The Whole View, Season 3 Ep 64: Dental Care for Your Health w/ Dr. Parul Dua Makkar

Welcome family dentist Dr. Parul Dua Makkar to The Whole View! This week, Stacy and Dr. Makkar discuss how oral health is linked to overall health, taking a customized approach to your dental care, and how to make your experience at the dentist the best it can be.

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Find Dr. Makkar:

• Website
• Instagram
• Website – PDM Family Dental
• Instagram – PDM Family Dental

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Key Takeaways

Introductions

• Dr. Parul D. Makkar is the founder of P.D.M Family Dental on Long Island, New York.
• She is the recipient of the Denobi Awards 2022 as well as LI Excellence in Healthcare 2022.
• Since losing her younger sibling (and fellow dentist) Dr. Manu Dua to oral cancer, Dr. Makkar devotes her time educating doctors and patients alike about risk factors, prevention and advocating for early diagnosis.
• Dr. Makkar co-authored the book ‘Life Interrupted, Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide’ which is a winner of CIPA EVVY Award for Motivational/Inspirational books.

Dental Care for Your Health

• Oral hygiene is linked to general health. For example, in addition to causing periodontal issues, the calculus bacteria that builds up can actually affect your heart heart health or be harmful to joints.
• A tooth has three layers – enamel (white), dentin (yellowish), and the pulp chamber (nerve, blood flow). It cannot heal itself. Some enamel may be able to be restored (often called remineralization), but traditional intervention would be needed (like filling cavities).
• However, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), a liquid in dentistry used, can help arrest decay in cavities in a conservative way, preserving as much as the tooth as possible. This is especially good for kids and the elderly
• You can’t replace brushing and flossing, there is just no other alternative to taking care of your teeth. However, you can use the other adjunct processes to do it. Holistic dentistry has its place. Traditional dentistry has its place.
• Fluoride is generally good for oral health, and parents should chose the best course of action for their kids. Educate yourself on whether you have fluoridated water vs not (like well water). If your kids aren’t spitting out their toothpaste, consider the kind and amount of toothpaste they are getting. Talk to your pediatrician about the best course of action.
• Everybody is different. Everybody’s bodies are different. It’s not once size fits all. It’s a customized approach, and it’s making educated choices to what you believe in.

Next Steps

• Many things can affect dental and oral health – genetics, medication (which may change things like dry mouth), and pregnancy.
• Dr. Makkar recommends looking for the American Dental Association (ADA) emblem on products, using a water pick or flosser, and an electronic toothbrush. She does not recommend activated charcoal in toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and strip enamel.
• For babies, wipe their gums after feeding, as milk has a lot of sugar.
• If you have been putting off going to the dentist (like Stacy did for so many years) because of fear or shame, communicate needs (to take break) and fears before going in! Then talk to your dentist while you’re them – have them: tell, show, do!

Studies, References & Products

• The Whole View (formally The Paleo View), Ep 34: Healthy Hair Skin and Teeth
• The Whole View (formally The Paleo View, Ep 257: Live Show Part 3 – Not-S0-Rapid Fire
• Mineral mouthwash
• Risewell mineral toothpaste
• Burt’s Bees with fluoride
• The Humble Co floss
• Cocofloss

Sponsors

• HelloFresh.com/WHOLEVIEW16 | Use code WHOLEVIEW16 for 16 free meals + free shipping
• Wildhealth.com/WHOLEVIEW | Use code WHOLEVIEW for 20% off membership
• ButcherBox.com/WHOLEVIEW | Use code WHOLEVIEW for free ground beef for a year + $20 off your first order