---
title: "Dental Health and Your Body: The Critical Connection"
entity: "blog"
canonical_url: "https://www.deannatrask.ca/blog/dentalhealthandyourbody"
markdown_url: "https://www.deannatrask.ca/llms/blog/dentalhealthandyourbody"
lastmod: "2025-02-08T14:33:00.000Z"
---

Your mouth is more than just a place for eating and speaking—it’s a direct reflection of your overall health. The relationship between oral health and systemic well-being is profound, with research increasingly showing that disease often begins in the mouth. The oral microbiome, the collection of bacteria in your mouth, influences your gut microbiome, which in turn impacts your brain through the gut-brain axis. Poor oral hygiene and bacterial imbalances can lead to conditions affecting the lungs, heart, and even contribute to cancer and diabetes.

### The Historical Perspective: Dr. Weston Price’s Discoveries

In 1917, Dr. Weston Price, a pioneering dentist, explored the connection between diet, dental health, and disease. His research found that indigenous communities with diets rich in plant minerals and unprocessed foods had minimal dental issues—few cavities, well-aligned teeth, and a lower prevalence of chronic diseases. In contrast, modern diets, high in processed foods and refined sugars, have led to widespread dental decay and systemic health problems.

## Why Chronic Disease Continues to Rise

Standard dental care typically involves brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, followed by restorative procedures such as fillings, root canals, and implants when problems arise. However, many of these conventional approaches have unintended consequences, sometimes exacerbating health issues rather than resolving them.

## The Impact of Common Dental Procedures

## Home Oral Care: The Importance of Consistency

Good oral hygiene is crucial, but many people are unsure about the best brushing techniques. Should you brush up and down or side to side? Use a soft or hard toothbrush? Rely on a manual or electric toothbrush? Many only floss sporadically, often just before a dental visit. The buildup of dental plaque (biofilm) contributes to bacterial overgrowth, which can travel through the bloodstream and affect other organs.

## Mercury Fillings: A Hidden Danger

For decades, mercury fillings were the standard for treating cavities, despite their 25-50% mercury content—a known neurotoxin. Mercury exposure has been linked to fatigue, cognitive decline, nerve damage, and even Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. While many countries have banned mercury fillings, North America still permits their use, though they are discouraged for children and pregnant women. Improper removal of mercury amalgams can cause mercury poisoning in both patients and dentists.

## Root Canals: A Breeding Ground for Bacteria

Root canals involve removing the nerve of a decayed tooth and sealing the remaining tissue. However, dead tissue left in the body poses risks—hidden infections can spread throughout the system. Studies link failed root canals to a higher incidence of breast cancer and heart disease.

## Bridges: A Short-Term Solution with Long-Term Risks

Bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth, but they can lead to undetected cavities beneath the bridge. Over time, the supporting teeth may weaken, leading to further dental issues.

## Dental Implants: Materials Matter

While implants provide a functional replacement for lost teeth, they can cause complications, including infections, nerve damage, and jawbone deterioration. Titanium implants, once a gold standard, may cause sensitivities and react negatively with electromagnetic frequencies from WiFi and 5G. Zirconia implants, a non-metal alternative, are now preferred due to their biocompatibility.

## Tooth Extractions and Energy Flow

Every tooth is linked to an acupuncture meridian, influencing energy flow throughout the body. Improper extractions can leave cavitations—hidden infections in the bone—that contribute to chronic inflammation. These are best detected through 3D cone-beam imaging, available at biological dentistry practices.

## How to Maintain Optimal Oral and Overall Health

To ensure both your dental and systemic health, consider the following holistic approaches:

Choose a Biological Dentist: These practitioners specialize in mercury-free, toxin-reducing dental care.

Support Your Immune System: Biological dentists use ozone water and SMART techniques to minimize toxic exposure.

Chew Food Thoroughly: Aim for 40-60 chews per bite to aid digestion.

Brush Properly: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush with gentle downward strokes and brush for at least five minutes.

Use Non-Toxic Toothpaste: Opt for fluoride-free, chemical-free options or make your own.

Clean Your Tongue: A tongue scraper helps remove bacteria and toxins.

Avoid Alcohol-Based Mouthwashes : These dry out the mouth and disrupt microbial balance.

Steer Clear of Antimicrobial Products : These kill both beneficial and harmful bacteria.

Say No to Fluoride : It weakens bones and disrupts thyroid function.

Avoid Xylitol in Oral Care Products : While marketed as “natural,” xylitol negatively impacts the microbiome.

Increase Mineral Intake : Ensure sufficient calcium, magnesium, and fat-soluble vitamins (D3, K1, K2) for strong teeth.

Consider Homeopathic Drainage Remedies : Such as UNDA numbers, to support detoxification.

Limit Sugar and Processed Foods : These contribute to inflammation and disrupt gut health.

Eat Fermented Foods : Kimchi and sauerkraut improve microbiome diversity and immune function.

Adopt a Mediterranean Diet: Prioritize whole foods over the standard American diet (SAD).

Exercise Regularly : Movement supports circulation and detoxification.

Prioritize Quality Sleep : Restorative sleep is essential for overall health.

Spend Time in Nature : Fresh air and sunshine promote well-being.

The Bottom Line : A Healthy Mouth Leads to a Healthy Body

Your dental health is not just about cavities and clean teeth—it’s a key player in your overall well-being. By adopting mindful oral care practices and seeking holistic dental treatments, you can protect not only your smile but also your heart, brain, and immune system. Make informed choices, embrace a natural approach, and remember: take care of your teeth, and they will take care of you