The Hidden Causes of Emotional Eating and How to Overcome Them

Today on the Holistic Dentistry Show, Dr. Sanda Moldovan speaks with Dr. Toni Engram about her innovative approach to cavity prevention and treatment. Dr. Engram shares how her personal journey with Crohn’s disease led her to practice biological dentistry, focusing on whole-body health rather than just treating teeth. Dr. Engram explains the science behind her 90-day Cavity Cure Accelerator program, which takes a comprehensive approach to treating tooth decay by addressing the root causes. She details how she uses saliva testing to identify harmful bacteria, measures pH levels, and creates personalized protocols to restore oral microbiome balance. Dr. Engram emphasizes the importance of nutrition, particularly healthy fats, for dental health and explains why merely drilling and filling cavities without addressing the underlying issues often leads to recurring problems. Both doctors discuss their concerns about fluoride exposure and share their preferences for natural alternatives like hydroxyapatite and xylitol. Dr. Engram provides practical home care advice, including natural mouthwash alternatives and supplement recommendations. She highlights the connection between gut health and oral health, explaining why treating one without the other is often ineffective. The episode concludes with Dr. Engram’s encouraging message that most people can heal their mouths and are not destined to have “bad teeth.” Want to see more of The Holistic Dentistry Show? Watch our episodes on YouTube! Do you have a mouth- or body-related question for Dr. Sanda? Send her a message on Instagram! Remember, you’re not healthy until your mouth is healthy. So take care of it in the most natural way.  Key Takeaways: (00:01:06) Dr. Engram shares how she discovered biological dentistry (00:02:30) Personal health journey with Crohn’s disease and complete remission (00:05:36) How health coaching integrates with dental practice (00:09:04) The Cavity Cure Accelerator program development (00:11:06) Using saliva testing and pH measurement to identify issues (00:12:47) Understanding the bacterial causes of tooth decay (00:14:22) Customized protocols based on test results (00:16:41) Determining when to perform restorative dental work (00:17:31) Practical advice for home oral care (00:19:52) Why Listerine is “roundup for your mouth” (00:22:01) Natural mouthwash alternatives to try at home (00:24:55) Diet advice and the importance of healthy fats (00:28:00) Vitamin D testing and its role in preventing cavities (00:30:52) The connection between gut health and oral health (00:32:25) Why tooth decay is a “family infection” (00:33:52) Questions to ask about restorative materials (00:36:19) Why Dr. Engram avoids fluoride in her practice (00:38:31) Benefits of calcium hydroxyapatite over fluoride (00:39:42) How to effectively use xylitol for cavity prevention (00:41:45) Dry mouth and increased cavity risk (00:43:13) Final message: “You were designed to heal” Guest Info: Toni Engram, DDS, AIAOMT Website LinkedIn  Facebook Blog Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube @flourishdental7433 Rumble Connect With Us:  AskDrSanda | YouTube BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com | Instagram  DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram  Orasana.com | Instagram

Today on the Holistic Dentistry Show, Dr. Sanda Moldovan speaks with Tricia Nelson, an emotional eating expert and TEDx speaker whose talk has garnered over 2 million views on YouTube. Tricia is the author of the bestselling book "Kill Your Hunger: Seven Simple Steps to End Emotional Eating" and host of the Heal Your Hunger show. As a recovered emotional eater who lost 50 pounds by addressing the underlying causes of her overeating, Tricia shares profound insights about the real reasons behind our food struggles. Tricia explains that overeating is rarely about the food itself but rather about "what's eating you." She describes how emotional eaters use food to cope with uncomfortable feelings, change their mood, or numb emotional pain. Rather than focusing on dieting, which has a 98% failure rate, Tricia emphasizes the importance of addressing the root emotional causes that drive overeating behaviors. She outlines what she calls "the anatomy of the emotional eater" - a set of 24 personality traits that have nothing to do with food but contribute to problematic eating patterns. The conversation explores how people-pleasing, perfectionism, and poor boundaries create the perfect storm for emotional eating. Tricia explains her "PEP test" (Painkiller, Escape, Punishment) to help identify the emotional drivers behind unhealthy eating behaviors. She offers practical advice for breaking free from emotional eating, including establishing regular meal patterns, developing self-awareness about true hunger versus emotional hunger, and creating healthy tools for processing emotions. For Dr. Sanda's dental audience, she highlights how reducing sugar intake can dramatically improve not just overall health but oral health as well. Want to see more of The Holistic Dentistry Show? Watch our episodes on YouTube! Do you have a mouth- or body-related question for Dr. Sanda? Send her a message on Instagram! Remember, you’re not healthy until your mouth is healthy. So take care of it in the most natural way.  Key Takeaways: (00:01:57) Tricia's journey losing 50 pounds by addressing emotional eating (00:06:25) "Overweight is a symptom of overeating, and overeating is a symptom of what's eating you" (00:11:31) Distinguishing physical hunger from emotional hunger (00:16:23) The people-pleasing trait in emotional eaters (00:18:22) Why 98% of diets fail to address root causes (00:22:28) Food addiction: uniquely challenging because we must eat to live (00:26:37) The physically addictive nature of sugar and carbs (00:28:24) Hidden sugars in processed foods (00:33:16) The PEP test: Painkiller, Escape, Punishment triggers (00:37:37) Three steps to begin healing emotional eating Guest Info:  Tricia Nelson - Emotional Eating Expert and TEDx speaker Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealYourHunger https://www.facebook.com/groups/secretsaucetoendemotionaleating/ Instagram: @tricianelson_ Email: [email protected] Determine if you’re an emotional eater or a food addict (or somewhere in between). Take the quiz and get your personalized score. Emotional Eating Free Quiz Want to discover proven strategies to overcome emotional eating? Grab Tricia's bestselling book 'Kill Your Hunger: Seven Simple Steps to End Emotional Eating' on Amazon and start your healing journey today. Connect With Us:  AskDrSanda | YouTube BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com | Instagram  DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram  Orasana.com | Instagram 

Today on the Holistic Dentistry Show, Dr. Sanda speaks with Dr. David Kennedy about the dangers of mercury, mercury toxicity, and what you can do about it. After working as a Navy dentist, placing over 100 mercury fillings a day for two years, Dr. David Kennedy now dedicates his work to raising awareness about mercury toxicity and changing legislation around it. He explains the countless adverse effects of inhaling mercury and mercury vapor. Despite the heaps of evidence that mercury poisoning is linked to disease and that patients who have mercury fillings removed have improved health, it is still not wholly illegal in the U.S. Dr. Kennedy identifies perceived profit as the reason for this negligence. He offers several examples of mercury’s effects on the human body and strategies to prevent and detoxify from exposure. Dr. Kennedy then discusses the challenges of changing industry practices and the resistance from trade associations and government agencies. He calls for a global ban on mercury fillings and reminds us of the importance of holistic dentistry for comprehensive health and wellness! Want to see more of The Holistic Dentistry Show? Watch our episodes on YouTube!  Do you have a mouth- or body-related question for Dr. Sanda? Send her a message on Instagram! Remember, you’re not healthy until your mouth is healthy. So take care of it in the most natural way.  Key Takeaways: (01:41) Mercury vapors from the fillings are toxic (08:30) What dental students can do if still handling mercury (15:20) FDA says removing mercury fillings is dangerous (21:29) European Union bans all mercury fillings (27:06) Mercury poisoning prevention (37:58) Supplements for purifying water (49:32) Smoking tooth video shows mercury vapor   Resources Mentioned: Smoking Teeth = Poisonous Gas video   Guest Info: David Kennedy, DDS YouTube channel   Connect With Us:  AskDrSanda | YouTube BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com | Instagram  DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram  Orasana.com | Instagram   

Today on the Holistic Dentistry Show, Dr. Sanda speaks with Dr. Radhika Kapoor about pediatric airway conditions, signs of airway issues, and what parents can do about it.  Dr. Kapoor explains the importance of pediatric airway health. Early detection and prevention of any issues are vital for a child’s health. For Dr. Kapoor, pediatric dentistry combines all of her specialty interests, including functional medicine, gut health, immunity, sleep, and prevention. She reviews signs of airway issues in children that can be detected in their sleep, eating, and behavioral habits, as well as factors that commonly delay these diagnoses. She shares a personal story of how her daughter got COVID as a baby and why she believes it impacted her airway development. Dr. Kapur explains the use of myofunctional appliances, removable and fixed expanders, and the importance of myofunctional therapy in correcting airway issues. She offers several actionable at-home remedies for airway well-being. Remember, airway and oral health are related to your child’s overall health. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for more resources and support! Want to see more of The Holistic Dentistry Show? Watch our episodes on YouTube!  Do you have a mouth- or body-related question for Dr. Sanda? Send her a message on Instagram! Remember, you’re not healthy until your mouth is healthy. So take care of it in the most natural way.  Key Takeaways: (01:20) Introduction to pediatric airway health (02:55) Lasers speed up healing (06:02) Early signs of airway issues (10:16) Factors delaying airway issue diagnosis (14:45) Sleep apnea is a red flag (17:22) How jaw size impacts breathing (19:43) Benefits of visiting an orthodontist young (22:15) Ways to expand the jaw from 4 years old (25:14) At-home remedies for improving breathing in kids (28:10) Nasal hygiene is as important as brushing for toddlers Resources Mentioned: For a complimentary 15-minute discovery call with Dr. Kapoor’s hygienist, email [email protected] to arrange! Episode 21: Unraveling the Myofunctional Therapy Solutions for Development of Proper Chewing, Swallowing, and Sleep Dysfunction Episode 39: Ortho Needs in Kids: Myofunctional Therapy Connection Guest Info:  Smile Wellness Connect With Us:  AskDrSanda | YouTube BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com | Instagram  DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram Orasana.com | Instagram

Today on the Holistic Dentistry Show, Dr. Sanda continues her exploration of jaw bone cavitations and discusses how they form and why they are so difficult to diagnose. Jawbone cavitations can significantly impact overall health, especially for those with chronic pain. Dr. Sanda breaks down the science of what exactly a jawbone cavitation is and how it can lead to osteonecrosis and inflammation. Studies show that jawbone cavitations are linked to elevated cytokine levels, which is why they are linked to systemic health issues. Dr. Sanda identifies lifestyle choices and related health issues that may increase the risk of developing a jaw cavitation, including root canals. Jaw cavitations can be difficult to diagnose, and Dr. Sanda emphasizes receiving proper diagnosis and treatment.  Call our office at (310) 275-4180 to find out more about cavitations! Want to see more of The Holistic Dentistry Show? Watch our weekly episodes on YouTube!  Do you have a mouth- or body-related question for Dr. Sanda? Send her a message on Instagram! Remember, you’re not healthy until your mouth is healthy. So take care of it in the most natural way.  Key Takeaways: (1:13) How jaw bone cavitations form (03:36) Cytokines in cavitations (07:02) Fatty Degenerative Osteonecrosis (FDOJ) (09:56) Root canal treatments and cavitations (12:49) How cavitations impact overall health Resources Mentioned: IAOMT Position Paper on Human Jawbone Cavitations Connect With Us:  BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com |  Instagram  DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram  Orasana.com | Instagram

Today on the Holistic Dentistry Show, Dr. Sanda discusses jaw bone cavitations, emphasizing their misunderstood nature and the updated understanding by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). Jawbone cavitations are areas of dead or dying bone tissue in the jaw, often caused by tooth removal, root canals, or infections. In Dr. Sanda’s experience, after a jawbone cavitation surgery on patients with chronic fatigue and inflammation, they often experience relief across symptoms. She explains that the IAOMT has proposed a new name for this condition and reviews the condition’s history of different naming conventions. Dr. Sanda then describes how cavitations are diagnosed, why they are often missed, and what technology is needed to detect them. For those suffering from unexplained chronic health issues, investigating if jawbone cavitation is a factor may be a good next step.  Call our office at (310) 275-4180 to find out more about cavitations! Want to see more of The Holistic Dentistry Show? Watch our weekly episodes on YouTube!  Do you have a mouth- or body-related question for Dr. Sanda? Send her a message on Instagram! Remember, you’re not healthy until your mouth is healthy. So take care of it in the most natural way.  Key Takeaways: (01:30) Definition of a jaw cavitation (03:36) Effects of surgery on chronic fatigue  (10:03) The many names of jawbone cavitation (13:16) How to diagnose a cavitation (14:37) Cavital’s outdated usage (18:31) Importance of systemic health Resources Mentioned: IAOMT Position Paper on Human Jawbone Cavitations Connect With Us:  BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com |  Instagram  DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram  Orasana.com | Instagram

Today on the Holistic Dentistry Show, Dr. Sanda sits down with Dr. Marcelle Pick, an OBGYN and functional medicine practitioner, about the relationship between obesity, mouth inflammation, and safe weight loss. Dr. Marcelle shares her journey into functional medicine, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of illness and not just symptoms. She discusses the high rate of gum inflammation in overweight individuals and the importance of addressing oral health in weight loss programs. In an Ozepic-crazed era, learning what foods and homeopathic remedies actually support your total health has never been more important. Dr. Marcelle explains why her weight loss program, Drop 20 Now™️, is 99% effective for everyone who follows it. The program focuses on reducing inflammation, addressing emotional eating, and providing long-term maintenance strategies. Want to see more of The Holistic Dentistry Show? Watch our weekly episodes on YouTube!  Do you have a mouth- or body-related question for Dr. Sanda? Send her a message on Instagram! Remember, you’re not healthy until your mouth is healthy. So take care of it in the most natural way.  Key Takeaways: (00:57) Treating the root cause of disease instead of masking it with drugs (3:01) Food is the most powerful drug we have (05:46) Why most weight loss programs fail (08:58) Relationship between adrenal issues and inability to lose weight (14:14) Your issues are in your tissues (20:41) What are homeopathic remedies? (25:44) Meals on the Drop 20 Now™️program (31:18) Advice for losing weight (34:12) The dangers of sugar (37:00) Relationship between proteins and weight loss Guest Info:  Dr. Marcelle Pick | website Dr. Marcelle Pick | Instagram Drop 20 Now™️ | website Is It Me Or My Adrenals? | book The Core Balance Diet | book Is It Me Or My Hormones? | book Connect With Us:  BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com |  Instagram  DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram  Orasana.com | Instagram 

Today on the Holistic Dentistry Show, Dr. Sanda shares how to optimize your oral health and the science behind her top tips.  It is crucial to not only minimize bacteria that is known to cause periodontal disease, but also practice oral care habits that promote the growth of healthy bacteria. Studies have shown that taking care of your mouth not only combats everything from bad breath to gum disease, but also systemic diseases such as stroke and rheumatoid arthritis.  Dr. Sanda outlines ingredients and oral care methods that are proven to optimize overall health. She shares tips for using electric toothbrushes and water flossers – it might surprise you to learn the proper techniques! Dr. Sanda also highlights products from Orsana that can support your holistic health routine.  Want to see more of The Holistic Dentistry Show? Subscribe on YouTube!  Do you have a mouth- or body-related question for Dr. Sanda? Send her a message on Instagram! Remember, you’re not healthy until your mouth is healthy. So take care of it in the most natural way.  Key Takeaways: (00:29) Advances in the field of microbiology from the past decade  (3:07) Why it's so important to have a  healthy layer microbiome in the mouth  (5:53) Step 1: Brush and Mineralize  (7:32) Step 2: Floss and Clean (9:25) Step 3: Chew and Restore  Resources Mentioned: Renew and Restore Oral Care System   The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of String Floss Orasana WaterJET Probiotic Mints   Connect With Us:  BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com |  Instagram  DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram  Orasana.com | Instagram   

Today on the Holistic Dentistry Show, Dr. Sanda sits down with Dr. Shilpa Sayana to discuss how oral health is connected to overall health.  Dr. Sayana is the medical director of the Sayana Health & Wellness Center who is dedicated to holistic wellness practices and functional medicine testing to address the root cause of sickness. In this episode, Dr. Sayana shares methods for understanding why you're not feeling well and emphasizes being proactive in your health for long-term benefits.  Dr. Sayana explains how issues such as hormonal imbalances, gut inflammation, and autoimmune diseases can directly impact oral health. She touches on the role of medications, anxiety, and stress in overall health and shares methods, treatments, and supplements for managing them. Dr. Sayana also highlights the dangers of mercury fillings and the importance of toxicity testing. She also encourages you to explore your health and treatment options through the Sayana Health & Wellness Center.  Want to see more of The Holistic Dentistry Show? Watch our weekly episodes on YouTube!  Do you have a mouth- or body-related question for Dr. Sanda? Send her a message on Instagram! Remember, you’re not healthy until your mouth is healthy. So take care of it in the most natural way.  Key Takeaways: (04:14) Dr. Sayana’s background and introduction to functional medicine  (13:01) How medications can affect your oral health  (15:03) Knowing the programs and tests to take  (24:35) Why Sayana always starts with a form of gut testing (27:20) The benefits of having a holistic dentist over a traditional dentist  (31:28) Ways autoimmune disease manifests into other areas (36:27) How Sayana Medical can help you  Guest Info:  Sayana Medical & Wellness Center Website  Connect With Us:  BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com |  Instagram  DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram  Orasana.com | Instagram   

Today on the Holistic Dentistry Show, Dr. Sanda discusses a study showing that pregnant women are exposed to excessive mercury from dental amalgams. A study published in February 2024 shows that mercury exposure from dental fillings threatens pregnant women. For women who aren’t pregnant but already have fillings, Dr. Sanda shares her recommendations for beginning to detox from these fillings. Once pregnant, mercury will cross over to the baby, and it is better to manage the mercury before pregnancy. Dr. Sanda shares her experience recovering from mercury toxicity. She encourages women struggling to get pregnant to test their mercury levels before beginning IVF and begin the detox process as soon as possible.  Want to see more of The Holistic Dentistry Show? Watch our weekly episodes on YouTube!  Do you have a mouth- or body-related question for Dr. Sanda? Send her a message on Instagram! Remember, you’re not healthy until your mouth is healthy. So take care of it in the most natural way.  Key Takeaways: (00:43) Mercury exposure from dental fillings in pregnant women (1:58) Recommendation for non-pregnant women (3:41) Amalgam in women correlates to mercury in urine. (5:31) Mercury is a neurotoxin possibility related to infertility Resources Mentioned: Estimated mercury vapor exposure from amalgams among American pregnant women Connect With Us:  BeverlyHillsDentalHealth.com |  Instagram  DrSandaMoldovan.com | Instagram  Orasana.com | Instagram