New Research: The Links Between Obesity and Gum Disease

Obesity and Gum Disease

Maintaining healthy weight supports good oral health

Gum Disease and Obesity: Reaserch Shows Correlations

The correlation between obesity, diabetes and gum disease is something natural, holistic and biological dentists are well familiar with. New studies indicate that by reducing the fat in the body, the incidence of gum disease will improve. While research going back to 2003 has clearly demonstrated that obese adults are at higher risk of gum disease than are normal-weight people many people who are overweight or obese develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes as well, putting this population at even greater risk of gum disease. Following the epidemic of obesity the statistics are staggering; in the US approximately one of every three persons born in 2000 will develop diabetes in his or her lifetime.

Good news for health conscious Americans and for those who are working to improve their health through diet and exercise; Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers recently reported findings from a pilot study that followed 31 obese people diagnosed with gum disease. Those who had fat cells surgically removed showed significant and rapid improvement in their symptoms of gum disease, while those who remained naturally obese showed little or no improvement.

Half of the group had gastric bypass surgery and had fat cells from the abdomen removed. That half showed much greater recovery from gum disease than did a control group of obese people who also were treated for gum disease but did not have the gastric bypass surgery or fat removed – and therefore presumably did not lose weight or work to increase their overall healthfulness. The tell tale finding of the study shows that the majority of participants who underwent surgery demonstrated significantly lower glucose levels following the procedure.

Diabetes is a complex disease with both vascular and metabolic components. A symbiotic connection appears to exist between diabetic control and oral infections. When gum disease sets in, metabolic control of diabetes is worsened. When diabetes is worsened, gum disease progresses.

Gums affected by gingivitis often bleed and are sensitive, but not always. Other signs include swollen gums, loose teeth, a bad taste in the mouth and persistent bad breath. While virtually anyone can develop periodontitis (gum disease), or diseases of the tissues surrounding the teeth and gums, people with diabetes often have more severe cases that can both cause and predict additional diabetic complications.

People who are diagnosed with adult onset diabetes type 2 are generally better able to control their symptoms though diet, exercise, weight loss and possible medications. This type of diabetes is associated with physical inactivity and obesity and therefore represents the population most likely to be affected by the Case Western Reserve University study – knowing as we do now, that by losing weight (or dropping the fat) not only can they reduce the risk of complications from diabetes, they will also lower their risk of developing gum disease, and/or increase their ability to fight existing periodontitis and restore the gums to full health.

No doubt research on this subject will continue, but the good news for those of us who are concerned with maintaining good oral health is that by following a healthy diet, getting regular dental check-ups, following a routine of adequate physical exercise and maintaining a healthy weight we are much more likely to have healthy gums and teeth. And, in the process we are much less likely to develop diabetes or obesity. Good common sense for some, great news for the rest of us.

San Diego Holistic Dentist Welcomes Biological Dentist Dr. Stacy Godes to The Center for Natural Dentistry

The Center for Natural Dentistry (www.NaturalDentistry.us) has taken another significant step in it’s fight to protect and preserve the health of it’s patients by hiring Dr. Stacy Godes to join Dr. Marvin Pantangco at San Diego’s prestigious holistic dental practice.

November 3, 2011 – San Diego holistic dental practice, The Center for Natural Dentistry, is pleased to announce the addition of biological dentist Dr. Stacy Godes to it’s team.

The Center for Natural Dentistry — a holistic dental practice in San Diego integrating natural procedures with traditional science-based dentistry — is focused on improving whole-body wellness through proper, effective dental care with an eye on improving the health of it’s patients.

The addition of Dr. Stacy Godes provides two benefits to existing and new patients:

• It provides patients with another skilled, experienced doctor to work with (The Center for Natural Dentistry was consistently booked up to five weeks in advance. Dr. Godes’ addition provides more opportunities for patients to schedule an appointment)
• It adds ozone therapy to the practice’s alternative dental offerings. Ozone Oxygen/ozone therapy, when introduced into the living system, disinfects the area treated, both safely and effectively. Treating with ozone in dentistry can increase blood flow, enhanced immune response, and provide a more rapid healing response. It’s often used as an alternative method of fighting cavities and periodontal disease.

“Being a holistic dental office, we never place mercury fillings,” says Dr. Marvin, “but it goes beyond that. We are seeking to improve and enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients. We never perform root canals, we follow a strict extraction protocol to prevent bone infection, we use non-surgical methods to treat gum disease, we are extremely cautious when removing mercury fillings, and we never use metals in our restorations. We also test our patients for biocompatibility before using any new materials… we are holistic dentists in every sense of the word. Adding Dr. Godes to the team takes us to a new level and allows to provide even better service to our patients.”

Dr. Stacy Godes (pronounced ‘Goddess’) chose to pursue a career in the dental profession as a way to help people achieve their goals related to overall health and well-being; a career choice that she says is exceptionally rewarding for her at The Center for Natural Dentistry as our newest holistic dentist. Combining the art and science of dentistry into a tool for healing is not just an interest, but a passion for Dr. Godes, as she works to promote health and healing of her patients.

Trained at University of the Pacific in general dentistry and at the IAOMT and IABDM in holistic dentistry, Dr. Godes is a valuable addition to the team and an asset to our patients.

“At The Center for Natural Dentistry, we help patients who have an appreciation for natural health as well as patients who have suffered from long-standing systemic health problems. Many of our patients have tried traditional medicine with unsatisfying results. We offer an alternative look – a look into how their mouth affects their overall health — with some amazing results.”

To celebrate the addition of Dr. Godes to The Center for Natural Dentistry team, they are offering a FREE 30-minute phone consultation to anyone who would like to know if holistic dentistry is right for them or to patients who have long-standing systemic health issues and are looking for answers. If you have “tried it all” when it comes to improving your health, don’t give up. Call for a free consultation to find out how holistic dentistry may be able to help you: 760-536-1199.

About The Center for Natural Dentistry:
The Center for Natural Dentistry provides San Diego residents with safe, effective alternative dental care. Dr. Marvin and Dr. Godes offer holistic dentistry without using toxic chemicals, expensive surgeries, and needless drilling. For information — including a free phone consultation — visit http://NaturalDentistry.us or call (760) 536-1199.

Contact:
Dr. Marvin
The Center for Natural Dentistry
760-536-1199

http://naturaldentistry.us/

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Allergies and the Dentist’s Office

Allergies Can Start in the Dentist’s Chair

There has been quite a bit of attention paid to the various metals or amalgams used in dentistry pertaining to the toxic effects that they can have on the body. In addition to metals used in fillings and bridges, it is important to be aware that dentists also use a wide assortment of cements, anesthetics, bonding materials, temporary appliances, denture materials and more – and every one of these substances can potentially cause a negative reaction once placed in the sensitive environment of the mouth.

Fortunately for our patients, holistic dentists are well aware of the potential for compatibility issues with the materials we use in our practices, and therefore we work hard to make sure that our patients are able to tolerate any substance that we might introduce into the mouth. Unfortunately many people don’t realize that the substances and materials mainstream dentists use, but do not test for compatibility, may be causing some serious health issues in their patients. Many problems can start out as something as innocuous as an allergic reaction at the time of placement. To compound the problem, there is much evidence pointing to a correlation between allergies and autoimmune disorders. In other words, if the source of the allergy is not pinpointed and removed, then potentially the resulting reaction could manifest itself as an autoimmune disorder.

So, whether you are considering having some dental work done now, of if you have serious and persistent health issues and suspect a correlation to previous dental procedures – understanding how an allergic reaction can instigate larger health issues will help you decide how to proceed.

Understanding Allergies

An allergic reaction is best described as an overreaction of the body’s immune system which usually springs up in response to something relatively harmless known as an ‘allergen’. Allergies are caused by the activation of an antibody in the blood called immunoglobulin E. Allergens we are most familiar with include pollens, grasses, bee venom, medications and certain foods such as peanuts and eggs. Common symptoms include a runny nose, itchy eyes or rashes and sometimes people have difficulty breathing. Although reactions are usually mild, occasionally they can be severe, or even fatal.

In the dental industry, allergies to various materials aren’t the only issue causing concern; patients have long been known to have adverse reactions to gold and ‘silver’ amalgam fillings – reactions that can last a lifetime if not treated. Dental material allergies and amalgam allergies can both present anywhere from a few hours to a few days after exposure to the material and symptoms can include swollen lips, oral, head and neck rashes and sometimes lesions in the mouth. Although these symptoms may appear to clear up on their own without medical intervention after just a few days, the body may well continue to fight what it considers to be a foreign agent, releasing a torrent of antibodies into the bloodstream over a long period of time.  As a result one must be wary that the potential of long term exposure could cause a cascade effect impacting the immune system in very unhealthy ways.

How Allergies Lead to More Serious Problems

Between 15 and 25 million Americans are reportedly affected every year by one autoimmune disorder or another – and as of yet, no medical authority is pointing the finger at any particular culprit.  At the same time allergists suspect that defects in the immune system and hypersensitivity often begin with something as seemingly benign as an allergic reaction.  When you consider that the word “autoimmune” means self-immune and it is characterized by the immune system turning on itself in attack in a state of hyperactivity of the immune system then you can begin to see the similarities between autoimmune disorders and allergies, and doctors are  beginning to realize that allergies are quite often a precursor to autoimmune disease.

Many health problems are recognized to be related to mercury (and other metals) used in ‘silver’ fillings, and its longtime impact on the body is suspected to be instrumental in autoimmune diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Psoriasis, and Scleroderma. Other autoimmune disorders that we are hearing more and more about include; Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and others.  With this alarming rise in autoimmune diseases, it makes sense for us to take whatever steps we can to ensure that our patients are biocompatible before allowing any substance or material to be permanently affixed into the mouth.

Be Safe from the Get-go

The unique thing about putting a potentially incompatible dental material in the mouth is that it presents a 24-hour a day exposure that you simply cannot get away from. Unfortunately there isn’t any one set of materials that are compatible for every person since every patient is different and presents a unique physiology. However, there are some materials that are recognized to be better tolerated by more people than other materials. People with weak immune systems have an even greater difficulty finding substances that can be tolerated but fortunately there are ways to test everyone for compatibility. The most common types of tests used by holistic dental offices include:

• Clifford Materials Blood Test
  The blood test will offer results that are based on true allergens. Specifically the Clifford Materials Test is a blood test that will determine if a blood serum sample will react to known dental materials. Although this test can provide valuable information about existing allergies, results may not be as comprehensive when it comes to testing for materials the patient has not yet been exposed to.
• Electro-dermal Screening (EAV)
  Electro-dermal screening is performed by using a machine that tests dental materials according to their compatibility with the patient’s acupuncture meridian system. This test will allow us to determine more than just what materials are compatible, but which materials appear to be optimal for a particular patient. As with muscle testing, we can determine reactions to substances and elements the patient has never previously been exposed to.
• Applied Kinesiology
  Applied kinesiology is based upon the activity of muscles and the relationship of muscle strength to health. This test is based on bio-feedback and will give strictly ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. Using applied kinesiology we are able to test both commonly used items and items that a person has never been exposed to, and by using the body’s biofeedback abilities, identify those items that weaken the individual.

Allergy Testing – An Important Part of the Whole

As natural dentists, our goal is to treat the whole person through the use of safe, natural and painless methods. Our innovative approach to dental care focuses on the health and wellness of the mouth in relation to the whole body, including identifying and treating issues pertaining to allergies and autoimmune disorders. In addition to providing allergy testing, we are able to recommend a variety of natural and herbal products that can help support the immune system – helping to bring our patients to a greater state of overall wellness.

What’s the Best Toothpaste? — Part 2

Simple Science: The Best Toothpaste

In the wide and confusing world of popular tooth cleansing products undoubtedly the safest, most effective combination you can use on your teeth is a soft bristle toothbrush and water, twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. Back up this simple exercise by flossing at least once a day, without fail — and you will have the healthiest mouth around.

But realistically most of us who are interested in maintaining a healthy oral environment probably will feel slightly dissatisfied with the notion that you can have clean teeth without using minty commercial toothpaste. So, what are the healthiest options and how can you make sure you are using products that promote clean teeth and preserve your overall good health?

It’s All In the Ingredients

When you consider that Ben Franklin used a combination of honey and ground charcoal to clean his teeth, it becomes fairly evident that people have been concerned with keeping their teeth clean for a very long time and over the course of time; there has been quite a few interesting ways of accomplishing the important feat of good oral hygiene.

Take for example an ancient Egyptian recipe discovered in 2003 dating back more than 1,500 years that combined one drachma of rock salt – (approximately 100th of an ounce) – two drachmas of mint, one drachma of dried iris flower and 20 grains of pepper all carefully crushed and mixed together to form the best known “powder for white and perfect teeth”. Modern scholars daring enough to try the concoction for themselves found it ‘abrasive and painful to use’. And so … it’s no doubt why we’ve been looking for better alternatives ever since.

Ingredients to Avoid

The most common ingredients in toothpaste include; Silica and Limestone, Aluminum Oxide (provides coarseness to scrubbing) Titanium Dioxide (made from the minerals ilmenite, rutile and anatase – to give toothpaste its white pigment), Mica (adds sparkle to the toothpaste) and of course, fluoride.
For many of the ingredients in toothpaste there are potential health concerns and some have proven to be downright toxic. Some of the biggest offending chemicals include the following:

Fluoride: a byproduct of the fertilizer industrial – this toxic chemical can cause a myriad of health problems when ingested (usually as an additive of the public water systems) and, ironically it is a known demineralizer that removes calcium from teeth and bones causing discolorization of teeth leaving them brittle.

Saccharin and other artificial sweeteners: People ingest synthetic sweeteners and don’t realize how harmful it can be to their health, much less their teeth. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any artificial ingredients in your toothpaste, particularly in the form of sweeteners.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and other detergents: used in many known products as a foaming agent and as with most detergents SLS is known to be harmful to the skin, eyes, brain, liver and lungs. It is also quite corrosive and harmful to skin tissue. SLS is also widely used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and car wash soaps.

Aluminum: when combined with fluoride, aluminum is absorbed into the body at an alarming rate, and aluminum is a metal that seems to collect in the brains of Alzheimer’s victims.

Silica or Zirconium: an abrasive mineral – harms gums and wears away tooth enamel which is particularly hazardous for people who brush a little too enthusiastically or when combined with hard bristle toothbrushes.

Healthy Alternatives

Everyone is looking for a healthy alternative, so what’s the best toothpaste? What’s the best alternative? The fact is, each and every person reacts differently to different ingredients. Take for instance, the case of a recent patient of ours: she had been recommended a bee propolis toothpaste which, by most accounts, is a very biocompatible toothpaste. She broke out into blisters along her guns (and no, she is not allergic to bees). Even within our office we have different employees who are sensitive to different toothpastes. The choice of one employee actually causes dry mouth in another employee. So what’s the best toothpaste for you? You’ll have to learn the ingredients and try different types until you find one that you are most compatible with.

Mixing Up the Homemade Pastes

An online search will turn up hundreds of recipes for toothpaste, and most of those at least start with the two basic ingredients of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. For anyone interested in trying their own hand at making homemade toothpaste just keep in mind that you want to avoid anything that might be overly abrasive to tooth enamel or harmful to the gums, and never swallow the ingredients.
For its recognized healing properties, Aloe Vera is a good ingredient to include as is diluted tea tree oil but most recipes focus on taste and giving a lasting sense of freshness to the mouth. Some of those ingredients include cinnamon, ginger, fennel, clove, spearmint and peppermint – all relatively harmless when combined with other dry ingredients but stay away from essential oil versions of these flavors unless they are well diluted as they can cause burning sensations to the mouth and gums.

Store Bought Toothpastes

There is an unending list of toothpastes on the market today, some claiming to be ‘natural’ while still including ingredients that are either on our list of things to avoid or chemicals that cannot be pronounced. The bottom line is; avoid any toothpaste that has more than six or seven ingredients and never buy anything that contains chemicals or ingredients that you cannot identify. Look for toothpastes that do not contain fluoride, aluminum, artificial sweeteners or detergents and beware of toothpaste marked ‘natural’ – do your homework and read the label.

Toothpaste Analysis

To help make your decision easier (or maybe more difficult) we have compiled a list of many of the most popular alternative toothpaste options. We have done our best to provide complete analysis, but as formulas change, this list may become out of date. Hopefully it provides a starting point for you in your search.

Enjoy… and good luck!

This File May be Best Viewed if You Download it Using the Link Provided… It’s a Large Document.
Best Toothpastes

How Holistic Dentistry and Energy Meridians Work Together

Get the Tooth Chart App Today

If you are lucky enough to have a holistic dentist, you have undoubtedly heard about meridians, and at one time or another you’ve probably seen a meridian tooth chart. But exactly what are meridians and how do they relate to your teeth, and most importantly; your health? Having some understanding of how vital life force energy passes through the body and how that process relates to your teeth, requires some knowledge of energy medicine in general.

Energy Medicine 101

Basically, life giving energy flows through the physical body in a specific pattern. This pattern was mapped more than 5,000 years ago by the Chinese and is described today in diagrams called meridian charts. Meridians pass through the body along 14 tangible channels carrying energy into and affecting every organ and every physiological system, including the immune, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, skeletal (including teeth), muscular, and lymphatic systems.. These channels branch out like a tree connecting hundreds of tiny, electromagnetically distinct points along the surface of the skin known as acupuncture points. Since these sensitive spots have less electrical resistance than other areas of the skin they can be stimulated with acupuncture needles or simple fingertip pressure, to release or revive energy along the pathway.

Energy meridians are important to a person’s overall health as they conduct life force energy in the same way as arteries transfer blood to vital organs and throughout the body. Similarly, a meridian transports energy carrying the life force, adjusting metabolism and removing blockages. This system also determines the rate and structure of cellular change within the body. Healthy flow of energy along the meridian pathways is as critical to life as is the flow of blood, as we all realize that if there is no energy there is no life. If a meridian’s energy is obstructed or if the flow gets interrupted by disease, infection or trauma, the system it feeds is jeopardized.

Meridians and Teeth

In holistic dentistry we understand that every part of the human body is directly linked to a specific tooth or area of the mouth through the body’s meridians. This connection is so strong that it is actually possible to accurately determine a person’s dental history simply by reviewing the physical symptoms and correlating the flow of energy as it moves though the meridians. Our interactive meridian tooth chart will help to illustration these connections.

As it relates to dentistry, blocks or disturbances to the flow of energy can be created by procedures such as root canals, the use of metal fillings and tooth decay and tooth, sinus or jaw infections. These events short-circuit the energy as it naturally flows through the pathways between the affected tooth and the organs. This disturbance in the flow of energy can eventually lead to the breakdown of healthy organ function, jeopardizing the health of the patient. For instance, where a physical weakness already exists in an organ and a root canal is performed on the associated meridian, disease in the related organ will more than likely manifest immediately or over time, depending on the person’s overall immune health.

How Unblocking Energy Meridians in the Teeth Leads to Greater Healthfulness

More and more holistic practitioners are reporting the dramatic disappearance of symptomatic diseases immediately following a restorative dental treatment. Improvements in health are also seen following the extraction of a diseased tooth that is interfering with the healthy flow of energy through the body’s meridian system. These cases provide growing evidence that disease in a particular tooth or a cavitation in the jaw can have a negative impact on a related organ by obstructing the flow of energy as it circulates throughout the body.

Using our interactive meridian tooth chart it is possible to see that the upper first and second molars or the lower first and second bicuspids are related to the esophagus, stomach, spleen, mammary gland and maxillary sinus. In view of these connections, any dissimilar fillings or traumatic dental procedures may produce a chronic stimulus which in turn may change the electromagnetic energy and cause a variety of diseases to manifest in the related organs.

Our Goal with Energy Medicine

Our goal as holistic dentists is always to help our patients improve their overall healthfulness and long term well-being through the mindful practice of dentistry. This goal is only enhanced by a well-rounded understanding of how life force energy moves through the human body via meridians in the teeth.

More About Meridian Charts

You can use our Interactive Tooth Meridian chart on our website at http://naturaldentistry.us/holistic-dentistry/meridian-tooth-chart-from-encinitas-dentist/

You may also want to check out the iPad and iPhone version at the app store: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toothchart/id443360636?mt=8