by Dr. Martina Mallery, DDS 

Biological dentistry, also known as holistic dentistry, has gained appeal since the documentary The Root Cause first aired on Netflix in January 2019. In this world of extreme toxicity, biological dentists are aware that certain materials and procedures approved by the American Dental Association can potentially cause harm in susceptible individuals. 

First on that list is the carcinogen, hormonal disruptor and neurotoxin known as fluoride. This compound is obtained as an unpurified byproduct of phosphate fertilizer industry in the form of hydrofluorosilicic acid, sodium fluorosilicate and sodium fluoride. These are often contaminated with arsenic and do not undergo a medical-grade purification before they are added into municipal drinking water.  

Further, these chemicals have not been studied for safety. The quality assurance is provided by manufacturers which is problematic due to the conflict of interest. The American Dental Association also failed to conduct or publish any single randomized, double-blind placebo research to measure the safety or efficacy of this chemical in preventing dental decay. There are much safer ways to prevent dental cavities such as a clean, organic, whole food diet and supplementation with vitamin C, D3, K2, cod liver oil, MK-7, iodine, selenium, zinc and the use of baking soda instead of commercial toothpaste. 

Next on the list is mercury which is known to be released from dental mercury amalgam fillings—a fact confirmed by the American Dental Association. Mercury is the most highly toxic known substance next to radioactive plutonium, and these fillings are 45%–55% elemental mercury by weight. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine have both released primary research articles that indicate how the unsafe mercury exposure from these fillings can be and the numerous health conditions it can lead to.  

Within the central nervous system, it has been documented that mercury can cause diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s, ADHD, autism, depression, mental fogginess, anxiety, irritability and insomnia, just to name a few. The GI tract, liver, kidneys and lungs are also susceptible to toxins from mercury. Mercury also causes negative stimulation in the immune system, and can be a culprit of numerous conditions such as multiple sclerosis, ALS and cancer. If you are contemplating having these amalgam fillings replaced with a safer alternative, it is imperative this removal is performed under strict conditions to prevent increased release of mercury into the oral cavity and lungs.  

Safe protocol has been developed by the aforementioned academies, and they list dentists who have been certified for this procedure. In general, all dental materials should be free of heavy metals such as titanium, nickel and chromium, as these adversely stimulate the nervous and immune systems through oral galvanism and inflammatory response. Metal-free restorations such as composite resin, zirconia and ceramics are recommended instead. In fact, dental material biocompatibility tests should be utilized in patients with compromised immune health to select the material that is least likely to provoke their immune systems. 

Another problematic procedure is a root canal therapy which is considered the standard of care when attempting to save an infected tooth. A tooth is a delicate organ with its own blood supply, nervous system and lymphatic drainage. Dental infection causes injury and necrosis to this tissue, and bacterial contamination persists within the intricate labyrinth of accessory canals and microscopic dentinal tubules—even after a dentist follows the standard protocol of root canal therapy. In order words, it is impossible to completely sterilize a tooth that is guaranteed to remain sterilized for an indefinite period of time.  

Root canal therapy renders the tooth a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and parasites, as the immune system is unable to reach the internal part of that tooth. Surrounding blood vessels accumulate bacterial toxins and circulate them around the body. The immune system is sent into an overdrive, and such teeth have been singled out in research studies as a root cause of autoimmune disease and cancer. Therefore, root canal therapy should not be considered as a long-term solution, but rather as a short-term solution at best. Preferably, an infected tooth should be removed completely and replaced by a removable dental prosthesis or ceramic implant if the gap is unsightly or mechanically unfavorable. 

Finally, when it comes to tooth extraction, the technique that is being taught across dental schools and oral surgery residency programs omits one final and important step—the complete removal of periodontal ligament. This ligament is a dense, fibrous tissue that keeps the tooth firmly attached to the jaw bone. Contrary to popular belief, most of the periodontal ligament stays retained within the extraction socket and acts as a barrier to bone and blood cells which attempt to migrate into the surgical site.  

This results in an incomplete bone healing which is further compounded by the fact that oral bacteria contaminate the surgical site, as it is impossible to achieve sterile field in the mouth. As much as 92% of sites where a tooth was previously extracted result in a cavitational cyst, also known as neuralgia-inducing cavitational osteonecrosis of jaw bone. Just like in root canals, these sites are a breeding ground for bacteria that drive the immune system into a perpetual state of emergency. This can lead to autoimmune disease or cancer in certain susceptible individuals. To remedy the situation, it is necessary to re-enter, clean and disinfect the area with ozone gas and application of so-called platelet-rich fibrinogen (PRF).  

PRF is derived from the patient’s own blood, and is rich in white blood cells, growth factors and stem cells. Optimal serum level of Vitamin D, coupled with IV vitamin C drip during the revision procedure, is also helpful in order for the bone to heal once and for all. As you can see, what happens in the mouth can have a profound effect on whole-body health. Removing and minimizing toxic burden, in addition to optimal home care, clean nutrition and regular dental check-ups is an absolute must. 

Dr. Mallery is the owner of White Sands Dentistry which is a fluoride-free, mercury-free, and mercury-safe biological dental practice located at 520 48th Street Court E, Bradenton. For more information, call 941-748-9393 or visit WhiteSandsDentistry.com.