How To Avoid Being Overtreated By Dentists
by Ramiel Nagel
The International Dental Journal has published an article which presents alarming information: dental patients are often treated with unnecessary procedures by their dentists. According to the researchers in the article:
“Traditional restorative dental treatment has many shortcomings and has not been shown to be an effective method for managing cavities. In spite of this, many dentists continue to be powered by an aggressive restorative approach, which may result in unnecessary treatment and which must now be seen as inappropriate.“
Tooth decay and dental problems are usually treated with restorative procedures with the implication that they “strengthen” the tooth and “prevent” further decay. But the sad truth is that these procedures introduce new problems for the patient. Instead of simply always agreeing with the suggestions made by a dentist, it is a better idea for a consumer to take a proactive approach to prevent unnecessary treatment.
You Can Heal Your Teeth: Restorative Treatments Are Not the Answer
Generally speaking, restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, and root canals are not the answer to tooth decay. Instead of addressing the root problem of demineralized teeth, these restorative treatments simply hide the problem. It may seem like a good solution, but it is only a short term approach, often resulting in additional dental treatments in the future in order to maintain the restored teeth because the root cause of, for example, the cavity is never addressed.
Root canals, crowns, and fillings often contain toxic chemicals. High speed drilling traumatizes and damages part of the tooth or the entire tooth. Consider the processes that are used for a root canal: the tooth is drilled out, the pulp of the tooth is removed, and the area is cleaned with chemicals. It is finished off by filling the tooth with synthetic substances and topping the tooth with a crown.
Of course, dental drilling and artificial materials within the mouth don’t actually treat the problem that caused the deep decay in the first place. Usually these severe tooth problems are caused by either a poor diet or biting problems, but instead of considering these factors, dentists often move forward with “drilling and filling” because they believe that it is the best move for the tooth.
The best approach to dental health however, is to avoid restorative treatments altogether by avoiding tooth decay in the first place. But, sometimes there are situations where a patient may need to have a dental procedure, such as severe forms of tooth decay. Therefore, each dental situation should be looked at on a case-by-case basis, because it is actually possible to strengthen, prevent, and heal tooth decay with lifestyle changes. This can address the root problem of tooth decay: nutritional deficiencies within the body. In fact, many of these dental procedures can actually be avoided, because even if an infection is present, the body still has the ability to heal itself if it is given a healthy diet. Allowing the tooth to heal itself naturally is a much better solution than rushing into unnecessary, invasive dental treatments.
The Tooth Truth: Why Dentists Suggest Unnecessary Treatments
A visit to the dentist in the modern, Westernized world often consists of a common experience… a cleaning is done by a dental hygienist, followed by an examination from the dentist who often uncovers dental problems that need to be treated. When the patient is told that there is a dental problem, they usually agree to the recommended treatment because the patient isn’t aware that they have any other option regarding their dental health. Most consumers simply take the advice from the dentist and move forward with the treatments without even asking questions.
It may be confusing to understand why dentists would make these treatment suggestions when they aren’t really needed. There are a few points to consider:
- There is a lot of money to be made in the dental industry, and dental plans or insurance schemes make it profitable for the dentist to perform procedures that may not be necessary.
- False information is taught to the consumers and the dentists, so the dentists often sincerely believe they are treating the teeth in the best way possible.
- Some dentists are taught to be very strong with their approach, so they suggest the most aggressive treatment plan in order to “play it safe.”
How to Be an Informed Consumer: Take Responsibility for Your Dental Health
The best way to avoid overtreatment at the dental office is to avoid falling prey to the common information that is so readily accepted in our modern world, and instead stop to ask questions and learn more about dental health.
Remember, a dentist should be considered an expert advisor, not the sole decision-maker. Find a good dentist that can be trusted, and be sure they understand natural remedies and approaches to dental health as well. Then, talk with them about the pros and cons of available treatments to various issues, as well as other alternatives that should be available.
The best approach to avoiding overtreatment in the dental office is to take a proactive approach on a daily basis to prevent tooth decay in the first place. Alternatives to root canals and fillings include following a diet focused around nutrient-rich foods in their whole form, especially foods that contain fat-soluble vitamins. When this healthy diet is implemented, the body is able to restore the nutritional deficiencies that were causing the tooth decay in the first place, so that healthy teeth and bones can be built.
Another important aspect about prevent and healing tooth decay is that modern convenience foods should be avoided. Sweet treats, junk food, grains, and processed foods have become so common in the modern world, and yet, these foods can contribute to tooth decay and harm your dental health.
Focus on making healthy nutritional decisions in order to avoid deficiencies within the body. Understand that lifestyle and nutrition choices have the biggest impact on dental health and preventing tooth decay.
How I Discovered the Cure for Tooth Decay
I came to research healing cavities, in part because I lived the results of an imbalanced diet. My daughter at the age of 1.5 years old developed a small cavity. It grew quickly in a short period of time, with more of her teeth being affected.
Not wanting to submit to the standard treatment for dental care for children in the United States which seemed barbaric to me, I searched for the real cause, and the real cure. What I share here is the result of fives years of research, trial, and error along with successful cavity healing case studies of well over one hundred cases.
I found the work of Dentist Weston Price during my research. Dr. Price was a highly respected dentist of his time, and he worked for the National Dental Association as chief of research. This was eventually merged into the American Dental Association. He was extremely successful in remineralizing cavities in even severe cases of tooth decay. In group of patients with severe cavities, he reduced the rate of cavities 250 times (not percent). Dr. Price also claimed that under careful conditions, he could easily heal 95% or more of dental cavities.
I have taken the lessons of Dr. Price and made them clear and easy to understand. Dr. Price studied the diets of indigenous cultures world wide who were immune to tooth decay, he found that there were missing vitamins in the modern diet as opposed to the original native diet. By restoring these vitamins to the diet, tooth cavities, tooth pain, tooth sensitivity is usually completely stopped to where the person forgets it was even a problem. This is many times the result people obtain when they read “Cure Tooth Decay” and take the message to heart.
Veganism and Tooth Decay
Given this background in mind, I have a framework to address concerns related to the vegan diet. Firstly the key teaching Dr. Price found was the need for fat-soluble vitamins specifically from animal fats. Since the vegan diet does not contain animal fats, it is difficult to-impossible to obtain this in any significant quantity. The best effort while avoiding animal fats probably would be coconut oil and avocado, along with plenty of sunshine for vitamin D.
Protein is another issue on the vegan diet. For animal food eaters I recommend humanely raised animal proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. The amount of protein we need is not a large amount, but some good quality proteins are essential to healing teeth. I would suggest quinoa that is soaked overnight with a phytase rich starter. In addition mushrooms may provide some good quality proteins.
Raw Foods and Teeth
The worst “raw” foods for teeth are food that are not raw or natural but are labeled as such. In particular sweeteners labeled as raw like agave nectar are not truly raw or natural. Fruit in excess is really bad for teeth, same with jam or dried fruit. Even though fruit sugar is natural, too much of a good thing causes imbalances.
If whole grains were to be consumed raw, they could be disastrous for teeth.
Topical Dental Treatments
It is important to understand that topical treatments are secondary to a good diet. I suggest a first brushing, then gum blotting and then flossing with dental tape (wide floss) to remove all of the plaque.
Toothpaste
Toothpastes generally contain toxic ingredients. They also contain abrasives. While they may make teeth whiter, they probably are not good for teeth. In general I encourage natural tooth soaps, tooth powders or tooth liquids for cleaning teeth.
How to Properly Whiten Teeth
You can make teeth whiter by cleaning teeth with a q-tip that has baking soda on it. Be careful not to rub the baking soda into the gums. Alternatively home made almond milk that is made by soaking almonds overnight, removing the skins and blending can be used as a cleaning mouth rinse.
You Can Learn More
If you would like to learn more about how to remineralize teeth and heal tooth decay, read the book Cure Tooth Decay. This book includes detailed information about nutritional habits and other steps which can be taken in order to ensure good dental health.
For more information about following a healthy diet in order to prevent tooth decay and re-mineralize teeth, check out our upcoming TOOTH Summit starting on August 29th where we will share Ramiel’s details on specific types of foods that should be eaten to ensure the best dental health possible.
About Ramiel Nagel
Father knows best! So, when Ramiel’s Nagel’s little girl started developing cavities early in life, he got passionate about tooth-truth. Rather than subject his one year old daughter to anesthesia and fillings, Mr. Nagel researched the underlying cause of cavities and searched for methods of healing them. He turned this research into a groundbreaking book, Cure Tooth Decay: Heal and Prevent Cavities with Nutrition.
Ramiel is a dental health educator who imparts a treasure trove of wisdom about healing and preventing cavities with your everyday diet. His tooth decay research has been featured in many media outlets including Nexus Magazine and Fox Business News. He has two very informative websites: www.curetoothdecay.com and www.healingourchildren.org.
In the spirit of service to all, Mr. Nagel shares how we can cure tooth decay with nutrition. Check out Ramiel’s interview during The TOOTH Summit starting on August 29th! Sign up now to access this FREE Online Interview Series.