Miscopy

Tag: Dental Health

  • Proper Breathing Techniques for Overall Health and Well-Being

    Proper Breathing Techniques for Overall Health and Well-Being

    In the “Breathing Cure” YouTube video with Patrick McKeown, the expert discusses the importance of proper breathing techniques for overall health and well-being. McKeown shares his personal experience of discovering the benefits of nose breathing and the Buteyko method after struggling with chronic nasal congestion, poor sleep quality, and asthma.

    He emphasizes the significance of slow, light, and deep breathing, focusing on good diaphragm recruitment, and the role of carbon dioxide in oxygenation and blood flow. McKeown also discusses the interconnected dimensions of breathing, including the biomechanical, biochemical, and psychophysiological aspects, and the importance of addressing anxiety and improving rib cage mobility for better breathing.

    The speaker encourages practicing proper nose breathing during rest, light and moderate physical exercise, and sleep to establish optimal breathing patterns. He also introduces tools like myotape to help individuals breathe through their nose and discusses the negative effects of mouth breathing, including its connection to sleep disorders, dental problems, and respiratory conditions.

    Patrick McKeown is the director of Education and Training at Oxygen Advantage and the BCO Clinic International. McKeown is known for his expertise in breathwork and has written several books on the subject. He shares his personal experience of discovering the importance of proper breathing through Ukrainian Dr. Buteyko’s techniques. McKeown explains that when he read about Dr. Buteyko’s method in an article, he realized that his own breathing was heavy and shallow, contributing to his chronic nasal congestion, poor sleep quality, and asthma.

    By practicing the nose and blocking exercise, he was able to decongest his nose and improve his circulation, leading him to explore the field of breathwork further. Despite the intuitively obvious health implications of improper breathing, McKeown notes that it is still often encouraged in breathing practices.

    He notes that when people get stressed, their breathing often becomes faster, harder, and shallower, which can lead to imbalances in the autonomic nervous system. McKeown recommends practicing slow, light, and deep breathing, focusing on good recruitment of the diaphragm.

    He explains that while the ideal respiratory rate for balancing the autonomic nervous system is between 4.5 and 6.5 breaths per minute, this measurement should be understood in terms of minute volume, or the total amount of air breathed in one minute, rather than just the number of breaths. By practicing slow, shallow breathing, we can improve our tolerance to carbon dioxide and reduce our sensitivity to it, leading to better overall breathing mechanics.

    When discussing the importance of carbon dioxide in the breathing process and its role in oxygenation and blood flow throughout the body, McKeown explains that a drop in respiratory rate from 20 breaths per minute to six breaths per minute can be too drastic and cause discomfort, leading to air hunger. Instead, he suggests focusing on slowing down breathing relative to one’s comfort level to increase carbon dioxide in the blood and reap its benefits.

    McKeown also shares the history of how breathing techniques in yoga changed from light, subtle breathing to full, deep breaths due to European influences, and how this shift can lead to overbreathing and its negative effects on the body.

    The speaker explains how poor breathing patterns can affect the shoulders, head, knees, hips, and glutes, leading to dysfunctional movement. He also mentions that half of the population with lower back pain is documented to have dysfunctional breathing patterns, creating a feedback loop between the two conditions. The speaker encourages proper nose breathing during rest, light and moderate physical exercise, and sleep to establish optimal breathing patterns for long-term outcomes.

    He also introduces a tool called myotape to help individuals breathe through their nose. The speaker then touches upon the topic of exercise and conscious breathing, suggesting that individuals should strive for unconscious breathing during physical activities but also practice conscious breathing exercises to improve overall breathing habits.

    Patrick McKeown emphasizes that while breathing is generally an involuntary activity, it can be beneficial to focus on it to improve both mental and physical well-being. He suggests placing attention on the breath every now and then, rather than obsessing over it. McKeown also acknowledges that some individuals may experience anxiety when focusing on their breathing due to past experiences with anxiety or panic disorders.

    He recommends simple breathing exercises, such as nose breathing during light exercise or yoga, to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body. McKeown also emphasizes the importance of nasal breathing for optimal biomechanics and biochemical functioning, and suggests using tools like a belt to bring awareness to the diaphragm area.

    Patrick McKeown then discusses the interconnected dimensions of breathing: biomechanical, biochemical, and psychophysiological. The biomechanical dimension focuses on the physical act of breathing, while the biochemical dimension relates to the body’s response to breathing, such as carbon dioxide levels. The psychophysiological dimension involves the mind-body connection.

    McKeown warns against focusing solely on the biomechanical aspect of breathing, as it could negatively impact the other dimensions. For instance, if a student increases their tidal volume while slowing down their respiratory rate, they may breathe two to three times more air than required, leading to adverse effects on both the biochemical and psychophysiological dimensions.

    McKeown suggests practicing the biomechanical aspect first, then gradually bringing the breathing back to normal to offset any loss of carbon dioxide. He also explains how mouth breathing and forward head posture are related, as the tongue needs to rest in the roof of the mouth for proper nasal breathing, which can help reduce the risk of forward head posture. The speaker briefly touches upon the importance of addressing anxiety and improving rib cage mobility for better breathing.

    Mckeown also mentions the connection between obstructive sleep apnea and sleeping on the back, emphasizing its significance and the potential risks associated with it. He also refers to a study that shows nasal breathing improves visual spatial awareness.

    Mckeown expresses his belief that breathing techniques have not gained widespread acceptance due to the language used to communicate them and their perceived woo-woo nature. He stresses the importance of nasal breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, which are the focus of his book, “The Breathing Cure.”

    He mentions that up to 50% of children and 70% of adults may be mouth breathers, which can lead to various health issues including sleep disorders, dental problems, and respiratory conditions. The speaker also emphasizes the connection between breathing patterns and anxiety, stress, and heart health. He suggests that improving breathing patterns could lead to significant healthcare cost savings and improved overall well-being.

    Patrick McKeown then discusses the importance of proper breathing techniquesy during physical activities like climbing. McKeown explains that mouth breathing reduces the efficiency of breath intake and encourages shallow breathing. Instead, nose breathing is recommended, as it allows for fuller breaths and helps improve the diaphragm’s strength.

    He also suggests practicing breath holds to generate a sensation of breathlessness and increase tolerance to high CO2 and low oxygen levels. During mountain ascents, the reduced atmospheric pressure causes breathing muscles to work harder, making them more prone to fatigue. McKeown advises physical training with a closed mouth and breath holds at sea level to strengthen the diaphragm.

    Additionally, he warns against fast and shallow breathing during ascent, as it increases dead space and results in a significant loss of air that doesn’t reach the small air sacs where gas exchange takes place. By slowing down breathing and taking fuller breaths, individuals can be more efficient in their oxygen intake.

    He shares his personal experience of using soft, slow, and gentle breaths to calm himself before a high-pressure interview, which helped him regulate his heart rate and focus. McKeown emphasizes that this breathing technique is not only beneficial for individuals with anxiety but also for anyone in stressful situations. He explains that by slowing down the exhalation, we can stimulate the vagus nerve and release acetylcholine, which in turn slows down the heart rate.

    McKeown also touches upon the reasons why many people have adopted mouth breathing and the consequences it has on our health, including the de-evolution of our species over the last 1500 years. He encourages us to re-evolve and focus on proper breathing techniques to improve our overall well-being.

    Patrick McKeown and discusses the connection between mouth size, wisdom teeth, and breathing. McKeown explains that having enough space in the mouth for wisdom teeth can help keep the soft palate open and maintain the integrity of the tissue. He also mentions the importance of jaw development and the potential consequences of tooth extraction.

    McKeown argues that dentists should reconsider their approach to identifying obstructive sleep apnea risk factors and the role of orthodontics in children’s jaw development. He suggests focusing on developing the jaws to accommodate all teeth and reduce the risk of sleep apnea. McKeown also shares tips on preparing for a cardiovascular workout by practicing nose breathing during the warm-up, focusing on slow and low breathing to increase CO2 and oxygen delivery to the muscles.

    t the end of the interview with Adam Fields, Patrick McKeown discusses the importance of proper breathing for athletes, particularly for accessing flow states where attention moves simultaneously with time, resulting in effortless and playful performance. However, the doctors also agree that achieving such states may be challenging if one has dysfunctional breathing or sleep disorder breathing. Therefore, it’s crucial to address the physiology of breathing first before striving for optimal performance.

    YouTube Video

  • Mastic Gum – Healing Properties of Natural Tree Resin Known for 2,500 Years

    Mastic Gum – Healing Properties of Natural Tree Resin Known for 2,500 Years

    In the YouTube video titled “The Gum for Cavities, IBS, and Everything in Between,” the speaker discusses the healing properties of Mastic Gum, a remedy with a rich history dating back over 2,500 years, which addresses oral problems such as bad breath, tooth decay, and gum inflammation, as well as digestive issues like bloating, gas, constipation, and even Crohn’s disease.

    Mastic Gum is highlighted for its potent antimicrobial properties, which help fight against detrimental oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum diseases, like gum pockets’ oxygen-deprived environment. The speaker also emphasizes oral health’s crucial role as a gateway to the body and the connection between oral health issues and chronic diseases.

    Mastic gum has been clinically proven to effectively combat oral and gastrointestinal health issues through its wide-ranging antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It targets plaque and slows its development, bolsters the body’s immune response by enhancing the lifespan of oral polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and may even help reverse tooth decay.

    In the context of gastrointestinal health, mastic gum has shown to address bacterial overgrowth, motility disorders, and eliminate H. Pylori bacteria, which is a significant cause of gastrointestinal distress. Additionally, mastic gum has been clinically tested and proven to have anti-inflammatory properties, especially in chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease.

    The speaker strongly recommends Greco Gum as the best mastic gum on the market and praises its benefits, including reducing oral bacteria, improving appetite, and promoting cleaner teeth and fresher breath. The speaker asserts that mastic gum’s scientific investigation has confirmed its role in dental decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and various gastrointestinal issues.

    Detailed Description

    The video starts with the speaker discussing the healing properties of mastic gum, which is known to address oral problems such as bad breath, tooth decay, gum inflammation, and digestive issues like bloating, gas, constipation, and even Crohn’s disease.

    The speaker delves into the rich history of using this heralded remedy, which can be traced back over 2,500 years to the Greek island of Chios. mastic gum has been used for improving oral and dental health, as well as various GI ailments.

    The speaker highlights the importance of oral health as the gateway to the body and the potential connection between oral health issues and chronic diseases. Cavities form when bacteria ferment carbohydrates and produce acids that erode tooth enamel, while gum diseases are caused by anaerobic, Gram-negative bacteria that thrive in the oxygen-deprived environment of our gum pockets.

    Mastic Gum comes to the forefront as a potent antimicrobial agent with the ability to fight against detrimental oral bacteria, particularly those responsible for cavities and gum disease.

    Clinical studies have shown that mastic gum’s effectiveness against a number of pathogens, and its regular use has been found to significantly lower the abundance of the notorious cavity-causing bacteria, Streptococcus mutans. Furthermore, mastic gum’s properties extend to plaque disruption, as it targets the very infrastructure of plaque and slows plaque development, critical in the pathogenesis of both cavities and gum diseases.

    The resin also fortifies the body’s internal defenses by enhancing the lifespan of oral polymorphonuclear leukocytes, thus bolstering our immune response and aiding in fighting off oral infections more effectively. Additionally, mastic gum may even help reverse some tooth decay through its protective mechanisms.

    The speaker then discusses the benefits of mastic gum for oral health, specifically its ability to aid in tooth remineralization, prevent gum infections, and combat oral cancer.

    The speaker also talks about mastic gum’s influence on the gastrointestinal system, addressing issues such as bacterial overgrowth, motility disorders, and the elimination of H. Pylori bacteria, which is a major culprit in gastrointestinal distress.

    The speaker emphasizes that mastic gum reduces inflammation and symptoms in Crohn’s disease by inhibiting key pro-inflammatory pathways.

  • History of Water Fluoridation and Its Harmful Effects

    History of Water Fluoridation and Its Harmful Effects

    This video delves into the history of water fluoridation and its connection to stained teeth.

    In the early 1900s, Dr. Lawrence McKay noticed brown stains on the teeth of Colorado Springs residents, which were permanent and severe. He conducted research and found that the stains were prevalent in children waiting for their permanent teeth. McKay theorized that something in the water supply was causing the staining.

    In 1923, McKay encountered similar reports in Oakley, Idaho, where the construction of a communal water pipeline resulted in stained teeth. McKay advised using a different water source, and the children’s teeth eventually became healthy again. McKay’s findings led him and Dr. Grover Kempf to investigate reports of stained teeth in Bauxite, Arkansas, where the town supported the Aluminum Company of America. These early discoveries set the stage for further exploration into water fluoridation.

    Doctors McKay and Kempf investigated the disordered teeth of children in Bauxite, but found nothing peculiar in the water supply. However, H.V. Churchill, the chief chemist of an aluminum company, decided to test the water using a more sophisticated method and found high levels of fluoride. This discovery led to the conclusion that high levels of fluoride in water caused tooth discoloration, known as fluorosis.

    While fluoride was known to be toxic, studies conducted by dentist H. Trendley Dean found that towns with higher natural fluoride levels had fewer cavities. However, the general consensus at the time was that fluoride was a poison.

    In 1939, Gerald J. Cox, a researcher paid by an aluminum company, proposed mandatory water fluoridation. Extensive studies confirmed the inverse relationship between fluoride in water and tooth decay, but also revealed increased rates of dental fluorosis. The determination of fluoride levels was later proved wrong, as CDC analysis found that 40% of teens had some degree of dental fluorosis.

    Dr. Weston A. Price observed that societies on traditional diets had fewer cavities compared to those on industrialized diets. The narrator mentions the rise in tooth brushing habits during and after World War II and highlights the pro-fluoridation stance adopted by the Public Health Service, which was under the jurisdiction of billionaire Andrew J. Mellon, the founder of the Aluminum Corporation of America.

    The first purposely fluoridated water supply was implemented in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and after 15 years of study, a significant decline in dental cavities was observed. The transcript reveals the appointment of Oscar R. Ewing, who had a conflict of interest as he previously served as legal counsel for the Aluminum Corporation of America, and his collaboration with Edward Bernays, a pioneer in public relations. The passage concludes by mentioning the Newburgh and Kingston experiment, which showed a decrease in cavities in Newburgh but also higher rates of cancer and heart disease.

    Cities in the US started fluoridating their water supply in the 1950s, with the government aiming for universal fluoridation. However, cases like the devastation of a Mohawk Indian reservation due to industrial pollution, mainly fluoride, brought attention to the harmful effects of fluoride.

    In 1975, biochemists presented evidence of an increase in cancer rates in cities with fluoridated water, leading to a congressional hearing and subsequent animal studies that confirmed the link between fluoride and bone cancer. Despite these findings, a commission formed by the government disputed the evidence and recommended caution, but their recommendations were ignored. Epidemiological reports also showed a relationship between fluoride consumption and bone fractures, further raising concerns. Despite opposition, government officials continued to support universal water fluoridation without sufficient evidence of its safety.

    The narrator mentions studies that have shown potential negative health effects, such as increased risk of hip fracture in the elderly and higher rates of dental decay in fluoridated areas. It also exposes the historical connection between fluoride and the aluminum and phosphate fertilizer industries, revealing that the fluoride in today’s water supply is a waste product. The transcript questions the lack of control over dosage in water fluoridation and argues that topical application of fluoride through toothpaste is sufficient for dental health. Overall, it raises doubts about the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation.

    The video then highlights how phosphate fertilizer companies turned hazardous gasses into a liquid known as hexafluorosilicic acid, which cannot be dumped into waterways but can be sold as a product. Public water suppliers buy this hazardous waste product from the fertilizer companies and dump it into drinking water without consent. Hexafluorosilicic acid contains trace amounts of lead, arsenic, mercury, and radioactive isotopes, which are harmful to human health even in minute quantities.

    The video also suggests that fluoride may impact cognitive abilities and inhibit spirituality by calcifying and disrupting the pineal gland. It encourages viewers to take steps to prevent industrial waste from entering their bodies through options like buying glass-bottled spring water or using filtration systems that remove fluoride. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of local activism to address water fluoridation and promises to discuss the various health problems fluoride can cause in the next video.

  • Politicization, Censorship and Dismissal of Research on Fluoride Neurotoxicity

    Politicization, Censorship and Dismissal of Research on Fluoride Neurotoxicity

    The video argues that water fluoridation has poisoned our brains, discussing the politicization, censorship, and dismissal of research on the neurotoxicity of fluoride. It explains how fluoride can accumulate in the brain, disrupt energy production, and induce degenerative changes, leading to diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The detrimental effects of fluoride on the thyroid gland, cognitive function, IQ scores, and mental disorders like ADHD and dementia are also addressed. The narrator questions the need for fluoride in drinking water and raises concerns about the long-term consequences of fluoride exposure.

    The video begins by discussing the politicization and censorship surrounding the topic of water fluoridation. The authors of a paper on fluoride’s potential neurotoxicity faced criticism and dismissal from peers, despite presenting their findings at an international meeting. The power players in industry, government, and academia actively suppress and dismiss information suggesting fluoride’s harmful effects. The excerpt also addresses the potential hazards of ingesting fluoride. Animal studies have shown adverse cognitive changes even at lower concentrations, similar to what humans are exposed to long-term. The concentration of fluoride in the blood, induced by even “low” levels of fluoride exposure, is in line with what is seen in animal models. The higher the plasma levels of fluoride, the greater the risk of dental fluorosis and accumulation in tissues.

    Fluoride, which is commonly added to water supplies, can build up in various organs, including the brain. The developing fetus is particularly susceptible to fluoride accumulation in the brain. Even adults growing up in areas with high fluoride levels have shown accumulation in cerebrospinal fluid, indicating that it can cross the blood-brain barrier. It is argued that the argument that “it’s just a little bit of fluoride” is irrelevant because fluoride is a cumulative poison, meaning it builds up in the body over time. The video then discusses the importance of energy production in maintaining good health, particularly in the brain. Interference with energy production can lead to degeneration and diseases like Alzheimer’s. Fluoride has been shown to disrupt energy production at the mitochondrial level, induce degenerative changes in the brain, and cause oxidative stress.

    The detrimental effects of fluoride on the thyroid gland and the brain can also not be ignored. Fluoride has been found to inhibit thyroid function by displacing iodide, impairing the synthesis of thyroid hormones. This disruption in thyroid hormone metabolism is linked to various health problems and lower intelligence. Additionally, fluoride induces oxidative stress and inflammation, which damage the thyroid and contribute to cognitive abnormalities. Studies have also shown that fluoride can cause depression, decrease energy production in the cortex, and lead to the death of brain cells. The excerpt also highlights the controversial topic of fluoride’s impact on the pineal gland, which is responsible for producing melatonin. Fluoride calcifies the pineal gland, inhibiting its ability to produce melatonin and disrupting sleep patterns. Furthermore, fluoride exposure has been associated with pineal gland dysfunction, resulting in mental disorders like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. A study in Scotland even found that higher fluoride consumption was linked to nearly three times the risk of developing dementia, suggesting there may be no safe levels of fluoride when it comes to dementia risk.

    Evidence from animal and human studies links fluoride exposure to cognitive changes and conditions such as hyperactivity, cognitive deficits, ADHD, and impaired learning, cognition, and memory. The prevalence of ADHD has been found to be correlated with water fluoridation, and studies have shown a negative association between fluoride exposure and intelligence metrics, resulting in a decrease of approximately 7 IQ points in fluoridated areas. Dental fluorosis, which affects over 70% of children and adolescents in the United States, is also considered an indicator of decreased IQ. Critics claim that the fluoride levels in these studies are too high, but many of them actually fall within the limits set by the EPA and WHO. For example, a study in China showed a dose-dependent decrease in IQ, with a mean IQ dropping over 20 points at a fluoride concentration of 4.16 ppm, which is higher than the EPA limit of 4.0 ppm.

    Several studies also demonstrate the potential negative effects of fluoride exposure on IQ scores. The narrator mentions research that found a dose-dependent decrease in IQ scores in offspring with increasing levels of fluoride concentration, as well as a study that associated fluoride exposure in mothers with a near 10-point drop in performance IQ in their formula-fed children. These findings suggest that even the so-called “optimal” levels of fluoride recommended by public health organizations may still have detrimental effects on cognitive function. The excerpt raises concerns about the long-term consequences of fluoride exposure and questions the need for fluoride in drinking water altogether.

  • Dr. Staci Whitman on Sleep, Nasal Breathing, Oral Health and Dangers of Fluoride

    Dr. Staci Whitman on Sleep, Nasal Breathing, Oral Health and Dangers of Fluoride

    Dr. Staci Whitman, a pediatric sleep and airway health specialist, emphasizes the importance of addressing sleep and breathing issues early in childhood to optimize growth and development and avoid chronic sleep deprivation that can lead to behavioral or hormonal problems. She discusses how chewing and mastication are essential for proper facial development and breathing and highlights the importance of a proper bite and how it affects breathing, sleep, and overall health.

    Dr. Whitman also cautions against the potential harm of fluoride in water and the need for individuals to filter their water and avoid environmental toxins as much as possible. She discusses the correlation between oral health and overall health, specifically how periodontal disease and gum disease can impact fertility in both men and women. Finally, Dr. Whitman notes the possible causes of tooth decay in children, mentioning microbiome imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and absorption issues.

    Later in the video, Dr. Staci Whitman, DDS, discusses various tips for oral health and hygiene, including tongue scraping and flossing to prevent cavities and leaky gums. She advises against using antimicrobial rinses and recommends using clean and simple dental products. Dr. Whitman also addresses the impact of face masks on oral health and suggests lip taping for chronic mouth breathers. She also advocates for sustainable dental products and warns against bioplastics that release microplastics. Dr. Whitman plans to use social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to provide education and resources on functional pediatric dentistry.

    00:00:00

    In this section, it is discussed that the initial idea of putting fluoride in drinking water came from a dentist in Colorado who observed that people in his community had fewer cavities. However, it is now known that fluoride can cause fluorosis, and more importantly, it has been defined as a neurotoxin, with over 70 studies showing that intake of too much fluoride during pregnancy and infancy can impact the IQ and neurodevelopment of children, especially in boys. It is also stated that fluoride works topically, not systemically, and only 3 percent of Europe currently fluoridates their water, with many European countries having removed it due to neurotoxicity concerns and medical ethical concerns regarding mass medicating people without their consent.

    00:05:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman explains how her journey to becoming a pediatric sleep and airway health specialist is rooted in her passion for preventing chronic health issues through early intervention. She estimates that up to 90 percent of children have some dysregulated breathing, sleep imbalance, sleep hygiene issue, or breathing dysfunction, and that it’s very rare for her to see a child without any abnormalities. Whitman highlights the importance of addressing these issues early in childhood to optimize growth and development and avoid chronic sleep deprivation that can lead to behavioral or hormonal problems. From an evolutionary standpoint, she discusses how chewing and mastication are essential for proper facial development and breathing, and how a lack of chewing due to ultra-processed diets and macronutrientally deficient diets may contribute to smaller airways, smaller mouths, and the associated health problems that come with it.

    00:10:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman emphasizes the importance of a proper bite and how it affects breathing, sleep, and overall health. She suggests that many people, including children, suffer from breathing and airway issues, which can lead to behavioral and growth problems. Dr. Whitman suggests that tongue position and chewing crunchy food can help shape and expand the jawbone to accommodate all teeth. She also highlights research studies and assessments to help diagnose if a child has a structural issue, such as mouth breathing or teeth crowding, that requires orthodontic intervention.

    00:15:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman emphasizes the importance of correcting sleep issues by focusing on root cause resolution. Breathing properly is vital to optimal health because of the large number of times we breathe and swallow each day. Breathing issues can cause behavioral problems leading to food addictions and more. Oxygen is the most critical nutrient, and sleep issues, especially in children, can lead to several chronic diseases. Dr. Whitman recommends educating ourselves about airway and sleep health, even if good providers are hard to find. She also addresses the issue of people who cannot breathe through their nose and suggests lip taping as a way to avoid mouth breathing and downstream chronic diseases.

    00:20:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman emphasizes the importance of sleep quality and breathing, stating that any amount of snoring is abnormal and a sign of airway obstruction. She suggests going for a consultation to determine available options for correction. She explains that waking up in the middle of the night to urinate may not necessarily be normal, and hormones could be a factor. Parents are advised to observe their children’s sleeping patterns as well, as sleep disturbances can cause behavioral issues during the day, such as hyperactivity and focus issues. Dysregulated breathing, including mouth breathing, could impact neurochemistry and cause an agitated state throughout the day.

    00:25:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman discusses the potential harm of fluoride in water and how it was initially put in the water without much safety data. Although fluoride was initially added to the water to reduce cavities, more data has emerged that shows fluoride having some neurotoxicity effects and defined as a neurotoxin. Over 70 studies show that fluoride in early childhood and during pregnancy can impact the IQ of children and their neurodevelopment. Many European countries have removed fluoride from their water, and there is a federal lawsuit in San Francisco regarding fluoride’s impact on IQ and neurodevelopmental issues. Dr. Whitman believes that we should take a pause and look at the data surrounding fluoride’s impact on our health.

    00:30:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman, a dentist, explains why she is not a fan of water fluoridation. She believes that the root cause of cavities is not the lack of fluoride but the food people eat and how they breathe. Dr. Whitman recommends using hydroxyapatite, which is in toothpaste and enamel and is safe to swallow because there is no Poison Control label on it. She is not worried about neurotoxicity in children due to nanohydroxyapotype particles, but she thinks that people have gone “fluoride crazy” through drinking water, pharmaceuticals, and processed foods. Dr. Whitman cautions that children can get too much fluoride by swallowing toothpaste and that cavities are still the number one chronic disease globally, even with water fluoridation. She notes that some dental professionals still use fluoride in their practice, but their clients are still getting cavities.

    00:35:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman discusses her past pro-fluoride stance and how dentists often rely on the information taught to them in dental school without critically examining the research. She emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and constantly reevaluating science, as new research often conflicts with previously-held beliefs. Furthermore, she points out that the toxicological model is changing, and that the synergistic and non-linear effects of different toxins must be taken into account. Dr. Whitman emphasizes that individuals are bio-individual, and that toxins can accumulate differently in different people. Therefore, she suggests that individuals filter their water and try to avoid environmental toxins as much as possible.

    00:40:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman, DDS discusses how mouth breathing can negatively affect the oral and gut microbiome. When breathing through the mouth, the pH level in the mouth becomes more acidic, which creates a perfect environment for harmful anaerobic bacteria to thrive. This drying out of the mouth leads to an increased risk of cavities, and swallowing that bacteria actually seeds the gut microbiome. This microbiome is currently the subject of much research that suggests it impacts systemic health such as autoimmune disorders and Alzheimer’s. Oral health is a gateway to the body, so issues with malnutrition, hydration, and deficiencies can all be visible in patients’ mouths. Additionally, Dr. Whitman highlights the scary finding that bad bacteria from the mouth can release exotoxins and travel along the nervous and blood-brain barriers, leading to diseases like Alzheimer’s.

    00:45:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman, DDS discusses the correlation between oral health and overall health, specifically how periodontal disease and gum disease can impact fertility in both men and women. Periodontal disease can cause chronic inflammation, affecting hormone release in women and reducing sperm motility in men. However, regular dental cleanings and treating gum disease can increase blood sugar stability and reduce inflammation. Dr. Whitman also emphasizes the importance of oral microbiome testing and creating personalized treatment plans. Finally, she mentions the potential risk of exchanging pathogenic bacteria through kissing and sharing utensils, highlighting the significance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

    00:50:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman, a dentist, explains that the oral microbiome constantly changes as a result of various factors such as eating, drinking, kissing and even getting braces or fillings. The presence of spirochetes, a type of bacteria that antibiotics are usually required to treat, may be the reason some patients suffer from chronic infections. While technologies like ozone are used in dentistry to help with periodontal disease, gum disease, and cavities, it cannot deal with virulent bacteria buried deep within tissue. Dr. Whitman notes the importance of testing, and progressive dentists are resorting to oral microbiome, blood sugar, vitamin D, oat, organic acid, micronutrient, and GI mapping tests to offer more in-depth analysis of oral health for patients. She also advises that the frequency of teeth cleaning depends on individual needs, and a twice-a-year cleaning may not be suitable for everyone. Furthermore, those with gum or periodontal disease should go in for cleaning more frequently until the disease stabilizes, and those with optimal gum and dental health can space out their visits to once a year. Drinking kombucha is not harmful, but its sugar content and acidic nature demand that it be consumed in moderation, preferably with a straw and in a single sitting.

    00:55:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman, DDS discusses the possible causes of tooth decay in children, including microbiome imbalances, absorption issues, and nutrient deficiencies like vitamin D, magnesium, and K2. She mentions how nutrient deficiencies might come from maternal gut health and how parents can be blamed for the development of under mineralized teeth even if they correctly practice oral hygiene and give their children nutrient-rich food. Furthermore, Dr. Whitman believes that candida is a prominent issue linked to cavities but suggests that baking soda rinse can help counteract its effects. She notes that she has not seen a correlation between vegan/vegetarian diets and under mineralized teeth, but her observation revealed a high prevalence of such cases in children with vegan moms or vegan/vegetarian diets. She encourages pregnant women to consider adding animal products to their diets for dental development in their children.

    01:00:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman discusses the benefits of tongue scraping, including removing bacteria and improving how one tastes food. She also emphasizes the importance of flossing, as cavities often develop between teeth, and it can prevent leaky gums that allow bacteria to enter our bodies. She discourages extreme brushing and flossing and recommends using clean products with few ingredients to support our microbiomes and overall health. Dr. Whitman warns against the use of antimicrobial rinses, such as Listerine, which can damage our oral microbiomes and affect our cardiovascular health.

    01:05:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman discusses the effects of wearing face masks on oral health, stating that it could exacerbate underlying issues such as cavities if one is a chronic mouth breather. She suggests testing if you can breathe through your nose comfortably and trying lip taping if needed. Dr. Whitman also discusses the benefits of bentonite clay in remineralization and cleansing teeth and warns about being careful with charcoal as it could be overly abrasive. She also mentions her sustainable and compostable dental floss, Happy Floss, which is made with Biosilk and breaks down within six months in a compost bin.

    01:10:00

    In this section, Dr. Staci Whitman, DDS discusses the difficulty in finding sustainable alternatives to plastic in dental products, such as bioplastics which break down faster and release microplastics into the environment. She uses floss as an example of single-use plastic that can pose a problem over time, especially for people who use it more than once per day. She also mentions that water flossers are not a perfect solution either, as they end up in landfills and have batteries. Dr. Whitman believes that the industry should be moving towards products that break down into organic matter. She also mentions that she is using Instagram and TikTok to connect with people and offer more education and resources regarding functional pediatric dentistry.

    YouTube Video