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This article may be reprinted free of charge provided 1) that there is clear attribution to the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, and 2) that both the OMNS free subscription link http://orthomolecular.org/subscribe.html and also the OMNS archive link http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml are included. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Silent Threat: Hidden Dental Infections and Their Devastating Impact on Health
by Richard Z. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D.Many of us may take our oral health for granted, believing that if our teeth look fine and we aren't experiencing any obvious pain, everything is well. However, this assumption may be putting our entire health at risk. According to Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., author of Hidden Epidemic: Silent Oral Infections Cause Most Heart Attacks and Breast Cancers and The Toxic Tooth: How a Root Canal Could Be Making You Sick, there is a silent epidemic lurking in our mouths-chronic, often undiagnosed oral infections that can lead to severe systemic health issues. The consequences of these hidden infections are far-reaching, contributing to life-threatening conditions like heart disease, breast cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic fatigue. The Link Between Oral Infections and Chronic DiseasesLevy's research highlights a critical but underappreciated fact: oral infections, such as periodontal disease or infections stemming from root canals, are not isolated problems. They can silently spread harmful bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream, triggering widespread inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a well-established driver of many chronic diseases, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and various forms of cancer. Most notably, Levy points to the strong connection between untreated dental infections and heart disease. He explains that when bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, they can cause the blood vessels to become inflamed, leading to the formation of plaques in the arteries. Over time, this plaque buildup can contribute to the development of coronary artery disease, the leading cause of heart attacks. Similarly, Levy suggests that oral infections can also be a significant contributor to breast cancer. The constant systemic inflammation caused by undetected infections may be a major factor in the development of these diseases, according to his research. The Root Canal Dilemma: A Hidden Source of ToxicityAnother critical message from Levy's books is the alarming risks posed by root canals. Root canal treatments are a common dental procedure performed to save infected teeth. However, Levy argues that even after a tooth undergoes a root canal, it always harbors chronic bacterial infections deep within its roots. These infections often go unnoticed because there are no immediate symptoms, but they persist and release harmful toxins into the bloodstream. Levy emphasizes that these toxins can have a cumulative effect on the body, contributing to everything from fatigue and brain fog to autoimmune diseases and even heart disease. The bacteria and their by-products trapped inside root-canaled teeth cannot be fully eradicated through conventional dental treatments, making these teeth a hidden source of ongoing toxicity. In Levy's view, the best approach to dealing with these infected teeth is not to perform root canals but to extract them entirely, preventing the continuous leakage of harmful substances into the body. The Need for Awareness and Proactive CareLevy's books serve as a call to action for both patients and dental professionals to rethink the way we view oral health. Too often, dental checkups focus on the visible aspects of oral hygiene-plaque removal, teeth cleaning, and cavity checks-while overlooking the much deeper issue of hidden oral infections. These infections can be silent and asymptomatic, making them easy to miss in routine dental visits. Yet, their potential to wreak havoc on the body's immune system and lead to chronic, life-threatening diseases cannot be underestimated. Levy advocates for more comprehensive diagnostic approaches in dentistry. He encourages dentists to adopt a more proactive stance in identifying and treating infections that are not immediately obvious, such as those within the gums or beneath the surface of treated teeth. In addition, he calls for a better understanding of the link between oral health and overall well-being, urging both healthcare providers and patients to consider the broader implications of untreated oral infections. A Holistic Approach to Oral HealthUltimately, Levy's work stresses the importance of a holistic approach to oral health, one that recognizes the mouth as an integral part of the body's overall health system. Rather than treating the mouth as a separate entity, we should consider the impact of oral infections on the entire body. This means prioritizing dental care that not only addresses visible symptoms but also actively works to prevent and manage hidden infections that can cause long-term harm. For those already dealing with heart disease, autoimmune conditions, or chronic illness, Levy suggests that addressing oral health should be a priority. Dental professionals and patients alike need to be aware of the silent risks that can emerge from seemingly minor oral issues, and seek out more advanced treatments, such as the removal of infected teeth, when necessary. While conventional dentistry tends to focus on preserving teeth at all costs, Levy's work urges us to reconsider this approach, especially when it comes to the hidden dangers posed by root canal-treated teeth. Dr. Thomas E. Levy at the National Health Federation ConferenceDr. Thomas E. Levy will be discussing these critical issues in depth at the upcoming National Health Federation's annual conference, scheduled for March 14-16, 2025, in Dallas, TX. His talk will shed further light on the significant health risks posed by hidden dental infections and how they are linked to serious chronic diseases. This is a must-attend event for anyone interested in understanding the broader implications of oral health and the vital role it plays in maintaining overall well-being. For more information, you can visit http://www.thenhf.com/conference . RecapHidden dental infections are a dangerous, silent epidemic that can have far-reaching effects on our health. From heart disease to cancer, the damage caused by these undiagnosed infections is often ignored or underestimated. Thomas E. Levy's groundbreaking work highlights the urgent need for a more comprehensive understanding of how oral health impacts overall well-being. By taking a proactive approach to dental care and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases, we can begin to shift the narrative on oral health and its critical role in preventing some of the most debilitating diseases of our time. References:1. Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., Hidden Epidemic: Silent Oral Infections Cause Most Heart Attacks and Breast Cancers. https://a.co/d/ikvngLi or https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Hidden+Epidemic%3A+Silent+Oral+Infections+Cause+Most+Heart+Attacks+and+Breast+Cancers&ref=nb_sb_noss 2. Robert Kulacz, DDS, Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., The Toxic Tooth: How a Root Canal Could Be Making You Sick. https://a.co/d/1qtl9Jt or https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Tooth-canal-could-making/dp/0983772827/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1R2JRCFJBXE2H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z7-6BOhVh_IceiGWy-g9ig.HkpME-HgxgokYQJtOYFBwlNWgdP9pkSLYdZXvjTpzE4&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Toxic+Tooth%3A+How+a+Root+Canal+Could+Be+Making+You+Sick%2C&qid=1739662240&sprefix=the+toxic+tooth+how+a+root+canal+could+be+making+you+sick%2C%2Caps%2C457&sr=8-1 3. Thomas E. Levy, M.D., J.D., 9am, March 15th, 2025. National Health Federation Conference. 70 YEARS STRONG: LEADING THE HEALTH-FREEDOM RENAISSANCE, MARCH 14-16 IN DALLAS, TEXAS. http://www.thenhf.com/conference . Orthomolecular MedicineOrthomolecular medicine uses safe, effective nutritional therapy to fight illness. For more information: http://www.orthomolecular.org Find a DoctorTo locate an orthomolecular physician near you: http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v06n09.shtml The peer-reviewed Orthomolecular Medicine News Service is a non-profit and non-commercial informational resource. Editorial Review Board:
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