Ask a Dentist: How to Protect, Repair, and Optimize Your Oral Health
Why Oral Health is More Than Just a Smile
For more than two decades, I have been looking inside people’s mouths — as a dentist, sleep medicine specialist, and curious health investigator. Over the years, I have learned one undeniable truth: your mouth is not an isolated system. It is a gateway to your entire body’s health and vitality.
From the colonies of bacteria living along your gums to the translucent armor of enamel shielding your teeth, your oral health influences your heart, brain, immune system, and even the depth and quality of your sleep.
In this guide, I answer the most common and often misunderstood dental questions, unravel myths, and explore controversial topics like fluoride and mercury fillings. You will learn how to strengthen, protect, and restore your teeth — and why doing so is an investment in your whole-body health.
Understanding Your Teeth: Layers, Function, and Vulnerabilities
Enamel – The Hardest Substance in Your Body
Enamel is the glossy, outermost shield of your teeth. It is 96% mineral, made primarily of calcium and phosphate locked into hydroxyapatite crystals, with small traces of magnesium, strontium, and fluoride.
It is harder than bone yet remarkably thin. Unlike bone, it cannot regenerate once worn away. However, it can be fortified through remineralization if the damage is caught early. This process depends on maintaining a neutral pH in your mouth, keeping saliva flowing, and ensuring your diet contains the minerals your enamel needs to repair its microscopic surface defects.
Under bright light, enamel appears almost glass-like, allowing the yellowish dentin beneath to subtly influence tooth color. This natural transparency is part of what makes healthy teeth appear vibrant and luminous.
Dentin – The Body of the Tooth
Beneath the enamel lies dentin, a dense, pale-gold layer that makes up the bulk of the tooth’s structure. Dentin is filled with millions of microscopic tubules that act like hollow straws, transmitting sensations from the enamel surface to the pulp. This is why exposed dentin often causes tooth sensitivity.
Dentin is resilient, but once decay penetrates this layer, natural remineralization is no longer possible. At this point, a dentist must intervene to restore strength and stop further breakdown.
Pulp – The Heart of the Tooth
The pulp is the living core of the tooth. It is richly supplied with blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerve endings that communicate directly with the brain through the trigeminal nerve.
When the pulp senses trauma or infection, it sends sharp pain signals — a built-in alarm system designed to protect the tooth from further injury. If the pulp becomes irreversibly damaged, a root canal or extraction may be required to prevent infection from spreading.
Cavities, Remineralization, and Fluoride: Facts and Controversies
Cavities begin with a microscopic war on the enamel surface. Bacteria feed on sugars from your diet, releasing acids that lower the pH in your mouth. Once the pH drops below 5.5 for enamel or 6.2 for dentin, minerals begin dissolving from the tooth structure in a process called demineralization.
Saliva serves as the tooth’s natural defense, neutralizing acids and replenishing minerals. But when acid attacks are frequent or saliva is reduced, demineralization wins.
The Case for Fluoride
Fluoride can be incorporated into the enamel structure, forming fluoroapatite, which is more resistant to acid attack than natural hydroxyapatite. This makes the tooth’s surface harder and less likely to decay.
The Case Against Fluoride
Opponents point to studies suggesting excessive fluoride exposure can cause dental fluorosis, bone density changes, and possible neurological effects, especially in developing children. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) advises limiting systemic fluoride intake and focusing on topical application if used at all.
Bottom line: Fluoride can be a valuable cavity-prevention tool, but its use should be tailored to each individual’s health profile, environment, and comfort level with potential risks.
Root Canals: What Really Happens
A root canal is not about pulling out a single nerve like a thread. It is a meticulous process. The dentist creates a small opening in the tooth, carefully removes infected or dying pulp tissue, cleans the inner canals with precision instruments, disinfects the space with solutions (sometimes enhanced with ozone or lasers), and seals it with a biocompatible material.
The debate around root canals centers on whether a non-vital tooth can harbor harmful bacteria that escape into the bloodstream. Holistic dentists may recommend extraction and replacement with ceramic implants, while conventional dentistry prioritizes preserving the natural tooth whenever possible.
The Oral Microbiome: Friend and Foe
Your mouth contains over 700 species of bacteria, along with fungi and other microorganisms. Many of these are beneficial, producing nitric oxide, supporting your immune system, and keeping harmful strains in check.
Using strong antiseptic mouthwash daily can wipe out the good bacteria along with the bad, upsetting the microbial balance. This disruption can lead to more cavities, gum inflammation, and even bad breath.
Common Dental Questions Answered
Oil Pulling – Does It Work?
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic ritual where oil, typically coconut oil, is swished around the mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. Coconut oil contains monolaurin, a potent natural antimicrobial also found in breast milk. This compound can help reduce harmful bacteria, calm gum inflammation, and freshen breath.
It is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but it can be a helpful addition to a holistic oral care routine.
Mouth Sores – Canker vs. Cold Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers): Shallow, painful ulcers inside the mouth. They are not contagious and often result from stress, allergies, or certain foods.
Cold sores (herpes simplex): Fluid-filled blisters on or near the lips. They are contagious and may require antiviral treatment to shorten healing time.
Mouth Breathing and Oral Health
Chronic mouth breathing dries the oral tissues, reduces saliva production, and shifts the mouth’s pH toward acidity. Over time, this environment encourages harmful bacteria, increases cavity risk, and accelerates gum recession. It can also be a sign of airway obstruction or sleep apnea, both of which require medical evaluation.
Silver (Mercury) Fillings: Should You Remove Them?
Silver amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for over a century. They are durable and cost-effective, but they contain approximately 50% mercury. This raises concerns for some patients about potential toxicity, especially when fillings are damaged, worn down, or placed near areas of active chewing.
Whether you should remove a silver filling depends on several factors:
Cosmetic appearance: Some patients dislike the dark metallic look when they smile or speak.
Structural integrity: Fillings with cracks, chips, or gaps may allow bacteria to seep underneath, leading to decay.
Overall health concerns: Individuals with chronic illnesses or heightened sensitivity to heavy metals may want to reduce mercury exposure.
The SMART Protocol for Safe Removal
The Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART), developed by the IAOMT, is designed to minimize mercury vapor and particle exposure during the process. It includes:
Rubber dam isolation to seal off the tooth from the rest of the mouth.
High-volume suction and specialized air filtration to capture particles and vapors at the source.
Protective coverings for the dentist, assistant, and patient, including gowns, eyewear, and head coverings.
Oxygen delivered via a nasal mask so the patient breathes clean air during the procedure.
Chunk removal technique to lift large sections of the filling rather than grinding it into dust.
Continuous water cooling to reduce heat and minimize vapor release.
Optional detox support before and after the procedure, such as activated charcoal or chlorella rinses.
This is a delicate process that should only be performed by a trained dentist using proper safety measures.
Oral Health and Systemic Health
Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body, and poor oral health can have serious systemic consequences.
Heart Health
Periodontal disease has been strongly linked to cardiovascular problems. Harmful bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums, contributing to arterial plaque buildup and inflammation. Studies have shown that people with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease and may have a higher risk of stroke.
Brain Health
The same P. gingivalis bacteria implicated in gum disease have been found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Their toxic enzymes, called gingipenes, can damage neuronal proteins and interfere with normal brain function. Over time, this damage may contribute to memory loss and cognitive decline.
Teeth Whitening: Options and Precautions
A brighter smile can be achieved in several ways, but each method comes with benefits and limitations.
In-office whitening: A dentist applies a concentrated peroxide gel to your teeth and activates it with a special light or laser. This produces dramatic results in about an hour and is ideal for those seeking immediate improvement.
At-home whitening trays: Custom-made trays from your dentist hold a professional-grade gel against your teeth for controlled whitening over several days or weeks.
Over-the-counter strips or kits: Widely available and more affordable, but often less effective and less precise in application.
Whitening agents work by breaking down stains in the enamel through oxidation. However, they can also cause temporary sensitivity, particularly if you have gum recession, worn enamel, or a history of teeth grinding. Always consult your dentist before starting a whitening regimen to ensure it is safe for your specific dental condition.
Building the Ideal Daily Oral Care Routine
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush, paying attention to gentle, circular motions.
Floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles between teeth where brushes cannot reach.
Choose a non-toxic toothpaste that is free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), artificial dyes, and unnecessary chemicals.
Stay hydrated to maintain healthy saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids and protect enamel.
Limit sugary snacks and acidic drinks to reduce the frequency of acid attacks on your teeth.
Consistency is more important than perfection. A well-maintained daily routine significantly lowers your risk of decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Dental Oddities: Mandibular and Maxillary Tori
Some people have extra bony growths in their jaws or along the roof of their mouths called tori.
Mandibular tori appear along the inside of the lower jaw, near the tongue.
Maxillary tori form in the midline of the hard palate.
These growths are benign and usually painless. Most people never require treatment unless the tori interfere with speech, chewing, or the fit of dentures. In such cases, minor oral surgery can remove them.
Ozone Therapy in Dentistry
Ozone is a naturally occurring gas composed of three oxygen atoms, and it is one of nature’s most powerful antimicrobials. In dentistry, it can:
Kill bacteria in cavities before filling.
Disinfect periodontal pockets during gum disease treatment.
Sterilize root canals during endodontic therapy.
Promote faster healing of cold sores and mouth ulcers.
Reduce inflammation and discomfort in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
Some biological dentists also use ozone in prolotherapy, where it is injected into tissues around the teeth or jaw to encourage healing and tissue regeneration.
Gum Recession: Prevention and Solutions
Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, exposing the root surface. This can cause sensitivity, make teeth appear longer, and increase the risk of decay and infection.
Common causes include:
Aggressive brushing with hard bristles.
Teeth grinding or clenching, which puts excessive pressure on gums.
Trauma or injury to gum tissue.
Periodontal disease that destroys supporting structures.
Systemic health issues such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
Treatment options:
The only way to restore lost gum tissue is through a gingival graft, performed by a periodontist. This involves taking tissue, often from the roof of the mouth, and attaching it to the affected area to cover exposed roots and protect the tooth.
Prevention tips:
Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle pressure.
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Address airway and breathing issues that contribute to mouth breathing.
Manage stress to reduce unconscious jaw tension.
Your Mouth as a Mirror to Your Health
Oral health is a reflection of overall health. A healthy mouth supports a healthy heart, brain, and body. By protecting your teeth and gums, you are investing in more than a confident smile — you are safeguarding your long-term wellness.
Regular dental checkups, a thoughtful daily care routine, and informed decisions about treatments can help you maintain strong, healthy teeth for life.
For more dental and wellness insights, follow me on Instagram @SleepBioHacker or visit sleepbiohacker.com.