Recently I learned that 60-70% of our immune system resides in our gut, or digestive tract, which is also known as gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). It should come as no surprise then that our health integrity, or immune responsiveness, could be associated with what we eat, digest, and assimilate. Many of us find that we are intolerant of gluten (wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt) and/or of dairy. We eat these foods and we pay a price; we may feel achy, tired, sluggish, brain fog, joint pain. What is happening, of course, is that our immune system (G.I. tract) is reacting much like it would in an allergic response. First to the foods we are eating and then to our own digestive tissues. In a way, we become intolerant to our own tissues and develop auto-immune types of reactions. Recently, we have seen a huge increase the diagnoses of chronic…

The current baby boom is showing no signs of slowing down – with nearly 3.9 million little ones welcomed onto the planet this past year. Today’s expectant mothers should be commended for taking extra steps to ensure they’re as healthy as possible during pregnancy, including eating a more balanced diet, ensuring they’re consuming the appropriate vitamins and supplements, and avoiding potential toxins. But one area pregnant woman may overlook is their oral health, when in fact, it’s an incredibly important part of ensuring the overall well-being of both you and your unborn child. Below are some key oral health considerations if you’re pregnant or considering becoming pregnant. Gingivitis When you’re pregnant, be prepared for an increase of estrogen and progesterone hormones, both of which can exaggerate the impact plaque has on your oral health. A buildup of plaque at any time can lead to gingivitis; inflamed gums susceptible to bleeding…

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for 600,000 deaths in America each year – making it the leading killer for both men and women. In fact, 1 in 4 deaths in the U.S. are the result of heart disease. While these are frightening statistics, there is an upside: cardiovascular disease is somewhat preventable. You’ve probably learned how maintaining a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise are critical to preventing heart disease, but what many people don’t realize is that keeping your oral health in check may also help increase your cardiovascular health. Gums: Your First Line of Bodily Defense If you have a build-up of plaque in your mouth, it can lead to gum disease (or periodontal disease). Gum disease starts off as gingivitis; your gums may be red or tender, or your gums may bleed when you’re brushing or flossing. Research has demonstrated that people with gum disease may be…

Dentistry is not all about teeth and gums. You may not know it, but dental teams are playing major roles in maintaining whole body health. Research is proving that your health and wellness is directly connected with your oral health. Also known as the oral systemic link, poor oral care increases our chances for serious health risks. This includes: Routine brushing and flossing helps curb destructive bacteria from growing without restraint. Being negligent with this allows bacteria to overpower the natural defense system our gums provide. Without protective healthy tissue acting as barrier, we’re facing a bacterial jailbreak. Suspected escape routes are: All these health risks can be significantly lowered if we took better care of our teeth and gums. Staying Alive – It’s What the Oral-Systemic Link is All About Dr. Mitch Marder is a dedicated holistic dentist in Seattle, which is why he is attending The American Academy…

Arnica oil is starting to become popular for the health-promoting qualities it has and as a pain-reliever. Everybody should have it in their alternative medical kits, especially if they are prone to injuries related to sports. In this article, you will learn about the benefits of arnica oil and how it can help you get better after a long day at the gym or in the park. But what is arnica oil? The arnica name is attributed to a clan of flowering from the daisy family (called Compositae). These types of flowers are native to Siberia and Europe, but they also grow in North America in the mountain areas. Arnica is well-known for its health-promoting qualities, and it is used as natural medicine. You can easily recognize its yellow petals and orange center flowers, and it grows between 1.5-2 feet high.  There are many species of arnica in the world,…

At Integrative Dentistry, we will approach your care from a holistic paradigm. Dr. Mitch Marder is a holistic dentist in Seattle where he will treat your mouth and body as one complete entity by emphasizing natural dentistry and using advanced alternative wellness treatments. Luckily, we are not the only healthcare providers who have adapted the use of natural therapies and techniques into oral care. Emerging Natural Therapies for Oral Care An article published from Oral Health Group highlights the use of applying natural therapies in areas of oral care. They breakdown the article into multiple categories: This article has gathered that oral care specialists are capable of implementing safe and effective natural medicines into their practice. Plus, if we share the understanding for preventative and integrative care, it ensures “continued dental patient satisfaction well into the 21st Century.” How Dr. Marder has Your Health in Mind Through extensive personal research…

Well Seattle, the New Year has arrived, and with it, a promise to do better. Maybe you’re pledging to lose weight or eat less sweets, or maybe you’re interested in upping your holistic dentistry routines. Whatever the case, try and choose a resolution that’s attainable and will benefit you not just today, but in the long term. Below are some holistic dentistry New Year’s resolutions you should consider for 2015.  Balance Your pH LevelsHolistic dentistry is based on the idea that your mouth is often a snapshot of your overall well-being. What you put into your body will impact your oral health and vice versa. For example, if you find you’re constantly getting cavities, it may be the result of excessive acid throughout your system. The holistic dentistry solution is to limit yourself to highly alkalinizing foods (such as broccoli, almonds, or watermelon) for a period of several days until…

Science is continuously studying the human body, which still has a lot of mysteries up its sleeve. One of these mysteries is the reason why sleep is so important for our heath. It is clear that the lack of sleep affects us in a bad way, making us over-tired, cranky or mentally foggy. These are a small fraction of the physical and mental health issues that are related to sleep deprivation. One of the main pillars of good health is sleep, alongside with pure water, healthy foods, and exercise. A lot of studies have been made, and it was demonstrated how sleep is profoundly connected with health. Chronic sleep deprivation is a condition that affects more than 60 million people in the US. Individuals who have trouble sleeping also suffer from depression, diabetes, cancer, weight gain, cardiovascular problems and many others. Sleep is crucial to be creative and productive. Although…

Do you have dental amalgam or “silver” fillings? Did you know you are exposing your body to mercury toxics because of amalgam fillings? These fillings contain about 50% mercury, and as we chew, grind our teeth, or consume beverages, mercury vapors are released from the fillings and are absorbed into our bloodstream, lungs, and hemoglobin in red blood cells. Dr. Mercola goes into more intricate detail about the harm mercury vapor can cause to your body at mercola.com. When the mercury vapor from amalgam fillings is inhaled it’s “absorbed into the blood, and then converted to inorganic mercury, the most toxic form of mercury to cells.” If inhaled, the vapor travels through your cell membranes and into your central nervous system, which can cause immunological, neurological, and psychological problems. Additionally, as we chew, the vapor leaches onto our saliva making its way down the digestive tract and damaging our immune…

Are dental X-rays really necessary? How safe are they? As a Seattle dentist always concerned for his patient’s needs and health, Dr. Marder and his team are happy to provide insight into these matters. The purpose of dental X-rays: Providing pictures of teeth, bones, and surrounding soft tissue helps screen for and identify problems with a person’s teeth, mouth, and jaw. What they show: Cavities, cancerous or benign masses, hidden dental structures such as wisdom teeth, and bone loss are revealed on X-ray even though not detected by visual examinations. How X-rays work: A very controlled burst of a minute amount of radiation penetrates oral structures before striking the sensor readout. Teeth will appear lighter because less radiation penetrates them. Dental caries (cavities), infections and other changes in bone density appear darker because the X-ray can readily penetrate those less dense structures. Experts at Mitch Marder DDS know precisely how…