Eco-Friendly Dentistry: New Practice with Big Green Ideas!

Chicagohealers.com Practitioner, Steven A. Koos D.D.S., M.D., is an environmentalist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the lead developer of ORA Oral Surgery & Implant Studio and managing partner of ORA Dental Studio in Chicago – The Nation’s First and Only Green Group Dental Practice, Promoting Eco-Friendly Dentistry. He answered my questions about Eco-Friendly Dentistry, and tooth hygeine. His responses are very informative, and I hope this idea really takes off. When can you open one in Vermont? The winters aren't really that bad.

1. I am very interested in your new Eco-Friendly Dentistry practice. Can you tell me what makes it different from other dentists?

"Since this is a new concept and we actually coined the term, it is probably best to define what Eco-Friendly Dentistry actually is first. Eco-Friendly Dentistry is a newly evolving practice of dentistry, which encompasses a simultaneous devotion to sustainability, prevention, precaution, and a minimally invasive patient-centric, as well as global-centric treatment philosophy. Eco-Friendly Dentistry, through green design and operations, protects the immediate health of patients and team members, protects the health of the surrounding community, and protects the health of the global community and natural resources.

ORA Dental Studio and ORA Oral Surgery & Implant Studio has proudly become the first and only green group dental practice in the nation. Our team at ORA truly embodies Eco-Friendly Dentistry and we have distinguished ourselves as leaders in the dental community through our steadfast commitment to the environment. We are significantly different from other dentists by not only building offices from the ground up as sustainable, green LEED projects, but also by employing green business practices and most importantly by comprehensively practicing green healthcare. As a landmark achievement unique to ORA, we are the first dental facility in the country to generate zero bio-hazardous waste."


2. I know my readers are concerned with some of the ingredients in toothpaste, like sodium laurel sulfate, silica, chalk and fluoride to name a few. What do you recommend as a non-toxic toothpaste for children?

"This is an important concern and our recommendations for children are not really any different than what we recommend to adults. Growing evidence supports the idea that what goes in your mouth stays in your body, even after you brush and swish. Your mouth and gums absorb ingredients, and act as an entry point into your system. As a result, your choice of oral products is as important as the food you eat, what you put on your skin, and all the other products you choose for a healthy home environment. Small changes made to our daily habits can really add up. Two very good products out there that avoid toxic ingredients are:

• Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpastes, Adult and Children Formulations - these products do not contain triclosan; saccharin; artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colors, or flavors; or animal ingredients. They are tested without the use of animals. They have a refreshing natural flavor from real wintergreen and peppermint oils, not artificial sweeteners like saccharin. Some preparations are fluoride free and others contain only naturally sourced fluoride and zinc citrate, a naturally occurring mineral, which interferes with the calcification of plaque into tartar.

• The Natural Dentist Toothpastes, Adult and Children Formulations – these products do not contain any artificial dyes or flavors. Mainstream products use artificial additives such as Blue #1, Yellow #5 and other FD&C colorants. The Natural Dentist uses vegetable juices such as red cabbage, purple carrot, beet, tomato and annatto. The company does not contribute to the manufacture of artificial ingredients, therefore, they are not introduced into the ground water or water treatment systems when consumers use their products. Their toothpastes are made without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS is a foaming detergent that can irritate your mouth and has been linked to canker sores) Instead they use a natural coconut based oil as an effective surfactant. Their products are sold without a cardboard box – an important "green" step that reduces excess packaging. While eliminating a box may seem small, consider that one billion tubes of toothpaste in boxes are sold each year, contributing more than 28 million pounds of packaging to the waste stream. The environmental effect is more than the trees that are saved by eliminating the cardboard box -- it’s also the energy to manufacture, print and transport the excess packaging.

Your readers’ quest for dental products that have natural, non-toxic ingredients should not end with toothpaste. They should also consider safe, eco-friendly choices for dental floss, toothbrushes and mouth rinse to complete a healthy at-home, eco-friendly dental wellness regimen."


3. We are concerned about mercury in old fillings. What are your recommendations about this issue?

"This indeed has been a serious topic of concern for many years now for the public, the ADA, the WHO and the FDA, and would normally require quite a lengthy response.

At ORA, one of our paramount practice tenets is upholding the precautionary principle, which we feel all health professionals and organizations should abide by. The precautionary principle is officially defined as “a moral principle, which states that if an action or policy might cause severe or irreversible harm to the public or to the environment, in the absence of a scientific consensus that harm would not ensue, the burden of proof falls on those who would advocate taking the action. The principle implies that there is a responsibility to intervene and protect the public from exposure to harm where scientific investigation discovers a plausible risk in the course of having screened for other suspected causes. The protections that mitigate suspected risks can be relaxed only if further scientific findings emerge that more robustly support an alternative explanation.”

So for us, the answer is quite simple. ORA Dental Studio has proudly partnered with the WHO (World Health Organization) to advance its Mercury Free Health Care Program. Mercury is one of the world's most ubiquitous heavy metal neurotoxicants and ORA is leading the way as a designated mercury-free practice that also implements the safe removal of mercury containing fillings. But the concern for mercury use in healthcare shouldn’t stop with amalgam fillings. ORA Oral Surgery & Implant Studio utilizes only mercury-free thermometers, and sphygmomanometers. In addition, in the few locations where we use fluorescent lighting, we purchase only low-mercury fluorescent bulbs that meet the Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) standard set by the EPA and we also properly recycle these bulbs at designated recycling centers."




4. Are your sealants, plastics used in mouth guards and retainers, and tooth-colored fillings BPA and phthalate free?

"Traditionally, mercury fillings are replaced by tooth colored resin fillings, which contain BPA. This made absolutely no sense to us. BPA, known as Bisphenol A, is an organic compound used as a building block for several important plastics, plastic additives and in composite dental resins. It has been found to be hazardous to humans due to its estrogenic and possible carcinogenic potential. For the safety of our patients, ORA Dental Studio has diligently sought out a BPA-free dental composite resin, which we use exclusively.

Upholding the Precautionary Principle within our practice, ORA Dental Studio is the first dental practice to exclusively utilize a BPA-free dental composite resin. In addition, none of the Invisalign aligners or Vivera retainers that we use contain bisphenol A or any phthalate plasticizers."




5. How else do you limit your patient’s exposure to toxins while visiting your office?

"Besides reducing our environmental footprint, having a true healing facility is what my vision was and what we at ORA strive to deliver. We have implemented countless protocols and details to limit our patient’s and our team member’s exposure to toxins. Some of these protocols and innovations include:
• Being a PVC-free, DEHP-free, and latex-free practice
• Having all of our furniture and cushioning BFR-free (Brominated Flame Retardant)
• Non- VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and textiles preventing off-gassing
• Non-urea-formaldehyde containing, chlorine-free composite wood and agrifibers from recycled content
• Finishes, textiles and veneers made from sustainable, non-toxic, recycled post-industrial and post-consumer waste
• Mercury free, BPA-free treatment
• Digital dental radiography and digital CT scanner – which means over 80% less radiation dose for the patient compared to conventional plain film. Also, no toxic chemical developers and fixatives as well as no lead-foil content to film, nor the carbon-footprint in the manufacturing, packaging and transport of these materials
• Lead-free patient x-ray aprons
• Eco-rock drywall, Modular Arts sculptural paneling, 3-Form eco-resin doors, all of which are not subject to hazardous polymerization
• Earthwise Energy Star HVAC system with no CFC coolants
• Digital patient charting and registration (paper-free) office
• Non-chemical sterilization, utilizing steam and dry heat, thereby avoiding any noxious chemicals within office and in surrounding environment
• GreenMaid green cleaning services
• The ability to process our bio-hazardous waste with a revolutionary state-of-the-art system that renders it non-toxic, non-contaminating and safe for disposal with regular garbage – thereby avoiding harmful incineration, which releases these toxins into the atmosphere."



6. What are the most important things parents can do to help keep their children’s teeth healthy?

"Starting at a young age, more frequent (at least bi-annually, if not quarterly) preventative check-ups and professional cleanings. Good healthcare habits and preventative care is built on trusting relationships with the doctor and team, education within the office and at home, and also by example. This means that good dental habits are modeled and learned as our children watch our behavior as parents, coupled with more frequent visits as a family to the dentist. Early detection of decalcification/demineralization is the key, thereby preventing the end stage of bacterial demineralization of tooth structure – namely tooth decay. Diagnostic tools like the DIAGNOdent by Kavo, which is a laser detection tool measuring the mineralization loss in teeth, allow clinicians to detect cavity formation at its earliest stages and allow them then to intervene either before the cavity forms with re-mineralization procedures, or it allows them to be minimally invasive with cavity repair. In addition, Ozone therapy is a revolutionary treatment approach that is just on the horizon within dentistry and ORA Dental Studio is one of the first practices in the nation to begin its safe implementation in treating decay in a completely non-invasive way, utilizing the CMU3 device from LIME Technologies.

So reinforcing thorough home care, healthy eating habits, using safe dental products and quarterly visits to the dentist are all part of the recipe to empower our children to maintaining healthy teeth for their lifetime."



7. How can parents encourage more dentists to take on these non-toxic and green principles? What can parents do right now about BPA in sealants and fillings as well as mercury in fillings?

"The medical field has already embraced the fact that the health of the environment and our own health are inextricably linked. And a grand reformation is underway, albeit slow, within the medical industry towards sustainability. The dental industry should follow suit and at ORA we are trying to pave the way for this to happen. The motto we have is “What’s good for the environment is good for the patient” and as such, we have both built and are operating green facilities and comprehensively practicing green healthcare. As doctors, aligned with the Hippocratic Oath, we have an obligation to ensure that we do no harm – not only to the patient but also to the environment. In addition, patients and consumers are beginning to realize that one way that they can contribute to a healthy community and environment is to support green businesses and healthcare facilities. Every dollar spent, in essence, is a vote for or against the environment.

Patients need to encourage their dentists to take on more non-toxic and green practices by voicing their concerns and by starting dialogue with their healthcare providers. Another great resource to start with is the “Green My Dentist” program extended by the EDA (Eco Dentistry Association, www.ecodentistry.org) to help guide patients and their dentists towards better, safer patient health as well as planetary health.

Parents can also choose to have their families treated only by practitioners who practice mercury-free dentistry and who utilize non-BPA containing resins. There is only one BPA-free resin available on the market at the moment, so have your dentist do their homework and specify that this is what you prefer that they utilize."

Thanks to Dr. Koos for taking the time to share with us. Your practice sounds truly inspired, and grounded in the precautionary principal and environmental stewardship. I applaud your work and hope more dentists will move in this direction. I know I will be talking with my dentist about many of these issues. Thanks again!

Tomorrow will be part 2 of this interview, where Dr. Koos takes on the sticky issue of floridization.

Green Halloween Costumes for Busy Parents on a Budget

I must admit I get consumer google eyes around Halloween time. Those pre-made brand new costumes from Pottery Barn, Target, or any other retailer for babies and toddlers are tempting. They are cute. They require no sewing (yes, I have no skill in that department). But they are expensive and more of the consumer glut that I have a goal of avoiding (or at least limiting).

So, what does a non-crafty, super busy parent to do try and to have a Green Halloween?

*Think Simple: The costume does not have to be huge and extraordinary. Kids will just love dressing up. Find your dress up bin, or old clothes bin, and see what you have.

A wand, poofy skirt, and a leotard? You have a fairy. Just add some sort of crown (throw colorful ribbon on a headband–even I can do this!), sparkles in her hair, and layers of frothy, gauzy, magical clothes. Do you have a hardhat, tool belt and a small toy tool? There’s your builder. Grab a striped shirt, eye patch, and make a hook out of foil for your little pirate. Check out what already exists in your house. Better yet, do it with your child and have them pick out what they want to be. The ideas are endless.

*If you really want a snazzy costume, visit your local consignment stores. They are full of costumes right now, and that is where I have gotten a few of ours. Then, you can store them in the costume bin for use afterward and possibly by a younger sibling in the years to come. Instant reuse!

*Feeling Creative? Use household materials like big boxes, old clothes, and fabric to create your costume. Who doesn’t remember being a big box robot? I loved that costume when I was little, especially making it myself.

*Talk to your friends, you might be able to trade costumes from different ages and sizes.

So there is no need to spend money and increase consumerism this year, despite what the ads say. You can reuse and find an adorable costume for your little one, and you don’t have to be gifted with a sense of craftiness, either.

Check out my new post at MightyNest for more ideas about how to have a Green Halloween!
Image: One of my little fairies

Mama K's Aromatic Play Clay

Do you wince when your kids play with Play dough? That residue that sticks to hands is exactly what chemical concoction? I know I have. And it dries out, and then gets thrown out by a dad wanting to clean up. Quick.

I've wanted to try a more natural and safe play clay brand for awhile, but wasn't sure which one. Then I received a sample of Mama K's Play Clay.

The first thing you will notice is the beautiful scents of the clay. Truly. I'm someone not interested in perfumes or fragrances, because of the chemicals but also because they smell so, well, fake and strong.

But these are made with essential oils and smell divine. This isn't about me, however, it's about the kids. They immediately began to play with this moist clay, and it is a great consistency. It keep well, doesn't dry out and maintains its lovely smell, which is beneficial for the children as well. There are all sorts of aromatherapy benefits such as lemongrass (to inspire), sweet orange (to uplift), lavender (to soothe), bergamot (for tension), geranium (to balance).

The clay is gluten free (Julie!), biodegradable, and contains no harmful chemicals or colorants.

All I know is I don't feel bad about this clay. It's made by a caring mama entrepreneur (my favorite), is a great play clay, and smells lovely. The packaging is all recyclable and reusable, too. This makes a rockin' gift that I know I will be giving. You can buy it here. Thanks Mama K, for supplying a much, much better option!

Join the Environmental Working Group to call for Toxic Chemical Reform!

The EWG is moving and shaking things up in the area of chemical reform, and updating that ancient and ineffective Toxic Substances Control Act.

Here's what they are up to:

"Tomorrow, October 6, we meet with leading scientists, policy experts, and business leaders for a historic conference to explore fundamental changes to U.S. chemicals policy, which EWG has been advocating for years. We will begin an intense, important, long-overdue conversation with key stakeholders about the steps needed to modernize our broken federal toxics law."

Yeah! Add your voice to the call for chemical reform of an old, outdated and full of loopholes law. Sign the declaration!

Then tell 10 of your friends about it and encourage them to sign it too.. I'll be posting here the results of this meeting. Go, EWG. We've got your back, and are ready to act, write and stand with you.

No Detergent Needed: Try Eco Nuts

I was kindly sent a sample of Eco-Nuts, and they really are ingenious and simple. It's a bag containing several "completely sustainable dried fruit shells that come from the Sapindus mukorossi tree in Nepal, India and Indonesia." You toss the little bag of the "nuts" in with your laundry, and clothes come out clean. That's it.

No chemical smell. No phthalates, phosphates, or other chemicals.

What is really cool is that you no longer need the rinse cycle if you use these. Read: Save water. How do they work?

"Eco Nuts™ contain saponin, a natural cleaner that works as a surfactant, breaking the surface tension of the water to penetrate the fibers of your clothing, lifting stains from the fabric and leaving dirt suspended in the water that is rinsed away. Because Eco Nuts™ leave no harmful residuals on fabric, the rinse cycle is not needed. If you wish, you can stop your machine once the wash cycle is done and save gallons of water per cycle."

Eco-nuts are great to use with sensitive skinned babies, children with allergies and eczema, and on cloth diapers.

They are also beneficial for septic and grey water systems (image the lessening of the nutrient load to surrounding waterways as well).

There is no complicated procedure, here is how you use them (the only problem I ran into was finding the bag in my pile of laundry!):

"How To Use for Laundry

Place 4-5 Eco Nuts™ in the reusable wash bag provided and tie it closed.
Put it in with your laundry and wash as normal, per manufacturer instructions.

Remove the bag at the end of the wash and set aside to dry or do another load.
Re-use at least 5-7 times until they become mushy, light tan or gray, and then they can be composted in your garden."

(How cool is that?)

Thanks, Eco-Nuts for this sustainable, green product. Here's to chemical free laundary.

New Post on MightyNest: More Benefits of Free, Creative Play

What an interesting article I just read in the New York Times magazine about extensive role playing and its benefits for children. I wrote about it over at MightyNest, and find it fascinating, hopeful, and exciting.

Check it out, and let me know what you think.