Advice From An Eco-Dentist (Giveaway!)

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Expert Opinion

Thursday, December 08, 2011

by Dr. Fred Pockrass, Co-Founder of the Eco-Dentistry Association, as well as North America’s first green dental practice, Transcendentist

Finding the right dental professional for your family is no longer simply a matter of looking in the yellow pages, closing your eyes, and pointing - especially if you are concerned about the overall health and environmental impacts of many dentistry practices.

The Eco-Dentistry Association (EDA) can help. We provide education, standards & connection to support the success of our industry and the wellness lifestyle of the patients we serve.

Today, I’d like to share answers to some of the most frequent questions I get from my patients.

What is chlorhexadine?

Chlorhexadine is an antiseptic that is sometimes placed in the water the dental professional uses during teeth cleanings.

It helps to kill bacteria and bring the oral flora back into balance. It does have a somewhat "chemical” taste, and you can request your dental practitioner refrain from adding it during your teeth cleanings if you prefer.

Unfortunately, there is no longer any natural alternative to chlorhexadine.

What are "silver” amalgam fillings? Are they safe?

"Silver” amalgam fillings are composed of 50% elemental mercury and 50% other metals, like tin, silver and copper.

The material is inexpensive and easy for dental professionals to work with. There is no more controversial subject in dentistry than dental amalgam. About 50% of dentists still use the material and believe it is safe and about 50% of dentists self-identify as mercury-free. Many believe that amalgam fillings can release mercury vapor over time, even after they are cured. Others believe there is no risk of mercury exposure because the mercury is chemically "fixed” in the amalgam.

Due to the high toxicity of elemental mercury, data regarding adverse effects on pregnant women and children, and the unappealing aesthetics of "silver” fillings, many patients do not want the material used in their mouths. Its use has been banned in Canada, Denmark, Sweden and other countries.

What ingredients should I avoid in home care tooth products?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, also known as SLS, is a foaming agent that is used in many types of toothpaste. While that bubbly feeling might make you think it’s good for your mouth, a 1983 study by the American College of Toxicology concluded that SLS actually irritates sensitive oral tissues. In some people, SLS aggravates or even causes canker sores, and irritation can occur with exposure to as little as 0.5% concentration. Once consumed, it lingers in the heart, liver and brain. It’s also toxic to aquatic life exposed to it once we rinse it down the drain.

Sodium Chlorite – A dose of 10-15 grams of this material can be lethal, and the material is known to be toxic to the kidneys. It’s used as a bleaching agent in the manufacture of paper, and is also found in some mouthwashes and toothpastes as a cleansing agent.

Fluoride – Fluoride is placed in toothpaste to reduce sensitivity, as well as reduce susceptibility to decay and cavities in children, or those who have diminished saliva flow. Some patients have concern about fluoride as an ingredient. Check with your dental professional to determine if a fluoride-containing toothpaste is indicated. Community water fluoridation is controversial and the scientific data is inconclusive, but fluoride that is used topically in toothpastes, mouthrinses and varnishes are generally considered as safe and effective for cavity prevention.

Sodium Hydroxide - A powerful cleansing agent used in manufacturing processes. It’s also known as lye or caustic soda. It is a strong chemical agent that can cause pain to throat, lips and tongue and can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting.

Trisodium Phosphate – Also known as TSP, you may be familiar with this cleansing solution used to clean your driveway. It has been removed from most household cleansers and detergents due to the damage it causes to our water systems by promoting the overgrowth of algae, but it remains an ingredient in some oral care products.

Alcohol - You might not realize it, but mouthwashes can contain up to five times the alcohol of beer. Some mouthwashes have alcohol contents exceeding 25%, which in addition to being dangerous for households with children, have other negative effects. Alcohol-containing mouthwashes dry the inside of the mouth, and a dry mouth can lead to bad breath, the very thing people use mouthwash to avoid.

Titanium Dioxide – Titanium dioxide is a chemical used to make paint white. It is also used in some toothpastes. While the FDA considers it safe for this purpose, other countries, like Canada believe it should be avoided as a potential carcinogen, particularly when inhaled. Use of this ingredient in toothpaste is cosmetic only, meaning that it simply makes the toothpaste look white. Given the sensitivity of our oral tissues, consider whether to avoid toothpastes containing this ingredient.

What questions about eco-dentistry do you have?

Time for the GIVEAWAY! (CLOSED)

Congratulations to our winner Janine Fowler of Alternative Housewife! Here is her question about eco-dentistry: "I have always wondered about the plastic toothbrushes themselves, and any chemicals they might contain. They do go in our mouths every single day, more than once." Thank you everyone for your submissions!

Answer the question above in the comments by Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 11:59pm PST for a chance to win a Branam Smile's all natural oral care gift set. Keep your kid’s mouths free of artificial additives and sweeteners with Branam Smile’s line of all-natural xylitol products. Valued at $26, this set includes:

One (1) tube of Yum Yum Bubblegum All-Natural Xylitol Tooth Gel for Babies
One (1) tube of Yum Yum Bubblegum All-Natural Xylitol Toothpaste for Kids, and
One (1) pack of two Dye-Free Ortho-Gibby Pacifiers for Toddlers.

For an extra chance to win, sign up for the Healthy Child newsletter and leave a comment saying you did so! We will pick a winner and announce it here on Thursday, December 15, 2011.

Learn more:

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of Healthy Child Healthy World.

Eligibility Statement: Contest open to U.S. residents. Employees of Branam Smile and Healthy Child Healthy World and their families are not eligible. Entry into the contest is premised on the leaving of a comment and eligibility is not conditioned on the payment of consideration.

Legal Disclaimer: Branam Smile is a Trusted Partner of Healthy Child Healthy World, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring a movement to protect children from harmful chemicals. Trusted Partners are companies that offer superior products that meet Healthy Child Healthy World's high Quality Standards, demonstrate a long-term commitment to their mission by joining their Trusted Partnership program, and contribute financially to the organization.

Photo courtesy kkinjo / CC BY 2.0

Posted by alanmarlin on 12/15/2011 at 07:58 PM

I have had to deal with literally putting my life on hold for the past 8 months. My body reacted to the fillings within 6 weeks, I had no idea what was going on, but I thought long and hard about what had changed in my life. I eventually narrowed it down to the fillings. I just had my last one, out of 4 total, removed yesterday and replaced with composites. ALL OF MY SYMPTOMS ARE GONE. I had severe hives, headaches, muscle and joint pain, swelling of the face and lips, random swelling on my arms (looked like “goose eggs”), and several other symptoms. If anyone has similar symptoms as these, PLEASE ask them if they have amalgam fillings, and if so, have them REMOVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!

If you would like to email me about my story, please feel free. My email is killercarsandtrucks@gmail.com.

PLEASE HAVE THEM REMOVED!!! SPREAD THIS INFO AROUND!!!

Thanks everyone!

Posted by Alicia Tunby on 12/14/2011 at 07:22 PM

When is too much flouride too much such as when they put it on the teeth at the dentist for small toddlers and then they also put it on when you take them to the physician for a check-up. Is this too much flouride being put on by both?

Posted by Tammy on 12/14/2011 at 04:59 PM

Are there any ecodental tooth whitening products available?

Posted by kari on 12/13/2011 at 05:04 PM

My daughter is 15 months old. He suggested I use a fluoride toothpaste but to make sure she does not drink water w/fluoride. What do you suggest?

Posted by Freya Koss on 12/13/2011 at 11:56 AM

The fillings being used instead of mercury amalgams are composites. Yes, they are much safer because they do not contain mercury, a known neurotoxin.
However, if you have fillings, they must be removd by a trained biological dentist…there’s a list of them at www.iaomt.org. Go to, Find a Doctor and then put in your state. www.iaomt.org also has the safe protocol for amalgam removal on their homepage , and a video: Smoking Teeth - Poison ....

I hope this helps.

Freya Koss
I was struck with double vision and diagnosed with three autoimmune disease one week after having an amalgam/silver filling improperly drilled out and a new one placed.

go to: mercuryexposure.info for videos, interviews with experts and consumers.

Posted by Process Engineers on 12/12/2011 at 10:54 PM

Thank you for sharing this information.
It will really helpful to solve my confusion

<a rel=“dofollow”
href=“http://www.myprocessengineers.com”>Process $ Chemical Engineering</a>

Posted by Jennifer on 12/12/2011 at 06:52 PM

What is the earliest a child should be seen by the dentist? What can be expected at this appointment?

Posted by Mary Green on 12/12/2011 at 06:21 PM

What can I do to encourage my 4-year old to be more invested in his dental care?

Posted by veggiemom on 12/12/2011 at 04:48 PM

Can I have my silver fillings removed and safer ones put in?

Posted by Heather Micklewright on 12/12/2011 at 04:39 PM

I signed up for your newsletter.

Posted by Heather Micklewright on 12/12/2011 at 04:37 PM

Are there any dangerous chemicals in composite fillings? If so, is there any alternative?

Posted by Esther on 12/12/2011 at 01:44 PM

I would like to know if it’s safe to use a home made paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (diluted) and if so, how often?

Posted by Jesus on 12/12/2011 at 01:33 PM

Just signed up for newsletter, thanks

Posted by Jesus on 12/12/2011 at 01:32 PM

How young can you use flouride on a kid?

Posted by wendy kaufman on 12/12/2011 at 10:26 AM

The question I would ask is whether night nursing can harm a baby’s teeth, or does breastmilk have protective properties that actually prevent decay? I’ve heard both sides, and I want to make sure I’m not harming my son’s teeth by allowing him to nurse at night! (Our dentist said it’s ok as long as we brush his teeth each time…hahaha.)

Posted by Cw on 12/12/2011 at 08:06 AM

I am signed up for the Healthy Child newsletter :)

Posted by CW on 12/12/2011 at 08:05 AM

I would like to know what you consider the safest way to whiten teeth?

Posted by Kellie O on 12/12/2011 at 07:53 AM

I am signed up for the newsletter!

Posted by Kellie O on 12/12/2011 at 07:52 AM

What age should I start brushing my child’s teeth with real toothpaste?

Posted by Bec on 12/11/2011 at 10:25 PM

I would be asking why SLS is in still in “natural” brands of kids’ toothpaste like Toms of Maine. (I am also signed up for the Healthy Child newsletter!)

Posted by Freya Koss on 12/11/2011 at 10:41 AM

http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/advice_from_an_eco-dentist_giveaway/
Dental Amalgam Mercury Fillings - Are they Safe?

Let’s keep children healthy by not implanting “Mercury” in their bodies by way of tooth filings. The second most toxic element on this earth is mercury. The mercury in a pregnant woman’s fillings travels through the placenta to the developing fetal nervous system,hence silver/mercury fillings is not only dangerous for children, but for the fetus.
I am responding to questions by Jennifer, Nicole and Karinia:
, You may find a mercury-free biologic dentist by going to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology’s website: www.iaomt.org, then to “find a doctor” and select your state. None of these dentists use mercury fillings, they are trained to safely remove them, and their offices are equipped so as not to prevent mercury from getting into the waterways or environment.

Katrina, If you plan to have your fililngs removed, it is imperative to have the removal done by a qualified dentist who uses the safe protocol for removal, so that you are not exposed to mercury vapors during the removal. Again, i suggest the list of dentists at www.iaomt.org. The safe protocol for removal is available on their homepage as well as a video called: “Smoking Teeth…”.

Silver amalgam fillings are 50% mercury, a known neurotoxin. The mercury leaches from the fillings 24/7 as long as they are in your teeth. The mercury may hav a cummulative effect, which means it stores in the bodies fat tissues and organs.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus and Myasthenia Gravis seven days after having an old filling improperly drilled out and a new one placed.
I develped several neurological symptoms…double vision, drooping eyelids and autoimmune disease. My story is available at:
http://www.vaccinetruth.org/posion_in_your_mouth.htm. I had my fillings removed by an IAOMT dentist.
Videos and information: www.mercuryexposure.info

If you wish to write to me: frekoss@aol.com
Freya Koss

P.S. Scientific research indicates that the BPA in composite fillings is not harmful.

Posted by Cindy on 12/10/2011 at 09:53 PM

I am also signed up for emails.

Posted by Alyn on 12/10/2011 at 07:55 PM

What are the materials being used for fillings besides amalgam and much safer are they?

Posted by Jennifer on 12/10/2011 at 07:41 PM

Sealants - yes or no? What can I use for sensitive teeth that’s also safe for me?

Posted by Meghan on 12/10/2011 at 02:28 PM

I’m a newsletter subscriber

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