Beverly Hills' Whole-Body Dentist, Dr. Leedia, Explains The Benefits Of Integrative Dentistry.
By Jessica Ourisman
On the tails of announcing our new toothpaste, allow us to introduce Dr. Leedia Reeman, DDS, to you to talk about all things oral health. Better known by her patients—and more than 57.5 thousand followers on Instagram—as Dr. Leedia, she is a rare gem in the world of dentistry for her integrative approach.
Even as integrative medicine and functional doctors grow in prominence and popularity, it is still pretty rare to be able to find a dentist that thinks beyond the status quo. A trip to Dr. Leedia's office means avoiding neurotoxic fluoride in favor of innovative treatments like ozone therapy (which, by the way, is already common in dentistry in places like Switzerland). But considering the far-reaching health implications of gum health and oral inflammation, keeping things clean and calm non-toxically is a top priority in holistic health.
Below, learn more about how integrative dentist Dr. Leedia keeps her patients happy and healthy non-toxically via her mindful, whole-body approach to integrative dentistry at R Dental in Beverly Hills, California—where she practices along with her brother.
When did you realize you wanted to be a dentist?
I've always loved people, health and physical activity. After we moved to the States [as first-generation immigrants], I did many internships in the field of healthcare. Once my brother got accepted into dental school, I started working in a dental office while attending UC Davis and I loved it!
I loved the versatility of [dentistry], the ability to do research or teach [while having] an impact. So, I completed my double major in biochemistry and molecular biology. Then I got accepted at UCLA, [continuing on] to do a residency in one of the most competitive residencies in San Antonio, Texas.
I now practice with my brother and it's been an incredible journey—challenging at times, but a beautiful ride.
What is an integrative dentist and how does this elaborate upon conventional dentistry?
An integrative dentist is one who combines practices from the East and the West. For example, some cavities—those that go beyond the enamel—do need to be restored. This restorative process is done using the conventional approach taught in dental school. But the mouth is not a separate entity; it's an integral portion of the body that is connected with thousands of nerves in the head and neck area. Where the integrative approach comes down to the materials and tools used, the treatment approach and complementary modalities offered.
First, the materials we use to restore the cavity are non-toxic. We never use toxic amalgam fillings, we use BPA-free composite, biomimetic porcelain and zirconia (i.e., metal-free) implants.
Second, from beginning to end, we honor [the integrity of the] pulp chamber housing the tooth's nerve, blood and lymph supply [with the] understanding that each tooth is linked to a specific area of the body. It's very important not to remove more tooth structure than needed to successfully restore the tooth. (This is important to remember when doing cosmetic dentistry like veneers, too.)
One of the biggest mishaps we see in the field of dentistry is a tooth that dies or gets infected due to the trauma from over-drilling or over-prepping teeth. Because of this, we attempt to reverse small cavities [that do not go past the enamel] via re-mineralization. This takes time and effort, but we have done it over and over again in our practice. We also use ozone gas for disinfection and laser dentistry.
But not only will we help you heal your cavities, heal your gum disease or [repair] a broken tooth, but we will also invest the time to find out why the dis-ease is happening—otherwise, it will happen again. Is it mouth-breathing, excessive snacking, micronutrient deficiencies, poor oral care at home, dental phobia or trauma leading to neglect, or something else?
[Additional modalities at the practice include Microcurrent Specific Frequency to reduce inflammation, a guided biofilm-removal machine, X navigation for computer-guided surgeries, a Biocharger for PEMF therapy and sound therapy via healing frequencies.]
What is the significance of gum health that readers might not know?
Gum health is crucial! Gum health is a crucial indicator of overall health because they serve as a barrier between the oral cavity and the bloodstream. When the gums are compromised due to conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis, they can become inflamed and bleed, allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This bacterial invasion can contribute to systemic health issues including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infertility, Alzheimer's and respiratory infections. Recent research has linked certain pathogenic oral bacteria to colon cancer, premature labor and lower birth weights.
I always say that your gum health is the primary priority, and then we can focus on dental health. That's because the gums and surrounding bone are the foundation to great oral health. I have a hard rule in my clinic that unless it's an emergency, I won't work on a tooth that is embedded in infected tissues. In my opinion, that should be the standard of care. We wouldn't plant a tree in sand, but we will plant a tree in fertile, healthy soil—that's how to think about the gums.
Manuka honey is one of the ingredients in our new toothpaste. Can you describe how it benefits oral health?
I know that Manuka honey has amtimicrobial properties specifically against S Muans, a major pathogenic bacteria in the dental world.
Most of us grew up receiving fluoride as part of our dental care—from the tap water we drink and cook with, to the toothpastes we use daily, to our trips to the dentist. But more recently, research has shown it to be toxic! Why don't you use Fluoride in your practice?
I do not incorporate fluoride in my dental practice because I believe it is unnecessary when practicing whole-body dentistry and effectively managing patient health. While fluoride can strengthen teeth and temporarily halt dental decay, I view it as a short-term solution—akin to a band-aid—that doesn't address the underlying issues of oral and overall health.
Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential toxic effects of fluoride on children, reinforcing my decision to focus on holistic approaches that prioritize comprehensive dental care without relying on fluoride as a crutch. By addressing the root causes of dental problems, we can promote lasting oral health that aligns with the overall well-being of our patients.
Does hydroxyapatite provide a viable alternative to fluoride?
Yes! Hydroxyapatite is a great replacement for fluoride, especially if used consistently.
There is a probiotic strain [called Strep Salivarus] that is said to be beneficial for dental health, preventing cavities, etc. Is this true and do you believe the oral microbiome could be a future frontier in dental health?
Yes! Strep Salivarus is one of the good guys [n the oral microbiome]. The microbiome is the future and it's becoming the present. You cannot floss or brush your way out of oral dysbiosis. We need to figure out where dysbiosis is coming from, whether from how you breathe, to a medication, to hormonal fluctuations and beyond.
What is one unexpected dental tip you would like to share with readers?
Nasal health is just as important as oral hygiene. Clean your nose every single day. And every night, after you clean your nose and mouth, shut it. Yes, shut it with some mouth tape to ensure that you're breathing through your nose.
Have you tried the new Agent Nateur toothpaste?
Not yet, but oh my god—please get it for me. I would love to try it!
Citations:
