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Natural Awakenings Twin Cities

Tooth by the Lake: Creating Healthy Smiles Since 1982

Dr. Kari Seaverson, DDS

Choosing the right dentist is no less important than choosing the right medical doctor because oral health can be an indication of future general health.

Tooth by the Lake (TBTL) dental office has been creating healthy smiles in the Hopkins area since 1982 when Dr. Dwight Tschetter founded the practice. Dr. Kari Seaverson now owns the full-service practice, and her husband, Dr. John Seaverson, recently joined the team of holistically minded dental practitioners. All are members of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and the Holistic Dental Association and are actively involved in continuing their education in traditional and holistic dentistry.

Holistic dentistry means TBTL’s concern goes beyond oral health. They know there’s a symbiosis between health of teeth and overall health and provide comprehensive information to support this philosophy so patients can make well-informed decisions about treatments and lifestyle choices.

Dr. Tschetter introduced Dr. Kari to holistic dentistry when he brought her to her first IAOMT meeting. She became convinced of its efficacy after seeing the dramatic improvement in a girl who previously had problems walking and talking. While medical doctors were unable to diagnose the cause, the removal of the girl’s amalgam fillings turned her health around within days.

Teeth and gums are an integral part of the body and a key entry point to its nourishment. Toxicity, disease or infection can spread through the bloodstream to every tissue, organ and cell if proper oral hygiene combined with healthy diet isn’t followed.

“Our patients embrace this type of dentistry,” says Dr. Kari. “Many see alternative health practitioners such as naturopathic doctors or chiropractors. Diet has the greatest impact on oral health and our patients already eat clean, are gluten free and dairy free. They’re very health conscious and want their dental practice to align with what they’re already following at home.”

A mercury-free office, TBTL follows safe methods for amalgam removal and keeps current on procedures and non-toxic materials for fillings, crowns, bridges and dental implants that will not adversely impact the immune system. “Amalgam fillings don’t last forever; they crack and crumble and leach toxic mercury into the body. Some people are chemically sensitive,” Dr. Kari explains. “They seek us out because they know we’ll use materials that are helpful to them.”

Dr. Kari goes on to say there are different theories for detoxing heavy metals from the body. “If you use chelation methods prior to amalgam removal, it can actually pull metals from your fillings into your body. We recommend people just be healthy. Detoxification can be done later under supervision of their health care provider.”

The dentists at TBTL believe in putting patients at ease. Their staff is friendly, skilled and knowledgeable. Only the most advanced dental techniques—both eastern and western—are used along with biocompatible materials. Their newly remodeled environment is relaxing, nurturing and supportive.

According to Dr. Kari, “Our remodel will be complete later this month. We’ve doubled the space, added more operatories so there are seven bays, expanded the waiting room and added an infrared sauna room for our patients and a break room for our staff.”

Drs. Kari and John have been practicing dentistry since graduating from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2000 where Dr. John is now an adjunct professor. They live in Chaska with their two boys, Jack and Cole.

The office is located at 1401 Main St., Hopkins. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 952-475-1101. For patient testimonials, visit ToothByTheLake.net.

Kate Hillenbrand is a freelance writer, certified holistic health coach and the owner of Gut Instincts by Kate based in Minneapolis.