Choosing a Biological Dentist – Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on March 27, 2018 by Dr Villarreal

Choosing a Biological Dentist, Newbury Park

How is a biological dentist different from a traditional dentist?

The difference between the two dental professionals depends on their approach to addressing a specific dental problem. While a traditional dentist would propose a treatment that seeks to resolve the symptoms of the dental problem, without necessarily considering its origin or the implications of the treatment on your general health, a biological dentist aims at resolving the dental problem in its entirety, from its origin to prevention so a similar problem doesn’t arise.

Dr. David Villarreal is a Certified Biological Dentist in Newbury Park, CA. Learn More »

Does your practice use safe, non-toxic materials?

Biological dentists are aware that anything that you put in your mouth has a direct or indirect impact on your entire body. They’re committed to using safe, biocompatible, and non-toxic products in your treatments. This means that they oppose the use of mercury-based, silver fillings, and even offer the safe removal of amalgam fillings to reduce exposure to the toxic mercury vapors.

Learn More About Amalgam Filling Removal in Newbury Park »

Do you test for biocompatibility?

Biological dentists recognize that there is a strong relationship between the mouth and the body. By taking into account that some patients may develop sensitivities to certain dental products, biological dentists perform biocompatibility testing, such as kinesiology (muscle testing) and blood test in order to determine the filling materials that won’t affect your health adversely.

Do you advocate for non-surgical dentistry?

While traditional dentists readily perform “drill and fill” dental procedures, biological dentists advocate for conservative, non-surgical, and minimally invasive dentistry, which seeks to address dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even cosmetic issues without necessarily using procedures that harm healthy teeth and gum tissue.

What minimally invasive technologies do you use?

Most biological dentists use advanced technologies such as air abrasion or “drill-less” dentistry, which helps to treat the early stages of tooth decay without and to prepare teeth for restorations; ozone therapy, which uses water and oxygen to treat gum disease and oral infections; laser therapy to sterilize root canals and treat gum disease; and CAD/CAM technology to help make precise restorations.

The Biological Dentist Approach

At BioDental Healing, we take a biological approach, which is why we fully support the use of lasers in our practice as an effective way to assist and treat in dental procedures. We understand the intimate relationship between our biological systems and the mouth. It’s a complex relationship that must factor in timing, materials used, techniques used, and quantity of procedures performed in order to achieve the highest possible level of oral and overall health.

Do you have more questions about biological dentistry? Don’t hesitate to contact our office online or call us at (805) 375-2233.

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White Fillings, Tooth Colored Fillings (100% BPA Free)

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Dr Villarreal

When it comes to choosing a filling material to restore a broken or decayed tooth, many people prefer the virtually undetectable, tooth-colored composite fillings and other white, non-metal fillings over the traditional silver fillings. While aesthetics is an important consideration, you should also think about the biocompatibility of the material.

White Fillings, Tooth Colored Fillings (100% BPA Free)

Most dental filling materials contain a controversial chemical known as BPA, or Bisphenol A, which is found in plastics and has been associated with a number of detrimental health effects. Just like metals (mercury vapor in specific) are said to leach into the bloodstream over time, researchers have also found that there are some oral enzymes that cause BPA from composite dental fillings to leak into the bloodstream.

Getting 100% BPA Free Composite Restorations

If looking to fill a cavity or replace your amalgam mercury fillings with white, tooth-colored composite fillings, you should ensure that they don’t contain any BPA. Scientists claim that the BPA is released in abundance immediately after the filling has been placed, with only trace amounts being detected in the body after 24 hours.

Though the release of BPA in your bloodstream is not continuous, as is the case with mercury vapor, most health-conscious patients enjoy peace of mind knowing that their dentist has used the safest materials and treatment approaches possible.

Some of the benefits of BPA free composite fillings include:

Zero worries about toxic chemicals leaching into your bloodstream
Composite is virtually undetectable for a natural-looking smile
Composite is unaffected by temperature variations
Biocompatibility leads to the formation of natural bonds and stronger restorations compared to silver fillings

Biocompatibility Testing

Although there are some materials that are considered broadly biocompatible, and can be safely used on the vast majority of the population, each person is unique biochemically. Your dentist should test any dental materials against your blood serum to ensure biocompatibility, in addition to taking into account your own history of illnesses, environmental exposures, and medical and dental treatments, among others.

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Natural Ways to Improve Oral Healthcare

Posted on January 18, 2018 by Dr Villarreal

Your mouth is filled with microorganisms or bacteria, some of which are beneficial and aid in food digestion and protect your teeth and gums from harmful bacteria. The harmful bacteria, on the other hand, is responsible for nearly every oral health concern, including gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. There are natural ways to improve oral healthcare.

Natural Ways to Improve Oral Healthcare

Properly controlling the level of harmful bacteria in your mouth is key to ensuring optimal oral and general health. Allowing bacteria and plaque to build up in your mouth increases the risk of these microbes getting into your bloodstream, where they may aggravate conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, or induce low birth weight or bacterial pneumonia.

Improve Oral Healthcare Naturally

Fortunately, you can easily control the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth through a combination of good at-home oral care practices and regular dental visits and professional cleanings. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, there are a few other ways to improve your oral health, like:

Oil Pulling

This is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that involves a simple swish and swirl of coconut oil or another essential oil to draw toxins (plaque) from your oral cavity and spit them out with the oil. This promotes white teeth, fresher breath, and reduces the risk of gum disease and cavities while improving your general health.

Tongue Scraping

The tongue is often neglected when brushing and flossing your teeth, allowing food debris, dead cells, and bacteria to build up and move to your teeth and gums as soon as you finish cleaning your mouth. Consider cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper every day to reduce the level of bad bacteria in your mouth and, thereby, reduce the risk of gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and any adverse effects to your cardiovascular and respiratory health.

Benefits of a Natural Diet

To effectively improve your oral health holistically, you must also adjust your diet and lifestyle. Consider reducing the amount of sugary and acidic foods that you consume as they increase bacteria buildup and tooth erosion. Colored drinks, alcohol, and tobacco products might also stain your teeth and increase tooth wear, so they’re best avoided or used in moderation.

Visit a Biological Dentist in Newbury Park, CA

Looking for the best dentist in Conejo Valley? Dr. David Villarreal is the top rated dentist in Conejo Valley, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks and surrounding areas. If you have any dental care need, contact us to request your appointment today.

Posted in Biological Dentist, natural health | Tagged how to improve teeth, improve your oral health naturally, natural ways to clean teeth | Comments Off

BioDental Healing is An Official Toys for Tots Drop-Off Location

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Dr Villarreal

This year our office has been selected as a drop-off site for Toys for Tots Program – a national program to collect, new, unwrapped toys and deliver them to the less fortunate.

Drop off your toy donations at our office Monday-Thursday anytime between 7:30am and 4:30pm. LAST DAY is December 7th.

Drop-off Location: 1000 Newbury Rd.; Ste. 250 Newbury Park, CA 91320.

toys for tots

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Periodontal Disease and the Risk Factors

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Dr Villarreal

Periodontitis is a disease that many want to learn about. Please note this is a brief overview.

Periodontal Disease occurs when inflammatory diseases affect the gums and tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. If periodontitis is not treated in the proper time and manner, infections around the teeth can occur that will lead to erosion of teeth/tooth.

Gingivitis is a disease that occurs prior to Periodontitis. Once bacteria starts to form and grow on the surface of the tooth, (Plaque begins to extend below your gumline) your body’s immune system will begin to resist the bacteria.

Periodontal Disease and the Risk Factors

There are some risk factors for Periodontal Disease.

Smoking. Another reason to think about quitting! Smoking is a noteworthy factor that is associated with the development of periodontal diseases. Typically, smoking can lower the prospects of successful treatments.
Diabetes. If have diabetes you maybe develop infections at a higher risk, this also includes periodontal disease.
Medications. Antidepressants and some heart medicines are some drugs that, can affect oral health because they decrease the flow of saliva. (It is important to note that Saliva has a protective effect on gums and teeth.)
Stress. Research conveys that stress can increase the difficulty for our bodies to fight tooth infections, this also includes periodontal disease.
Illnesses. Diseases and their treatments can also have an affect on the health of gums.

There are other factors and more information about periodontal disease, as noted above this is a brief overview. BioDental Healing would love to help answer any questions you have about dentistry, we are committed to providing the Newbury Park community with information and support about all dental procedures.

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The Latest Teeth Whitening Craze: Activated Charcoal

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Dr Villarreal

It sounds bizarre and perhaps borderline insane, but charcoal actually has the possibility of whitening teeth. Here’s the catch: it’s not the charcoal you may be thinking of, it’s called activated charcoal – a specific kind of charcoal that has been “activated” by the usage of certain gasses. These gasses make the charcoal pure and safe to use in our mouths.

Understand that the charcoal used in barbecues is different from the activated charcoal that we’re talking about in this article. This means that you shouldn’t grab a few charcoal briquettes and place them into your mouth (we’re hoping no one has ever done this!).

The Latest Teeth Whitening Craze: Activated Charcoal Activated charcoal works naturally through a process known as adsorption. Adsorption works like a magnet – in that it draws, or magnetizes, materials away from your teeth and onto the activated charcoal. Specifically, it draws away the tannins that have formed on your teeth from years of staining.

How Can You Use Activated Charcoal?

You can sprinkle activated charcoal into toothpaste or create a tooth powder or you can mix up a charcoal slurry which is created by mixing a small amount of powder with a small amount of water.

You can also hold it in your mouth against the front teeth for a few minutes after you have brushed your teeth.

You can purchase activated charcoal in bulk and use it in powder form or the slurry method described above. This is not always possible and sometimes it is difficult to find charcoal powder, so you can also purchase it in capsules or in tablets.

The capsules can be opened up and poured into water and the tablets can be crushed into a powder. Activated charcoal tablets are widely available at drug stores and health food stores near you.

How Does Activated Charcoal Work?

This is how activated charcoal works – it draws the impurities out of something and adsorbs them.

Adsorbtion differs from absorption in that it draws materials to it similar to a magnet, and holding those materials inside pores. The area where the charcoal has been used is left clean.

Using activated charcoal can be an effective way to whiten teeth because it draws tannins and removes them from teeth.

Tannins are the ingredient in food that stain your tooth enamel and cause your teeth to look dingy.

The effect of charcoal in the mouth is that it makes your whole mouth black and nasty looking, but it really does do a great job of cleaning up your teeth and removing impurities.

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Medications That May Interfere With Your Oral Health

Posted on September 6, 2017 by Dr Villarreal

Medications That May Interfere With Your Oral Health

Most of us are aware that medications we take come with side effects. However, most of us are probably unaware that the medications we take may also be interfering with our oral health.

Oral Side Effects of Certain Medications

Saliva Production Decrease

Many medications have the potential to decrease the amount of saliva our body naturally produces in order to fight bacteria. This makes your teeth vulnerable to decay if you do not respond to the matter.

These medications include:

Antihistamines used for allergies (i.e. Claritin)
Decongestants (i.e. Sudafed)
Painkillers (i.e. Advil or ibuprofen)
Diuretics (i.e. high blood pressure medication)

Sores and Inflammation Inside the Mouth

If you take one of these types of medications, then you may be prone to experiencing sores or other sources of inflammation in the mouth:

High blood pressure pills
Immunosuppressive medication
Contraceptives

White Spots in the Mouth

If you have asthma and use an inhaler to keep your airways open, then pay attention to fungal infections known as thrush. It causes white spots in the mouth that are painful. It is advised to rinse the mouth out after using your inhaler.

Unusual Bleeding During Procedures

This is not a direct effect, but certain blood thinner medications have the potential to cause heavy bleeding during dental procedures such as root planning, gum surgery, tooth extractions, or other procedures that cause bleeding.

Consistently Updating Your Dentist

Of course it’s important to brush and floss your teeth every day and night, but you should also update your dentist of any new medications you are on every time you see them. This way adjustments and prescriptions may be made without jeopardizing your health.

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“Healthy Mind, Health Body” – An 8-Part Life Empowering Course

Posted on August 4, 2017 by Dr Villarreal

An eight-part course that will either positively change, or save your life!

Starting Monday September 11th.

Are you feeling energetic, alive and alert?

Has your health been optimal and vibrant?

If not, there’s a possibility that you may be unconsciously sabotaging your well-being. Our Healthy Mind, Healthy Body class is an eight-part course that will either positively change, or save your life!

We feel that information equals power, and information about self is empowerment. Are you feeling empowered in and with your body?

If not, then maybe more cutting-edge information about this vehicle that carries you around is in order.

We are living in a different world than the one many of us baby boomers were raised in. Now there are more things that we should or should not be doing that are influencing how much energy we have, and our ability to fight off disease. If our system is compromised, we feel the effects of illness. What if there were basic things that you could do that would change all that?

This class is designed to give you the information that’s needed to make the educated decisions to own your optimal health.

This course will identify by body part, how our thoughts, feelings and actions can create illness. We will share and focus how to heal with new habits, constructive thinking, and effective power statements that will create greater health and vitality.

These classes are formatted in easy to understand language for everyone who attends. You will receive an extensive handout that coincides with the classroom power point presentation. Our goal is to make this interesting, and fun, while still being informative.

Each week we are bringing in the experts to share their knowledge and expertise. You’ll know more about how your body works than ever before, and during the eight weeks we will be so excited to watch you gain the energy and enthusiasm for life that you were born with.

Dr. David Villarreal presents “Healthy Mind, Health Body”

Dates: Monday’s from September 11th – Monday October 30th

7:30 till 9:00

Location: 28720 Roadside Drive, Suite 335 Agoura Hills 91301

Tuition: $40 per week or $280 paid up front (one free class)

For more information or to reserve a space, please contact:

Nick 818-865-8770 nnewmont@gmail.com

Audrey 818-665-6165 anewmont@gmail.com

Call now to reserve your space as seating is limited.

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Halitosis- Causes and Prevention

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Dr Villarreal

Halitosis - Causes and Prevention Have you ever woken up in the morning and realized you’ve got bad-smelling breath? Do you find that you sometimes have trouble making it go away? For many people, morning breath isn’t just an unfortunate side effect of a good night’s sleep. Chronic bad breath can last throughout the day and leave your friends and loved ones covering their noses. It can be an embarrassing topic for those who suffer from it.

Bad breath can be caused by several different factors, but the most common one is a buildup of bacteria in the mouth.

What Causes Halitosis?

We all know that eating certain foods like garlic and onions causes bad breath, but did you know there are other more serious causes? Some illnesses may also cause bad breath. Some of these illnesses include: pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, liver or kidney problems. Medication can also cause bad breath. Most halitosis is caused by gasses secreted by bacteria in the mouth. If a medicine is causing the problem, then discuss possible alternative medications with your doctor and/or dentist.

Prevent Halitosis

The good news is that you can prevent bad breath by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush three times a day with toothpaste. Also, brush your teeth after you eat. Flossing once a day is recommended by the American Dental Association to avoid plaque buildup. Getting rid of debris like plaque can significantly benefit your oral health, and in turn, the smell of your breath. For more information on oral health, good hygiene habits, or to schedule an appointment with a dentist who can help, call 805-375-2233.

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Is There a Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

Posted on July 14, 2017 by Dr Villarreal

plaque and tartar Perhaps you’ve read on your very own toothpaste: “Tartar control” or “Reduces plaque”. We’re betting you looked at this and subconsciously concluded that it sounded like a positive benefit. We’re also betting that you had no idea as to what these terms even meant (if you did then brownie points for you!).

Surprisingly, plaque and tartar are very similar in a couple of ways:

They both form on your teeth through a chemical reaction that takes place inside of your mouth when you begin to break down food and
Unfortunately for us, they both are comprised of bacteria that happen to be harmful to our teeth and gums.

So Exactly What is Dental Plaque and Tartar?

Well, dental plaque is actually a colorless film that sticks, or adheres, to our teeth. It develops on our teeth throughout the day as we break down food. Because it’s colorless, the naked eye cannot detect it.

The good news is that plaque does not terribly threaten our oral health as long as we maintain a steady routine of brushing and flossing.

When we do not keep up with our oral hygiene routine, then plaque that has been resting on your teeth will eventually become a hardened solid that is known as tartar (some may also refer to it as calculus – they refer to the same thing). Tartar becomes troublesome because once formed, a toothbrush cannot remove it. Toothpastes that claim “tartar control” do not help remove tartar, they help prevent tartar formation.

A Never Ending War

Picture the whole idea behind plaque and tartar as a war. On one side we have you and your army of toothbrushes and dental floss with plaque/tartar and their army of bacteria on the other side. It’s a battle that never ends – it takes place every single day. The best thing you can do is keep your enemy at bay (in this case keeping plaque at bay).

Now, when you visit your dentist every 6 months you begin to really shove the enemy back. This is because your dentist is able to provide you with a professional cleaning that not only wipes out any plaque on your teeth, but also removes any tartar as well.

Fight the battle, win the war – make sure you brush and floss your teeth every day so that you do not fall victim to more serious problems such as gum disease, gingivitis, or bone loss.

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