Published January 11, 2003
in the North Island Weekender
There are
some patients I see who do not respond as I would like to my treatment
programs.
During my
initial consultation I always ask about the teeth. The health of the mouth
gives me valuable information. I count the number of silver fillings which are
usually mercury amalgams unless they are crowns made of nickel alloys. I ask
about root canals and any other symptoms related to the teeth.
Many people have long forgotten exact details so I have them get their dentist
to tell them exactly which teeth have root canals. The reason for this is that
each tooth corresponds to an organ system according to the system of
acupuncture meridians, which we also find in the ear lobes and the soles of the
feet. Often I can point to a chronic health problem that has arisen since a
root canal procedure. The most common problems are related to pain.
Mr. M. had headaches for two months since having a root canal procedure. After
consulting with me he went back to the dentist to have the tooth extracted,
which is what he wanted before his dentist recommended a root canal. Mr. M’s
headaches were gone the next day!
Mr. T. had a total reversal of his tennis elbow that he had for 20 years, when
all the mercury was removed from his mouth and was eternally grateful to the
dentist for allowing him to return to his beloved sport of tennis!
The Canadian Dental Association has very strict rules and does not allow
dentists to recommend the removal of mercury or root canalled teeth. If you
want a second opinion from your dentist you might not get it.
So I recommend that patients do their homework and/or see a biological dentist
who is trained in this manner. Contact our office for further information.
Europe is far ahead of us on this issue and many countries have outlawed the
use of mercury in dentistry altogether!
Amalgams generate galvanic currents when metals in the mouth combine with the
electrolytes of the saliva. These currents are generated next to the brain and
create headaches. Mercury amalgams are
composed of many metals including nickel, copper and tin. You can see tattooing
on the gum line which is a deposition of these metals into the tissues.
Scientists at the University of Calgary doing studies on monkeys show mercury
deposits in the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and in the jaw. Other common
symptoms of mercury toxicity are elevated blood pressure, multiple sclerosis,
depression, memory loss, infertility, irritability and insomnia.
Mercury comes in three different forms and is stored in the different tissues
of the body depending on the form. Most mercury is excreted in the stool, some
may store in the hair and your kidneys will dump mercury if challenged with a
strong chelating agent.
Doctors Data is the lab we use to evaluate heavy metal status via the stools
and Great Smokies Diagnostic Lab is the lab where we do our hair analysis. Both
tests give us valuable information.
Patients who are very sensitive can have a serum compatibility test to
determine which dental material would be best. Biological dentists offer these
tests.
Dr. Weston Price MD, author of Nutrition
and Physical Degeneration, states that the dramatic increase in heart
disease we are seeing relates to the huge number of root canals which are done.
He said this in 1926!
During the procedure of a root canal all the bacteria from the canal are not
removed. Microtubules harbour microscopic bacteria that secrete toxins that
affect the body systemically not so much locally, so there are no local
symptoms. Dr. Boyd Haily of the University of Kentucky is doing research on the
effects of these toxins and is finding they affect the kidneys and the
cardiovascular system. The only treatment for these teeth is extraction.
Be sure that the periodontal ligament is removed after the extraction to
prevent cavitations, which is a type of infection of the bone. Cavitations are
known to cause trigeminal neuralgia.
Getting to the cause of the problem is the basis of healing. I hope this year
of the Ram will bring you much healing on many levels!
Dr. Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com