Dentist - Oak Park
7020 W North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60707
708-386-6517
773-745-5555
Archive:
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- 2010
Tags
Lets talk about Holistic medicine for a while shall we? I believe, personally, that there is a lot to be learned from doing things the natural or old-fashioned way. You're probably thinking to yourself one of two things. Either "She's one of those hippy types that doesn't shower but every ten days", or "This chick is out of her mind. First off she's sarcastic and rude, yet brilliant...but there's no way she actually gives a flying *&@# about being healthy." Well guess what? I shower everyday and yes I can be a touch spicy with my words but I really do care about my health and the health of others. So much so, that I think everyone should do everything I say. The world would be so much better if everyone would just stop fighting me on this.
Anyway, when I talk about Holistic medicine I'm not talking about some random Guru chanting and chasing you around with a rattle. I'm talking about trying natural options before you jump head first into a vat of chemicals. In today's modern society our doctors are over the top about writing prescriptions before they try anything traditional. It's like a Wild West duel, who can draw their pens and prescription pads out fastest wins. It's ridiculous.
I'm not saying that we should totally discount everything that science has brought to us. There has been some amazing scientific advances in medicine that truly have helped us in ways we can't even imagine, such as mouthwash... What I propose is to use something called Integrative Medicine/Dentistry. It is a combination of modern and natural care in which you try to avoid unnecessary chemicals and toxins, however if the illness or treatment requires it, by all means use modern techniques and drugs.
An example in dentistry is using composite (tooth colored) fillings instead of silver. Over the years the silver in fillings has been proven to leach into the body and is linked to several devastating illnesses such as Lou Gehrig's disease. Composite fillings are made from a similar material to golf balls, which I realize is not exactly natural, but it does not leak into the body and there has yet to be a material made from a natural substance that works inside a tooth. This example is proof that I'm not a complete tree hugger. It's not 100% natural but it limits your toxic exposure. Another example is using digital x-rays. X-rays are a necessary part of dentistry. They allow us to see between the teeth and below the gum tissue for decay. We are not superheroes people! We do not have x-ray vision. (It would be a lot more fun if we did...) The only way to see these parts of your teeth is by way of x-ray and if your dentist lets you get away with refusing them he/she can be held liable for something they missed and they flat out do not care about your dental health. Whew! That rant was exhausting! So, by using digital x-rays as opposed to regular x-rays it dramatically cuts down on your exposure to radiation.
The last thing I am going to bring up about this is the usage of herbal tooth care products. I am totally obsessed with The Dental Herb Company.
Their products are, in my totally important opinion, are superior to any natural tooth care product on the market. I have probably literally tried them all and these are my favorite. I love them so much I might just marry them...
Anyway, unfortunately, the only way to purchase them is through their website (and in bulk) with your dentist's permission or through a dental provider. At this time Dr. Jeff has yet to purchase any but if our readers lean on him for it things might change around here. Hint, hint.
These are only a few ways that your dentist can improve your over all health and reduce your exposure to scary chemicals. This obviously carries over to your medical doctors as well so don't be a lemming and swallow everything whole that your medical providers say. Read, ask questions and demand alternatives and remember, even though I come off as evil on the occasion, I love your insides and so should you. At the very least you might live longer to read more of my blogs.
Cheryl Hutchings
Office Manager/Herb Pusher