Choose a Fluoride-Free Toothpaste. Why?
Too much fluoride can contribute to bone health issues and thyroid dysfunction. Studies have also indicated that chronic fluoride exposure could have long-term neurotoxic effects on children including “decreased intelligence and increased prevalence of ADHD” (1).
Dr. Philippe Grandjean, professor of environmental health at Harvard T.H. Chan of Public Health and professor of environmental medicine at the University of Southern Denmark, stated in his deposition in the Food & Water Watch vs EPA trial, “the weight of epidemiological evidence leaves no reasonable doubt that developmental neurotoxicity is a serious human health risk associated with elevated fluoride exposure.”
Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a public health physician & pediatric epidemiologist, stated in his deposition that women who are exposed to high amounts of fluoride (especially if in water) have an increased risk of developing hypothyroidism.
There is also belief that chronic fluoride exposure could lead to an increase in depression and anxiety, but more research needs to be done.
Our oral microbiome has 100% to do with our systemic microbiome – the healthy balance of bacteria, the good and the bad. Fluoride has a tendency to kill off the bad AND the good bacteria, which can throw off the natural healthy microbiome.
Since our gut microbiome and oral microbriome are connected, if you focus on keeping your gut healthy, then your oral health will follow suit, and vice versa.
Safer Flossing
You can use a HydroFloss, and for added cleaning, and bacteria fighting benefits you can add a capful of iClean Iodine wash to your waterpik. You can also opt for teflon-free floss.
Safer Mouth Wash
We love and carry StellaLife wash in our office. StellaLife kills off the pathogenic bacteria while leaving the good microbiome alone, and meets all the qualifications listed above. It is also extremely soothing and healing when it comes to canker sores and other oral lesions.
Mouth Wash: how to check quality
Many mainstream mouth rinses like Listerine and Scope destroy the healthy microbiome in our mouths. And when the healthy bacteria is killed, the bad bacteria takes over and you become out of balance.
1. Does it contain alcohol? Alcohol kills off the bad AND good bacteria. It can also seep into your gum tissue which increases the rate of oral cancer.
2. Is it labeled antibacterial or antiseptic? If so, it is going to kill off the good bacteria as well.
3. Is it colored? Especially blue, which is NOT a natural color. This means dyes are added, which are endocrine disruptors. They can also stain veneers and composites.
Oral Probiotics
Oral probiotics can benefit overall oral health by:
Fighting the growth of bacteria that causes cavities and plaque, help gum disease by reducing inflammation, reduce bad breath, strengthen overall immunity, help defend against oral infections. Some great options are: StellaLife, ProBiora, and Hyperbiotics.
HR5 Saliva Testing
80% of adults over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease. Of the hundreds of species of bacteria that live in your mouth, there are 5 you don’t want (Aa, Pg, Td, Tf, Fn). These 5 high risk pathogens not only wreak havoc in the mouth, but there is now a clear connection to your body.
Two decades and dozens of scientific studies link these bacteria to a growing list of systemic diseases in what is called the oral systemic, or mouth body connection. Evidence shows that these 5 high-risk pathogens are causative drivers of inflammation & disease:
70% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s (Alz Res Therapy 2017)
50% greater risk of developing cancer (AAOSH)
7x increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (AAOSH)
95% of Americans with diabetes also have periodontal disease (AAOSH)
Up to 50% of heart attacks and strokes are triggered by oral pathogens (Circulation 2013)
12% higher risk of premature death in women who have a history of periodontal disease (JAHA 2013)
The HR5 test is a simple, affordable, and highly accurate saliva test that will tell you the exact levels of each of these bacteria in your mouth. There are many treatment options available to clear and manage the bacteria if present.
Contact our office if interested.
Sources:
1 Adkins EA, Brunst KJ. Impacts of Fluoride Neurotoxicity and Mitochondrial Dysfunction on Cognition and Mental Health: A Literature Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Dec 7
