Toxicity is a very important factor in holistic dentistry. Toxins in the mouth can cause tooth decay or even gum diseases amongst other adverse health problems. Managing toxins in the mouth will prevent them seeping into the body and thus, lowering your immune system, impacting your digestion system or the function of your liver.
With more toxicity in the body, the bacteria in your mouth will also be more aggressive and this makes it difficult for the body to absorb the required nutrients that will help you in maintaining healthy gums and prevent the decay of your teeth. More toxicity leads to a rapid deterioration of your oral health: faster teeth decay, corrosion of the enamel and more aggressive gum diseases.
Toxins in the mouth also add to the body’s overall toxic load and this will subsequently have a negative impact on your holistic health while also leading to more allergic reactions.
The toxins on dental health can also be introduced through various channels including via the materials used in dental care. Amalgam fillings may contain mercury that add to the body’s toxic load. The effects of toxins in the mouth may not be immediately apparent but the build-up of these substances in your body will over time weaken your immune system and cause more serious health issues.
What are the main toxins in dentistry?
There are many sources of toxins in dentistry. The primary source is the mercury that is contained in the silver fillings or the dental amalgams. In case you live in an area that is highly fluoridated, then there will be a lot of fluoride in the water that you use, a lot of which also find its way to your mouth. Other sources of fluoride include fluoride toothpastes, dental filling materials and mouthwashes. Dentists also provide fluoride treatments and these transfer mild fluoride-derived toxins into your mouth.
The cheaper brands of filling materials as well as various tooth whitening products and oral care products may also contain some toxins.
What are the main symptoms of toxicity in the mouth and body?
Generally, these effects will emerge after a slow build up of the toxins on the mouth into the body over time. They include the following:
- Bad breath
- “Metallic” taste in the mouth
- Constipation
- Gum recession
- Gum disease
- Problem sleeping
- Sinus congestion
- Mouth ulcers
- Psoriasis
- Heartburn
- Muscle aching
- Allergies
- Ringing ears
- Brain fog
- Problem concentrating
- Pain in the joints
- Dark circles under your eyes
- Mouth sores
- Delay in the healing process after a dental treatment
Managing Toxicity
When seeking oral care that is toxin-free, it is important to seek holistic dentistry solutions where the dentist makes a conscious effort to reduce as much as possible, the toxins that may enter your mouth. This could entail the use of dental care products that are mostly made of natural products or where the manufacturer has gone out of the way to reduce the toxins. Cheap may be pocket-friendly but it may not mean safe. When choosing your dental care products, go for trusted and quality brands or those recommended by your dentist.