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With over 2,000 dental materials on the market, it is becoming more important than ever to test the compatibility of each material to our system.  With autoimmune disorders and chronic health conditions on the rise, it is important to not add additional sensitivities via dental materials as to exacerbate the condition.  However, many healthy, health conscious individuals are turning toward dental biocompatibility testing to prevent any future allergies or other sensitivities as a way to keep their system balanced.

The benefit of biocompatibility is shown in those patients who have a health condition that decreases their immune system.  Most illnesses/diseases significantly decrease the immune system leaving it vulnerable to further reductions in the immune response.

What does the biocompatibility test evaluate:

The test results reveal what dental materials are least reactive to your system along with any chemical sensitivities.  Here at my Riverside Biological Cosmetic dental office, I test the materials that I use in all of my dental procedures along side of other known materials to provide thorough material testing.

What is involved in dental material testing? *at my Biological Dental office we provide the test for you to take

• Schedule appointment with lab to have blood drawn
• Ship blood sample to material testing lab
• Time for material testing lab to evaluate your blood
• Time for lab to send results to dental office
• Time for dentist to read results and determine treatment plan

If you are interested in dental material testing, please call my Biological Cosmetic dental office to schedule and appointment.  (951)686-3666.

As discussed in my previous blog, BPA exposure to humans is at an all time high.  Our constant exposure to bisphenol A is creating an unnecessary toxicity in the human population.  The most unfortunate aspect of BPA exposure is that food manufacturers continue to use this plastic compound to package our foods and drinks, most of which we are unaware as it is not on the label in most cases.  For this reason, I am going to list the types of foods/drinks etc. that we come into contact with that are said to be containing BPA.

• Infant Formula: especially metal containers lined with plastic and liquid formula
• Canned Food/Soups: BPA leeches from the plastic liner and goes into the food.
• Plastic Containers: Examples of a few: yogurt, milk, butter, microwave dinners, microwave bags containing food.  There are too many to list; reducing your pantry of plastic lined food is ideal for decreased exposure.
• Canned Beverages: BPA plastic liners contain less measured leeching than canned food
• Plastic Baby Bottles/Nipples/Pacifiers: Contain Polycarbonate plastics which release low levels of BPA. It is best to be safe and avoid the extremely hot temperatures in the dishwasher and wash by hand for decreasing the chemical breakdown.
• Plastic Wraps/Disposable Bags/Reusable Plastic Food Containers: Are questionable however off of the SC Johnson website they deny use of BPA.  http://www.saranbrands.com/faq.asp#1
• Aged Plastic Containers: More than likely contain BPA, it is best to remove them from your household.

Additionally, here is a link listing common canned children’s foods to avoid: http://www.breastcancerfund.org/big-picture-solutions/make-our-products-safe/cans-not-cancer/bpa-in-kids-canned-food.html

When it comes to reading the bottom of plastic containers here are the numbers to look for:

#2 #4 #5 are seemingly safe at this time with #2 being the safest compound

#7 AVOID

Realistically, it is virtually impossible not to come in contact with some form of plastic or BPA.  The good news is that many manufactures are making BPA-free products now, however I urge you to proceed with caution.  Plastics are unstable in form and are easily broken down with temperature changes.

In closing, as a Holistic Cosmetic Dentist, I have researched and found BPA-free white filling material as an option in my dental office.  Our office strives to be up-to-date with the latest in research and dental technology to safeguard the total health and well being of all of our patients.  If you are interested in learning more about Holistic Dentistry and/or feel that our office would be a right fit for you, please call or email to set up a consultation (951)686-3666.

Bisphenol A better known as BPA is commonly used to make clear polycarbonate plastic and resin.  It was created in the late 1800’s by chemists to form plastic and by the early 1900’s was found to be unsafe in large quantities.  Unfortunately, chemists only tested and created minimal compounds to create plastic of which BPA being on the safer side.  Even though studies in the1930’s revealed mutations in estrogen and reproductive tissues in mice and rats, it was deemed safe for human use.  Interestingly, BPA is also used as a pesticide and fungicide.  It is said that the United States no longer uses BPA in its pesticides.

According to online source Wikipedia; more than 8 billion pounds of BPA are produced on a yearly basis around the world.

Why is BPA dangerous?

When plastic is formed many chemicals are used and form to make plastic and resin materials.  Overtime, the bonding of the chemicals breakdown as it is not stable, thus BPA is released into whatever it comes into contact with.  BPA can be absorbed through the skin, food, and water.  Running plastic through the dishwasher or through hot water can break the unstable bond creating a constant release of BPA that we consume on a daily basis.

Just how does BPA affect our system?

BPA is a known estrogenic material that causes genetic and hormonal mutations in fetuses, infants, children, men, and women.  On a systemic level Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor, simply it mimics our body’s estrogen hormone.  Long term and continuous exposure to BPA are still being researched.  Currently, there is concern regarding fetal development and health of reproductive tissues by the National Institute of Health and National Toxicology Program.  BPA is said to be in at least 95% of American urine sampled which means that as we continue to use products containing BPA, we are overloading our systems with this chemical creating a toxic effect.

Here is a list of potential health problems associated with BPA in animal studies:

Breast Cancer

Insulin Resistance

Exposure in utero can lead to precancerous prostrate lesions

Hyperactivity and behavior problems

Adult Obesity

Decreased Immune Function

Brain chemistry changes

Increased addiction to amphetamine drugs

Please stay tuned as I dig deeper into my upcoming blogs on BPA, where I will show you just how much BPA we are consuming on a daily basis unintentionally.  My dental team is focused on health and well-being, if you are concerned that your fillings contain BPA please visit my office for consultation.  My Riverside Biological Cosmetic dental office offers BPA-free alternatives for dental materials along with dental material testing to ensure that your body’s own chemistry is in alignment with dental materials used. (951)686-3666.

As discussed in my previous blog; acidic foods and drinks harm enamel leading to enamel loss and tooth decay.  The most corrosive is soda.  Many studies show that the phosphoric acid (citric acid) in soda is 10 times more erosive than fruit juices.

To put numbers on the acidity of soda; 0 being most acidic and 7 being neutral pH; Coke brand soda has a pH of 2.5 where battery acid has a pH of 1.0.  Pure alkaline water has a neutral pH of 7.0.  As you can see, soda is not far from car battery acid on the pH scale.  The type of acidity plays a role in the destruction of tooth enamel along with the soda to calcium ratio.  Phosphoric acid is in the majority of sodas, diet soft drinks, and flavored drinks.

Just how does the phosphoric acid in soda and flavored drinks damage tooth enamel and cause tooth decay?

Phosphoric acid is the same acid that we dentists use, when preparing a tooth for a white filling.  Imagine not only what this does to your tooth enamel, but what does it do to your internal system?  Introducing phosphoric acid into the mouth via soda, diet drinks etc. increases acid pH for up to 1 hour after intake.  This acid causes the natural minerals of the tooth to breakdown.  Along with introducing acid to the mouth via soda/flavored drinks, the bacteria in the mouth also release acid onto the tooth surface after feeding on foods/drink particles left in the mouth.

Here is a link to a study by Columbia University, where they placed teeth in soda, sports drinks, flavored milk, and juice to evaluate enamel erosion.  The pictures and data are very shocking as to the quickness the teeth began to decay after exposure to these popular drinks.

These drinks containing sugar, corn syrup, and phosphoric acid should be consumed with caution.  It is best to limit these drinks for the heath of your teeth along with the health of your internal system.  It is also best to not sip on these drinks throughout the day, instead drink the drink in a timely fashion and follow it by swishing your mouth with water.  Finally, to protect your teeth further use xylitol gum or mints to further neutralize the acidity brewing in the mouth. http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2007-04-24/swains-corrosivesodas.html

Please contact my Biological Cosmetic dental office located in Riverside, California where we focus on oral health along with total body health.  (951)686-3666.

Is it possible to strengthen those unsightly white-spots on your teeth?  Is it possible to strengthen enamel that you have been told is weak?

Tooth enamel is a complex matrix of minerals, mainly calcium phosphate.  With enamel containing 96% minerals, it makes enamel the one of the hardest tissues in the body.  However, because enamel contains such a high mineral content it has the ability to de-mineralize and re-mineralize which makes it extremely complex.  On a daily basis tooth enamel shifts from either of these mineralization processes depending on what the enamel is exposed to in the diet and saliva.

Let me dive into this topic first by explaining what causes demineralization or weakening of tooth enamel.

1. Acidic Environment:  Acidic foods, acidic drinks, and acid releasing bacteria quickly weaken and destroy tooth enamel.  Soda, diet drinks, flavored drinks, and flavored waters contain sugar or sugar substitutes along with citric acid/phosphoric acid.  Health problems like GERD, acid reflux and prolonged vomiting also damage tooth enamel.

2.  Trauma:  Excessive force when chewing, when the bite is not properly aligned.  Grinding and clenching the teeth day or night also leads to the destruction of tooth enamel.

3.  Certain Toothpastes:  Toothpastes containing fluoride and glycerin as a filler, coats the tooth surface making it more difficult for the enamel to re-mineralize.

4.  Certain Foods/Drinks:  Again, soda and candy take the lead.  Also on the list of foods that cause demineralization are: refined sugars, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils etc.  Basically, most processed/synthetically engineered foods contain starches which stick easily to the tooth surface increasing acidity in the mouth.  Most breads and cereals are also harmful to tooth enamel, because they contain physic acid.  This acid even in whole grain bread end up blocking the absorption of the minerals needed to re-mineralize tooth enamel.  Your best bet would be to purchase sprouted grain bread and grain products.  Look to your local natural health food store for purchase.

How to Re-mineralize and Strengthen Tooth Enamel:

The main culprit of enamel loss is acid which causes the breakdown of minerals and tooth weakening.  The first step in the re-mineralization process is to keep teeth clean using products that are fluoride free and contain Xylitol.  Xylitol inhibits the bacteria from releasing acid, therefore assisting the body in repairing itself.  It is important for saliva to coat your teeth, which contains minerals  for strengthening.

Aside from adding Xylitol into your tooth and diet regime; Vitamin D along with adding Sea Salt (trace minerals) to your diet are essential for not only bone growth but repairing enamel as well.  In addition, taking an Omega 3 high potency fill oil like krill oil will assist in mineral absorption.

If you are interested to learn if you are at risk of having weakened enamel by acidic saliva, please call my Riverside Biological Cosmetic Dental office. My dental team is dedicated to the health and well-being of the mouth along with the total body.  (951)686-3666.