Dr. Brian Herod

Dr. Herod seeks to optimize every patient’s health. He believes that every patient deserves an individualized and positive dental experience, with treatment options that are specific to their medical history and genetic predispositions. He focuses on patient education responsive to their individual needs, concerns, and goals in order to empower patients to make informed treatment decisions.

Dr. Herod understands the important connection between oral health and overall health. His passion for the growing field of biological dentistry has led him to become a member of the International Academy of Oral and Medical Toxicology (IAOMT). Dr. Herod sees holistic dentistry as an integrative approach, rather than a one size fits all method of care. He offers treatment options specialized for each patient.

Dr. Herod values each patient as their own person. He hopes to change the perception of dentistry to one that is caring, positive, educational, and individualized.

Call today to make an appointment with our office today to see how your health can be changed.

Biological dentistry is an integrative approach to dental medicine. It recognizes the importance of the oral-systemic connection and focuses on whole body health. In addition, biological dentistry prioritizes the use of non-toxic and biocompatible materials, specific to each patient’s sensitivities.

Metals are generally not biocompatible with the human body and can cause an underlying immune
response. Many people have metal sensitivities, and heavy metals are toxic to everyone. Dr. Herod,
therefore, takes care to avoid any metals in his treatment. He utilizes BPA-free ceramic based composite fillings, as well as ceramic crowns and zirconia implants. Dr. Herod also offers orthodontic clear aligners, such as Invisalign, instead of metal braces for orthodontic treatment.

Due to the potential exposure to mercury during amalgam filling removal, Dr. Herod takes great care in the removal of these restorations. He follows the SMART Protocol created by the International Academy of Oral and Medical Toxicology (IAOMT) to ensure his patients complete safety during treatment.

Airway-focused dentistry is a relatively new concept. Because oxygen is the number-one nutrient your body needs for survival, breathing is essential for overall good health. At your dental visit, Dr. Herod will evaluate how your upper and lower teeth fit together, a relationship called dental occlusion. He will also look at your resting jaw position. Both malocclusion and improper jaw position can cause significant complications in oral health and comfortable oral function.

The results of your comprehensive dental exam will help Dr. Herod determine whether you suffer from airway issues. In addition to improving a patient’s airway for better breathing, Dr. Herod can help some patients overcome sleep issues caused by breathing inconsistencies.

Airway-focused dentistry always has a positive effect on overall health.

Why do we have airway problems? Since the introduction of the Western diet, poorly developed nasal, facial, and jaw structure has become more prevalent, all of which limit oxygen intake. Soft, processed foods do not provide fat soluble vitamins, nor do they turn on the genes that control healthy facial
structure.

Characteristics of airway impairment include a long narrow face, slumped posture, and a narrow, high palate, which compromises the nasopharyngeal airspace. Another obvious sign is needing extractions prior to orthodontic therapy. Instead of expanding the arch to accommodate the teeth, extractions allow for a smaller number of teeth to align properly on a narrow arch. Unfortunately, extractions don’t solve the breathing issues related to a narrow arch. This orthodontic treatment choice can lead to breathing issues in adulthood.

As an airway-focused dentist, Dr. Herod can identify potential issues in children, before they lead to significant problems later in life. Identifying and treating an airway issue early can benefit a child’s overall health for the rest of his life.

Myofunctional therapy is also associated with a healthy airway. This type of therapy improves the function of muscles related to the mouth, such as those of the tongue and lips, and those around the jaw joints. Retraining muscles to perform properly can affect how the teeth are aligned, how a person speaks, sleep quality, snoring, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and how jaw joints function.

Your mouth is the gateway to overall healthy. Foods, beverages, and whether you realize it or not,
bacteria enter the body through your mouth.

Within the oral environment, good and bad bacteria exist. It is the balance of these bacteria that is critical for optimal oral health. This is called the oral microbiome. When this balance is disrupted it can lead to not only tooth decay and periodontal disease, but also disruption in the gut microbiome, leading to chronic inflammation and illness. Bad bacteria lead to tooth decay and gum disease if good oral health habits are neglected. Both of these dental diseases cause significant oral health issues, including tooth loss and gum and bone deterioration.

To help patients avoid dental diseases, our clinical team provides nutritional guidance, as well as advice on maximizing your oral home care routine. Making lifestyle and dietary changes can virtually eliminate the need for invasive dental treatment.

Our mouths initially evolved to function in a way that grinds down meat and fibrous vegetables. Before our modern diet evolved, humans rarely consumed sugar, except in the form of fruit.

As first noted by Weston A. Price, who studied primitive cultures prior to the introduction of Western diet, there was little to no incidence of tooth decay, periodontal disease, or crowding in early human populations. These people had no access to dental care, or even a toothbrush. It only took one generation to begin these disease processes following the introduction of Western diet.

Dr. Herod values each patient as their own person. He hopes to change the perception of dentistry to one that is caring, positive, educational, and individualized.

Call today to make an appointment with our office and see how your health can be changed.