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With the increasing amount of man-made materials used in healthcare, it is now wise for us to know what materials our bodies are sensitive to.  When our bodies are overloaded with materials that it is sensitive to , inflammation sets in.  When inflammation sets in, it causes varies ailments from lethargy to autoimmune issues.

Interestingly,  what may be acceptable materials for one may be harmful to another.  Let’s dive into this topic of dental material sensitivity a little deeper…

How can you tell if you may be at a higher risk for sensitivity to dental materials? 

***An individual who has moderate to severe allergic reactions to many different man made materials is typically a  candidate

***An individual who has unusual environmental sensitivities

*Chronic inflammation adjacent to where the dental filling/crown is located

*Unusual sores next to restorations that seem to not resolve themselves

*severe inflammation of oral tissue or lips

Just how relevant is Dental Material Testing? Well that all depends on the health of the patient needing the testing.  It also depends on the types of materials that are currently in the mouth reacting in a negative way together.  Here at my Holistic Cosmetic Dental office, we do encourage those individuals who are at a higher risk of having a dental sensitivity issue to have dental materials testing completed prior to treatment.

The test we recommend is the Clifford Materials Reactivity Testing.  This test is ideal as it is a blood test that evaluates the levels of antibodies produced when coming into contact with materials used in dentistry.  The CMRT reports on over 13,000 dental products and over 94 chemical groups used.  Once the levels of sensitivity are determined, they are compiled in a report listing the materials from the most compatible to least compatible.  The report is then sent to our office and is read, from the results of the testing a treatment plan is formulated using only the materials that are non-reactive to the patient.  There are instances where detoxifying the body is recommended in conjunction with this to decrease inflammation throughout the body.  Undergoing the care of a naturopathic/homeopathic doctor for detoxifying the body, can help the body/oral tissue decrease inflammation, thus a better cosmetic result for dental treatment.

If you think you may have an issue with dental material safety, please call our office to schedule a consultation (951)686-3666.

So you have probably heard in the news or on Dr. Oz or from your friends the term “Oil Pulling.”  Swishing oil in the mouth to cleanse your body….really?  At first sound, it rings in the ears as a new fad in detoxifying the body.  However, oil pulling has been a technique Ayurvedic healers have used for thousands of years.  Interestingly, oil pulling techniques are recommended by many alternative health care professionals to aid in detoxification of the body, as well as, decreasing bacteria and infection in the mouth.

How does Oil Pulling work?

The theory behind oil pulling is that by continually swishing oil in-between the teeth and around the mouth, bacteria and toxins will adhere to the oil.  When first researching oil pulling, many websites and testimonials say that sesame oil and coconut oil are equally effective in the detoxification process.  Even patients of my Inland Empire Holistic Cosmetic Dental office claim that coconut oil pulling has been very successful for them in their quest for health.  However, after reviewing multiple studies, the standard oil used in successful oil pulling is sesame oil.  Interestingly, the oral mucosa (tissue) is very porous thus absorbs the nutrients that are in the oil you are using to oil pull.  Sesame oil contains high amounts of Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Sesamin all of these are absorbed when oil pulling which add health benefits to oil pulling.

Just how much bacteria and toxins are removed with oil pulling? Well, that all depends on the person who is doing the swishing.  However, when researching the effects on oral health and oil pulling, I ran across a really great website dedicated to oil pulling.  I have attached the link for those of you wishing to learn more about oil pulling. http://oilpulling.com/FAQ.htm

On a scientific note, the oil when swished encourages substances like bacteria and toxins to pass from the capillaries surrounding the salivary glands into the mouth.  The oil has the same molecular charge, thus attracts the bacteria and toxins.  Also in several studies on oil pulling and decreasing cavities, the results were significant at reducing the bacteria S. mutans which cause tooth decay.   The particular study I read was over a 45 day period, the S. mutans bacteria was measurably reduced due to oil pulling every morning with sesame oil.

Recommended Oil Pulling Method:

1. It is best to oil pull at the beginning of the day, prior to breakfast. (can be done after drinking coffee) ideal on an empty stomach though.

2. Use a high quality organic sesame oil (coconut oil I don’t yet recommend as not enough studies have been released)

3. Measure up to 1 tablespoon and place in mouth

4. It is ideal to sit and oil pull (as to quiet the body while swishing)

5. Begin with 5 minutes of rigorous swishing and work your way up to 20 minutes. (for oil pulling to be effective it must be done for 20 minutes)

6. Spit oil into trash as to not clog your sink (oil at this point should be thick and creamy as it has pulled toxins/bacteria from your body.

*note: some individuals experience cold like symptoms when first oil pulling as this is a sign their bodies are detoxifying.

In closing, I am very intrigued by the process of oil pulling and am beginning to implement it in my own life to see its benefits.  Stay tuned to future blogs as I report on how oil pulling works for myself and my patients.  If you are interested in a more holistic approach to dentistry please call to schedule an appointment at my Inland Empire Biological Cosmetic Dental office, which is located in Riverside, CA.  (951)686-3666.

Confirming what my Holistic Cosmetic Dental office believes, metal amalgam mercury fillings ARE TOXIC!!
Here is a clip from last week’s Dr. Oz show. After viewing, there are several more clips..PLEASE WATCH all of them as to understand what exactly happens to amalgam in the mouth.  For example, did you know that acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes and coffee cause the mercury vapor to increase when placed in the mouth!! Also, tips on natural ways through diet one can detox from heavy metals like mercury.  I hope you enjoy watching this as much as I did! For a consultation on SAFE amalgam mercury fillings call my Southern California Dental office at (951)686-3666.

Dr. Oz Show Toxic Amalgam Fillings Episode

As this year is coming to an end, I thought it would be a great idea to blog on how to set oral health goals for the New Year!  Perhaps you have not been as thorough as you should be with your home care, maybe you have had a lapse in your dental cleanings, you may suffer from dental anxiety, finances are not there, or you do not have dental insurance.   Whatever the situation, there is always room for setting healthy goals for the new year.

With that said, here are my recommendations for achieving oral health in 2013:

1. Pretend you had a magic wand ( I know that sounds a bit silly!)  With this wand you could wave it and have the teeth, mouth, smile, oral health you’ve always wanted.

2. Make a list beginning with what is most important in your “magic wand list” for your teeth, mouth, smile, gums, health etc.

ex. chewing stability, white teeth, all metal removed from my mouth, clean teeth, gums that don’t bleed

3. From your “magic wand list” begin with addressing your list in the order of priority you listed.  Now, for some this list may be completely doable in 1 year.  For others, beginning with priority #1 may take all year or even a few years.  This is OK!  The most important step is that you determined what your goals are for your oral health.

4. Begin 2013 with a dental check-up and dental cleaning.  A dental check-up is a great time to discuss your oral health goals for the coming year.  A dental cleaning will help to ensure that the gums are healthy and stable, also the dental hygienist can give great tips on maintaining oral health at home.

5. Research your dental coverage and/or a flex-spending account which many companies offer.  Knowing your out-of-pocket expenses will help to prevent financial stress.  My Southern California Cosmetic Dental office offers financing through Care Credit, which is a great way to use 0% interest on monthly payments.  As an added courtesy, we offer limited in-house payment plans.

Here at my Riverside Cosmetic Dental office, we pride ourselves in handling each and any circumstance which you feel may be hindering you from achieving your goal of oral health.  Caring for your dental needs in your time frame to achieve your personal goals is rare to find as you search for a cosmetic dental office in Southern California.  I assure you that myself along with my excellent dental team will be able to care for you in this way.  Please call to schedule your dental visit at (951)686-3666.

When it comes to effectively treating periodontal disease, the majority of the dental community is “behind the times.”  With the emergence of the periodontal laser we can now eradicate the bacteria that destroy the gum tissue.  We can also stimulate new bone to grow around teeth affected by periodontal disease.  Unfortunately, many dentists out there have yet to invest in laser technology to improve patients’ oral health.  When it comes to treating periodontal disease, it is imperative that the bacteria causing the infection are destroyed, otherwise the infection will return.

Inland Empire Holistic Cosmetic dentist Dr. Chad, along with his skilled dental hygiene team understand the devastating affects periodontal disease has on the mouth and one’s total body health.  Dr. Kim and his hygiene team are committed to improving the long term health of patients’ which is why this Inland Empire dental office offers the latest in periodontal therapy and treatment for gum disease.

So, just how does Dr. Kim and his dental hygiene team treat and heal those with periodontal disease?

After taking a tour of the mouth and gum tissue, the dental hygienists’ uncover whether infection and inflammation are present in the periodontal tissue.  If pocketing, bleeding, inflammation, and/or pus are present this becomes a “red flag” to signs that there is active disease present in the mouth.  Primarily, certain groupings of bacteria play a role in the destruction of the gum tissue.  It is this bacteria that can over time cause devastation to the gums resulting in tooth loss, not to mention from a health stand point, high blood pressure, heart disease, systemic inflammation, pre-term labor, and diabetes can result from untreated periodontal disease.

 1. Bacterial DNA Testing:

Beginning with determining the type of bacteria present in the gum tissue is the FIRST STEP in effectively treating periodontal disease.  A simple sample taken of the saliva is sent to the lab to determine the type of bacteria present in the mouth.  Along with testing the bacteria, the OralDNA lab also has the ability to determine my examining your own DNA if you are more at risk for periodontal disease.

2. Supporting the Gum Tissue with Nutrients:

Often times, when there is infection/inflammation present there is a lack of nutritional support for the gum tissue.  Nutritional supplements that support the health of the gum tissue are recommended during and after periodontal therapy.

3. Unlimited Dental Hygiene visits:

The gums, teeth, and root surfaces need to be cleansed of all toxins and all debris must be removed for proper healing to occur.  Dr. Kim’s hygiene team will place patients on 3 month regime of unlimited cleanings to detoxify and cleanse the oral tissues during the treatment process.

4. Unlimited Laser visits: 

Consistent laser therapy has been shown to dramatically decrease the amount of bacteria present surrounding the gum tissue.  This is one more reason the dental hygiene team uses the laser during every visit during periodontal therapy visits.

5. Providing the Correct Oral Hygiene Tools for at Home:

Finally, in order to ensure the treatment in office is a success, it is vital that the patients’ home care is consistent.  Each patient has different needs, which is why Dr. Kim and team offer and suggest a wide variety of home care products.  Whether purchased in or out of the office, they encourage and instruct proper home care regimens for success.

If comprehensive periodontal gum care is what you are looking for, please visit our Dr. Kim and his dental team, located in Riverside, Ca. just off of the 91 freeway.