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About the Episode

Remove mercury amalgams to start detoxing!

Join holistic, biologic and biomimetic dentist, Dr. Yuko Torigoe, as she dives deep into these new approaches to dentistry. She and Wendie discuss the health impacts of mercury and other toxic fillings, proper ways to have them removed, and give you actionable steps to prioritize your oral health.

Listen now and take the first step to start detoxing from heavy metals!

What We Discuss

If you have dental implants, chances are you’ve been living with sources of toxins inside your mouth for decades. Many materials used in fillings and other treatments are made from heavy metals, including mercury amalgams. This is because traditional dentistry places a lower emphasis on biocompatibility and safety, which should ideally be a top priority. Instead, biologic dentistry focuses on choosing materials with a primary concern for safety. In addition, traditional dental education tends to teach aggressive tooth-cutting techniques, and while some dentists aim to be less invasive, the curriculum lacks adequate guidance on more creative, conservative approaches.

Biomimetic dentistry, on the other hand, seeks to preserve as much tooth structure as possible, maintaining the vitality of the tooth even with larger cavities. It emphasizes the impact of implants on the overall body, prioritizing safety over expediency or convenience. By combining a safety-focused biologic approach with the nature-preserving principles of biomimetic dentistry, Dr. Torigoe aims to achieve a comprehensive and minimally invasive dental practice.

Mercury Amalgams and Toxic Fillings

Many people have old dental amalgams made from up to 50% mercury. These types of filling are continuously releasing mercury into the body when we eat, drink, brush, or grind our teeth. Removing them is crucial to decreasing our toxic exposure and, when extracted, they require special biohazard disposal. Dr. Torigoe’s practice is both mercury-free and mercury-safe. This means they do not use any filling materials containing mercury, while also ensuring the safe removal of existing fillings.

It’s noteworthy that some dentists, although not placing new amalgam fillings, may not adhere to safe removal practices when dealing with existing ones. As a holistic dentist, Dr. Torigoe prioritizes specialized removal measures, such as coverings, nasal cannulas, and dedicated rooms, to minimize mercury amalgam vapor and particulate exposure during removal.

Find an Expert

Mercury has severe implications for long-term health, affecting everything from brain function to promoting autoimmune diseases, thyroid disease, hair loss, and more. It tends to accumulate in bones, organs, and fat, contributing to weight retention and impacting female health with problematic periods and other issues.

Given these broad health concerns, it’s crucial to take proactive measures. SMART-Certified doctors undergo thorough tests, so it’s crucial to seek out professionals with certifications rather than relying solely on self-proclaimed titles like “biologic dentist,” which lack standardized criteria. Don’t be swayed by marketing; instead, scrutinize credentials.

If you currently have mercury amalgams or silver fillings, seeking the right professional for removal is essential. Taking care of your oral health is vital as it directly impacts overall well-being and can aid in detoxification.

Listen now and start prioritizing your oral health today!

Guest Bio

Dr. Yuko Torigoe, DMD, NMD, IBDM, AIAOMT. Born and raised in Okayama, Japan, Dr. Yuko moved to Pasadena, TX when she was sponsored by the Pasadena Rotary Club as a high school exchange student. She decided to continue her education in the U.S. and subsequently attended Texas A&M University where she earned her B.S. in Biomedical Sciences. After living in Texas for six years, Dr. Yuko decided to attend Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Becoming a dentist was a dream of hers since she was six years old when she had an unforgettable experience at her dentist who inspired her to become a dentist just like him. Immediately after she graduated from dental school in 2001, she was recruited by one of the most respected professors at Boston University to become a full-time associate dentist at Chestnut Hill Dental where she built her foundation as a caring and compassionate dentist for more than thirteen years.

In 2014, Dr. Yuko and her husband moved to Chicago for a year. In Chicago, she met Dr. Janet Stopka, who taught her about the dangers of mercury use in dentistry and also introduced her to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). After learning how she could offer her patients a safer approach through biologic and holistic dentistry, Dr. Yuko became a member of IAOMT. Dr. Yuko worked alongside Dr. Stopka for one year and this work led Dr. Yuko to become an active and Accredited Member of IAOMT. She is not only an IAOMT board member, she is also on several committees including the International Committee, the Dental School Committee, and the Disciplinary Committee. Dr. Yuko is one of two accredited IAOMT members in the Boston area (Dr. Mayr is the other one). In addition, her strong desire to practice biomimetic dentistry has led her to be trained under her mentors like Dr. David Alleman, Dr. Matt Nejad, Dr. Simone Deliperi and Dr. Pascal Magne. Dr. Yuko truly enjoys preserving as much nature as possible in dentistry which has been the most rewarding part of biomimetic dentistry.

Links

IG @harmonyboston
@dr_yuko
https://www.harmonyboston.com/

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