Non-Toxic Dental Materials and Products:

Fluoride's possible effects on humans include: fluorosis; cancers; genetic damage; bone pathology; trans placental and brain transport; histological brain, artery, and kidney damage; and neurological impairment. There is even controversy about the effectiveness of this substance in reducing cavities. Most Americans use fluoride toothpaste however have cavities that are still forming which require treatment. There is much focus in the dental community now at attacking the root cause of decay which is the repeated acid attacks on tooth structure from plaque colonies.

Xylitol is a substance produced naturally by our own bodies which has been studied for many years now which has been shown to help reduce the incidence of cavities. It is often used as a natural sugar substitute and has been used in several European countries for many years. Instead of trying to kill the bacteria like fluoride does, xylitol works by hindering the bacteria's ability to stick on the teeth. This reduces the severity of the acid attacks on the teeth and makes plaque much easier to brush away. Xylitol sources include corn and birch trees. A nice side benefit is that it does not create an insulin spike like sugar therefore it is safe for diabetics to use. Our biological dental office tests our clients' saliva for acidity as well as offers a variety of xylitol products to decrease the acidity of the saliva.

Obviously the office does not use any restorative products that contain mercury. Composite resins are usually used to replace the mercury fills once removed but many of these resins contain bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an endocrine disruptor and can mimic the body's own hormones and have effects on the neurological system. It causes abnormal weight gain, insulin resistance, prostate cancer, and excessive mammary gland development in several animal studies. While the BPA levels in some resins is low, the amount that is considered "safe" is still in question. The office tries to stick with resins that do not contain bisphenol A but they are considered plastics and are not as biocompatible as porcelain and ceramics. The only time resins are recommended in the office is when the decay or damage is small and tooth removal is minimal.

Porcelain, lithium disilicate (EMax), and zirconia are materials that are primarily used in the office to restore damaged teeth. Many offices use base metal in their crowns which can contain nickel, chromium, and beryllium. These metals may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals and there are other potential harmful effects. Dentists usually select base metals due to its lower cost. Dr. Kim avoids base metals completely and if a metal must be used, it will be a high noble metal or titanium.