Toxins in Your Mouth: Are They Endangering Your Health?

The strong relationship between oral and overall health has gained a lot of attention in recent years. In fact, a 2022 survey by CareQuest found that 96% of American adults “know that there is a connection between the health of the mouth and the rest of the body.” That is good news! However, there is still limited awareness of just how deep that connection goes. In fact, there is a very real possibility that toxins in your mouth could be endangering your health! Let’s explore this important subject.

Focal Infection Theory

Focal infection theory (FIT) is the idea that toxins or a small infection in one part of the body can have widespread consequences for the body as a whole. This idea was popular in the late 19^th and early 20th centuries, but it lost respect in the late 20^th century. Now, though, ideas are changing again as more and more health professionals are recognizing the validity of FIT.

Problems in the mouth can be particularly dangerous for systemic health. Here are three examples:

Toxicity from Mercury Fillings

For decades, silver amalgam, which is composed of 50% mercury, was the primary material used to fill cavities. Mercury is highly toxic, and when you inhale vapors from old mercury fillings, they can cause a range of symptoms, such as headaches, emotional instability, forgetfulness, and more. The more mercury fillings you have, the greater your risk of developing symptoms.

Leftover Infections in Root Canal Treated Teeth

Dentists often perform root canal therapy to get rid of dangerous infections and preserve a damaged tooth. In theory, that sounds wonderful. However, there is a dark side to root canal therapy. It is extremely difficult to ensure that all of the infection has been removed from inside a treated tooth. If even a little bit of infected tissue remains, bacteria can continue to multiply and slip into the bloodstream, which may play a role in the development of numerous illnesses.

Hidden Cavitations

A cavitation is an area of spongy tissue or a hollow space within the jawbone, which typically forms when the bone at the site of a tooth extraction does not heal properly. Harmful bacteria can collect inside cavitations and lead to illness throughout the rest of the body. There is even limited research that suggests cavitations may contribute to cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders.

Are You Being Affected?

If you suspect that your overall health is being adversely affected by your oral health, the best thing to do is visit a qualified holistic dentist. For example, Dr. Thomas at Enclave Dental is intimately familiar with the mouth-body connection. She can recommend treatments to address the source of the toxicity and get your overall wellness back on track.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Preetha Thomas is an experienced holistic dentist who wants her patients to enjoy healthy smiles and healthy bodies. She offers a range of conservative treatments that place a heavy emphasis on long-term systemic outcomes. To learn more about her and the services available in our office, contact Enclave Dental in Southlake at 817-912-1218.