It's All in Your Mouth

1. Oral Health is a Gateway to Overall Wellness

Our mouths are the gateway to better overall health.

Mouth-Body Connection. The mouth is not an isolated entity but an integral part of the whole body. Diseased teeth, inflamed gums, and incompatible dental materials can have far-reaching effects on overall health, contributing to conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infertility, and autoimmune disorders. The mouth serves as a central organ connecting various bodily systems, and neglecting its health can lead to systemic consequences.

Beyond Mechanical Function. Teeth are more than just grinding machines; they are living organs with blood vessels, lymph vessels, a nervous system, and an immune system. This intricate network connects them to the rest of the body, making them susceptible to systemic issues and capable of influencing distant organs and systems. Viewing teeth solely as mechanical tools disregards their biological role and potential impact on overall well-being.

Paradigm Shift in Dentistry. Traditional dentistry often focuses on treating the mouth as an isolated area, but a new perspective is emerging that recognizes the mouth's role in overall health. This shift involves questioning long-held beliefs, such as the idea that antibacterial products are always beneficial, and emphasizing the importance of balance and resilience in the oral microbiome. Biological dentistry aims to address the root causes of dental problems and promote overall wellness.

2. Microbes in the Mouth: A Complex Ecosystem

Stability and balance among the different types of microorganisms are more important than sterility.

Oral Microbiome. The mouth is home to a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This oral microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health, and its composition is unique to each individual. Rather than striving for a sterile environment, the goal is to foster a balanced ecosystem where beneficial microbes thrive and harmful ones are kept in check.

Types of Microbes. The oral microbiome consists of various types of microorganisms, including commensal (neutral), symbiotic (beneficial), pathogenic (disease-causing), and opportunistic (potentially harmful under certain conditions). These microbes interact with each other and with the host (human) in complex ways, influencing oral health and overall well-being. Maintaining a harmonious balance among these different types of microbes is essential for preventing disease.

Biofilm and Pellicle. Microorganisms in the mouth often form biofilms, complex communities that adhere to surfaces like teeth. The pellicle, a protective film composed of proteins and other substances, coats the teeth and provides a surface for bacteria to attach. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining microbial homeostasis by supplying nutrients, neutralizing acidity, and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

3. The Immune System's Battleground: The Mouth

Chronic illnesses are not down to coincidence, bad luck, or bad genes. Instead they are the result of constant, silent inflammation in the body and the resulting chronic stress.

Immune System Activation. The mouth is a constant battleground where the immune system encounters a variety of foreign substances and microorganisms. While acute inflammation is a normal and beneficial response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation in the mouth can have detrimental effects on overall health. This chronic inflammation can be triggered by diseased teeth, inflamed gums, incompatible dental materials, and other factors.

Chronic Inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the mouth can lead to a cascade of negative effects, including the release of inflammatory substances (immunocytokines) that disrupt the immune system and nervous system. This can contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Addressing chronic inflammation in the mouth is crucial for preventing and managing these conditions.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is an early sign of imbalance in the oral microbiome. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe condition that involves the destruction of tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontitis is not only a threat to oral health but also a systemic disease that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other conditions.

4. Root Canals and NICOs: Hidden Sources of Systemic Stress

What you get out of the tooth is more important than what you put in.

Root Canal Treatment. Root canal treatment is a common procedure used to treat teeth with infected or inflamed pulp. While it can relieve acute pain, root canal treatment often leaves behind residual bacteria and toxins in the tooth, which can contribute to chronic inflammation and systemic stress. The complex anatomy of tooth roots makes it difficult to completely remove all infected tissue, creating a haven for anaerobic bacteria.

NICOs (Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis). NICOs are chronically inflamed areas in the jawbone that often develop after tooth extractions, particularly wisdom tooth extractions. These areas can harbor bacteria, toxins, and other harmful substances, contributing to systemic inflammation and neurological problems. NICOs can be difficult to diagnose and may go unnoticed for years, silently impacting overall health.

Biological Dentistry Approach. Biological dentists often recommend removing root-canal-treated teeth and addressing NICOs to eliminate these hidden sources of systemic stress. This approach involves careful surgical techniques, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the affected areas, and the use of biocompatible materials to promote healing and regeneration.

5. Metals in the Mouth: A Toxic Burden

Metal ions are positively charged and, like toxins, they like to bind with enzymes.

Amalgam Fillings. Amalgam fillings, which contain mercury, have been a standard dental material for decades. However, mercury is a known neurotoxin, and even small amounts released from amalgam fillings can have detrimental effects on the body. Mercury can interfere with enzyme function, disrupt the immune system, and contribute to neurological problems.

Metal Allergies. Many dental materials, including gold alloys and other metals, can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. These reactions can manifest as localized symptoms, such as gum inflammation, or systemic symptoms, such as fatigue, body aches, and skin problems. Identifying and removing allergenic metals from the mouth is crucial for restoring immune balance.

Galvanic Currents. The presence of different metals in the mouth can create galvanic currents, which are electrical currents that flow between the metals in the presence of saliva. These currents can accelerate corrosion, increase the release of metal ions, and disrupt the nervous system. Removing all metals from the mouth can eliminate these currents and reduce the toxic burden on the body.

6. The Nervous System: Connecting Teeth to the Body

In 80 percent of cases, the cause can be found in their mouths.

Tooth-Organ Relationships. Traditional Chinese medicine recognizes connections between individual teeth and specific organs or systems in the body. These connections are based on meridians, energy pathways that link different parts of the body. Problems in the mouth can manifest as symptoms in distant organs, and vice versa.

Autonomic Nervous System. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and immune response. The ANS consists of two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest). Chronic inflammation and stress in the mouth can disrupt the balance of the ANS, leading to a variety of health problems.

Neural Therapy. Neural therapy is a treatment approach that involves injecting local anesthetics into specific areas of the body, such as trigger points or scars, to restore balance to the nervous system. In biological dentistry, neural therapy can be used to identify and treat interference fields in the mouth that are contributing to systemic health problems.

7. Nutrition: The Foundation of Oral and Systemic Health

The food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.

Dietary Impact. Nutrition plays a crucial role in both oral and overall health. A diet rich in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation, disrupt the oral microbiome, and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Conversely, a diet based on whole, unprocessed foods can promote oral health, support the immune system, and reduce the risk of disease.

Macronutrients. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, while carbohydrates provide energy. However, the type and quantity of carbohydrates consumed can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are crucial for cell function, hormone production, and reducing inflammation.

Micronutrients. Vitamins and minerals are essential for a wide range of bodily functions, including immune function, bone health, and detoxification. Deficiencies in key micronutrients, such as vitamin D3, magnesium, and zinc, can impair oral and overall health. Dietary supplements can help address these deficiencies, but it's important to choose high-quality, bioavailable forms.

8. Biological Dentistry: A Holistic Approach to Healing

Biological dentistry brings together the overlooked factors, making connections and questioning traditions.

Holistic Perspective. Biological dentistry takes a holistic approach to oral health, considering the mouth as an integral part of the whole body. This approach involves addressing the root causes of dental problems, promoting a balanced oral microbiome, and minimizing the use of toxic materials. Biological dentists work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop personalized treatment plans that support overall wellness.

Treatment Principles. Biological dentistry emphasizes the following principles:

• Removing sources of inflammation and toxicity from the mouth
• Using biocompatible materials
• Promoting a balanced oral microbiome
• Supporting the immune system
• Addressing nutritional deficiencies
• Considering the impact of dental treatments on the whole body

Empowering Patients. Biological dentistry empowers patients to take an active role in their oral and overall health. This involves educating patients about the importance of nutrition, lifestyle, and biocompatible dental materials, and encouraging them to make informed decisions about their care. By adopting a holistic approach to oral health, individuals can improve their well-being and prevent chronic diseases.

Last updated: April 24, 2025