Discover the power of biological dentistry with Dr. Matthew Carpenter, DDS ND, who brings his personal journey and professional expertise to the forefront. This concise session delves into how oral health intersects with overall wellness, introducing key concepts and treatments like ozone therapy, neural therapy, and more.

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When most people think of dentistry, they envision routine cleanings, fillings, and perhaps braces. But there’s a side of dental care that goes beyond traditional practice—biologic dentistry. Dr. Matthew Carpenter, a dentist and naturopathic physician, brings fresh insight into how oral health is intricately connected to overall well-being.

A Journey Toward Biologic Dentistry

Dr. Carpenter’s career began traditionally, practicing general dentistry for over two decades. Despite his success, he faced unexplained health challenges—digestive issues, insomnia, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety—that baffled medical professionals. Multiple consultations with doctors and specialists offered no solutions. Eventually, he found himself on medications like antidepressants and sleep aids, without understanding the root cause of his symptoms.

His breakthrough came unexpectedly in 2009, when a casual introduction to a naturopath led him to a biologic dental meeting hosted by the International Academy of Biologic Dental Medicine (IABDM). It was here that Dr. Carpenter first encountered research on mercury toxicity and its profound effects on health.

The Hidden Dangers of Mercury in Dentistry

Most traditional dental practices use amalgam fillings, which contain a mixture of metals—primarily mercury, along with tin, copper, zinc, and silver. Although widely considered safe by mainstream dentistry, Dr. Carpenter discovered that mercury could pose significant health risks.

Through testing developed by biochemist Dr. Chris Shade of Quicksilver Scientific, Dr. Carpenter learned that his body had dangerously high mercury levels—levels so elevated that they were off the charts. This discovery forced him to reevaluate everything he knew about dental practices and their potential harm to patients.

Learning from Pioneers: Dr. Hal Huggins' Protocol

Seeking answers, Dr. Carpenter turned to Dr. Hal Huggins, a pioneer in biologic dentistry. Dr. Huggins developed a comprehensive protocol to safely remove mercury fillings while minimizing further exposure. His research revealed that dental materials could trigger systemic illnesses—fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and more.

A critical realization from Huggins’ research was that the standard dental materials, including nickel and aluminum, could contribute to long-term health problems. Nickel, for example, is known as one of the most carcinogenic metals.

The Hidden Threat of Root Canals

Beyond mercury, Dr. Carpenter discussed the lesser-known risks of root canals. A root canal involves removing the nerve and blood supply from a tooth, turning it into a ‘dead’ structure. Research by Dr. Weston Price and further investigations by Dr. Huggins revealed that root canals often harbor harmful bacteria. These anaerobic bacteria thrive in oxygen-deprived environments and can lead to chronic infections.

Shockingly, bacteria from root canals have been found in plaques of heart attack patients, suggesting a link between oral infections and heart disease. Dr. Carpenter emphasized that these infections often remain undetected because the immune system cannot reach the dead tooth to fight off bacteria.

The Tooth-Organ Connection

An interesting facet of biologic dentistry is the concept of dental meridians—connections between specific teeth and organs. Dr. Thomas Rau’s research showed that over 90% of breast cancer patients had root canals in teeth linked to breast-related meridians. Dr. Carpenter’s clinical observations supported these findings, noting consistent patterns between tooth infections and systemic illnesses like prostate or cervical cancer.

A Shift Toward Holistic Patient Care

Dr. Carpenter’s practice shifted dramatically as he embraced biologic dentistry. Following the Huggins Protocol, he prioritized patient well-being through comprehensive care, including safe removal of toxic materials, infection management, and supporting overall health.

He emphasized that dentistry is often disconnected from overall healthcare, despite clear evidence that oral health affects the entire body. Many materials and procedures taught in traditional dental schools, even at the highest levels, fail to consider their systemic effects.

Consultations and Moving Forward

Dr. Carpenter concluded by offering his expertise to those interested in exploring their dental health’s broader impacts. His commitment lies in educating both patients and healthcare professionals about the overlooked connections between oral health and systemic diseases.

Is Gold a Safer Alternative?

During the session, Dr. Carpenter addressed a common question about using gold in dental restorations. Unlike mercury and other metals, gold belongs to the category of high noble alloys, which are significantly less toxic. While there are concerns about potential electrical currents from mixed metals in the mouth, gold remains one of the safest materials for dental work.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Carpenter’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that health challenges can stem from unexpected sources. His journey into biologic dentistry not only transformed his personal health but also reshaped his professional practice.