January 23, 2012 Spring, Texas — Texas Biological Dentist Dr. William P. Glaros and his wife Joanne return to Guatemala to work with other healthcare professionals in providing care to the residents of a small town near Retalhuleu.

During last year’s mission, Dr. Glaros offered dental care to over 300 residents of a small town in Guatemala.  Other medical practitioners provided vitamin A for infants and children up

to 5yrs old, Albendazole and triage for other residents. Albendazole, a vital medicine in the fight against parasites, treats neurocysticercosis (an infection caused by the pork tapeworm in the muscles, brain, and eyes that may cause seizures, brain swelling, and vision problems).

To maximize the value of every dollar used by Faith in Practice, practitioners pay their flight, food, and shelter expenses individually. Dr. and

Mrs. Glaros  take a week off each January to join these caring professionals in sharing their skill, knowledge, and compassion with residents who have very little access to care. Last year the Glaros’ spent two days in the village of Las Marias working in a school made of cinder block. Rooms were set up inside the school for a pharmacy, a lab, general medicine; dentistry, etc… even ophthalmology, cardiology, and pediatrics. The school had electricity and running water, which made providing care that much easier.

The next two days were spent at the Hilario Galinda hospital. The dental clinic at the hospital was most impressive with a bright new building and even air conditioning.  At each site, volunteers were ready to assist as needed. Everyone knows his/her job and works diligently to fulfill his/her responsibility plus offers to chip in when someone else needs a hand. The detailed preparation for these trips is also a reason that the Glaros’ return each year. Local Guatemalan Network Directors are setting the stage with invitations to the patients before the US team arrives. All the supplies and medications arrive carefully packed so that team members have everything they need, including food and safe drinking water.

In 2011, the US team provided care to 1835 men, women, and children and 323 dental patients for a total 2158, people served.  In these numbers, there are personal stories of sadness, despair, triumph, and hope.  We cannot know how these visits ultimately affect the patients seeking care, but we do know that at least one woman has hope that she will not continue into complete blindness because she will receive surgery that should save the sight in one eye. We know patients received hearing aids that will certainly change their life situation. We know medications will alleviate pain and stop infections, and that teeth extracted will stop infections from spreading. Dr. and Mrs. Glaros’ prayer is that the four days spent in Guatemala will improve and brighten individual lives and eventually the community.

Since 1991 Faith in Practice has partnered with healthcare professionals to provide much needed care to the poor in Guatemala. To find out how you can help or participate please contact Dr. Glaros at 281-440-1190 or visit the Faith in Practice web site: www.faithinpractice.org.

About Dr. Glaros:

Mercury-Free, Mercury-Safe, Biological Dentistry is what Dr. Glaros’ practice is all about.  His office provides Spring TX residents with safe, effective, alternative dentistry in a “green” state-of-the-art office. For more information about Dr. Glaros please call 281-440-1190 or visit online: http://www.biologicaldentist.com

Contact:
Joanne Glaros
William P. Glaros, D.D.S.
281-440-1190
http://BiologicalDentist.com

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In an article by the Tampa Bay Times dated January 6, 2012 one council member by the name of Jerry Mullins is cited as being ‘upset’ by the October decision and has since confronted City Manager Mike Gustafson and asked the city to restore water fluoride to the county stating that “… his first thought was of the children, especially the poorer ones in his city. (Fluoridated water) may be the only dental care they get.” The council will revisit the issue on January 24th – and hopefully the same advocates who instigated the original reversal of the practice will once again make an appearance.

The upcoming decision seems to be more about money than the welfare of Pinellas County citizens as the vote is likely to sway depending on how much funding the county is able to round up through grants to reinstate practice. Originally the County Commission voted 4-3 to stop adding fluoride to the public water system, which costs the county about $205,000 annually plus a whopping $600,000 to set up in the first place. Pinellas County didn’t begin adding fluoride to its water until 2004, prior to that it was the largest water supplier in the eastern United States that did not practice fluoridation.

When the commission reconvenes they plan to discuss ways to fluoridate the water supply in a more cost-effective manner including a controversial method of injecting the chemical at three different entry points, a method that leaves a lot of room for mixing and dilution errors that stand to put public health at an even greater risk.

In order to stop Pinellas County’s regression back into the dark days of forced water fluoridation, it is crucial that the commission hear from the public about the dangers of fluoride. If you would like to help support the cessation of water fluoridation in Pinellas County before the commission meets on Jan. 24, you are invited to write to each of the commissioners by visiting the County Connection web page and dropping them an email.

For more info:

The Poisoning of America’s Water Supplies http://www.naturalnews.com/023565_water_lead_drinking.html
The Absurdities of Water Fluoridation by Paul Connett, PhD http://www.fluoridealert.org/absurdity.htm#
What’s on Tap? Grading Drinking Water in U.S. Citieshttp://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/uscities/execsum.asp

On our Faith in Practice mission trips to Guatemala, a clear purpose, committed teammates, and appreciative patients inspire us.  No wonder this has become one of our favorite weeks of each year.

How is it possible for us to leave our dental practice and dental clients in Houston for a week in January? We feel the incredible support our wonderful patients in Houston; some have even been able to make financial donations to enhance the work of Faith in Practice, our sponsoring and organizing source. Our able staff is able to handle minor problems that might occur, and Houston dentist friends are willingly available to handle more serious issues if they are needed. We are thankful for each of you.

With all bases handled at home, we are able to serve fully on or trips. This year one of the highlights was our encounter with an eight- year-old Guatemalan boy named Hector.

“Why is that child in our clinic?
With whom is he ‘sposed to be?
That older man has all his attention, When I finish my patient I’ll see.
Little man’s hand are touching yet another. Is this safe? Is it sterile? Is it free?
Who let him in the first place? And in the second place……..he’s at yet another’s knee.
Beside the next chair he comforts a small child.
He appears sent from the Angels and Thee.
  Unbridled love and attention, God, Please see a bit more of Hector in me.”

The Chenault Village Team #303 was asked to select an experience within their individual clinic team and share this with everyone at the closing Celebration Dinner.

We were reminded of this request on our two hour bus drive to the Village of Victorias el Salto on our second clinic day. Wow, that is going to be hard for the dental clinic since there is usually little conversation – fear and pain followed by numbness and relief is not very inspiring. So our prayer that morning was for our eyes, ears and heart to be open to receive a new experiencence, for  something or someone, worhy of special note and sharing.

Later that morning, we found ourselves focusing on a little boy comforting a man during his extraction. We thought this to be his grandfather. But then he was also there with the next dental patient. His little hands were resting on the 25 year old male throughout the  procedure. Who is this little boy? How does he know these two men?

One of the volunteer translator’s asked these questions and the little one said,  “I don’t know these people. I came to give comfort.” And that is what he did.

One 7- year old patient became so frightened that it appeared the dentist would not be able to do the necessary work. Hector moved quickly to the little boy’s side and gently placed one hand behind his head and the other hand on his chest to give comfort. And, the dental treatment was successfully completed.

His name was Hector, 8 years old, and he stayed with us for the rest of the day…holding the patient’s hands on their chest until the dental procedure was complete.

Hector came to us that day and then he left, leaving us all with his gifts of love, compassion and comfort…a prayer answered.

Heavy metals are absorbed by the body through the foods that we eat, fluids that we drink, through skin contact and directly into the lungs through inhalation. Over time as metals of dental restorations deteriorate due to use and/or trauma these heavy metals can leach into the bloodstream. Once absorbed by the body heavy metals can cause health issue ranging from headaches, bone aches, memory loss, skin discoloration and a myriad of other ailments and conditions.

Compounding exposure from mercury/silver amalgam fillings, over 6,000 tons of mercury enters the environment each year via industrial emissions like coal plants and naturally through volcanic ash. We are additionally exposed to it through immunizations, cooked and canned fish and many other sources.

Heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, arsenic and uranium are among the most serious environmental poisons we are exposed to every day. Another heavy metal you may be familiar with is lead, which is found in old paint, dust residues, lipstick and toys from China. Disturbingly tests now confirm that our bones have 1,000 times more lead than our ancestors of 500 years ago.

And, for those of us who are unfortunate enough to have both mercury and lead in our systems, the level of toxicity is magnified 100 times. In the face of this onslaught, and to maintain optimum health, it seems imperative to detoxify these heavy metals from the body.

Detoxification Removes Heavy Metals

Detoxification is one of the more widely used treatments and concepts in alternative medicine, and it is a process many biological dentists recommend for removing heavy metals from the body, following the removal of amalgam fillings. The science of detoxification is based on the principle that illnesses can be caused by the accumulation of toxic substances (toxins) in the body and from the biological dentist’s perspective eliminating exposure by removing metal fillings and then avoiding new toxins is an essential part of the healing process.

Adopting a detoxification routine can be particularly important for those patients suffering from many chronic diseases and conditions. It is helpful for those with conditions that are influenced by environmental factors and for those suffering from allergies or immune system problems that conventional medicine is unable to diagnose or treat. Detoxification can be considered a beneficial preventative measure and as a tool to increase overall health, vitality, and resistance to disease.

Symptoms for those suffering conditions caused by heavy metals may include:

• unexplained fatigue
• increased allergies
• hypersensitivity to common materials
• intolerance to certain foods and indigestion
• aches and pains
• low grade fever
• headaches
• insomnia
• depression
• sore throats
• sudden weight loss or gain
• lowered resistance to infection
• general malaise
• disability

Supporting the Process

There are certain avenues called excretory routes that the body naturally uses to eliminate toxins. The lymphatic system works to scavenge the blood for toxins, the lungs try to exhale the toxins, the large intestines dump toxins via the feces, the liver detoxifies everything and the kidneys filter the urine. The act of sweating removes toxins through the skin. These excretory routes help keep our bodies healthy in an otherwise toxic world.

Heavy metal detoxification can be a long process that can take six months to several years to accomplish and chelation therapy is often used to rid the body of heavy metals. Chelates are specific chemical and natural compounds that work by binding to heavy metals to speed their elimination. Chelating agents not only bind to mercury and other heavy metals, but they also bind with minerals normally found in the body, minerals it needs to perform daily cellular functions. Therefore, including a vitamin and mineral supplement routine is very important while undergoing a detoxification procedure.

Preparing to remove heavy metal toxins takes some consideration and a little planning. For instance, drinking enough water is essential – without proper hydration toxins will get thicker and become more difficult to remove. The human body is created to function best when it is provided plenty of water to clean the debris on a daily basis. Avoid drinking water at meals as this dilutes the natural digestive enzymes. Drinking no more than 4 oz at a 15 minute interval will allow time for the tissues to absorb the water and sipping water with a little lemon or lime is a great habit to get into.

To support the elimination of toxins, a person’s bowels should move at least once a day, EVERY day. Herbal laxatives and high fiber foods such as psyllium seeds may be taken to cleanse the digestive tract and promote elimination. Colonics can be used to cleanse the lower intestines. Because so many dental toxins from root canals and cavitation sites inhibit the body from being able to produce some vital enzymes it is important to replace those enzymes through supplements. Digestive enzymes can also be used to improve digestion, and acidophilus and other friendly bacteria can be reintroduced into the system with nutritional supplements readily available in the dairy section of most grocery stores.

Other Methods Used to Augment Some of the Detox Programs

A  DMPS (Dimercaptopropane sulfonate) challenge can be done by your dentist or health practitioner after silver metal amalgams are removed and to document levels of heavy metals. DMPS use forms complexes with heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, copper, silver, tin and others and is then excreted through the kidneys.

EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate) can also be employed to help remove the mercury. The most important rule to observe when using EDTA is to take the treatment slowly. Multiple treatments will typically be needed.

Nutritional supplementation is essential for insuring health during the chelation process. Chelating agents not only bind to the mercury, but they also bind with minerals the body needs in order to be healthy and to perform daily cellular functions. Taking vitamins and minerals to replace those being removed in the process of chelation is a necessity.

Sauna Detox

“Dry sauna” has been used for centuries to reverse the symptoms of mercury poisoning in the miners of Spain. A person diagnosed with acute mercury poisoning was prescribed a daily 20 minute dry sauna. This method of detoxifcation also saves the kidney from being overworked, as toxins are removed through the pores. Dry sauna is very effective in mercury poisoning due to the fact that mercury content is higher in sweat when compared to urine output. In other words, sweating is more efficient in flushing mercury out of the body.

Sweating

The skin is the detoxification system of the body with the largest surface area of elimination. Sweating can also be induced by doing light exercises for about 20 minutes three times a day. Following exercise, a low-heat sauna or spending time under low-heat infrared lights will encourage additional sweating. With this method it is important to make sure to consume adequate amounts of fluid to avoid dehydration, and to encourage elimination. Electrolytes are also lost during the sweating process which can be replaced by drinking grape juice, prune juice and vegetable juices.

Supplements for Heavy Metal Detox

Methionine:

Methionine is an amino acid that assists in the digestive system’s ability to remove heavy metals from the body since it can be converted to cysteine, which is a precursor to gluthione, a substance of prime importance in detoxifying the liver. The amino acid methionine is also a great antioxidant as the sulfur it supplies neutralizes free radicals. Some studies have also indicated that taking methionine may increase the body’s ability to excrete mercury in the urine by as much as 60 percent compared to those patients not taking the amino acid supplement.

Milk Thistle (silymarin):

Silymarin protects the liver against toxins which could potentially be damaging to the organ. This supplement also increases the production of glutathione inside the liver, a vital substance for the detoxification of the liver. In one study, milk thistle use raised the glutathione levels in the body more than 30 percent; meaning that the liver was more effective at cleansing the body and eliminating toxic substances.

Cilantro:

Cilantro has been found to remove heavy metals like mercury, aluminum and lead from the body. It is believed to cross the blood-brain barrier and actually remove heavy metals from the brain. The contention that cilantro is a powerful chelation agent is based on the research of Dr. Yoshiaki Omura, President and Founder of the International College of Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics and Director of Medical Research of the Heart Disease Research Foundation.

Chlorella:

This is a super food that captures heavy metals in the body so that they can be flushed out via the digestive system. Chlorella is actually a cultivated algae that consists of phytoplankton (free floating aquatic plants that are derived from plankton). It contains vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin A, protein, iron, and 19 different amino acids. When used to detoxify the body, chlorella helps to deactivate heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium and flushes them from the system naturally. The algae are available in many forms including liquids, powders, capsules and tablets.

Vitamin C, administered through an IV drip or taken orally in various forms, is a common component in the detox protocol.

Soaking in a bath tub full of hot water with baking soda and epsom salt is another popular addition to the protocols addressed above.

It is important to keep in mind that detoxification is a process and that individuals may have varied responses to similar treatments.  Rather than getting confused or frustrated with the varieties of detox programs, rejoice that there are so many practitioners using so many varied protocols that appear to be helpful and successful.

Infections in the mouth not only cause bad breath and the loss of teeth, they can also contribute to ongoing and chronic health issues. As dental professionals concerned about our patient’s overall health, we are always looking for ways to diagnose and treat periodontal infections before they have a chance to cause systematic health problems, and with the new test called DNA-PCR, we are able to do just that. This test not only allows us to diagnose but also treat gum disease.

How it works

There are more than 600 different types of bacteria present in the human mouth at any given time and of those scientists have been able to identify 13 strains of the most common pathogenic bacteria which cause gum disease. We know that periodontal pathogens are opportunistic and can strike quickly when a person’s overall health is under stress. Some of the catalysts may include emotional or physical stress, hormonal imbalances, smoking, acute infections and chronic medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

Until recently periodontal disease was treated by identifying clinical signs and symptoms, a process that can take years for a patient to perceive as a problem. Now DNA-PCR uses molecular biology technology to provide a solid method of identifying the disease, giving us the tools we need to prescribe an accurate treatment before the symptoms become widespread. Using this technology we are now able to specifically identify the oral bacteria that can cause infections before they become an issue.

The test is completely painless and as simple as spitting into a cup or swabbing the cheek with a cotton swab. The sample is then prepared into a vial that is shipped to the laboratory where it is thoroughly analyzed. The results that are returned in about a week’s time detail the oral bacteria that are present, and from this report we are able to quickly and precisely diagnose and treat gum disease.

Visit your hygienist to learn more

Good oral health is imperative for overall healthfulness, and it may in fact help prevent certain systemic diseases; all good reasons to get regular checkups and cleanings. Using DNA-PRC testing to diagnose and treat periodontal disease we are able to offer our patients the best lifelong strategies for maintaining good oral health, and for preventing potentially life threatening health issues in the future.

What has stayed the same? I was honored in the beginning and am honored now to have earned your trust. I have the most wonderful patients/clients in the world: people coming by choice; people educated/interested/active in the decisions about their own health care; people honoring us with the respect, loyalty, and appreciation they pay; people honoring us by repeatedly referring family and friends. My dentist colleagues may wonder why I am able to respond to their complaints and upsets about their patients with a quiet smile. I feel truly blessed, by you.

What has changed? – Much about dentistry and much about how we see dentistry has changed. Thirty-six years ago I was treating teeth that had people attached. Today I am treating people that are appropriately attached to the realization that their oral health is intimately connected to their overall health and well-being. Every tooth is a vital organ with its own innervations, circulation, and special function.

Holistic practitioners have long appreciated the connection of disease in one part of the body intimately affecting all parts. Conventional dentistry and medicine are rediscovering, after about 80 years of denial, the bi-directional role of periodontal disease (bleeding gum tissue and retreating gum tissue and boney support). Thirty-six years ago I was not taught that regular hygiene visits were so instrumental in preventing heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and premature and low birth-weight babies. That truth is universally accepted now. The role, of home care and of hygiene visits to detect problems early and to coach optimal home-care, has risen from a good idea to one of the most important things we can do for our patients. Who knew hygiene visits could save lives?

The past 26 years have demonstrated dramatic changes in how I restore teeth. I stopped placing mercury fillings in 1984; we called it mercury -free. Since then we have learned plenty about protocols to take mercury-free to mercury-safe We subsequently stopped nickel and non-precious metals; now 99% of the restorations we do are metal free. Beautiful, strong, conservative, ceramic restorations can frequently be done in one office visit, thanks to my twelve years of Cerec experience.

Thirty-six years ago I had no idea that today I would be using lasers for early and accurate diagnosis of decay and for soft tissue surgery, micro-air abrasion to reduce drilling and minimize trauma to teeth, through-transmission ultrasonic exams (Cavitat), testing for compatibility of dental materials, or, that I would have a web site to print this letter with references, photos, and details.

I have much for which to be thankful. Today, I specifically offer my thanks to you.

Sincerely,

Bill

Not only is it a big win for Spring Hill, but it’s also another step in the right direction for the fight against mercury amalgam fillings, as it proves people really DO CARE about what they are forced to breath and live with. It’s ALSO a big win for communities fighting against fluoridation, as it proves once again that when you stand up for the things you believe in, you really can make a difference.

The Press Release below came from Charlie Brown, National Counsel, Consumers for Dental Choice.

Community defeats dental mercury polluter

When dentists use mercury, their patients are not the only ones at risk – dental mercury pollution threatens the entire community.
Now informed communities are starting to fight back…and win.

Last June in Spring Hill, Tennessee, a funeral business sought the city’s approval to build a crematory.  But Spring Hill residents were well aware that crematories emit significant amounts of mercury from amalgam fillings, which are cremated along with bodies.

In fact, atmospheric emissions from amalgam burden us with 50-70 tons of mercury pollution every year.  In the environment, this dental mercury converts to methylmercury and threatens the developing neurological systems of children and unborn babies especially.  Armed with this knowledge, Citizens for a Better Spring Hill petitioned the city council to protect their children from the proposed crematory’s dental mercury emissions.

Consumers for Dental Choice was honored to support Citizens for a Better Spring Hill’s efforts.  For years, we’ve been fighting dental mercury pollution – from obtaining Capitol Hill hearings about it to fruitfully urging the World Health Organization to do something about it to educating delegates at the mercury treaty sessions about it.  Working with dedicated Spring Hill advocates like Dave Zirschky, Consumers for Dental Choice presented a letter to city officials explaining this emerging environmental issue.

At a hearing last week, Citizens for a Better Spring Hill braced itself for the city council vote that would determine the fate of the proposed crematory.  Their five months of concentrated grassroots work paid off – the city council voted 8-1 against the proposed crematory, protecting the community’s children from this major source of dental mercury pollution.

As resident Leslie Szeliga exclaimed, “This is huge, Huge! I mean this town stuck together, did research, got everyone to change their minds, and got that whole panel, except for the mayor.”  To see video clips from the intense hearing, click here.

Congratulations to Citizens for a Better Spring Hill.  Your appreciation of the dental mercury pollution problem, your focused grassroots campaign, and your success are an inspiration.

The “amalgam” fillings most people have in their teeth are a mixture of silver, copper, tin and zinc with an equal amount of mercury (up to 50 percent mercury). Fillings deteriorate over time, leaching the various metal components into the body. Amalgam fillings naturally react to acid and other elements in the mouth and can enter the body when it dissolves into a form of vapor which is subsequently inhaled into the lungs and absorbed into the blood stream. Likewise, as we eat, it is incorporated into food, is then swallowed and digested then absorbed into the bloodstream where it is distributed throughout the tissue and organs of the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms of chronic mercury toxicity associated with the use of mercury or ‘silver’ dental amalgams range from subtle to startling and may include such things as numbness and tingling and in extreme cases; paralysis, tremors, severe pain and a myriad of autoimmune disorders. Milder symptoms include lethargy, blurred vision, dizziness, muscle aches, numbness, etc.

Unfortunately mercury levels are not found in a blood sample as only very recent exposures will typically be present in the bloodstream. However, once introduced into a person’s circulatory system (including through the placenta into the body of a fetus) mercury quickly binds to tissues in organs where it builds up toxicity and breaks down the immune system.

Poisoning the Next Generation

One way that it is possible for a person to harbor mercury in body tissues without having any silver fillings in their mouth is through the gestation process. It has been demonstrated that mercury quite naturally passes through the placental barrier, so a mother with amalgam fillings can very likely pass mercury onto her unborn child where it will be stored in sensitive tissues of the body for unknown lengths of time.  It has been document that high levels of the more toxic forms of mercury in the bloodstream of unborn babies and young children may harm the developing nervous system, causing learning disabilities.

Urine Challenge

The urine challenge test involves taking an injection or ingesting an oral agent containing a chemical which binds to and then mobilizes mercury in the body. A 6 hour to 24 hour urine sample is collected and tested and the amount of mercury that is found in that sample will help to determine if a patient is mercury toxic.

There is some controversy about this test because people who are highly sensitive may suffer a reaction when the mercury is mobilized. Because minerals are removed in the process it is important to make sure the person is not anemic and that the stress will not be too much for the kidneys.

Hair Testing

The science behind hair analysis says that if mercury remains in the bloodstream for any length of time, it will or should, begin to collect in the hair. This is true only IF the person is able to excrete the stored mercury as some people do not possess enough glutathione to be able to excrete it into the hair.  Those with low levels in the hair but show high on a urine challenge are called “poor excretors”.  One disadvantage to using hair testing is that a sample takes so long to grow and therefore significant time to produce accurate results.  It is impossible to determine exactly how much mercury is in a person’s body based on a hair sample. Consequently, you may be mercury toxic but still show low levels of the substance occurring in a hair sample.

Symptomatic Diagnosis

Perhaps one of the most obvious ways to diagnose mercury toxicity is by evaluating the symptoms and diseases it produces. Some diagnosticians typically suspect mercury toxicity in a person when three or more symptoms recognized as mercury toxicity are present.

Some laboratory test indications may include:

• A white blood cell count above 7,500 or below 4,500
• Hematocrit above 50 percent or below 40 percent (this is the percentage by volume of packed red blood cells in a sample of blood after it has been spun in a centrifuge).
• A lymphocyte count above 2,800 or below 1,800 (lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that function in the development of the immune system)
• A blood protein level above 7.5 grams per 100 milliliters of serum (7.5 g percent ml)
• A blood triglyceride level above 150 mg percent ml
• A blood area nitrogen (BUN) level above 18 or below 12 percent
• A level of nickel in the hair above 1.5 parts per million (ppm)
• A hair aluminum level above 15 ppm
• A hair manganese level below 0.3 ppm
• Immune reactions to aluminum, nickel, mercury, copper, or gold

Symptoms that show the most improvement after removing amalgam fillings include:

• Neurological – depression, irritability, suicidal tendencies, inability to cope; as multiple sclerosis, seizures facial twitches, muscle spasms
• Cardiovascular – endocarditis, heart, valves or lungs, etc.
• Collagen Diseases – scleroderma, arthritis, lupus, bursitis, etc.
• Immunological disorders – Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), etc.
• Allergies – the full range of allergies

Amalgam fillings are a potential health risk for everyone, especially for those who have recognized chemical sensitivities. If you have several amalgam fillings and/or your immune system isn’t functioning as well as it should be, you might consider having your fillings replaced. Natural looking composites are healthier and by and large are much more aesthetically pleasing.

If you decide to have amalgam fillings removed be sure to choose a dentist who follows definite protocols for protecting your health (and the environment) from additional mercury exposure during the removal process.  There are a number of important safety precautions that should be employed by the dentist and anyone offering assistance at the time. To get a good sense about your dentist’s ability, see if he utilizes a gas mask or a paper mask during the procedure. A gas mask offers protection from toxic vapors that are generated during the process, a paper mask does not.

A natural, holistic or biological dentist will be able assess your bio-compatibility for alternative materials and can also make referrals to someone skilled in mercury detoxification if necessary.

For more information on the scientific research pertaining to amalgam mercury, see “The Scientific Case Against Amalgam,” available from the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology Web site www.iaomt.org or visit http://www.toxicteeth.org/mercuryFillings.aspx.

Governments from around the world met in Nairobi, Kenya to negotiate an international treaty on mercury, sponsored by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The content of the mercury treaty, which will be finalized and adopted by 2013, has a broad scope of concern which might surprise many Americans. The major focus is centered on mercury emissions from burning coal, gold mining and people eating mercury-tainted fish.  For those of us in the Western world, we may be aware of concerns for mercury used in dental amalgams and vaccines but on the international level toxic mercury fears revolve around such alarming practices as artisanal gold mining where up to one million child-miners worldwide are intimately exposed to mercury on a daily basis as part of the mining process. Clearly not a healthy practice for adults, much less children.

While the mercury debate back home may not be as alarmingly apparent, the issue remains one of the highest priorities of natural, holistic and biological dentists alike – and addressing the effort to eliminate mercury in dental fillings at the international level is Charles G. Brown, President of World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry. This effort is now bolstered by an announcement made earlier this year by the United States government stating that it supports a “phase down, with the goal of eventual phase out by all parties, of mercury amalgam.”  This statement represents a radical reversal of its former position and continues with “any change toward the use of dental amalgam is likely to result in positive public health outcomes”. The full document was presented by the U.S. government at the 3rd round of negotiations for the world mercury treaty in November.

Charles G. Brown led a skilled team of professionals from five continents including dentists, a biologist, an international attorney with a background in human rights, and four nonprofit leaders with environmental expertise. The team participated in six grueling days of sessions, briefings and working groups and although no specifics were agreed to, developments in Nairobi have moved the cause forward substantially.  “We have come a long way since the first session in Stockholm in 2010, when the cause of mercury-free dentistry was met with reactions ranging from indifference to hostility,” says Brown.

Some progress includes the fact that now there are regions as well as national governments openly advocating for “robust” treaty language addressing amalgam concerns. Thanks to the efforts of Amalgam-Free Africa Campaign, that nation now vocally supports the phase-out of amalgam.  Australia also has come on board with the position of the United States – which supports addressing amalgam in the treaty.

Brown sites another major breakthrough was achieved when the World Health Organization (WHO) reversed its 2010 statement promoting amalgam as the “material of choice.”  At that time the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry organized a worldwide protest that highlighted the glaring errors in the paper; demanding an investigation, which led to a total reversal of their position.  Now WHO commits itself to “facilitate the work for a switch in use of dental materials” away from amalgam.  Its key findings include; amalgam raises “general health concerns”, amalgam releases a “significant amount of mercury” into the environment, and “materials alternative to dental amalgam are now available.”

The World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry reports that it continues to gain a wide range of allies from key nonprofit organizations and consequently more and more highly qualified individuals are now reaching out to local governments, dentists, and dental consumers from all around the world. Preparations are now underway for the fourth negotiating session to be held next summer. Brown states that,”…  our experienced international team will continue to navigate strategically this delicate diplomatic arena. We will continue our steady – and to date successful – march toward securing a treaty that aggressively addresses amalgam.” On behalf of all natural dentists everywhere we can only say, congratulations and keep up the good work Charlie!

Metal in Your Mouth can Cause a Battery Effect

You may be familiar with the term ‘galvanism’ in reference to batteries, defined as; the production of direct-current electricity from a chemical reaction, e.g. between dissimilar metals. But did you know that if you mix any two or more different metals in the mouth in the form of metal fillings with saliva, which acts as a conduit, an unnaturally high electric current will flow through your head? Ultimately the result of the various metals in fillings reacting with saliva is that the oral cavity essentially becomes a living battery.

Bizarre as it might sound, it is possible to measure oral electrical currents with medical equipment sensitive enough to measure very low voltage. The body’s normal electrical (bioenergetic) reading is right around 450 millivolts, but when saliva mixes with amalgam (or metal) fillings a measurable electric current of up to 1,000 millivolts can be detected. This kind of highly charged electrical current is suspected of overpowering the body’s normal electrical flows and potentially interfering with energy flow to the brain. It is also suspected of causing various irritations to the nervous system.

How It Works

There are two types of electrical activity on the surface of a filling. One is just like a regular battery, called ‘bimetallic’. Bimetallic activity happens when two or more dissimilar metals are in an electrolyte solution that conducts electricity. This bimetallic activity will produce a current or a flow of electrons. The other type of electrical activity is called differential aeration. This occurs between saliva and areas that contain different amounts of oxygen. This can be seen in the saliva covering a filling, because there is less oxygen than the saliva on the top of unrestored enamel. This differential aeration thus produces a current.

Potential Problems of Oral-Electro Galvanism

The electric currents and ionic flow between various dental alloys has been shown to cause irritation in the trigeminal nerve which is the main cranial nerve system; blocking the flow of major acupuncture meridians, which can in turn lead to greater dysfunction throughout the body.

Electro galvanism can cause or contribute to physical ailments such as:

• Epilepsy
• Hearing loss
• Eye problems
• Insomnia
• Psychological problems
• Tinnitus
• Lack of concentration and memory
• Vertigo
• Mouth pain

Additional signs and symptoms of galvanism include: headaches, an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth, fainting spells, nausea, a burning sensation to tongue and unusually dry mouth. Medications may relieve some of these symptoms but removal of the material and replacement with a more biocompatible material is by far the best solution — and a better option than long-term use of medications that may have serious side effects.

Visual Detection

When mercury fillings are in close proximity to gold crowns, the mercury released into the body can be as much as ten times greater when compared to mercury fillings alone. A visible warning sign of galvanism is corrosion of the metal in the mouth. This corrosion results in leaching of metal ions into the body which can cause allergic or pathogenic disturbances. In gold or amalgam filling signs of pitting with oxidation are strong indicators of galvanism leading to the release of heavy metals into the body.

Exacerbating Illnesses – And Making Things Right

Once released into the body through galvanism, trauma or corrosion different dental metals are attracted to different tissues in the human body. For example, mercury will migrate to the brain, joints and kidneys, beryllium (used in some dental alloys) will deposit in the liver and kidneys; dental solders and dyes contain cadmium which is known to accumulate in the liver and kidneys; and nickel deposits itself into the skin, the central nervous system, as well as in the lungs and kidneys.

Biological dentistry is concerned with helping patients recover overall good health and well-being and we seek out anything that might cause a disturbance to the immune system; galvanism is just one of the issues we look for, particularly in patients whose immune system may be showing signs of compromise.

More information:

Labome.com — Intraoral electrogalvanism – http://www.labome.org/topics/dentistry/intraoral-electrogalvanism-17918.html