The Ethics of Oral Care: The Products You Didn’t Know Were Being Used In Dentistry

Описание: This episode of the podcast explores the "The Ethics of Oral Care" in dentistry, a field shifting away from a mechanical "auto repair" mindset toward one centered on biological harmony with people, animals and the planet. The discussion highlights a major paradigm shift led by figures like Victor Ronald K.M. (Víck), who advocates for the "Systemic Dental Connection"—treating the mouth as an essential gateway to the body’s neurological and immunological systems.


Key Topics Discussed

• Animal-Derived Clinical Materials: Most dental bone grafts are "xenografts," derived from bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) sources. Collagen membranes used in surgeries are also typically animal-based.
• The Problem of Informed Consent: The guest highlights that patients are rarely informed that animal products are being used in their procedures, which can conflict with religious beliefs (like Halal or Kosher) or ethical lifestyles (Veganism).
• Synthetic Alternatives: The discussion mentions "Beta-tricalcium phosphate" as a synthetic alternative to animal bone, though it notes that many dentists stick to animal products due to established clinical success.
• Hidden Ingredients in Daily Care:
• Shellac: Derived from the lac beetle, it is used in dental products and as a glaze on sweets like Skittles.
• Glycerin and Stearic Acid: Often found in toothpaste and floss, these can be animal-derived unless specified as vegetable-based.
• Environmental Impact: The dental industry contributes significantly to plastic waste, including billions of plastic toothbrushes and non-recyclable toothpaste tubes.
• The "Vegan Dentistry" Standard: The guest explains the difficulty of achieving a 100% vegan practice, as even "synthetic" items may use animal-derived lubricants during the manufacturing process.

Key Takeaway


Modern dentistry relies heavily on animal-derived materials and single-use plastics, often without the patient's knowledge. The use of synthetic alternatives can bridge the gap between healthcare needs and personal ethics.