12705 W. 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa, KS | 913-432-9414 | kcdentalworks.com
Dr. John Humphrey Jr is husband to Kansas City native Charity Humphrey and father to Hudson, Lola and Elle. His health journey and fatherhood have both been integral in shaping the care he provides his patients. Charity’s experience as a mother-baby nurse and lactation consultant helped inform his desire to care for the mother baby relationship. He enjoys cycling, exploring the local KC food and coffee culture and spending time in nature with his family. Dr. Humphrey studied at Dr. Richard Baxter’s Tongue-Tied Academy, The Breathe Institute, The American College of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry and is active in the IAOMT, IABDM, AAOSH and the HDA. Kansas City Dental Works was founded in 2013 with the goal of providing the KC Metro with a holistic perspective on modern dental care.
Q: What is holistic (biological) dentistry?
A: Holistic dentistry is a treatment philosophy that looks to find the safest, least toxic methods to deliver modern dental care. Another important component is the consideration of each individual’s biological terrain as we deliver care. Holistic dentistry is concerned with the whole body effects of dental procedures, techniques and materials. One of the most surprising things our patients experience is how much time we spend with them during their evaluation, time learning about them as a person rather than just an isolated mouth. A full picture of each patient, mind, body, and spirit, gives us so much valuable information to help them in their wellness journey. We offer services such as biocompatibility testing, Oral DNA bacterial testing, dental ozone therapy, CO2 laser tongue and lip tie release, orofacial myofunctional therapy and Myobraces as part of our holistic approach to dentistry. Being “mercury safe” is also an important aspect, meaning that we do not place mercury amalgam fillings and are also certified to remove them in a way that greatly reduces mercury exposure. We also work with an amazing network of various health care and wellness providers as many times our patients need a team approach to achieve their health and wellness goals.
Q: What is the best way to prevent gum disease and cavities from a holistic perspective?
A: Many people may think the answer to this question lies in the oral care aisle at Target, however, the best way to prevent these infections is through proper nutrition and proper breathing. Each person has their own individual nutritional needs, but there are basic things that all of us require if we want to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Giving the mouth proper nutrients is extremely important, fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Vitamin K2 all play vital roles in oral health. Another important factor is creating a diverse and balanced Microbiome (the bacterial population in your body) by eating foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics. A healthy gut will help lead to a healthy mouth! Proper breathing through the nose helps with structural development of the jaws and allows for optimal oxygen uptake and reduction of inflammation in the mouth. Providing options such as symptomatic tongue and lip tie release procedures, take home sleep studies, Myobraces and orofacial myofunctional therapy we are able to help improve our patients’ breathing, from infancy to adulthood.
