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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.

The DIAGNOdent dental laser is an extremely useful tool when it comes to the detection of tooth decay.  My Inland Empire Biological Cosmetic dental office utilizes this innovative technology to inspect each tooth, ensuring the integrity of the enamel.  The laser uncovers tooth decay with accuracy and efficiency by measuring the density of the enamel.  From a technical standpoint, the laser compares the wavelength of a healthy enamel baseline to the area of suspicion.

As a biological dentist focused on tooth preservation and patient care, the DIAGNOdent laser allows for conservative treatment of tooth decay.  Early detection results in minimal tooth removal during time of treatment.  With minimal tooth structure removal, in most cases the area treated will not have to be anesthetized.  Thus, patients do not leave our office feeling numb and can go about their day with ease.

Here is great video courtesy of YouTube for visualization of how the DIAGNOdent works:

My high-tech Biological Cosmetic dental office provides a more conservative and holistic approach when treating patients.  Please visit our office located in Riverside, California where your health and wellness are our top priority. (951)686-3666.

The majority of consumers purchase personal hygiene product without reading the list of ingredients, instead they put their trust into the clever marketing of these products.  One heavily marketed consumer product that contains multiple dangerous ingredients is toothpaste.  Yes that’s right…toothpaste!

What is shocking to me is that with the following list of toxic ingredients in toothpaste, the FDA and American Dental Association (ADA) continue to promote it as being healthy and safe.  So, for this blog I am going to list the ingredients that are toxic and let you as the reader decide on whether it is in your health’s best interest to continue using the toothpastes containing these harmful ingredients.

Toxic Ingredients in Toothpaste:

Sodium Fluoride: The truth behind fluoride is that it is a toxin, just read the warning signs on your toothpaste.  It says “if ingested call poison control.”  Sodium fluoride is a by-product of aluminum manufacturing and can be found in pesticides.  Finally, fluoride can no longer keep its claim as preventing tooth decay, rather research has proven that decreasing acidity in the mouth prevents tooth decay.

Triclosan:  Is most often found in in anti-bacterial products, however Triclosan can be found in certain mainstream brands of toothpaste.  It is considered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a pesticide and harmful to humans and the environment.  It is a potential cancer causing toxin due to its chemical nature.

Propylene Glycol: Is used as a surfactant “wetting” agent in toothpaste.  The safety data sheets on this toxin states that it can be rapidly absorbed through the skin, and long exposure can lead to brain, liver and kidney dysfunction.  Interestingly, this chemical cannot be handled without precautions of wearing rubber gloves, yet it is placed in the majority of toothpastes on the shelf.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:  Is an ingredient in many hygiene products as a detergent and cleansing agent.  It has various health risks, which include damage to the eyes, irritate skin, and lead to difficulty with breathing.  The American College of Toxicology reports that it can stay in the body up to 5 days, leading to accumulation in the heart, liver, lungs, and brain.  When combined with other chemicals in the body, it transforms into a powerful carcinogen which is cancer-causing.

In order to avoid these toxic substances, take a minute to review the labels on the products you purchase.  Also, when it comes to toothpaste; avoid these substances by purchasing toothpaste containing natural ingredients including Xylitol.

My Inland Empire Biological Cosmetic dental office utilizes the best in technology when safely removing mercury fillings along with safe dental materials to ensure that your health is not compromised during dental treatment.  Please visit our health conscious dental office at (951)686-3666 to take care of your dental needs.