COVID-19 infections are no joke. They are insidious at times, and also catastrophic. The partnership of biotechnology and clinical care has been really beneficial in a "counterstrike" against the ravages of the disease. The rapid and robust sharing of information and research has given us crucial knowledge and strategies to combat acute problems, as well as the Long COVID challenges. Oral health sits squarely within the short- and long-term processes of COVID-19.  Here at our clinic, we're still upholding sound prevention and infection control standards. We are also aware that anyone who has been affected by the disease may have… [ Read More ]

Let's take a blog moment to recognize an important, yet complex area of healthcare: Terrain Theory. (Excerpt from Rhondalyn Smith Brustoski, ND*, Doctorate of Naturopathy, Nature Cure Health and Wellness, LLC) "Functional medicine practitioners are no stranger to the terrain theory over the germ theory. Biological dentists, like most alternative health experts, advocate for the terrain theory. Gum disease and tooth decay are not infectious diseases. They are caused by the environment inside the mouth that makes a person susceptible to cavities and gum deterioration, and this is often linked to toxicity. Many biological dentists believe that bacteria don’t directly… [ Read More ]

We've posted about the health benefits of eliminating amalgam fillings in the past. And more evidence and understanding is still being generated with more studies to support that treatment. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), in conjunction with California researchers and leaders, have issued a press release and associated research that show an excessive amount of mercury exposure is occurring with patients who have metal fillings. We are proud to be members of the IAOMT. And we would be happy to discuss how to safely remove dental amalgams from your life. Call us today at 206.362.5400! [ Read More ]

I've been following Dr Michael Greger for a while now. He does a great job investigating natural or food-based therapies and supplements for wellness and health. Recently, he posted an update on oil pulling. There is an evidence-based benefit to daily oil pulling to alleviate sensitive teeth. It did about as well when compared with manufactured desensitizing products. And there is an ancillary benefit to keeping the skin of the mouth more comfortable when patients are suffering from a dry mouth condition. Apart from that, there isn't any benefit of oil pulling. Not for controlling gum disease, whitening teeth, or… [ Read More ]

Greetings, everyone! Hope your daylight saving went well this past week. Here's to a bright new season around the corner. Speaking of bright new seasons, the COVID season has changed as well. And hopefully for the better. With the termination of state mandates for indoor masking, it's important to clarify what our guidelines will be for the foreseeable future. As a healthcare facility, we are maintaining our protocols and precautions as we did before the end of the mandates. This means our team will continue to use room air filtration, disinfect the facility regularly, and continue to wear masks during clinic hours. We… [ Read More ]

The FDA has recognized mercury amalgam fillings as hazardous for certain patient groups since 2020 (our opinion is that it shouldn't be limited; it is hazardous for all patient groups). The FDA is still open for comments regarding their advisory on mercury fillings. Click Here for details of the story from our partners at IAOMT, the organization that includes Dr. Rafoth as a member in good standing. [ Read More ]

Well, we’ve got good news, and we’ve got more good news. Erin has been accepted to dental hygiene school at the Pima Institute. And we’re happy to welcome Lauren as her successor! We’re really lucky to have Lauren here. Some things to know about Loren: she subsists “almost completely on tostadas,” enjoys making “mediocre” music; she is a huge plant lover, with her favorite species being alocasia bambino. She grew up in the Fresno area. And since moving up to Seattle, she’s been a certified dental assistant for three years. We’re looking forward to a long relationship with her! [ Read More ]

It really is a great thing to see another perspective on a more evidence-based approach to treating tooth grinding. Here's a recent NYT article about it: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/16/well/live/tooth-grinding-night-guards.html?smid=em-share Postural and orthopedic issues, sleep hygiene challenges, and diet are huge factors that promote grinding. Some patients have a lack of space for their tongue because their teeth or jaws are too crowded or small to allow the oral airway to accomodate a tongue; the tongue then falls into the airway and breathing stops. No breathing promotes tooth grinding.  There's simply nothing that can be done for an anatomic or orthodontic deficiency other than… [ Read More ]

So you know we practice holistic dentistry. The most widely used definition by patients is "dentistry that doesn't apply or employ materials or techniques that include mercury and other elements that can challenge overall health and wellness." Holistic dentistry is that and a lot more. Holistic dentistry is integrative; it incorporates your medical conditions, social, psychological, and physical health when planning and providing your care. Is biologic dentistry the same thing? Yes. And more. Biologic dentistry is a style of practice that is holistic. These are my four key tenets of biologic dentistry: 1) Prevent loss of function and structure before, during, and after dentofacial… [ Read More ]

There's lots of choices in the marketplace for straightening your teeth--Smile Direct, Uniform Teeth, Byte, etc. There's surely more to come. They certainly have cheaper pricing than the reliable guidance from your dentist or orthodontist. Personally, I love the clear aligner method for orthodontics. It has some clear advantages over traditional bracket-and-wire techniques. Your daily hygiene routines are easier to follow; flossing and brushing are just as easy as always, and your smile stays food-free. Abrasions of the lips and cheeks are not as common with clear aligner treatment--no need for smushing balls of wax on teeth to guard against canker sores. And the… [ Read More ]