My Top 10 Dental Wellness Resolutions of 2017

By Dr. Gerry Curatola

EDUCATE my patients, professional colleagues and the public on the new science of the Oral Microbiome and its essential role in total body wellness. The importance of promoting oral microbiome homeostasis changes what products should, and should NOT, be used in oral care. The protective and beneficial oral microbiome has been shown to perform many important daily functions such as tooth remineralization and healthy oxygenated gums.

ELIMINATE the ongoing use of dental mercury in dental amalgam fillings by nearly 46% of dentists in the United States. The facts surrounding the health risks of dental mercury use, especially the exposure risks during the removal of dental amalgam to dental patients, dentists, and dental staff, raises serious occupational safety concerns in dental offices, in additional to the long-term concerns with individual patient health.

END the ongoing public health experiment with water fluoridation. The evidenced-based science that has looked at the systemic effects and toxicities related to this practice has caused many doctors and scientists to demand an end to the continual dumping of a known toxic chemical, hydofluorosilicic (hexafluorsilicic) acid, to the drinking water in the name of public health.

ENGAGE in a healthy debate about major healthcare issues including future healthcare policy. Getting dentists “engaged” in discussions related to the important role of oral health in total body wellness, and the corresponding reduction of healthcare costs, is a far cry from the isolationist “drill and fill” occupational role of dentists in the past.

EMPOWER patients to take charge of their individual health. The elimination of harmful products and practices, good nutrition, preventive care and personal fitness is the aim of my book, The Mouth Body Connection (released by Hachette April 2017), my television broadcast, The Dr. Gerry Show (to launch 2017), lectures and individual consultations.

EMPLOY other men and women who share the same vision and mission for the future of dentistry and healthcare. All front desk staff, dental assistants, dental hygienists, and associate doctors play a vital role in empowering and educating patients. They must “walk the talk” in their own lives as well, while their enthusiasm to improve the health and wellness of patients remains their primary concern.

ELEVATE the practice of dentistry and the promotion of oral health to the “front line” of the wellness movement. Gum disease has even been identified as a higher risk factor for heart attack than high cholesterol. Conversely, in several major studies, the improvement of oral health has been shown to reduce overall healthcare costs by as much as 21%, especially for costs related to diabetes, heart disease and stroke. We now know that you cannot be healthy without a healthy mouth.

EVOLVE the use of everyday oral care products. Toothpaste and most oral care products were a development of sorts from the major soap makers. These detergent-based products were thought to be good for “freshening the mouth.” Alcohol-based mouthwashes soon followed with the same objective. The idea of “killing bacteria” and eliminating plaque subsequently, followed by the cosmetic aim of “whitening teeth.” Revitin toothpaste, an all-natural, organic, prebiotic product, promotes a healthy balanced oral flora which is also the most effective way to freshen breath and whiten teeth.

ENDOW healthcare projects and initiatives that support integrative healthcare, preventive healthcare, access to healthcare, healthcare research, and education.

ENJOY life, family, friends, and loved ones. There is an expression, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work another day in your life!” I can say that is absolutely true, although I do enjoy a vacation once in a while. I look forward to bringing oral health forward on the global scale, and partnering with other healthcare practitioners with a common mission.