Christian Science and dental care

[loris]

Hello,
When I first heard of Christian Science and began reading Science and Health a dozen years ago, I had an innocent thought, "Maybe I could use this to heal my teeth." After being around Christian Scientists in the movement for awhile and asking for treatment from various practitioners/teachers, I have concluded that Christian Scientists don't do teeth. Nearly everyone turns to dentistry for their oral health care. Now, I realize that it's ridiculous to believe that God can't heal teeth. And I also know that there have been healings of teeth (both of the hard structure and surrounding soft tissues) documented in the periodicals.

In my lengthy search for healing, which continually eludes me, I keep getting worse and accumulating more problems. Yet I hold out hope for a complete metaphysical healing. I'm looking for some support in this.

I guess what I want to know is, what do other Christian Scientists do about their teeth? Has anyone had a metaphysical healing of a cavity? a broken tooth? gum disease? Tell me about it. What did you do? Who did you work with?

I would appreciate any ideas anyone wants to share on this topic. Either practical or metaphysical.

Thank you.

[jazzrascal]

Hi Loris,
I have had thoughts similar to yours about dental care. I can understand why some people might want to have their teeth thoroughly cleaned at the dentist office (although I'm convinced that this isn't really necessary), but any other form of dental treatment, to me, is identical to medical treatment for other parts of the body.

I wish I could tell you that I've had some spectacular healing regarding my teeth. I haven't - yet - but I am definitely working on it! I have had some bad experiences with dentists, and as a result my teeth were damaged. First of all I had to forgive the dentists. Then I realized that teeth are actually bones, and Mary Baker Eddy has some interesting things to say about bones, if you look the word up in the concordance.

The turning point for me with all of this was when I was considering having implants. When I found out what was involved, I realized that it was an invasive medical procedure, and I opted out. After that, I began to realize that my ongoing attempts to "take care" of my teeth problems at the dentist were leading me nowhere, so I began to consider the entire issue more metaphysically.

I do think it's something most of us need to pray about, and not just turn to the dentist to solve problems with our teeth as a matter of course. I'm really glad that you brought up this topic. I may have more to write about it later...

jazzrascal

[goodwinh]

There is a good article in the April 2008 Journal - "Healing Chronic Illness" - "Deep Think" - that deals with this concept. I found it helpful and providing higher lines of thinking along this path of teeth, eyes, etc ... It gets at some "root" beliefs that may be helpful.

[Jael]

When it comes to dentists and even to physicians, I personally think that they are reflecting Divine intelligence as they repair our teeth or heal our material bodies. I know many physicians and most deliver treatment with love, compassion and empathy. I think their actions are so in line with God's. Are there any CSs who share this same thought?

[Lulu333]

When it comes to dentists and even to physicians, I personally think that they are reflecting Divine intelligence as they repair our teeth or heal our material bodies. I know many physicians and most deliver treatment with love, compassion and empathy. I think their actions are so in line with God's. Are there any CSs who share this same thought?
I think they are reflecting divine intelligence, for sure. And I agree with you that most are compassionate caring individuals who have the very best motives and who are doing their best to alleviate human suffering. I've interacted with doctors on a few occasions and that's been my experience.

That said, I had a caring doctor who made a mistake during the delivery of my baby and it almost cost me my life. And what changed the outcome was turning to God. The hospital staff called it a miracle, but I am convinced that it wasn't a miracle in the traditional sense, but rather a divine law of Love (God) that saved me.

I've got a lot of respect for doctors and other healthcare workers. Their jobs are hard and they're providing a service that the majority of the world wants. But for those of us who are used to getting their healthcare needs met on the quick (no waiting room visits! ;) ), with no drug side effects, it's an easy choice. It certainly doesn't mean that we -- or I guess I should just say "I" -- don't appreciate the medical field's good work, but I trust God's more...He's never let me down.

[loris]

I disagree that dentists (and physicians) express divine intelligence. I like how Mrs. Eddy puts it, "No wisdom is wise but His (God's) wisdom." So, when a dentist looks at me and sees a physical structure that has decayed and is subject to decay, and the decay cannot be healed, he is, in effect, mental malpracticing me. Unless I defend myself against this malpractice and know was is true - what God sees and has made: perfect, complete, and immutable - then I am subject to the physical theories, and meta-physical (spiritual) healing is impossible.

Believing that the dentist's treatment actually works is another story. The sad news is, dentistry does not actually heal! Cavities are not healed. Fillings contain harmful toxins that cause other problems. Root canals - ditto. I could go on and on. Certain procedures are like crutches. Useful for a time, but not actually intended to heal. For those who get dental help, they can be appropriately grateful for the kind human assistance they receive.

Another thing that was mentioned by a couple people here was that we could respect the dentists. "Great respect is due the motives and philanthropy of the higher class of physicians." as Mrs. Eddy puts it in Science and Health. And of course, I agree with that.

So anyway, we need to separate the goodness of the individuals from the false beliefs they hold. If we don't, we become subject to specific malpractice... Another good Eddy quote: "Animal magnetism fosters ... reliance where there should be avoidance ..." (Ways that are vain - in Miscellaneous Writings)

Thanks for bringing this up. There is a lot of error out there on the topic of Christian Science and dentistry, and I have spent a dozen years being subjected to it, and trying to work my way out from under it. I'll write more about specific errors I have encountered and how I have dealt with them.

[Lulu333]

I disagree that dentists (and physicians) express divine intelligence. I like how Mrs. Eddy puts it, "No wisdom is wise but His (God's) wisdom." So, when a dentist looks at me and sees a physical structure that has decayed and is subject to decay, and the decay cannot be healed, he is, in effect, mental malpracticing me. Unless I defend myself against this malpractice and know was is true - what God sees and has made: perfect, complete, and immutable - then I am subject to the physical theories, and meta-physical (spiritual) healing is impossible.

Believing that the dentist's treatment actually works is another story. The sad news is, dentistry does not actually heal! Cavities are not healed. Fillings contain harmful toxins that cause other problems. Root canals - ditto. I could go on and on. Certain procedures are like crutches. Useful for a time, but not actually intended to heal. For those who get dental help, they can be appropriately grateful for the kind human assistance they receive.

Another thing that was mentioned by a couple people here was that we could respect the dentists. "Great respect is due the motives and philanthropy of the higher class of physicians." as Mrs. Eddy puts it in Science and Health. And of course, I agree with that.

So anyway, we need to separate the goodness of the individuals from the false beliefs they hold. If we don't, we become subject to specific malpractice... Another good Eddy quote: "Animal magnetism fosters ... reliance where there should be avoidance ..." (Ways that are vain - in Miscellaneous Writings)

Thanks for bringing this up. There is a lot of error out there on the topic of Christian Science and dentistry, and I have spent a dozen years being subjected to it, and trying to work my way out from under it. I'll write more about specific errors I have encountered and how I have dealt with them.
But where does human intelligence come from? I think there's only one source--for everything--and that's God. Is the doctor's expression a perfect expression of divine intelligence? Probably not. But neither is my expression of mathematics...still I do express it to some degree when I'm balancing my checking.

I just don't see the point in pitting myself against the medical community to any degree. That doesn't mean that I'm going to rely on medical means for my healthcare, of course. I once had an experience that taught me a lot about this.

My husband's twin sister was going through an unwanted divorce so we took her on a skiing trip to try to cheer her up. Neither my husband or his sister are Christian Scientists. She dislocated her knee and ended up in a leg brace facing months of physical therapy. I hated to see her suffer -- things just weren't going well for her -- and I kept thinking how much better it would be if she'd turn to CS, because she could be healed right away.

A couple of days after we flew home, my knee popped out of place (for no apparent reason), and I was struggling! I called a CS practitioner and was healed quickly. My extended family was duly impressed and I can't say I didn't feel a bit smug. But then a few more days later, as I was preparing for a holiday gathering at my house, out went my knee again. I was washing dishes and thinking, "Now what will my in-laws think about Christian Science?"

I began to pray, and the divine message that came to me was "Don't judge their healthcare decisions and they won't judge yours." I hobbled to the door to let my mother and father-in-law in and she noticed my limp right away. But she just said, "Well, you know what you have to do. Get busy." And that was that. I was permanently healed that day -- and that was over 15 years ago.

[Jael]

LuLu:

I like your thinking and your story about your in-laws and how they didn't judge you. As you said, physicians are humans like the rest of us and they reflect God's intelligence to the best of their ability. I actually trust their judgment and will seek out their help when needed.

Another responder however, accused physicians of mental malpractice. This seems abit over the top for me. Why would anyone want to commit mental malpractice, especially someone who has taken a hippocratic oath to do no harm? Aren't physicians also reflective of God and all his goodness?

I often sense that CSers are encouraged to be fearful of physicians. Why is this? Luke of the Gospels, was the beloved physician. He was also Paul's travel companion and took care of him. I'm sure Paul loved Luke and appreciated the care that he offered him.

[loris]

Another responder however, accused physicians of mental malpractice. This seems abit over the top for me. Why would anyone want to commit mental malpractice, especially someone who has taken a hippocratic oath to do no harm?

With Science and Health as their textbook, I am astounded at the apathy of some students on the subject of sin and mental malpractice, and their culpable ignorance of the workings of these... The helpless ignorance of the community on this subject is pitiable...

That's a retort in Mrs. Eddy's own words. She was addressing Christian Scientists, and accusing Christian Science Teachers *gasp* of committing mental malpractice. Mrs. Eddy was pretty over the top too.

Incidentally, I saw an ad on the back of the latest Christian Science Sentinel that was mailed to my house for a new "read Miscellaneous Writings in a Year" journal. I think it's a great idea. Mrs. Eddy has a lot of really amazing and interesting and useful things to say. The quote above is from an address before the alumni of the Massachusetts Metaphysical College, 1895 and is published in Miscellaneous Writings p. 115 starting at line 2.

;)

[loris]

I'm still interested in hearing from others who are working on healing their teeth. :D What ideas have you had that have helped? What hurdles have you overcome? What resistance have your encountered? etc.

[Jael]

As I read through all these comments regarding dentists and the ascertion that they are conducting mental malpractice...unbeknownst to them, the discussion begs the question...why in the world would you continue to see a dentist if you think that he/she is doing something negative towards you?

Dentists are busy people with lots of patients who appreciate their service. Without a doubt, they wont miss you if you stop coming.

If you think that a dentist has made your life even somewhat better because of the care they have provided, the pain they relieved, etc. please share that story. Let's see the good in these folks.

[NYCtown]

I've regularly gone to dentists since I was a kid. The first dentist I went to was actually a Christian Scientist. I don't know the story there, but I do know that he had a pretty flourishing practice with the CS crowd! ;)

My experience has never been negative. I've never had a cavity and only go in for professional cleaning. I like the feel of those nice clean teeth! And how is that different from brushing my own teeth except that it's a more thorough job?

I do know that the practitioner who prayed with my parents when my mother was pregnant with me and my siblings prayed specifically about teeth. This came up because everyone was always surprised that none of us have had cavities or any dental problems...my mom said the practitioner said, "Oh, I took care of that." :)

[jazzrascal]

I don't think this is so much a discussion about whether the dentists are the good guys/gals, but more about whether we can do better as Christian Scientists in praying about dental issues and having better demonstrations. I think it's a valid discussion, and I know that I for one could do better in this area. I don't think we should just accept the idea that we can run off to the dentist to solve every problem with our teeth any more than we can run off to the doctor or the hospital to solve our other physical problems - not if we're serious about learning and practicing this Science. This, however, is in no way a criticism of Christian Scientists who feel they need the support of either dentists or doctors when they are faced with a situation they don't seem to be able to meet through prayer. We are all moving along and growing at our own pace, and I think most of us really desire to see progress.


jazzrascal

[Starlight Rider]

But where does human intelligence come from? I think there's only one source--for everything--and that's God. Is the doctor's expression a perfect expression of divine intelligence? Probably not. But neither is my expression of mathematics...still I do express it to some degree when I'm balancing my checking.


I'm inclined to agree. If there is one Mind or Consciousness, and we are all interconnected to it at some fundamental level, then it is dualism to say one thought is "material" and another thought is "spiritual."

As I see it, the difference between material and spiritual is merely a different degree of awareness. Sort of like the difference between a blurry image and a sharply focused one. We're all looking at the same thing, but the material view is a fuzzy view, and the spiritual view is the clear view. This coincides with an insight I had some months ago, that material senses do not convey information, they filter information and prevent us from seeing the whole image clearly. They're mental filters, though, not physical things at all.

Still, at this stage of my experience, I still see a pretty fuzzy view, but I'm at least learning that it is not the correct and complete view.

[pattyp]

Loris, your second post suggests you are still looking for ideas. Unlike NYCtown’s smooth-sailing in the tooth department, my own experience has required mighty wrestlings over nearly eight decades. I have had my share or extractions, root canals, fillings and cleanings in earlier years as I learned to face down fears planted in childhood.

But it has only been in the last 20 years or so that I began to gain a real sense of dominion about caring for my teeth through Christian Science. This began with a definite sense that God was telling me He would show me how to care for my teeth, regardless of what had gone before, if I would trust Him.

Developing this trust has been a gradual process, and the victories have been modest but encouraging. In the early 1990s, a dentist referred me to a specialist because he felt 6 teeth should be extracted. Since then, the same prognosis has been made at different times by two other dentists. But I was never led to follow through, not because of fear, but because of confidence that God would care for my teeth without this necessity.

About ten years ago, a filling came out of a front tooth. It was one of the 6 recommended extractions, but I was able to find a dentist who was willing to fill it instead. I left on a tour of China right afterwards, and in the 10 years since, that tooth has been trouble-free, though not movie-star high-maintenance gorgeous.

About three years ago, a large filling came out of another front tooth which had required occasional fillings ever since my teenage years. There was no discomfort, but there was a noticeable chunk of tooth missing. When I tried to have it filled, the dentist refused to do so until I underwent an intrusive therapy of some sort plus other extensive work. Once again, I walked away. But three months later, as the tooth continued to crumble, the thought came, “Well this is it. You’re just going to have to settle for permanent full dentures.”

I wasn’t happy with this thought at all – I like my teeth anchored. But as I continued praying (VERY earnestly) I found a dentistry practice that advertised getting the entire job done in one day – extractions AND dentures. I took heart knowing that at least this didn’t have to be a time-consuming process.

The night before keeping this appointment, I prayed more deeply than ever before that this particular cup might pass from me, but I concluded my prayer as Jesus had done: “Nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done.”

Surprise! When I returned home after keeping this appointment, my situation wasn’t much changed from when I’d left that morning. Instead of extracting all my remaining teeth and supplying full dentures, the dentist suggested he just extract what was left of the fast-disappearing tooth, then make a new bridge (plus an added tooth) to replace the modest bridge I had used for over 60 years. The fit was perfect, and I even got a hug from the dentist before I left. That was definitely a first!

So here I am, near the completion of my eighth decade, still cherishing 5 of the 6 teeth that were supposed to have been removed 20 years ago. Christian Science has given me the moral courage to hold the line. I can’t recall when I’ve had any sort of discomfort from my teeth or gums. We get along together as good neighbors, and I rarely give them any thought.

One of the directives that has helped establish a greater sense of dominion is in our Church Manual’s chapter on “Discipline” which reads, “God requires the wisdom, economy and brotherly love should characterize all the proceedings of the members of The Mother Church.” Obedience to this rule has supported me in this and many other aspects of my life. It has helped me look deeper into Truth for answers and proceedings, instead of “accepting only the outward sense of things” or along with the status quo.

Several years ago, when a dental professional again prescribed extensive work for me, I laughingly but honestly told him that my body wasn’t worth that much money. I purposely never obtained dental insurance because I didn’t want to be tempted with the belief that it wouldn’t matter how much dental work I needed since it was “covered”. I feel this decision has helped me be more prudent and industrious in caring for myself effectively.

There is still more prayer work to be done about tooth care -- alignment and filling in the gaps with natural teeth, among other things. To this end, I cherish a beautiful passage from Song of Solomon: “Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep going up from the washing, wherein each one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them.” When I think of my teeth, I think of them as a flock of sheep (spiritual ideas), and not one of them missing!

I recall a testimony where a woman’s prayers caused one of her grandson’s ‘permanent’ teeth (which was lost early on) to be replaced by another real tooth, not once but two or three times! Science and Health tells us that “Impossibilities never occur,” so that grandmother's demonstration gives all of us a lot to look forward to.

Continued spiritual growth and fidelity to Truth will surely result in wonderful new blessings. “Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it,” says the scripture. More and more, I’m able to let God do the filling.

[Starlight Rider]

PattyP, you have given me hope, and helped calm my own fears on this subject. Thank you.

[pattyp]

Another bright light that aided my moral stand of separating myself from popular hygienic beliefs re tooth care (flossing, picking, peeking, long and frequent brushings, etc.) involved a young African I met when he was a university student in the US. Dining together over a meal of chicken, he delightedly chewed and swallowed the bones as well. “We teach our teeth to be strong,” he said, smiling broadly to reveal a mouthful of healthy, sparkling teeth.

At his tribal home in Africa, life was primitive by America’s “superior” standards, for his people still worked together hunting their food in the wild. When eating, if food should lodge in their teeth, they simply broke off a twig, fanned one end into a brush, and Voila! It did the job!

He told me that his people (uneducated in the beliefs of dental hygiene) didn’t know about tooth decay and didn’t experience it! Is there a lesson in this? He’d only heard of tooth “trouble” from his American friends who strongly urged him to have a dental checkup before he returned to Africa because he could get any needed work done for free. Mistakenly believing that their “modern” dental care was far superior to anything available in the bush, they assumed he’d be up a creek if tooth trouble appeared once he was back home with only a twig for a toothbrush!

Our teeth do not govern us. We govern them in accord with God’s law. Like my African friend, we should rule out hygienic beliefs and teach our teeth (and our thoughts about them) to be pure, strong and healthy. Christian Science enables us to accomplish this without “drilling and drugging.”

[Don Loop]

Loris,
Marjorie Dagnall CS Journal listed in Aptos, CA reported an interesting dental episode on one of her disks. Might check out.
Tippy Too

[Diane]

I'm still interested in hearing from others who are working on healing their teeth. :D What ideas have you had that have helped? What hurdles have you overcome? What resistance have your encountered? etc.
It was interesting to read all the comments. I could relate with a little of it all. However, there came a decisive moment for me. After struggling with a bone condition for some years, my continued prayers led me to a surprising answer: to go with the periodontist's recommendation. The surgery went well - but more interesting is that all the staff was praying during the surgery and honestly, the space was sacred! I felt of one accord with all in the room. When the surgeon called the staff to show how good a
procedure he had accomplished, he asked me if I still wanted to thank God or him. So, I gingerly explained I wanted to thank both, him for listening, for learning, for rigorously studying his field so he could be tops, but God for the intelligence, the energy, the vitality, the steadiness of hands, the grouping of the staff, etc. Mrs. Eddy tells us plainly on p. 444, lines 7-12, that if we fail to receive aid from other Scientists, God will still guide us into the right use of temporary means. There is a season for everything, says Eclesiastes, and listening for God's will leads us where it
does. I know that there have been healings of teeth problems. My
circumstances and listening to God dictated a course of action - obedience became more important than the form the healing took.

[crayne]

Hi Loris,

I am a new user to the discussion boards and was reading your request. When I was about 12 I had a tooth that was coming in at the wrong place -- it was a canine coming in directly above my two front teeth. I was told I would need braces or the tooth would break through in the wrong area of my mouth and cause severe damage. I was fairly new to CS, but elected to use a practitioner instead of orthadontics.

We didn't go to the dentist much when I was a child ... but it was more of a money issue than a CS issue. (By the way, my mother is a RN who became a Christian Scientst. She holds her RN license but doesn't work in the medical field any longer.)

I was very young and I remember specifically working with the hymn that starts, "Eternal Mind the potter is and thought the eternal clay ..."

At some point in the work I felt calm and the treatment ended. The tooth never broke through!

Several years ago, as an adult, I went to a dentist for a cleaning and they took an x-ray and discovered the tooth was in the bone above my front teeth. The dentist assured me that the tooth needed to be removed and sent me to an oral surgeon. So, I went. The oral surgeon looked at the tooth through the x-ray and was fairly shocked that it had never broken through. His recommendation was to leave it because it would not cause problems. He was surprised at the way that the tooth had settled, didn't cause problems and never broke through the gum. To me this was a pretty clear substatination of the healing that had taken place years earlier.

The article "Gods Law of Adjustment" is an excellent resource for any kind of adjustment that needs to be made. Whether it be dental, emotional, or otherwise.

On another note, I am married to a non-Christian Scientist so I have become familiar with many in the medical profession and I have to say that there are many doctors, nurses, etc. who are wonderful people. Reading some of the message boards I have seen that there is some discussion about the mental malpractice of medical professionals.

In my experience, if you choose to go the route of modern medicine instead of CS, there is only judgement if you allow it into your consciousness. If you "keep your thought so filled with Love that error cannot enter" then there won't be any damage.

While you don't mix CS treatment and the medical treatment, it doesn't mean that you can't keep your thought uplifted and pray for inspiration while you are under the care of a physician. In my experience this is one of the best times to grow closer to God and expand your understanding of Christian Science. Sometimes I think it there is a perception that you have to cease praying when you elect to take the medical route. To me "prayer" can be different than "a CS treatment".

Just my own thoughts ... We're all at our own place in understanding and while we must always be working and praying, placing blame on ourselves and judging will not help us or others.

-Christy

[waterbaby]

I've seen this thread for many weeks and haven't read it but felt compelled to check it out this morning as I'm faced with a fairly extensive (for me) dental procedure.....getting a cap for a molar with an ancient, cracked filling. I suggested to the dentist he simply redo the filling but he said there wasn't enough tooth left to do that...the only solution is to cap the tooth. I just don't know why I'm dragging my feet on this. I actually made an appt. to have it done last year but ended up canceling.

I feel greatly inspired this morning by several of the posts on this thread and others to handle this through prayer. Thank you all!

[Théo]

I read interesting things here. I remember a few years ago a familly member, who is not a Christian Scientist, had one of her premolars which hurted much and was loose. She went to a dentist who said the tooth had to be extracted. She made a new appointment for that. Meanwile, she asked me to pray because she suffered a lot. As a result, the tooth didn't hurt any more. She kept to her appointment, and the dentist couldn't understand: the tooth was no more loose, but according to its condition it should have loose. Then she kept her tooth and still have it.

Honesty impells me to say that as far as now I go to the dentist each time I have a problem with my own teeth. I think we really get as much as we understand and trustfully accept to be true.