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For those who love and embrace technology like I do, here is one iPhone application that will save lives.  The app developer is a company called Sleep Group Solutions.  This app was developed with the intention to increase the awareness of sleep apnea.  The MSleepTest acts as an initial screener for obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is an extremely dangerous medical condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, insomnia, weight gain, loud snoring, and headaches to name a few.

Some individuals are successful at wearing a CPAP machine to force air into the nose with a nose mask while others find it quite burdensome.  A great alternative to a CPAP machine is an appliance made by a dentist to shift the lower jaw forward to open the airway for clear breathing.

Here at my Riverside cosmetic dental office, I currently recommend the Somnomed appliance for those patients who cannot tolerate the CPAP machine.  If your CPAP machine has become a burden to you and you are looking for a dentist who is trained in sleep apnea,  please call to schedule an appointment to discuss your sleep apnea needs. (951)686-3666.

As the debate on fluoride is on-going, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s in the state of California voted this month that fluoride not be added to its list of carcinogens.  The OEHHA is the agency that oversees the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act which was placed in 1986.  There are over 800 chemicals currently listed on the Prop 65 list.  http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/prop65_list/files/P65single102811.pdf

Interestingly, the OEHHA has classified wood dust and aspirin as carcinogens (cancer causing agents).  It is unclear to me how wood dust and aspirin could be cancer-causing agents.  Even more unclear is how they are continuing to deem fluoride as a safe additive.  If it is so safe, then why are we prompted on the back of a tube of toothpaste to call poison control if swallowed?  But we can add it to our water system?  The OEHHA’s stance on water fluoridation is that the research on its toxic effects is “inconclusive.”  Many studies show however that fluoride is linked to bone cancer as the excess fluoride in our diets affects the bone marrow in a negative manner.

To add more fuel to the fire, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services earlier this year lowered its previous recommendation of water fluoridation.  Their reasoning behind this is to avoid health effects from too much fluoride, as Americans to date have better access to fluoride containing products and foods than in the past.  The EPA in reports, briefly touches on its concern in regards to over-fluoridation.  Currently, the EPA is analyzing scientific data to determine what amount of fluoride in the water system is safe.

To date; several counties across the United States are voting against water fluoridation and in-fact most have demanded the fluoride be taken out of their water systems.  A great example for our state of California is the city of Santa Cruz.  San Diego and Sunnyvale also have taken the anti-fluoride stance on water fluoridation.

As a dentist who believes in a more holistic and natural approach to dentistry and preventative products, I do not recommend the use of fluoride.  Fluoride is a proven toxin therefore, all recommended preventive products in my Riverside Holistic Dental office are fluoride-free.  If you are seeking a dental office that views total body health as a priority please visit our office located off of the 91-freeway in Riverside, California. (951)686-3666.

As I mentioned in my previous blog, root canal treatment is recommended when a tooth has experienced trauma, acute pain or swelling, or visible lesions on the x-ray.  However, as a dentist who values a holistic approach to medicine and dentistry; I believe that a decision regarding whether or not to have a root canal should be made with total body health as a primary focus.

The main complication of a root canal in my opinion is the the procedure itself not accomplishing 100% sterility.  The biggest challenge Endodontists  (root canal specialists) are faced with is removing and destroying the bacteria causing the infection.  There has been research out for many years discussing the effects of the residual bacteria surrounding teeth that have a root canal.  Chronic degenerative diseases, immune disorders, and neurological disorders have been linked to the bacteria surrounding the root canal.  Not everyone gets ill from a root canal or has complications, however this is dependent upon the individual’s immune system.

Here at my Riverside Biological dental office, we believe that the decision to have a root canal mainly depends on the health of the individual.  When it comes to determining if a root canal is the best route of treatment, I test the bacteria surrounding the root of the tooth.  Determining the type of bacteria surrounding the tooth in question, is important in determining whether or not the tooth is savable.

If you are interested in a natural and safe approach to dentistry, please visit our Riverside Biological Dental office, which is located just off of the 91 freeway.   Contact us at (951)686-3666.

As a biological dentist, many of my patients ask me my thoughts regarding root canal treatment and any potential dangers associated with root canals.  In this blog, I am going to explain when root canal treatment is needed as well as what is involved in root canal therapy.

When Are Root Canals Recommended? When a tooth has acute pain, swelling in the jaw, pus present, lesions found at the root tip on an x-ray, trauma, or too deep of a cavity.

What is a Root Canal? A root canal is generally the last treatment available to save a tooth that is infected or has experienced severe trauma.  Typically, patients are referred to a root canal specialist (Endodontist) for further evaluation of the tooth in question.  If treatment is necessary, the Endodontist will perform the root canal.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

During root canal treatment, the nerve and pulp of the tooth and clean it out using special files and antiseptic solutions to flush the root canal clean.  A material called gutta percha is used to fill in the root canal that was cleansed.  Once the root canal is complete, a crown is typically needed to cover the exposed tooth.

Here at my Biological Cosmetic dental office, we typically refer patients in need of a potential root canal to one of our root canal specialists.  This ensures that the tooth has further testing to determine if a root canal is needed.  However, when individuals are health compromised or have a more holistic view on dentistry, we work in conjunction with their alternative health practitioner to determine alternative treatment options.

Stay tuned for my next blog which will discuss the potential problems that can arise with root canal therapy.

If you are interested in learning more about a more holistic approach to dentistry, please visit my Biological Dental office which is located just off of the 91-freeway in Riverside, California.  Contact us at (951)686-3666.

As October is breast cancer awareness month, I thought I would spend some time explaining the importance of oral health and its relation to cancer therapies.  Cancer therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy both can affect the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissue in many ways.  However, if a woman is having surgery to remove a tumor in her breast, for example, then the oral tissues will not be harmed.

Why does chemotherapy affect the oral tissue? Simply, chemotherapy destroys the white blood cells in the body which protect against infection.  Thus, there is a higher risk of infection with dental or gum treatment during and following chemotherapy regimes.  It is best to have clearance from the oncologist prior to having any invasive dental treatment.  However, routine teeth cleanings are recommended and encouraged before, during, and after treatment.

Oral Health Complications with Cancer Treatment:

Mucositis: inflammation of the tissues in the mouth.  This can be extremely painful and feels as a sunburn might on the skin.  This painful inflammation can lead to difficulty swallowing, alter taste, decrease appetite, affect sleep and speech.

Xerostomia: (Dry mouth) Can be a side effect of cancer therapies.

Tooth Decay:  an increase of tooth decay can occur if excess acid is produced with nausea/vomiting.  Also, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay.

Bone problems in Jaw

What Dental Treatment is Needed Before Cancer Treatment?

*Any Recommended dental treatment

*Maintain teeth cleaning and increase to 3 month intervals

What Dental Therapies are Needed Before/During/After Cancer Treatment?

*Use dental products that contain Xylitol to decrease acidity and stimulate healthy saliva flow

*Use excellent dental hygiene at home; proper toothbrushing and flossing

If you are looking for a dentist to assist you in your dental needs please call my Biological Cosmetic dental office at (951)686-3666.  We are conveniently located just off of the 91 freeway in Riverside, Ca.