All “silver” fillings contain approximately 50% mercury,  (30% silver and an amalgamation of other heavy metals) which research has proven, consistently emit  mercury vapors, especially when brushing, cleaning, clenching of teeth, chewing, and during the placement, replacement, and removal of dental mercury amalgam fillings. Therefore, when removing your amalgam fillings, it is essential that their removal is done safely, preventing any mercury entering the body of the patient, dentist or staff. The IAOMT put together a Safe Mercury Technique which the SAABP teaches, and which all accredited SMART dentists follow strictly. This method ensures that all risks are eliminated in the removal process. Please only remove your amalgam fillings with a SMART ACCREDITED BIOLOGICAL DENTIST.

Disclaimer: The official position of the Health Professionals Council and the South African  Dental Association, is that amalgam fillings and root canals are safe. As such, we encourage each patient to do their own research as to whether a root canal procedure is right for you and whether you want to hang onto your mercury laden amalgam fillings or choose to remove them safely - do not solely depend on the information provided on this site.

To answer that, lets break up the above into steps:

• The dentin and cementum are made up of thousands of tiny tubules/tunnels – neither do the endo reamers (tiny bottle brushes) nor the irrigation process, access the full length of these canals throughout the tooth. i.e. It is impossible to 100% Disinfect the inside of the tooth. This is where the use of ozone and lazers, in biological dentistry, bring another dimension to treatment.
• The protocols taught and used by dentists do not address the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone bacterial infiltration - thus leaving behind colonies of bacteria for the immune system to have to tackle (with varying degrees of success).
• Removing the necrotic nerve & blood supply, means that the dead is no longer a “living” part of the oral structure.
• The material used to fill the canals has heavy metals in it so as to be visible radiologically but thereby introducing another toxin into the body, especially in sensitive patients.

But in reality, the bacteria have eaten away the bone - which will not be addressed by conventional root canal treatment.

Biological Root Canal Treatment
Role Of Root Canals

A cavitation is a jawbone abnormality typically found in the bone around previously extracted teeth, and most commonly where a wisdom tooth was extracted.

Following the extraction, the body doesn’t heal properly and the bone doesn’t fill the empty space like it should, due to a number of factors discussed below. This low density porous bone allows the bacteria that were there around the infected tooth to continue breeding.

Over time, dental amalgams release mercury into the body. These heavy metals can circulate throughout the bloodstream, infiltrating tissues and organs—including penetrating deep into cells, particularly neuronal (brain) cells. Long-term exposure to heavy metals has been linked to degenerative processes affecting the muscles, nervous system, and overall physical health.As the damage progresses, the symptoms of heavy metal toxicity may resemble those seen in serious neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Because these symptoms—such as fatigue, memory loss, and cognitive decline—are often mistaken as normal signs of aging, many people remain unaware that heavy metal exposure could be a significant underlying cause.Once silver (amalgam) fillings are removed, it is essential to begin chelation therapy—a process that uses chelating agents to bind to heavy metals and help the body eliminate them. These agents form stable complexes with toxic metals, making them easier to excrete from intracellular and extracellular spaces. Common chelators include EDTA, bentonite clay, fulvic acid, activated charcoal, and triphala. Natural, food-based chelators include dietary fiber, sulfur-rich foods like garlic and onions, amino acids, pectin from fruits, and cilantro.Since heavy metals and toxins are processed and excreted through key detoxification organs—including the liver, spleen, lymphatic system, kidneys, and intestines—it is vital to ensure these organs are functioning optimally and properly supported before starting chelation therapy.

• Reduced free radical damage/oxidative stress
• Improvements in energy levels
• Enhanced immunity and gut health
• Better digestive function
• Improvements in mental performance (attention, memory, learning, etc.)
• Improved skin health
• Better protection against cognitive disorders and autoimmune disease

• Reduced free radical damage/oxidative stress
• Improvements in energy levels
• Enhanced immunity and gut health
• Better digestive function
• Improvements in mental performance (attention, memory, learning, etc.)
• Improved skin health
• Better protection against cognitive disorders and autoimmune disease

Natural Foods That Support Heavy Metal Detox

Herbs and Spices
Many herbs and spices have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support detoxification. Herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and especially cilantro help the body eliminate heavy metals. Cilantro, in particular, is known for its ability to bind and remove metals like mercury and lead. Try adding fresh cilantro and parsley to green smoothies or juices for an extra detox boost.

Vitamin C–Rich Foods
Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C help neutralize the oxidative damage caused by heavy metal exposure. Studies in animals show that vitamin C acts as a protective antioxidant. Great sources include:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit)
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
• Berries (all kinds)
• Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables
• Kiwi, papaya, guava, and bell peppers

Garlic and Onions
These sulfur-rich vegetables support liver detoxification, aiding in the removal of metals like lead and arsenic from the body.

Water
Staying well-hydrated is essential for flushing out toxins. Aim to drink at least eight ounces of water or fresh vegetable juice every two hours throughout the day to support kidney and lymphatic function.

Flax and Chia Seeds
Both seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber, which help reduce inflammation and support the elimination of toxins through the colon.

Bone Broth
A nourishing and hydrating food, bone broth provides key minerals and glutathione, which supports liver detox pathways. It’s also rich in amino acids that help strengthen organs involved in detoxification. You can sip homemade broth daily or use a bone broth protein powder as a convenient alternative.

Foods to Limit or Avoid During Heavy Metal Detox

Farmed Fish
Farmed fish—especially from countries with poor quality control—can be contaminated with heavy metals, PCBs, and dioxins, which are highly toxic. The worst culprits include tilefish, swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and bigeye tuna. You can still enjoy fish several times a week, but choose wild-caught varieties that are low in mercury, ideally sourced from a trusted local fisherman.

Common Food Allergens
If your body is already inflamed due to hidden food sensitivities or allergies, it becomes less efficient at detoxifying heavy metals. Identifying and avoiding your personal trigger foods can support more effective healing.

Non-Organic Produce and Processed Foods
Conventional foods may carry pesticide residues and chemical additives that worsen detox symptoms. Notably, items like apple juice and brown rice products are often contaminated. To reduce exposure, refer to the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen—a list of the most pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables—and opt for organic whenever possible.

Foods with Artificial Additives
Preservatives, colorings, and other food additives can stress the liver and may interfere with your body’s ability to process and eliminate toxins.

Alcohol
Excessive alcohol is a known toxin that places an extra burden on the liver, making it harder to detox from heavy metals and other environmental chemicals.

Key Supplements & Herbs for Heavy Metal Detox

Chlorella
Dosage: 1–4 grams daily (approx. 4–8 capsules)
Chlorella is a nutrient-dense green algae and one of nature’s most powerful natural chelators. It binds to heavy metals like lead and mercury, helping remove them from the body. It’s rich in chlorophyll, which supports detox and cellular repair. Available in powder or tablet form.

Vitamin C
Dosage: 3,000 mg daily
A potent antioxidant, vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals and reduces oxidative stress associated with heavy metal exposure. It also supports immune and liver function during detox.

Cilantro
Preferred form: Tincture, taken twice daily
Cilantro is a well-known detox herb that works synergistically with chlorella to pull heavy metals from tissues. It helps mobilize mercury and other toxins for elimination.

Shilajit
Dosage: 100–500 mg daily (usually in powder form)
Shilajit is an adaptogen rich in fulvic and humic acids, which are known to bind and carry toxins out of the body. It shares detoxifying properties with activated charcoal, and supports energy, immunity, and overall vitality.

Milk Thistle
Dosage: 150 mg twice daily, or drink milk thistle tea 1–3 times per day
Milk thistle is a classic liver-support herb, with silymarin and silybin as its active compounds. These powerful antioxidants help protect liver cells, promote regeneration, and block toxins from binding to cell membranes. It’s widely used in treating liver damage, including toxin-related and viral liver conditions.

Probiotics (Soil-Based Organisms)
Dosage: 50 billion CFU daily
Soil-based probiotics help repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria, which is essential for immune support, proper digestion, and detox through the intestinal tract. A healthy microbiome is key for preventing reabsorption of toxins.

• Chronic fatigue
• Tinnitus/ringing in the ears
• Headaches
• Autoimmune diseases, including Lyme disease
• Poor recovery from exercise and weakness
• Skin irritation
• Neurological disorders
• Brain fog, trouble concentrating, difficulty learning and poor memory
• Depression, manic depression and/or anxiety
• Dementia
• Insomnia
• Digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic aches and pains, such as those associated with fibromyalgia
• Tremors
• Impaired motor control, hearing, speech, vision and gait
• Anaemia
• Higher risk for heart attacks

No, it is essential to only start heavy metal chelation once all the amalgam fillings have been removed and the body is strong enough and all organs of elimination are working optimally to ensure that the heavy metals are safely removed from not only the cells but also the body.

Teeth grinding or bruxism has many potential aetiological contributing/& causative factors which need to be addressed: a genetic component; possible parasites in the gut; tongue ties; allergies; sleep apnoea. So, the bruxism is often an alarm for something that needs to be addressed rather than just ignored or merely masked via a night guard.

Very often, headaches are a result of the combination of teeth clenching or grinding; sleep position – related to head position relative to the rest of the body; dehydration and not getting sufficient oxygen due to the jaw position, resulting in sleep apnoea.

Here’s a strong and often overlooked link between sinus issues and dental problems, especially involving the upper teeth. Because of the close proximity between the upper teeth roots and the maxillary sinuses (the largest of the sinus cavities), problems in one area can easily affect the other.

How Dental Problems Can Lead to Sinus Issues

Tooth infections (especially molars and premolars in the upper jaw) can spread bacteria into the sinus cavity, leading to sinusitis.Root canal infections, abscesses, or decayed teeth near the sinus can cause chronic sinus inflammation.Sometimes, during dental procedures (like extractions or implants), the thin bone separating the tooth root from the sinus can be disturbed, allowing bacteria or air to pass between the two.This condition is sometimes called odontogenic sinusitis—a sinus infection that originates from a dental issue.

How Sinus Issues Can Mimic Dental Pain

Sinus pressure and inflammation can cause referred pain that feels like a toothache in the upper teeth—especially the molars.The sinus cavity sits just above the tooth roots, so when it becomes inflamed (due to allergies, infection, or congestion), it can press on these roots, causing dull, aching tooth pain that’s often mistaken for a dental problem.People may even undergo unnecessary dental procedures before realizing the issue is actually sinus-related.

Here’s a strong and often overlooked link between sinus issues and dental problems, especially involving the upper teeth. Because of the close proximity between the upper teeth roots and the maxillary sinuses (the largest of the sinus cavities), problems in one area can easily affect the other.

How Dental Problems Can Lead to Sinus Issues

Tooth infections (especially molars and premolars in the upper jaw) can spread bacteria into the sinus cavity, leading to sinusitis.Root canal infections, abscesses, or decayed teeth near the sinus can cause chronic sinus inflammation.Sometimes, during dental procedures (like extractions or implants), the thin bone separating the tooth root from the sinus can be disturbed, allowing bacteria or air to pass between the two.This condition is sometimes called odontogenic sinusitis—a sinus infection that originates from a dental issue.

How Sinus Issues Can Mimic Dental Pain

Sinus pressure and inflammation can cause referred pain that feels like a toothache in the upper teeth—especially the molars.The sinus cavity sits just above the tooth roots, so when it becomes inflamed (due to allergies, infection, or congestion), it can press on these roots, causing dull, aching tooth pain that’s often mistaken for a dental problem.People may even undergo unnecessary dental procedures before realizing the issue is actually sinus-related.

Key Signs It's Related:

Best Approach

• If you’re experiencing upper tooth pain with sinus symptoms, it's wise to consult both a dentist and an ENT specialist.
• Imaging like a cone beam CT scan can clearly show whether the problem is dental or sinus in origin.
• Treatment may involve antibiotics, sinus rinses, or dental care, depending on the root cause.

• Mouth breathing is when you are breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. This may be the result of an obstructed airway, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a tongue tie or a deviated septum. It can also be a habit that started as a child and was never altered.
• Although breathing through your mouth may seem harmless, it messes with the amount of oxygen that’s entering your brain and bloodstream. It can lead to major health issues, including ADHD, sleep disorders, dental health issues, facial deformities, speech impediments, frequent throat infections, snoring, metabolic syndrome and sleep apnoea.
• If you are a mouth breather, it’s in your best interest to switch to nose breathing. First you need to determine the cause of your mouth breathing and correct it. Practicing nose breathing will help to train your muscles to form a new habit, and seeking professional help from your physician or a myofunctional therapist can be extremely helpful.
• Talk to us about the stream-lined sleep device which helps keep the jaw in the correct position to facilitate the switch to nasal breathing.

Bad breath is a way of describing unpleasant-smelling odours coming from the mouth, also known as halitosis if it’s a chronic condition. Sometimes the cause is something you’ve eaten; or emanating from the gut – indicating a stomach issue; other times it comes from the bacteria found in your mouth. Generally speaking, bad breath comes from the back of the tongue, throat, tonsils, teeth and gums. This is where naturally occurring bacteria are found that can give off sulfur-containing compounds, resulting in bad breath.

Chronic bad breath, however, is more of a symptom of an underlying problem. Causes of chronic bad breath can include:

• Accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, such as due to poor oral hygiene
• Poor diet
• Gum disease/periodontal disease
• Tooth decay
• Chronic dry mouth caused by certain medications or old age
• Trapped food particles in the mouth due to lack of flossing
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Poorly fitting dental appliances
• Yeast infections of the mouth
• Untreated dental caries (cavities)
• Sometimes more serious medical conditions, such as liver disease or diabetes
• Mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing
• Foods that can help get rid of bad breath include: high-fiber foods, water, parsley, citrus fruits, fresh vegetables and foods high in probiotics, and cloves.
• Steps to get rid of bad breath include: skipping sugars and grains, eating more healthy fats, trying supplements and essential oils, eating parsley, sucking on lemon, and drinking lots of water; brushing and flossing, tongue scrapping; oil pulling; stop using off the shelf mouthwashes; visit your dentist every 6 months; address candidal overgrowth in the mouth and body.

The link between oral and systemic health is both powerful and well-documented. Your mouth isn’t separate from the rest of your body—it’s the gateway to your entire system, and what happens there can affect everything from your heart to your brain.

How Oral Health Impacts Whole-Body Health

1. Inflammation and Chronic Disease Gum disease (periodontitis) is a chronic inflammatory condition. That inflammation doesn’t just stay in the mouth—it can spread through the bloodstream, contributing to systemic inflammation.Chronic inflammation is a root factor in conditions like:Heart diseaseDiabetesAlzheimer’s diseaseAutoimmune disordersKidney disease.
2. Oral Bacteria Entering the BloodstreamEveryday activities like brushing or flossing (especially with gum disease) can allow bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream.Once in circulation, these bacteria can:Trigger immune responsesPromote plaque buildup in arteriesAggravate existing inflammation in the body.
3. Heart DiseaseStudies show a strong correlation between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) are often elevated in people with both conditions.Oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis have been found in arterial plaques.
4. DiabetesThe relationship is bi-directional: diabetes increases the risk of gum disease, and gum disease makes it harder to control blood sugar.Inflammation from gum disease can impair insulin sensitivity, worsening diabetes outcomes.
5. Pregnancy ComplicationsGum disease is associated with a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.Inflammation and oral bacteria may affect the placenta and fetal development.
6. Respiratory InfectionsInhaling oral bacteria can lead to infections like pneumonia, especially in the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.

Systemic Conditions That Often Show Up in the Mouth:

• Vitamin deficiencies
• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome)
• HIV/AIDS
• Leukemia
• Celiac disease
• Gastrointestinal disorders

The Bottom Line

Oral health is not just about teeth—it's about your entire body.

Maintaining a healthy mouth through regular brushing, flossing, nutrition, and dental visits is a critical piece of total wellness.