Tooth infections

Tooth infections, if left unrecognised, can persist for years without causing acute pain, placing an added burden on the immune system.

Gum disease

A common disease widely known as gingivitis can tax the immune system and drain one’s energy reserves. Signs of gingivitis can include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing teeth.

While beyond the scope of this article, gingivitis has also been implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Silver fillings

These types of fillings consist of inorganic mercury and have been shown to slowly release mercury over time, leading to its absorption by the body.

Controversy remains in some circles where debate exists over the extent of mercury exposure from silver fillings, although many of those in the integrative medicine community would recommend caution and champion their removal in a safe and responsible manner.

Root canals

A widespread procedure in conventional dentistry, root canals are designed to remove bacteria from the infected root canal, which prevents additional infection.

Root canals can be helpful in preserving teeth and taking away the pain the patient had prior to the procedure.

They can also provide a fertile environment for bacteria, fungi and other pathogens to thrive over time and, potentially leaking into the mouth and bloodstream, further stressing the immune system.

In some cases, it may be wiser to extract the tooth and remove the source of infection which resided in the tooth, and instead replace it eventually with an implant.

Consulting with a biological dentist can help you decide whether a root canal or extraction is the best course of action.

Cavitations

Another source of infection in the mouth are bone infections, otherwise known as cavitations. These can occur when a tooth, especially a wisdom tooth, is extracted but not properly cleaned.

These infections can lead to chronic inflammation, toxin exposure, and other systemic health issues.

Cavitations may not cause pain, making them harder to identify, although they and other infections stemming from ineffective root canals can be diagnosed through a cone beam CT scan, which can be found in certain dental offices.

In simple terms, unlike traditional 2D x-rays, cone beam scans provide a 3D image that can identify hidden lesions or infections. It is unlikely that a traditional dentist’s office will have access to a cone beam machine.

They are expensive and the scans require specific training to interpret them. As a result, it is again crucial to consider finding a biological dentist in your area who has access to this technology if this is a path you choose to consider.

Biological dentistry places a strong emphasis on the connection between the mouth and its interactions with the whole body.

It also looks at the role of nutrition and its impact on the gut and oral microbiome, reducing overall inflammation, and alternatives to invasive surgeries and toxic products such as mercury.

With this in mind, it is essential to find a dentist who appreciates an integrative approach to dentistry to ensure that potential dental infections or toxicity are suitably diagnosed and importantly redressed if required.

Summing up

Disruptions in the sinuses and mouth often go unnoticed, yet they can significantly impact overall health.

For those dealing with chronic fatigue or other persistent symptoms, investigating these areas could be a key step toward identifying underlying root causes and supporting recovery.