Dr. Dominik Nischwitz: The Hidden Dangers in Your Oral Hygiene Routine | The Ultimate Human | Ep. 85
Added: Aug 7, 2024
Dr. Dominik Nischwitz, a world-leading biological dentist, joined Gary Brecka on The Ultimate Human podcast to discuss the often-overlooked connection between oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Nischwitz, known as Dr. Dom, trains other dentists in the practice of biological dentistry, which he defines as the overlap of high-tech dentistry with functional medicine and health optimization.
The Importance of Biological Dentistry
Dr. Dom emphasizes that the mouth is the gateway to overall health, serving as the entrance to the gut system and the body. He explains that teeth are not just hard biting structures but tiny organs directly connected to the brain through the trigeminal nerve. This connection means that any dental work or repair can affect the whole body. Dr. Dom criticizes conventional dentistry for not connecting the mouth to the body, treating it as an isolated realm.
The podcast host, Gary Brecka, shares his personal experience with biological dentistry. After having a cracked root canal tooth extracted and cleaned by a biological dentist, Brecka experienced the resolution of several seemingly unrelated health issues, including shoulder pain, lung pain, and toe numbness. This experience led him to become an advocate for biological dentistry.
Oral Interference and Systemic Health
Dr. Dom introduces the concept of "oral interference," which refers to dental issues that can imbalance the microbiome, immune system, and nervous system on a daily basis. He suggests that people ask themselves three questions to determine if they might have oral interference: Do they have metals in their mouth? Have they had root canals? Have they had wisdom teeth pulled? If the answer to any of these is yes, they might benefit from seeing a biological dentist.
The dentist explains that cavitations, areas of chronic inflammation in the jaw often resulting from tooth extractions, can harbor bacteria, parasites, and toxins. These cavitations can affect overall health without causing local pain or obvious symptoms. He also discusses the problems associated with root canals, which can lead to chronic infections and inflammation that may not be apparent through traditional diagnostics.
The Dangers of Metals in the Mouth
Dr. Dom highlights three main challenges associated with metals in the mouth: toxicity, immunology, and electromagnetic field (EMF) interference. He explains that amalgam fillings, which contain 50% mercury, pose a significant health risk. Mercury vapor is released from these fillings daily through chewing, grinding, and oral hygiene practices, and can accumulate in the body over time.
The dentist also points out that people can develop allergies to various metals used in dental work, including gold and nickel. Furthermore, he suggests that metals in the mouth can act as antennas for electromagnetic fields, potentially exacerbating health issues.
Breastfeeding and Oral Development
Dr. Dom emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding for proper oral development in infants. He recommends breastfeeding for at least 18 months, as the sucking action helps develop the jaw and encourages proper breathing. He also notes that breastfeeding transfers the mother's microbiome to the baby, which is crucial for overall health.
However, he cautions that mothers should prepare for pregnancy by detoxifying their bodies, as toxins can be passed to the baby through breast milk. He suggests that many modern dental issues, such as crowded teeth and mouth breathing, result from processed foods and inadequate jaw development.
A New Approach to Oral Hygiene
Dr. Dom argues that conventional dental hygiene theory is outdated and that lifestyle factors are more important than traditional oral care practices. He advocates for a more natural approach to oral care, avoiding fluoride and chemical mouthwashes. Instead, he recommends using hydroxyapatite toothpaste, which contains the same mineral found in teeth, and oil pulling with coconut oil for its antibacterial and antiviral properties.
The dentist outlines his ideal daily oral hygiene routine, which includes tongue scraping, oil pulling, and brushing with a non-toxic toothpaste. He emphasizes the importance of waiting 30 minutes after eating before brushing to allow saliva to remineralize the teeth.
The Oral Microbiome and Systemic Health
Dr. Dom discusses the significance of the oral microbiome, noting that it's the second largest and most diverse microbiome in the body. He explains that 50% of the gut microbiome comes from the mouth, highlighting the interconnectedness of oral and gut health. The dentist stresses that dental procedures and materials can disrupt the oral microbiome, potentially leading to systemic health issues.
Identifying Oral Health Issues
For those unsure if they have oral health issues requiring attention, Dr. Dom suggests looking for signs beyond obvious pain or bleeding. He notes that chronic health issues that seem unresolvable might be linked to oral interference. The dentist explains that root canals, cavitations, or metal fillings can trigger the sympathetic nervous system, putting the body in a chronic stress mode that can affect various aspects of health, including fertility.
Heart Rate Variability and Oral Health
Dr. Dom discusses the use of heart rate variability (HRV) measurements in his practice to assess patients' overall health and stress levels. He emphasizes the importance of understanding individual baselines rather than comparing to population averages. The dentist plans to incorporate real-time HRV measurements in his clinic to better assess patients' readiness for procedures and overall resilience.
Being an Ultimate Human
When asked what it means to be an "ultimate human," Dr. Dom describes it as feeling like a child, waking up with no problems, having abundant energy, good sleep, perfect mental health, and time for training, family, and work. He emphasizes the importance of being in a flow state and living as we're designed to live. The dentist shares his personal journey of overcoming health issues and mental health struggles, which led him to his current mission of empowering others to achieve optimal health.
Dr. Dom concludes by expressing his desire to inspire others through example, likening health advocates to "Health Avengers" who can motivate people to take charge of their well-being. He emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences to help others on their health journeys, particularly for those dealing with chronic illnesses or seeking to optimize their already good health.