Easy Fun Snack & Biological Dentists
life is hard; food doesn't have to be #79 [vol3, 1.3]
We all need a Fun Mom boost. Here’s an easy one: slice apples on the round. Slather with peanut butter (or almond) and use SPRINKLES! I wasn’t sure what my kids would think after school. I knew one kid would love it. Another is usually very grumpy at the day’s end. And my teenager…would he be too cool? They all loved it. Mom win.
Next breakfast (or dessert) for you to try: clafoutis. I made it on repeat this summer. Happy to report it works in winter, too.
Biological Dentist
This week we drove 3 hours round trip for our regular cleanings with Dr. Clark in Amity, Arkansas. It’s a long drive. Why do I prioritize it?
We started going to him for 2 main reasons:
1/ I was very interested in his airway treatments for my younger children. One was a mouth breather, the other has crazy dreams and night walks; both snore. All symptoms of airway issues. Dr. Clark is the closest dentist to us who is trained and knowledgeable. There are other dentists 6 hours away in NW Arkansas who specialize in myobrace which is similar but I’m not exactly sure how they’re different. Both differ from orthodontics because orthodontics tend to focus on straightening teeth with breathing an after thought.
My children were fitted with a mouth guard to wear at night to train their tongue and swallowing muscles. Weeks later when it was time for my daughter to get her next appliance and the impressions were sent to the lab, we were told her mouth needed orthodontia and the airway treatments would not be enough. At this point we knew we were moving to Kentucky so we decided to stop treatment on both children. I couldn’t find a similar dentist within a 6 hour drive, roundtrip.
2/ Since Dr. Clark is a biological dentist, I wanted him to look at my 2 root canals. I got them before turning super crunchy and had no idea how the health of the mouth impacts overall health. Here is an article explaining more about dangers of root canals.
In our first meeting, Dr. Clark told me how he had chronic back pain. Until he put it together that the root cause might be in his root canals. In a very short time after remove the problem teeth, his back pain went away. I have heard many similar stories of chronic pain linked to root canals.
Mine are still healthy. He doesn’t recommend removing them, yet.
What is a biological dentist?
A traditional dentist cares primarily for oral health. A biological dentist is concerned for both oral health as well as the health of the overall body.
Some things that are characteristic of biological dentistry:
Do not use mercury fillings and some are educated on the proper removal of amalgams. Mine were removed by a traditional dentist who knew mercury was not healthy but wasn’t trained in proper removal. Improper removal can cause ill effects too. Thankfully I didn’t experience any. I know people who have suffered from improper removal and I think it correlates on how well their bodies are able to excrete toxins.
Do not use fluoride, as it is a neurotoxin. This is a widely debated topic and too nuanced for me to develop here. Do your own research. Fluoride removal is one reason we use a reverse osmosis water filter in the kitchen. We also use fluoride-free toothpaste.
Instead, uptake fluoride from food:
Grapes in all their forms contain fluoride, including raisins and wine.
Potatoes
Crab
Shrimp
Black Tea
Coffee
Raw Fruit
Root canals are avoided.
They see a connection between food and overall health.
Whenever interviewing a biological dentist be mindful there is a range of standards even within the field. I called one dentist this week, in preparation for moving states this summer, and asked the receptionist, “How would you describe Dr. X as being different from the other dentists in the practice?”
She said, “Oh my goodness. He is different in every way. I’m not sure where to begin.”
At that moment I knew I was in the right place.
Scroll down on this page to find a biological dentist in your state.
TED Talk
This 14 minute Ted Talk was the inspiration I needed this morning to keep fighting for good food and reducing and removing toxins. She shared how migraines at 9yo was almost debilitating yet thanks to her mother’s tenacity they dug to the root cause. Years later she’s an activist and educator. If you feel weary on this journey, too, watch it.
Not Sleeping Well
I’ve not been sleeping well for months. I don’t know if it is peri-menopause or all the things racing in my brain pending a move. I’ve decided to try CBD. While marijuana use can lead to dependence, current research suggests that CBD is not addictive and does not produce psychoactive effects.
Talking with a wise friend this week, she said, “Think of it as a crutch to help you get through a season.”
Later that day a likeminded crunchy friend via Instagram mentioned using CBD and had a $20 off code. When I went to the website, I saw some of the products were 40% off until 1/25. I was able to stack the code with the sale making the purchase totally worth it. If you check it out, use my code REFLUVMYHUB@GMAIL.COM - we both win!
Life is hard, food doesn’t have to be,
Julie
PS - reply to this email and let me know your current struggle with real food. I’d love to be a greater help.