Book Review: The Dental Diet by Dr. Steven Lin – Unlocking the Connection Between Teeth, Nutrition, and Total Health
A Patient’s Life-Changing Transformation
As a chiropractor, I’ve always emphasized the importance of whole-body wellness. One of the most eye-opening cases I’ve worked with involved a patient suffering from debilitating heart palpitations and chest discomfort. After extensive tests ruled out heart disease, he explored alternative causes.
A connection was found between his symptoms and a root canal tooth linked neurologically to his heart. The root canal was harboring a hidden infection, creating systemic inflammation that directly impacted his cardiac function. After working with a holistic dentist to remove the root canal tooth and properly treat the site, his heart symptoms completely resolved.
This powerful experience highlighted how dental health impacts overall wellness—a concept beautifully explained in Dr. Steven Lin’s The Dental Diet.
The Interconnectedness of Teeth, Nutrition, and Health
Dr. Steven Lin, a holistic dentist and advocate for natural health, explores the profound connection between dental health and systemic wellness. In The Dental Diet, he reveals how nutrition, breathing habits, and dental practices impact not only your teeth but also your entire body.
Root Canals and Systemic Health
Root canals can harbor bacteria and toxins that are sealed off from the body’s natural defenses, leading to chronic low-grade infections. Dr. Lin explains that these infections may not cause dental pain but can have widespread effects, especially on organs connected to the affected tooth via neural pathways.
Using muscle testing, I can identify whether a specific tooth, like one with a root canal or cavity, is impacting other systems in the body. This personalized approach helps uncover hidden dental stressors and guides patients toward appropriate care, often in collaboration with a holistic dentist.
The Neurology of Teeth and Organ Health
Each tooth corresponds to a specific organ through the body’s nervous system. For example:
- Molars are linked to the stomach and digestive health.
- Canines connect to liver and gallbladder function.
- Incisors influence kidney and bladder health.
When a tooth is compromised—through decay, infection, or alignment issues—it can disrupt the function of its corresponding organ. This connection is why addressing dental health is crucial for whole-body wellness.
Nutrition, Chiropractic Care, and Dental Alignment
Dr. Lin draws on the work of Dr. Weston A. Price, highlighting the role of nutrient-dense diets in preventing and reversing dental and systemic health issues. He emphasizes three key elements:
- Nutrient-Dense Foods
Vitamins A, D, and K are essential for strong teeth and bone health, promoting healthy jaw development and airway function.
Foods like grass-fed meats, fermented vegetables, and full-fat dairy provide the building blocks for better health.
- Breathing and Posture
Poor breathing habits, especially mouth breathing, lead to underdeveloped jaws and misaligned teeth. Dr. Lin’s recommended breathing exercises not only improve jaw alignment but also support posture, a key focus in chiropractic care. - Avoid Modern Diet Pitfalls
Processed foods, refined sugars, and industrial vegetable oils contribute to systemic inflammation and poor dental health. A return to traditional diets, including homemade broths and fermented foods, is vital for reducing inflammation and enhancing overall wellness.
Chiropractic Care and Dental Health
As a chiropractor, I frequently see patients with TMJ dysfunction, headaches, and chronic pain that trace back to dental issues. Through muscle testing, I can assess how specific teeth or dental procedures may be affecting their health and guide them toward solutions. Chiropractic adjustments then help restore balance, while dietary changes address inflammation and nutrient deficiencies.
For athletes, this connection is critical. Dental health influences breathing efficiency, posture, and overall performance. Properly aligned teeth and jaws ensure better oxygen flow, which is essential for endurance and recovery.
Finding a Holistic Dentist
Partnering with a holistic dentist is an essential step for addressing root canal infections or dental misalignments. Resources like the Holistic Dental Association or IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) can help you find a practitioner who prioritizes whole-body health. These dentists align with Dr. Lin’s philosophy and work collaboratively with other healthcare providers, including chiropractors, to optimize patient outcomes.
Take Control of Your Health
The Dental Diet is a powerful resource for anyone seeking to understand how oral health impacts the rest of the body. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, unexplained symptoms, or want to optimize your performance, this book is a must-read.
And don’t forget the critical role chiropractic care plays in supporting whole-body health. By addressing structural imbalances, relieving tension, and uncovering hidden dental stressors through muscle testing, we help you achieve your wellness goals.
👉 Schedule your chiropractic appointment today and discover how aligning your health from head to toe starts with understanding the connections between your teeth, nutrition, and nervous system.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. Using these links helps support the valuable health information I share and allows me to continue bringing you natural wellness insights. Thank you for your support!
Medical Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical, dental, or chiropractic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or a qualified holistic dentist with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.
- Lin, Steven. The Dental Diet: The Surprising Link Between Your Teeth, Real Food, and Life-Changing Natural Health. Hay House Inc., 2018.
- Price, Weston A. Nutrition and Physical Degeneration. Keats Publishing, 1939.
- Pottenger, Francis M. Pottenger’s Cats: A Study in Nutrition. Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation, 1983.
- Tennant, Jerry. Healing is Voltage: The Handbook. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2010.
- Mercola, Joseph. “Root Canals and Their Connection to Chronic Disease.” Mercola.com. Accessed November 2024. https://www.mercola.com
- Levy, Thomas E. Hidden Epidemic: Silent Oral Infections Cause Most Heart Attacks and Breast Cancers. MedFox Publishing, 2017.
- Huggins, Hal A. It’s All in Your Head: The Link Between Mercury Amalgams and Illness. Avery Publishing Group, 1993.
- Meinig, George E. Root Canal Cover-Up: Exposing the Hidden Dangers in the Mouth. Bion Publishing, 1994.
- Glaros, Michael. “How Oral Health Impacts Overall Health.” Biological Dentistry. Accessed November 2024. https://www.biologicaldentist.com
- Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation. “The Legacy of Weston A. Price and Dental Health.” Accessed November 2024. https://www.ppnf.org
- International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine. “What is Biological Dentistry?” Accessed November 2024. https://iabdm.org
- Vithoulkas, George. The Science of Homeopathy. Grove Press, 1980.
- Hyman, Mark. “The Connection Between Oral Health and Chronic Disease.” The UltraWellness Center. Accessed November 2024. https://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com
