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Questions and Answers
What to do about teeth with root canals? How do reduce bacteria in the roots?
For dealing with teeth already have had root canal treatment, I recommend discussion with an up-to-date dentist who is aware of the problems re cavitations and root canal-treated teeth, can assess your individual circumstances including health issues and explain your personal options. These options may include: to do nothing, or to have re-treatment with more thorough technologies for example using ozone gas which better eliminates bacteria and using seals with more biocompatible materials, or to have the root canal tooth removed properly as a surgical procedure to ensure no part of the tooth breaks off and the area is properly cleaned—this last option may involve other considerations regarding the space left by the missing tooth—for example, shifting of other teeth if no replacement is considered, and a host of issues if a dental bridge or implant is considered. I would absolutely suggest coconut oil pulling, careful dental hygiene, use of a water pik, and using antimicrobials—as capsules, tinctures and/or teas alongside a detoxification protocol.
Do you have a protocol to prevent root canals?
Prevention of gingivitis and periodontitis—all the protocols mentioned in the presentation—so primarily good oral hygiene—using toothbrush, flossing, interdentals and water pik. Also, regular dental check-ups. Using an antimicrobial tea like cat’s claw which makes a pleasant tasting tea, and has immune supportive properties as well as anti-bacterial properties. Apparently, there is a type of thermal imaging which may help determine if and where a problem may be– but I don’t know if that has gone beyond experimental stages or anything further than that.
Do you have remedy recommendations to receding gum line?
Again, as above. Receding gum line is often due to periodontal disease—so all the protocols mentioned in the presentation. Also consider the following: • Do you have remedy recommendations to receding gum line? Again, as above. Receding gum line is often due to periodontal disease—so all the protocols mentioned in the presentation. Also consider the following: o receding gum line may also be due to aggressive tooth brushing o or hormonal changes in women which may make the gums more sensitive and more vulnerable to gum recession. o Smoking may associate because tobacco users often have sticky plaque on teeth. o Grinding teeth and a misaligned bite may also associate due to placing force on the gums and bone. o And body piercings (lip/tongue) may cause rubbing on gums. Support with appropriate dental hygiene, anti-inflammatory diet, and using an antimicrobial tea like cat’s claw.
Any comments on cavitations.
The dentist Stuart Nunnally suggested use of a type of 3D x-ray (CAT Scan) known as Cone Beam Image to determine if cavitations are infected. Look for a dentist experienced in dealing with these. I don’t know how easy it would be to find one but I suggest starting by looking at biological dentists/practitioners (e.g. IABDM—I only found 2 listed in the UK though there may be others) and the IAOMT (the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology) of which 21 are listed in the UK.
What about using Tea Tree Oil Mouth Wash? Is there any science to support it for treatment?
There are studies using tea tree oil. There are also studies and recommendations for other essential oils for mouth and dental health. I am not an aromatherapist so hesitate to suggest people make their own mouthwashes without discussion with an aromatherapist. However, there are natural products out there. Choose one with all natural ingredients and without alcohol and from a manufacturer you trust. However, water, saline and vitamin C (calcium ascorbate powder) rinses may be better. Regarding essential oils, I have seen many mentioned in literature. These include: eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, myrrh, sage, rosemary and peppermint. I feel happier to recommend coconut oil pulling which is anti-bacterial, may freshen breath and may whiten teeth. Regarding the suggestion that mouthwashes/rinses may disrupt the oral microbiome and affect good as well as bad microorganisms, the formation of biofilm results when the normal bacteria present are not regularly/adequately disturbed. Many of these bacteria ARE normally present in the mouth in small numbers. The problem is the exponential growth, the resulting change in phenotype when the bacterial become sessile, the presence of opportunistic pathogenic micro-organisms including also parasites etc, as described during the presentation. I am not an advocate of use of mouthwashes generally. However, water is an excellent rinse, vitamin C (calcium ascorbate) may help heal and support connective tissue and oil pulling offers excellent benefits.
How often should you do oil pulling?
I suggest 3-4 times a week—with coconut oil—you want the solid form not the liquid fractionated ones. There are many advantages; oil pulling may help heal bleeding gums, prevent tooth decay, stop bad breath, whiten teeth and give your jaw a workout—strengthening gums and jaw and potentially reducing wrinkles and puffiness. Clearer skin may even result—from the increased blood flow and toxin removal. Giving the jaw a workout is important for keeping it healthy. Coconut oil pulling can also help to reduce inflammation and boost immunity. As mentioned and stressed in the presentation, it is very important NEVER to swallow the oil which should be binned—remember it is full of the toxins you wish to remove.
Can you say more about the link between candidiasis and oral health problems? Does it affect gum disease?
Small numbers of candida commonly live in a healthy mouth and are usually harmless. However, when oral and/or systemic conditions favour growth, these can become a problem. Good dental hygiene may help. Supporting immune health with antimicrobials for example may help. Pau d’arco tea would be a good choice. Cumanda tincture may also help. Having a dry mouth may encourage oral thrush so ensuring good production of saliva may help. Having diabetes, severe anaemia and/or deficiencies of iron, folate or vitamin B12 may associate with oral thrush. Smokers are more likely to develop oral thrush. Using an antibacterial mouthwash excessively may also encourage rather than inhibit oral thrush. Again, I recommend coconut oil pulling as well as careful oral hygiene.
Is there any actual evidence to support oil pulling?
There are certainly studies about oil pulling. See Shanbhag VKL (2017) Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene—a review. J Tradit Complement Med 7:106-109 –which discusses benefits for health of the oral cavity but also suggests there is no studied proof for systemic benefit.
What is the evidence that dairy produce increases mercury retention?
This was read in the following study: Holmes AS, Blaxill MF, Haley B. Reduced levels of mercury in first baby haircuts of autistic children. International J. of Toxicology, 2003;22:1–9—which made the following referenced statement: ‘In a range of studies, research has demonstrated that both milk diets and antibiotic administration reduce the excretion of mercury’.
What is your recommendation instead of a root canal? Especially if the cavity is very deep?
Please see answers given above to similar questions.
Why is fizzy water not good?
Carbonated water apparently has a pH of approximately 3—although other sources suggest between 5-6 which is still acidic (bottled flat water is pH 7). It gets its fizz from the release of CO2 and this dissolves in water into carbonic acid (according to a professor from the British Dental Association). Although fizzy water is less acidic than orange juice or other soft drinks it is acidic when compared to plain water. It is suggested that if you wish to drink sparkling water, drink it only at mealtimes. And, definitely avoid sipping through the day. Drinking through a straw may help. Flavoured sparkling waters can be as bad or worse than orange juice.
Do you think milk is good for teeth due to its calcium and does the lack of it be problematic for developing children?
Humans are designed to drink human breast milk which has been shown to not be cariogenic. Cow’s milk has also been studied and is shown to be cario-static, meaning it is neither beneficial or detrimental to dental health. The lack of calcium may be problematic for developing children but the lack of milk is a different story. Interestingly cheese has been shown to be cario-protective. And, of course, live yoghurt contains beneficial flora.
Are there any studies confirming oil pulling beneficial?
See answer to the questions above about oil pulling which cites a 2017 review of the subject. Also, one our listeners kindly sent info about a book about oil pulling by Dr Bruce Fife and information about the following study: Asokan et al (2008) Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. J Indian Soc Pedod Prevent Dent 26:12-17 which found that oil pulling (using sesame oil) reduced S.mutans count and concluded ‘oil pulling can be used as an effective preventive adjunct in maintaining and improving oral health’.
Comment about fluoride
This topic was not the subject of this webinar but I feel I should have better indicated the potential health concerns about fluoride use by dentists and in toothpastes and drinking water. Please understand that I was not advocating fluoride and actively discourage clients from using it.