Mouth Health Matters: Recent Episodes
Dr David Cowhig
Oral F.I.T.N.E.S.S is the missing link in your journey to optimal health and wellness when struggling with adrenal fatigue
As a holistic dentist, I'm always looking for ways to improve my patients' experiences and provide them with the most comprehensive care possible. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting Sarah Holmes, a biodynamic cranial sacral therapist, on my podcast, Mouth Health Natters. Our conversation shed light on the fascinating world of alternative therapies and their potential applications in dentistry.
During the podcast, Sarah shared her expertise on breathwork and how it can help patients manage anxiety and regulate their nervous systems. She explained that by guiding patients through techniques like the four-box breath or alternate nostril breathing, we can help them feel more relaxed and at ease during dental treatments. However, she also emphasized the importance of tailoring breathwork to each individual's needs, as certain techniques may not suit everyone.
One of the key takeaways from our natter was the role of cranial sacral therapy in addressing issues related to dental procedures. As a dentist, I often refer patients to cranial sacral therapists or osteopaths after treatments involving the upper jaw, such as tooth extractions. These procedures can impact the delicate cranial bones and lead to jaw tension or misalignment. Cranial sacral therapy can help restore balance and stability to these structures, promoting healing and reducing discomfort.
Sarah also touched on the concept of fascia and how it can become restricted when we're under constant stress. This can limit mobility and contribute to various health issues. Cranial sacral therapy, along with other modalities like massage, can help release these restrictions and restore three-dimensional movement in the body.
In addition to her work as a biodynamic cranial sacral therapist, Sarah is also a co-author of the book "Beyond the Shift," in which she discusses techniques for managing internal dialogue and cultivating positive self-talk. She believes that our internal and external language greatly influences our well-being and that conscious breathing plays a significant role in this process.
If you're interested in learning more about Sarah's work or would like to experience breathwork or cranial sacral therapy, you can find her at her studio in Bundaberg, North Queensland.
Visit her website, essentialwellnesswithin.com.au, or connect with her on Instagram @eWellnesswithin for more information on her services, including online breathwork sessions and workshops.
Tune into the full episode of Mouth Health Natters to learn more and follow along with some breathing exercises.
What if simple, playful everyday movements could optimize learning capacity, cognitive skills, and physical coordination and even increase energy levels or calm anxious states? From stress reduction to pain relief to unleashing untapped human potential, that’s the incredible power that Brain Gym taps into and activates for all ages.
Based on groundbreaking discoveries in the 1970s about movement patterns impacting neural wiring and information processing, educators Paul and Gail Dennison conceived an approach leveraging this mind-body connection through targeted exercises promoting whole-brain integration. They termed this emerging field Educational Kinesiology.
These intentionally designed sequences of 26 Brain Gym activities – incorporating stretches, poses, and energetic movements – stimulate hemispheric communication and alignment across mental, physical, and emotional systems for peak performance, effectively “rewiring” neural pathways and reflex responses to enable more integrated, fluid functionality free of blockages.
Our special guest for today’s show is Patricia Collins. She is a licensed Educational Kinesiology Instructor. Patricia hosts Brain Gym® courses and consults clients and volunteers at schools to spread the gift of a more integrated body and mind. Patricia’s search for health and well-being for her two children, who were challenged with food allergies, began over 40 years ago. As a primary school teacher, she battled with thyroid and adrenal issues and ended up with chronic fatigue. With the help of holistic health practitioners, she gradually improved and developed a new passion for holistic modalities and started studies in multiple natural therapies.
Join us to unpack the what, why and how behind Brain Gym. Learn why consistent practice produces phenomenal cognitive, physical and emotional breakthroughs in children, adults and seniors alike. Gain insights on the cutting edge of natural learning therapies from a passionate instructor.
Quality sleep promotes oral and overall health. Modern blue light disrupts natural sleep cycles, impacting restful slumber. Learn easy tips to optimize your sleep environment for better rest.
My latest podcast reveals strategies to improve oral health, energy, and focus simply through proper sleep hygiene. Don't miss it!
Welcome to Mouth Health Natters Podcast, exploring the link between oral health and total well-being. Your host, Dr. David Cowhig, a holistic dentist and founder of Dental Wellness, interviews the special guest, Hilda Labrada Gore, who is known as the empowering voice of Holistic Hilda.Hilda is on a mission to uncover timeless secrets of ancestral health around the globe.
She shares wise traditions from native cultures to help people discover lifelong vitality. In this episode, Hilda describes how her journey was inspired by Dr. Weston A. Price's findings on traditional diets and dental health in the 1930s. She feels called to continue this meaningful work.
Listen as Hilda transports us from Alaska to Africa, offering insights from her travels and poignant stories of native wisdom. Learn simple holistic health tips integrating ancient practices into modern life. The show weaves together oral health, gut microbiomes, lifestyle rhythms and indigenous rituals for full-body well-being. Hilda models a holistic stance, emphasizing nutrition, community and nature.Journey alongside Hilda to nourish your body, mind and spirit. Discover inspiration and tools to boost energy and live with ancestral-inspired vitality.
Craniofacial Development and Holistic Dentistry: The Overlooked Role of Infant Sleep
In our latest Mouth Health Natter Podcast, we had the privilege of featuring a special guest, Dr. Scott Wustenberg, an innovator in the fields of chiropractic neurology, nutrition, and sleep medicine. Dr. Scott takes a holistic, lifetime approach to wellness, focusing on how airway function, mental health, and lifestyle factors interact to improve health.
Through his clinical practice, teaching, and research, Dr. Scott aims to unlock human potential by addressing the root causes of imbalance, even those beginning early in life. He empowers patients with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health journey.
Dr. Scott has recently published an exciting new book titled "First Principles: How a Small Problem in Early Life Creates Havoc Across Time." In this work, he explores how unresolved issues in infancy and childhood ripple outwards to impact well-being decades later.
Today, Dr. Scott joins us to discuss key concepts from his book that are highly relevant to holistic dentistry. We'll explore the overlooked role of airway, sleep, and craniofacial development beginning in the womb and infancy. Dr. Scott will share how these foundational factors shape facial structure, sleep quality, breathing, and overall function across the lifespan.
This knowledge empowers patients and providers to address imbalances at the root level. We're grateful to have Dr. Scott lend his wisdom and insights on establishing solid foundations for lifelong health and well-being.
In today's episode, I am having as a special guest Professor Max Reynolds.
Professor Reynolds, with over five decades of global experience in scientific research, business, and product development, is a distinguished figure in biotechnology. As the Managing Director of 98 Alive Pty Ltd, he has exemplified his commitment and determination to explore the practical applications of biotechnology.
Previously, Professor Reynolds was a lecturer at Griffith University in Brisbane, Queensland, and held the esteemed position of Director of the Program in Australasia Botanical Medicine for Population Health. His expertise and contributions have garnered international recognition, as evidenced by his role as one of the five keynote speakers at the 3rd International Conference on Clinical Microbiology & Microbial Genomics in Valencia, Spain, in September 2014. During this conference, he presented his groundbreaking research on "A New and Effective Treatment for Dengue Fever," joining other esteemed speakers from the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Greece.
Professor Reynolds' journey to develop innovative solutions began with exploring the Melaleuca alternifolia species, a native tea tree shrub with a rich history of topical medicinal use by Australian indigenous communities. He recognised its antiseptic properties and sought to harness its potential for broader consumption. Through meticulous global research, clinical trials, and extraction techniques, Professor Reynolds and his team successfully developed 98alive™—a natural medicine that has earned a place on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
By reducing the toxicity and maximising the beneficial properties of tea tree oil, 98alive™ offers a revolutionary solution that opens new possibilities, including promoting a healthier mouth.
Episode at-a-glance:
3:00 Could you enlighten us on the journey that led to the creation of 98alive?
7:15 What is the range of 98alive products available?
10:18 If someone is experiencing an upper respiratory tract and sinus infection and prefers not to take antibiotics, would this system effectively obtain the antiviral and antibacterial benefits?
15:08 Can 98alive products be combined with coconut oil for oil-pulling purposes?
18:31 Are Tea tree toothpastes suitable, and do they possess similar properties to 98alive?
19:52 In light of recent flooding causing water damage, how effective are 98alive applications in treating mould illness?
23:32 Does the 98alive essential oil also work in atomizers?
25:49 Is 98alive also effective against oral biofilm?
30:39 What is the recommended time for using the 98alive nebulizer?
38:50 How can 98alive products be incorporated into a regular daily routine?
You can find his products online at www.98alive.co.
In today's episode, I am having a natter with Kimballe Robyzen. Kimballe is a naturopath, herbalist, nutritionist, iridologist & bioresonance practitioner. He specialises in prescribing & compounding personalised nutritional & herbal formulas using bioresonance testing.
Today we discuss ways to detox your body and how your Oral Fitness can benefit from it.
Episode at-a-glance:
1:33 Kimballe's story of how he became a health practitioner.
3:44 How is Kimballe helping his patients when it comes to detoxing?
7:05 Different types of fasting so you can learn what might work for you.
12:40 What is the best method of fasting based on your body type?
14:02 Do women detox differently than men?
16:42 How can you prepare yourself before a dental procedure? 22:25 Kimballe's upcoming projects and events.
24:47 Fasting tips you should know to succeed.
28:48 What is intermittent fasting? Does it have health benefits?
30:20 What to eat to break your fast?
34:40 Toothache and no dental appointment for days! What can I do?
In today’s episode, I am having a natter with Georgia Geminder (the founder of Gem Oral Care) about her probiotic toothpaste range and why it may benefit your oral health.
Episode at-a-glance:
2:00 The Gem brand story.
4:08 Why avoiding toxic ingredients in toothpaste and oral care is important.
7:14 The importance of oral probiotics.
10:42 Ingredients and properties of the Gem toothpaste.
16:35 Everything you need to know about the Gem product range.
Discount Code:
If you are interested in purchasing any of the Gem products, you can do this on their website: www.gem-products.co
Get 20% off any order with the custom discount code DRDAVID.
Hi, I’m Dr David Cowhig, founder of Dental Wellness, where we create safer, healthy, beautiful smiles. Now, we want to work with you and work together through a process that we’ve been using for over 10,000 patients over the last 20 years. We optimize your whole dental health and positively influence your whole general health as well because we realize that your dental health can have a profound effect on your whole body health.
So our aim is so that you can eat the healthy foods that you need to eat. Then, be able to chew that food without pain and sensitivity, sleep well and sleep deeply so that you can get deep healing sleep by having the right dental function and you are breathing through your nose optimally. That can be achieved by getting your bite and teeth in good, strong health.
So there’s no bleeding of your gums, and your teeth are strong. So there’s nothing in your mouth that could potentially have a negative effect on your health. The teeth have no metals in them, so there’s no effect of any electromagnetic stresses we surround ourselves with. And that the dentistry that you’ve had is strong, it’s white, it’s ceramic, and it’s long-lasting, whether that be ceramic implants, which we’re the first practice, first Australian dentist in the whole of Austral-Asia to be placing ceramic implants
And we’ve been successfully placing them and restoring them for 15 years now. And like I say, I’ve treated over 10,000 patients with this protocol. So that has worked very, very well. And we have many happy patients who have had health benefits and are really happy with the dentistry we’ve provided.
So I invite you to get in contact with us and perhaps initially take on a little online test, which is the oral fitness scorecard, which will give us an idea of what your oral fitness score is at the moment so that it won’t only take about three or four minutes. But, still, it will give you a guide of what needs to be done and how many aspects of your dental situation we need to address so that we can give you the optimal function, the optimal aesthetics, and the optimal smile.
So I look forward to hearing from you. Take care.
Hi, I’m Dr David Cowhig, founder of Dental Wellness. We’re here today to talk about the Dental Wellness week, which is referring to the importance of you appreciating in general your dental health in relation to your whole body health and how your dental health will have an impact on your whole body health if you don’t take it into account. So instead of people saying they hate the dentist, you should really love your dentist because they’re in a position to be able to help you sleep well, breathe well and smile.
So the smiling is the last S of the Oral Fitness plan that we’ve been talking about. And smiling has a major impact on your whole well-being. You may not be happy with certain things, maybe in your front teeth when you smile. So you hide your smile and inhibit the feelings and emotions that come out when you have a smile.
And it’s often the patients who have had some cosmetic work with us, whether they’ve had veneers, very fine, almost wafer-thin porcelain covered over their teeth to optimize their smile. And all of a sudden, their eyes light up when they smile, and they feel really good. So smiling’s a really big, important part of Dental Wellness. So that’s where we use the advanced techniques of digital planning to ensure that we get the optimal smile you can have that suits you, with minimal damage to your teeth.
So that’s the key factor. We don’t try and cut back your teeth majorly. We want to do as minimally as possible, like an eighth of a millimetre potentially, any reduction, if there’s any, and we can give you the most perfect smile because the technician we use in Brisbane is probably one of the best in the world. So we’re very lucky to have that facility. So that’s where the smile comes into the Dental Wellness Oral Fitness plan.
And I encourage you to think about it and then get in contact with us, and we can help you.
Hi, I’m Dr David Cowhig, founder of Dental Wellness. And we’re talking today about the Dental Wellness Week, which introduces the Oral Fitness Plan, which makes you really think about how your dentist should be a major part of your health program for optimal health and longevity.
So we’ve gone through the F, I, T, N and E, and now we’re at the first S for sleep. One of the first questions I ask my patients is how well do you sleep? And often, in this stressful time, people are not sleeping well; they’re waking up a lot. Sometimes they wake up and have to go to the bathroom more than once at night. And sometimes their partners snore or keep them awake, or, potentially, they’ve had some water damage in their house, and there are mould problems. And then that’s affecting the nose, which makes them mouth breathe and then wakes them up a lot. So they’re really not getting good quality healing sleep.
It’s so important to get deep healing sleep, where your body’s able to rest and detox and all of the supplements that you might be taking to actually absorb those supplements. So it would help if you got into a deep sleep for that. And the sleep cycle works in a 90-minute cycle. So you need at least four 90-minute cycles to really have optimal health.
Often if you are mouth breathing because of previously discussed issues, your nervous system is turned on instead of down-regulated. And your parasympathetic nervous system, which is the healing calming system that’s controlled by the vagus nerve, is not allowed to work properly. So you wake up exhausted because your sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight response) was activated, and your adrenals have been working hard all through the night – they probably keep you alive because you’re not breathing properly. That’s a major problem we see as dentists. We’re not able to diagnose sleep apnea, but we see all the signs in the mouth. We see the dry mouth. We see the signs of reflux. We see the ridging on the sides of your tongue and inside of your cheeks going all rigid, which is a sign that you are clenching your teeth.
And if you can only breathe through your mouth and you’re clenching your teeth, you can’t breathe through your nose; then your body’s going under major stress. So then the body will say, we’ve got to get things alive, and you push your jaw forward to open your airway, pull your tongue away from the back of your mouth so you can breathe properly. And then you open your mouth and start snoring. So you get wear on the front teeth and fatigue in the morning.
So if we can get you breathing through your nose, using a splint or other forms of dentistry, then you’re going to sleep deeper. Your whole nervous system (because the nasal breathing stimulates that vagus nerve, that parasympathetic to kick in) will allow your body to heal, recover, and go into those deep and quality 90-minute sleep cycles. So that’s where dentistry plays a major part in that.
Hi, I’m Dr David Cowhig, founder of Dental Wellness. We’re going through the Dental Wellness week and talking about the oral fitness plan. And we’re up to the letter E. The letter E refers to ENT, which is ear, nose, and throat. Now you may think that’s got nothing to do with dentistry, but it’s becoming one of the key factors in achieving optimal dental health by ensuring that somebody can breathe properly and breathe through their nose.
The effects of mouth breathing can have a catastrophic effect on the mouth. Sleep apnea is one of the factors. Snoring is another factor related to mouth breathing, which dries your mouth out, makes you more prone to gum disease, and makes you more prone to acidic saliva and the wrong bacteria growing in your mouth.
It’s vital that we assess your nasal breathing and make sure that where you bite your teeth together is not having a negative effect on that. And sometimes, if we put something in between your teeth and you bring your lips together, and you can breathe better through your nose, then we use restorations, fillings to build up your bite or a simple splint that just fits the space in between your teeth. So it takes the stress away from the joints.
It allows you to breathe through your nose so that you can keep your lips together because it’s vital during the day that you realize that your nose is for breathing and your mouth is for eating. And obviously, there are times when you have to mouth breathe when exercising, et cetera, but the negative effects of total mouth breathing heighten your nervous system. So it makes you anxious. It makes you unable to have endurance in sport because you are over-breathing.
So that’s where working with ENT surgeons to make sure that your nasal anatomy, your septum, which is a little bone in the middle of your nose, is straight, the anatomy of your sinuses is healthy, and there’s no tooth potentially that’s infected that’s having an effect on your sinuses and then potentially having an effect on your ability to breathe. So that’s where ENT is very, very important.
Hi, I am Dr David Cowhig, founder of Dental Wellness. We have discussed the Oral Fitness Plan and its importance in this Dental Wellness Week. First, we’ve done the acronyms F, I, and T, and now we are doing the N for Nutrition.
Nutrition is so important from birth to the end of life. Really it depends on what we put into our bodies; our bodies will react. If we have any allergies to certain foods, then our bodies are going to respond. For example, in childhood, tonsils and adenoids are often inflamed, and there has been evidence to show that it’s often dairy intolerance creating that. Still, there are other toxins that the body is exposed to as well. These toxins also will cause the lymphatic system and the brain’s glymphatic system to get blocked up and cause problems with tonsils and adenoids, which then have an ongoing effect on your airway and the development of your jaw.
So nutrition is very, very important. Whatever specific diet you’re making, whether it’s keto, vegan, or vegetarian, it’s vitally important that you take into account the fact that your body needs fat-soluble vitamins. It needs a whole range of vitamins; it needs vitamin B12; it requires a whole broad spectrum. So you need to supplement if you’re not getting those aspects in your diet. Vitamin D levels, magnesium levels, and vitamin K levels are all important for good bone growth, dental health, and general health.
So that’s why the training that I did with ACNEM (The Australasian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine) taught me from an early age in my career that it is so important that you can influence the level of inflammation in the mouth. So you can influence gut health because the mouth is the top of the gut by using the principles of nutritional medicine.
And then now, we know about epigenetics, which is the study of the influence of your genes. So it’s not just if you got genes from your parents that may be weak; it’s their expression. You can use nutrition with nutrigenomic products that can positively affect your gene expression.
So that’s an exciting field that will have a powerful effect. Suppose you’re prone to gum disease, for example. In that case, you can take products that down regulate your gum disease susceptibility.
Hi, I am Dr David Cowhig, Founder of Dental Wellness. We are just going through the process of the importance of the Oral Fitness Plan when looking at your Dental Health and why you should really not just think about flossing and brushing but look at your whole body health in relation to your mouth.
Now, we are on the letter T, which stands for Toxicity. You may take for granted that you got old silver fillings; however, consider those fillings contain 50% Mercury. So now the only thing that’s more toxic than Mercury on this planet is Plutonium.
So it stands to reason to think that it could have an effect on your health. Every time you bite on these fillings, grind your teeth or have something hot or something breaks in your mouth, Mercury vapour is potentially released not only into your mouth. But also, you will get little exposure microscopically into your gut system affecting your gut microbiome and your whole system.
So at Dental Wellness, we have a Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique system, also called the SMART protocol, from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology in the United States. So that we can safely replace your amalgams with a healthy white alternative that will last a long time. Sometimes resin, sometimes ceramic, whichever is appropriate for that position.
Hi, this is Dr David Cowhig, Founder of Dental Wellness. I am just going through the aspects of the Oral Fitness Plan that really stresses the importance that your dental health is optimal using an Oral Fitness plan. You can not only eat what you want without pain or sensitivity, without any headaches and neck pain but also be confident your mouth is not affecting your health.
We’ve covered the F, and the 2nd letter for Oral Fitness is I. And the I stands for Inflammation and Infection. Probably one of the most important letters. Let me talk about Inflammation. There is a big push at the moment about whole-body Inflammation and how it’s the key to chronic illness.
Well, the mouth is one of the primary areas where things begin. So if you have gum disease or when you floss or brush your teeth, and you spit, and there is a bit of red in the spit, that means that your gums are inflamed. And if it continues and is ignored, it can lead to gum disease. Where you start not only having bleeding gums, but you start losing the support around your teeth, and you start losing the bone around your teeth.
And then you start getting more infections which have a major effect on risk factors for chronic health concerns like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and problems with pregnancy, problems getting pregnant and during pregnancy.
All these things are influenced by the bacteria in the mouth. So, it’s so important that you work with a Dental Wellness Hygienist to optimize your oral health.
Just to put it into perspective, if you look at the palm of your hand, if you would shake somebody’s hand and the hand was sore and red and bleeding, you would probably think that’s going to make you sick. That’s really going to have a problem.
Well, the total surface area of the gums around your teeth in your mouth is about the same surface as the palm of your hand. So if it’s inflamed and bleeding, you have to realize that you have a big risk.
The 2nd part is infection. Again we talk about gum infection. But as infections at the end of roots, if you have a tooth that has died and hasn’t been addressed by a dentist and is just sitting there, then the tooth will be infected. If you’ve had a root canal treatment and the tooth is still infected, although the root canal treatment keeps the tooth in your mouth, you’ve still got an infected tooth. And that will have a major effect on your whole body. Unfortunately, the nasty bacteria that grow at the end of a root filling are pretty toxic, releasing a lot of endotoxins into the system. So, they have a major effect.
That’s where a Dental Wellness practitioner would look at optimizing your health and addressing those issues.
Hi, I am Dr David Cowhig, founder of Dental Wellness. Now, coming up the National Dental Health Week, in which the dental industry is focusing on the importance of flossing and brushing. But I want to really promote the Dental Wellness Week, which really shows that not only you should love your teeth, but you really should love your Dental Wellness Dentist. For a number of reasons. It’s not just about brushing and flossing. I created a program that I basically use to treat nearly every patient who walks into the door, and I treated about 10000 over the last 14 years in Brisbane. And it’s called the Oral Fitness Plan.
Now here, the word FITNESS serves as an acronym, and each letter represents different groups; I’m going to explain each one of them, just in small videos I’ll post every day for a week. So, the first one is F for Function and Flora.
Now, this is one of the reasons why you should really go and see a dentist regularly and make it part of your Wellness journey. Because of the function of your Jaw, you not only need a good function of your Jaw for chewing, for breaking down your food so you can digest it. But also, if things are going wrong and your function is not right, or maybe you got missing teeth, and you’re getting Jaw ache on one side. Or you’re getting headaches or neck pain because your Jaw is not sitting in the right place, or maybe you are not sleeping well. It’s a big factor that a dentist and Dental Wellness practice can help you with.
The other meaning for F is Flora. Flora is actually referring to the bacteria, the balance of the bacteria in your mouth. In the gut, it’s called a gut microbiome; in the mouth, there is an oral microbiome. And it’s very important that it is in great balance. And the ph for the level of acidity and alkalinity of your saliva has a big impact on the colonies and bacteria that live in your mouth. So if your ph is more acidic, then you’re going to have more bacteria of the wrong kind developing in your mouth. And then you’re more prone to gum disease, more prone to tooth decay and a whole range of aspects then lead to systemic risks of health issues.
According to a study, 28% of adults find their teeth unattractive and even hide their smile when taking pictures. Taking care of the issue is often a means of restoring a person’s self-esteem.
The good news is that veneers, which are special extra-thin overlays applied on the teeth, offer solutions to restore a person’s smile without any trauma to the precious tooth structure.
In today’s Videocast, I talk about “What is a Veneer? Is it a healthy choice?
Episode at-a-glance:
00:40 What is a Veneer?
03:45 The process to determine the best shape your teeth could be.
08:10 What are the different types of veneers?
09:45 Non-invasive and long-term solutions to improve your smile.
According to a recent survey in the US, dentists have seen an apparent rise in stress-related oral health conditions during the pandemic.
In general, stress is perceived very differently from person to person. Not every trigger leads to the same reaction in everyone. However, the jaw and neck muscles are very susceptible to stress hormones, potentially leading to teeth grinding or teeth clenching. If the jaw muscles remain tense for a longer period, especially overnight, the high tension is relieved by grinding and pressing. In this process, enormous pressure is exerted on the teeth. The grinding movements can destroy the protective enamel, the teeth become shorter, cracks can form, and in the worst case, a tooth can break.
In today’s Videocast, I talk about the “Overactive Fight-or-Flight Response” related to oral health, its causes and effects and how to calm it.
Episode at-a-glance:
00:50 How does the fight or flight response work?
02:15 The relationship between fight or flight and mouth breathing.
05:06 A simple technique to help you to breathe through the mouth.
06:40 Fight or flight: Do infections play a part?
08:12 How do you tell if you are a mouth breather?
12:52 Why knowing the causes of snoring is so important.
A root canal treatment is a procedure that has been around since the 1950s. However, recent research and practical experience have shown cases where endotoxins and pathogenic bacteria persisted after some root canal treatment
Today’s advanced Cone Beam 3D Imaging, which we have been using since 2020, makes it possible to uncover lingering infections more accurately than traditional X-rays. This additional layer of certainty, combined with a comprehensive dental assessment, allows for the best possible solutions for the patient.
In today’s Videocast, I discuss “How to Replace a Root Canal With a New Tooth”.
Episode at-a-glance:
00:36 Should you remove a root canal tooth?
03:15 When is a root canal treatment indicated?
03:45 What to do when a root canal fails?
07:30 Ceramic dental implant demonstration.
10:00 Are root canals dangerous to your health?
12:45 The importance of a comprehensive dental assessment.
Today I want to talk about a natural substance obtained from the patient’s blood, called platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). It is full of growth factors that encourage fast regeneration of cells and bone and manage inflammation after oral surgery. Moreover, it is very safe, with no risk of allergic reactions, rejection or transmitting infectious diseases.
In my latest Videocast, I explain the whole process and why this therapy is so beneficial for dental implants that require healing time in the middle of the process.
Episode at-a-glance:
00:46 What is platelet-rich fibrin?
01:26 How is it performed?
03:16 Therapeutic benefits of platelet-rich fibrin.
04:53 Bojan’s experience as a patient.
Our grandmothers knew how to keep viruses and bacteria in check, starting with simple routines like gargling with cooled chamomile tea or flushing our nose, mouth and throat with salt water. The basic idea is to reduce the viral and bacterial count in the nose, mouth and throat and stop spreading to the lungs.
In today’s videocast, I will share some of my strategies to reduce the risk of nasal and oral infections.
Episode at-a-glance:
1:05 What is an oral infection?
2:26 How can you support your mouth resisting inflammation and infection?
3:30 Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene.
4.05 The power of antimicrobial mouthwash.
5:02 Ideas for antimicrobial nasal sprays.
6.45 Easy tips to take care of your oral health while and after wearing a mask.
Even though you can’t feel, see or taste them, it’s believed there are between 300 and 700 different microbial species living in your mouth. If your oral microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to various oral health conditions and is potentially harmful to your general health. That’s because some bacteria can migrate from the mouth into other parts of the body, including the brain, blood vessels and gut. It is no exaggeration to say that your oral health acts as an early indicator or window for a range of potential health disorders.
Now you may ask yourself, “How can I improve my oral health?” First and foremost, you should approach oral health holistically as described in my Oral F.I.T.N.E.S.S. Plan.
In today’s videocast, I am discussing specifically the topic “Lemon Water Versus Oil Pulling – Which is Healthier?”
Episode at-a-glance:
1:15 Advantages and disadvantages of drinking lemon water.
8:26 Oil pulling with coconut oil: How-to and benefits.
13:05 Does oil pulling cure gum disease?
You’ve heard a lot about how the way we sit, walk or sleep can be the cause of posture-related health problems, such as muscle pain, lacking energy, headaches or breathing difficulties. What may surprise you is that there is also a link between posture and oral health.
Well, let me explain. When it comes to our body, all our body parts are correlated. For example, in reflexology theory, every organ or body system can be accessed via a point or small area on the feet, hands or ear.
Then there are also direct links between certain body parts. The best example is a person’s head posture, which affects the mouth, teeth, and jaw position.
As a result of ongoing poor head posture, people experience symptoms like jaw and facial pain, crooked teeth, misaligning of jaws, fatigue or headaches.
Today’s Videocast discusses how poor head posture affects your teeth and gums and what you can do about it.
Episode at-a-glance:
0:44 How can a poor head posture affect your teeth and gums?
6:45 The missing link to correct a forward head posture (FHP).
8:30 Crooked teeth aren’t the issue; they are a sign of a bigger problem.
11:11 Tips to reduce tension in your neck and shoulders.
In these challenging times, you may wonder how to keep your health in the best condition. My goal is to provide you with a broad understanding of the connections between various aspects of health, in particular connections between oral health and all body systems.
As a holistic dentist, I believe that oral health and overall health are closely linked. To give you only a few examples, the link between gum disease and heart disease or rheumatoid arthritis is well-documented. Another example is a misaligned jaw as a potential cause of obstructive sleep apnea.
Then we have also the link between your smile and your self esteem. Psychological researchers have discovered numerous benefits to the act of smiling, like improved mental health, lower stress levels and heart rates, improved mood and stronger immune system.
Episode at-a-glance:
02:15 Simple nasal breathing technique to de-stress.
05:55 Benefits of Coconut Oil Pulling.
13:18 Raising your bed by 6 inches could improve your health.
16:45 Mouth taping: The cheapest life hack for better sleep and a healthier mouth.
22:10 Best time to take vitamin and mineral supplements.
24:05 Health benefits of sun exposure.
24:50 This is why you should smile more.
A survey released by the American Dental Association found that 33% of responders avoided smiling due to dental issues. Indeed, our teeth have a great impact on our social behaviour and the way others perceive us, as well as how we eat, speak and our overall healt
If you’re struggling with dental issues or you don’t feel confident with your smile anymore due to teeth you have lost to decay or trauma, ceramic implants can be an excellent solution.
In my latest Videocast, I’ll explain the pros and cons of ceramic implants to help you make an informed decision about taking the next steps.
Episode at-a-glance:
0:50 David explains how everything started with all-ceramic implants.
7:10 How durable are ceramic materials in comparison to titanium solutions?
8:12 Biocompatibility and tissue bonding of ceramic implants.
10:38 That’s why Zirconia implants are a great option for patients with metal allergies.
14:30 Disadvantages & advantages of ceramic dental implants.
20:10 The role of aesthetic dentistry in restoring a beautiful smile.
24:05 Zirconia implants: Where are we now, and where are we heading?
Over the years dental infections have been associated with numerous chronic and systemic health problems, like cancer, autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia and cardiovascular disease.
Many don’t realise that each of your teeth is alive, a living organism. If you experienced any kind of toothache in the past, you can tell how alive a tooth can be. The opposite is the case when decay has gone too far, or the tooth has been badly broken. Then the tooth is often free of pain, which means the tooth is dead.
In this situation, a dentist might recommend to “save” the tooth with a root canal treatment and leave the dead tooth in your mouth. However, this procedure has downsides, such as a risk of underlying infection.
In my latest videocast, I am explaining the typical warning signs of a root canal infection, and also what you can do about it.
Episode at-a-glance:
0:35 What is a root canal infection?
7:25 Root canal infection – Warning signs you should be aware of.
9:40 Infected root canal and what to do about it.
14:00 When do you need to remove a tooth.
15:30 Possible options when it comes to replacing a missing tooth.
While most people seek to improve their bodies with diet and exercise, there is another path to wellbeing that deserves more attention: one’s teeth. Good oral health is foundational to your immune system, energy and ultimately how you’ll age.
In today’s Videocast I am explaining the top 5 reasons people go to a holistic dentist. This video aims to support you with your decision when it comes to choosing the right dentist.
Episode #9 at-a-glance:
1:17 What is the main focus of holistic dentistry?
3:07 Holistic dentistry: it’s not just about the mouth.
3:55 Oral health and chronic disease.
6:57 Are holistic dentists using different materials?
8:31 The importance of healthy gums.
11:40 How to safely remove mercury amalgam fillings?
13:04 The importance of taking infected teeth seriously.
15:40 That’s why patients ask for a metal-free alternative.
16:52 Get a beautiful smile without the potential side-effects of cosmetic treatments.
If you have received a dental restoration in the past because of a missing, broken or decayed tooth, then you had very likely several appointments over a few weeks. Same-day crowns eliminate such problems as they are fitted in one single appointment.
You may ask yourself, in which situation you’d need a same-day crown? It depends on your specific case. Whilst there are no major disadvantages to traditional crowns, you save time, money and you don’t need to go through the hassle of temporary crowns.
Episode at-a-glance:
0:49 These are the advantages of same-day crowns.
3:03 What is digital dentistry?
6:30 When a dental inlay is your best option.
7:45 Why preserving tooth structure is so important?
9:48 Adjusting the alignment of your bite.
12:05 Quality of same-day dental crowns.
14:21 Same-day crown vs lab created crown, which is better?
17:58 How long is the appointment for same-day crowns?
Although millions of root canal fillings are performed every year, this procedure still suffers from many misconceptions. In general, a root canal filling is a common and effective treatment for acute pain. But in practice, root canal fillings can be a potential disaster for the body’s immune system if infection remains. How can this be possible?
Today it is widely considered that different strains of bacteria from the mouth can spread into other parts of the body, like the nervous system, the heart, the brain or the kidneys, to become a new centre of infection and inflammation. As inflammation is a pressing issue that affects people from all age groups, it is important to rule out possible underlying sources of inflammation in your mouth.
Episode at-a-glance:
1:51 Root canal: treatment options and procedures.
3:05 How to know if you have a root canal infection?
8:45 The oral origins of autoimmune diseases.
10:40 Relieving root canal infection symptoms.
12:40 How acidic drinks can affect your teeth.
14:25 That’s why 3D Cone-beam X-rays help to detect tooth infections.
16:55 Should all root-fillings be removed?
20:48 Simple things you can do to make your mouth healthier.
Perhaps you are in the situation that a tooth had to be extracted and your dentist is recommending you to replace the space with an implant. In today’s Videocast, I explain the most important aspects of dental implants to consider before making a final decision. It is not only a matter of maintaining tooth function but also functions within your body as a whole.
As an example, if you suffer from electrosensitivity or titanium intolerance then you may need to choose a completely neutral material like Zirconia to keep microcurrents and interactions with electromagnetic fields to a minimum.
Episode at-a-glance:
1:45 Dr Davids Journey to Metal-Free dentistry
3:20 What are dental implants?
5:27 What is the general process of placing dental implants?
6:50 What is the biggest difference between Zirconia and Titanium implants?
8:10 Facts nobody told you about Zirconia implants.
9:00 Are Zirconia implants safer and healthier than Titanium implants?
15:25 What you should consider if you have mixed metals in the mouth?
17:49 Are Zirconia implants the future of oral implantology?
20:50 Are Zirconia implants more expensive?
23:25 Why patient assessment and diagnosis is crucial before any dental implant treatment.
One of my recommendations is regular oil pulling, as it can be used as a preventative measure at home to keep good oral hygiene. It is safe and has no side effects. Recent scientific studies demonstrate that regular oil pulling can be as effective and at the same time less risky than using a commercial mouthwash. They found coconut oil significantly lowered plaque index scores, reduced bacterial colony counts in saliva and reduced bad breath.
Videocast Part 2 at-a-glance:
0:30 How to choose the best toothpaste?
4:43 How often should you brush your teeth, and how should you do it?
6:55 Signs you might have a bacterial infection and irritation in your mouth?
7:30 Tips to keep your mouth healthy.
10:45 Foods that may worsen bad breath.
12:10 Which are the best vitamins and minerals?
16:10 Oral health is a window to your overall health
Today’s topic is a quite sensitive subject for most people. I am talking here about bad breath, medically called halitosis, which is estimated to affect around 50% of the population. So, it is a pretty common problem amongst people and can affect your self-confidence.
In today’s interview, I talk about various causes of bad breath, some latest research on gum disease, and very practical and important solutions for bad breath sufferers.
This is what you are going to learn:
1:15 What are the causes of bad breath?
4:00 How can wearing a mask affect your oral health?
5:05 Latest research on gum disease and its implications on general health.
10:29 Everyday solutions to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
12:07 What is the best mouthwash?
15:52 Benefits of ozonated water.
18:00 Who will benefit the most from oil-pulling?
19:50 What type of toothbrush should you use?
Unresolved oral health issues are often sources for stress and adrenal fatigue. These include jaw problems, unrecognised underlying tooth or gum infections, toxins in the mouth or dental materials that cause sensitivities.
In case you suffer from adrenal fatigue, then please watch my latest video Interview to find out the importance of proper breathing, the role of proper sleep and what this has to do with your jaw function and many other important topics…
This is what you’re going to learn:
1:55 What is adrenal fatigue?
3:47 How your jaw can contribute to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
7:20 The importance of proper breathing.
9:05 A simple test to find out if you are able to breathe through your mouth sufficiently.
11:20 Infections and inflammation in your mouth is challenging your immune system.
16:00 The risks of toxicity in your mouth.
20:20 The importance of deep sleep.
If you watched the first video of this series, then you learned that unresolved dental problems may be unrecognised sources of stress and adrenal fatigue. The main focus of today’s second part is the Stress – Oral Health – Adrenal Fatigue connection.
Although most people have experienced feeling unwell during times of high-stress periods, it is not common knowledge that stress also impacts your teeth and gums. Let me give you here some few ideas about the oral conditions that can be caused by stress: Teeth Grinding, Jaw and Facial Soreness, reduced immune response and so on…
This is what you’re going to learn:
0:40 The amazing health benefits of coconut oil pulling.
1:57 Tips to deal with dental anxiety.
6:50 What is the connection of not being able to lose weight and oral health?
8:20 The link between adrenal fatigue, stress and sugar.
16:30 What to expect at your initial consultation?
20:00 That’s why David works with an interdisciplinary team.
Although Dr David recorded this short message two years ago it is even more appropriate today after the 2020 Covid-19 year.
A mini podcast on the important habits to look after your teeth and it does not involve fluoride toothpaste.
A mini podcast discussing some common tooth whitening procedures that may ultimately make your teeth weaker and natural solution to achieve a safer healthy beautiful smile.
Dr David Cowhig and Dr Ron Ehrlich from Sydney Holistic Dental discuss the importance of holistic dentistry. Thank You to D r Ron for allowing me to re publish his interview on his Podcast 'Unstress'.
Now you have a healthy alternative to metal titanium implants. No one really wants to implant metal into their body if there is a strong alternative. Zirconia are 100% metal free, white and do not create inflammation. They also do no carry a charge so will not react with other metals in your mouth.
Whether you have a single missing tooth or several teeth missing, your dentist may have suggested metal titanium implants to be put into your jaw bone to support new teeth. You may not have been aware that there is a Metal Free alternative that has been successful in Europe for 20 years. Dr David Cowhig has been placing Ceramic metal free zirconia dental implants for over a decade. He was the first in Australasia to be placing Z-Systems implants. Swiss made and now the most versatile implant system available today.
We all take sleep for granted until you are not getting it. Waking constantly in the night to visit the bathroom and finding it hard to get to sleep in the first place is no laughing matter. Dr David Cowhig explains how the health of the mouth plays a major part in this problem and gives simple solutions.
The conversation continues to highlight healthy options if you choose not to have a root canal or if investigation with a Cone Beam CT shows a chronic infection in an old root treated tooth.
If you have ever been at the dentist and they recommend a root canal, have you considered an alternative. In this informative interview Dr David Cowhig explains the issues and reasons for a root canal procedure, but also highlights the importance of looking at other options.
A continuation of the benefits of healthy oral health to improve sleep quality, breathing efficiency and reduce systemic inflammation, infection and toxicity.
If you wake up every morning fatigued, feeling like you have not slept at all with sore head and neck and a dry mouth, have you ever considered that your dental health could be part of the problem. Dr David Cowhig explains how the oral health plays a major part in the multi factorial treatment of burnout. The term 'adrenal fatigue' is well recognised in the natural health community but is poorly defined.
A great insight by Dr David Cowhig into the difference between a holistic minded dentist and a conventional one.
You have heard about holistic dentists but do not know what they are all about. There are many dentists claiming to be holistic as it is the trendy advertising ploy. If you are keen to find out how you can tell if they are truly holistic then be sure to listen to Dr David Cowhig of Dental Wellness as he has been passionate about holistic dentistry for over twenty years and will clearly inform you of the different aspects that will have a positive benefit to your health and longevity.