Originally posted February 26, 2013; updated For all the “health care” that happens in this country, we seem to have a real problem when it comes to preventive care – in dentistry or otherwise – even as all of our most common chronic conditions can be largely avoided. Yet, despite billions of dollars spent each […]
The Integrative Health Blog
A Journey to My Roots – & the “Island Where People Forget to Die”
About 70 years ago, a man and his wife left their home on a Greek island and settled in the United States. For a few decades, they were pleased with their decision. Then came some bad news: the man was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. His doctors told him to go home and get his […]
Oxalates, Calcium & Fluoride, Oh My!
When the Dallas City Council agreed to consider ending the city’s nearly 50 year old fluoridation policy earlier this year, fluoride’s supporters were up in arms. Insults flew wildly, with pro-fluoride pundits grasping for the usual epithets and creaky Cold War stereotypes. Of course, snark like that is never about engaging in debate or correcting […]
Rethinking Antibiotics, Pesticides, Health
A few years ago, the executive chair of Google said that every two days, we create as much information as we did from the beginning of civilization through 2003. Not long after, a research group claimed that 90% of all data in the world had been created in just the past two years. The figures […]
Trace Minerals for Your Teeth
The enamel coating that protects your teeth is 96% mineral – the highest mineral content in any human tissue. That makes it the strongest tissue in your body. But like any other tissue, you need to care for it – at least if you want it to stay healthy and whole. One of enamel’s fiercest […]
Xylitol Chewing Gum: Potentially Good, Not Magic
You hear it all the time: If you can’t brush your teeth, chew some sugarless gum. And these days, the advice often mentions xylitol-sweetened gum in particular. Because this sugar alcohol is believed to combat tooth decay, there are those who tout it as a kind of dental wonder, almost magic in its ability to […]
Why a Total Ban of Mercury Amalgam Is Needed
Passage of the global mercury treaty now known as the Minamata Convention was an amazing achievement. It’s not even close to perfect, of course. Perhaps its most significant shortcoming is that it doesn’t require an actual phase-out of dental amalgam. The way it’s written, as we’ve noted before, a country doesn’t need to take any […]
What’s in Your Dentistry?: Nanosilver Edition
Nanosilver is pretty popular in the dental industry. For years, it’s been used as a coating on dental and surgical tools due to its antimicrobial properties. It’s why you’ll also find it used in some adhesives and resins – and a wealth of household products, too, from washing machines to clothing to toothbrushes. It’s even […]