doesn’t leak, which is why 50 percent of them continue to believe mercury amalgam use is safe. However, by the fact that mercury vapor can be measured at all as it seeps away from the tip of the root is absolute proof that amalgam fillings can and do leach mercury poisons into the body.

Striving for change

The Mercury Undercover website suggests specific goals and objectives that need to be addressed to stop silver mercury amalgam use in America:

• Disclose mercury and end the “silver deception”; stop the ADA/dental board gag rule Inform consumers and dentists of the massive environmental harm caused by amalgam Make dentists (preferably those who perpetuate the use of mercury laced amalgams) pay for the massive harm to the environment; this would make the amalgam cost-prohibitive
• Ban amalgam for children and pregnant women Introduce ART (Atraumatic restorative treatment), a safe, low-cost dental filling material that requires only hand instruments to install, and can even be done by a dental hygienist
• End amalgam primacy in insurance plans

All of these points are excellent suggestions and honorable objectives. If you would like to help, The Consumers for Dental Choice has launched a worldwide Campaign for Mercury-Free Dentistry which outlines specific actions you can take on local, state, and national levels. Just visit their website to get started. They also suggest:

1. If you are not already seeing a mercury-free dentist, ask your dentist to switch to mercury-free dentistry.
2. If you work for a company that covers dental fillings, ask if they will cover composites or ART or other alternatives to amalgam.
3. If you know your Mayor or a member of your City or Town Council, consider asking if they will do what some California cities are doing: pass a resolution calling for an end to amalgam and a request that dentists in your town stop using amalgam.
4. And, write the Director of FDA’s Center for Devices, Jeff Shuren, jeff.shuren@fda.hhs.gov Ask Dr Shuren why FDA continues to ignore the scientists and covers up the mercury from American parents and consumers. Ask when FDA is going to get in step with the world on mercury.

Dr. Jeff Shuren, Director

Center for Devices, U.S. Food & Drug Admin.

10903 New Hampshire Ave.

WO66-5431, Room 5442

Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002

Telephone 301-796-5900

Brushing our teeth is an exercise in self-care that most of us do at least twice a day but there is also something we seldom consider; the health of that toothbrush. It might shock you to realize that literally millions of microorganisms (bacteria) live on the bristles of your personal toothbrush. That comes down to millions of microscopic bugs that can potentially cause flu, colds and other illnesses.

Recent studies have confirmed that oral health is connected with overall healthfulness. For example, there is a strong correlation between heart disease, diabetes, premature delivery in pregnant women, and strokes; and gum disease. Researchers discovered there are upwards of 10 million bacteria live on the typical toothbrush and we know that tooth decay is also caused by the type of bacteria that can survive on toothbrushes.

Studies have proven that cold and flu viruses and even the viruses that cause fever blisters (Herpes Simplex I) can survive on toothbrushes for several days – infecting and re-infecting the unsuspecting owner of that toothbrush. Here are just a few viruses that thrive on toothbrushes and some of the problems they can cause:

• E. Coli: bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal pain and tenderness with no fever
• Influenza Virus: fever, cough, headache and fatigue, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea
• Staphylococci Bacteria: abscesses, boils, and skin infections
• Herpes Simplex I: can affect the mouth, face and skin and can be present in the body without symptoms, generally causes recurring and painful blisters (cold sores or fever blisters)
• Candida Albicans: mild nasal congestion, blisters in the mouth, sore throat or abdominal pain, and/or fatigue, dizziness and mood swings
• Coliform Bacteria: usually present along other disease-causing bacteria and organisms

Some researchers also discovered bio-film thriving on toothbrushes, which is living colonies of breeding bacteria, with estimated numbers as high as 100 million microorganisms existing on individual brushes.

Protecting Your Toothbrush

Surprisingly, it isn’t the bacteria from your mouth that contributes to the worst bacterial problems on a toothbrush, it’s the fact that most people store their toothbrush unprotected in the open, on
the bathroom counter top. By far, flushing the toilet is the worst culprit for germs found on most toothbrushes. Every time you flush the toilet invisible jets of water propels germs into the air, where they can land on toothbrushes.

Family toothbrushes stored side-by-side only compound the risk of sharing germs and viruses. Bacteria, molds, and fungi love moist environments provided by most bathrooms and they also love dark enclosed spaces, so storing toothbrushes in the medicine cabinet may not be as ideal as you might think.

While most dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every couple of months, most American’s aren’t likely to change their toothbrushes more than twice a year. Here are some steps you can take to keep your toothbrush germ free:

Storage: Store toothbrushes away from the toilet in a cool, dry place.

Rinse well: Wash off your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water every time you use it.

Dry it after use: Dry your toothbrush thoroughly between brushings and avoid using toothbrush covers, which can create a moist enclosed breeding ground for bacteria.

Store it upright. Store your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down.

Keep it to yourself: Never share a toothbrush and avoid storing it side-by-side in the same container with other people’s brushes.

Ultraviolet Light: Studies indicate that ultraviolet light can be effective in killing germs on toothbrushes and are able to kill many of the bacteria, yeasts, and viruses. A study conducted at New York University Medical Center on countertop ultraviolet toothbrush sanitizers found that this device eliminated up to 99.9 percent of bacteria tested on toothbrushes.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse: Cheaper than an ultraviolet device and a measure perhaps just as effective could be the practice of rinsing your toothbrush after each use with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is antibacterial, antifungal, kills mold and mildew and when used properly, it is non-toxic for humans, plants, household animals.

Best practice: keep it clean and keep on brushing

Now that you know how to keep your toothbrush truly clean and germ free as a way to protect yourself and your family from harmful bacteria, it is also important to choose a brush that will do the work of keeping your teeth clean without harming the delicate surface of the tooth or gums. Choose a brush with soft or medium bristles, as they are gentler on the gums and may actually clean better because they’re more flexible. Brush twice a day, at least two minutes each time and rinse your mouth after sugary or starchy snacks. Replace your toothbrush frequently. These practices combined with visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings will help to ensure that you have a lifelong healthy smile.

On Friday May 18 and Saturday May 19, 2012 Dr. Noumbissi was one of two lecturers/instructors at two zirconia implantology certification courses in San Francisco and Seattle respectively. Both courses were under the patronage of the the American Institute of Implant Dentistry(A.I.I.D) and supported by Z-systems USA.

A total of sixteen dentists participated and were certified in treatment planning and placement of zirconia dental implants.  The physical, aesthetic and biologic properties of zirconia as a dental material were presented and discussed. Among many other important topics presented was the superior stability of zirconia implants in the oral environment and their ability to resist corrosion.Advanced treatment planning methods utilizing 3D dental imaging and interactive treatment planning software were presented with particular emphasis on the placement of Zirconia/ceramic dental implants.

Clinical cases were presented and discussed in a variety of clinical scenarios ranging from the replacement of single teeth to multiple teeth and full arch reconstruction.   Each session ended with two hours of hands-on training with the  placement of actual zirconia implants on artificial jaws.

Dr. Noumbissi with Seattle Course Attendees