How You Can Prevent Chronic Health Issues

If you knew you could prevent a heart attack or stroke by doing one simple thing every day, twice a day would you do it? If you thought you could avoid developing serious lung diseases or ease existing symptoms of arthritis and diabetes would you think about changing your morning routine to include this simple exercise?

It might surprise you to realize that by simply brushing and flossing your teeth two to four minutes, twice a day you can support not only the health of your teeth, but the health of your entire body as well. Following up these healthy mouth routines with regular dental exams and cleaning visits is sure to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life. And to support what holistic and biological dentists have known all along, research is now indicating that by taking your oral care seriously, you may well prevent some very serious chronic health issues down the road.

Microbes Invade the Body to Create Serious Illnesses

Studies conducted at well respected institutions such as the University of Rochester Medical Center, the College of Dental Medicine and Columbia University – among others – point out significant correlations between gum disease and chronic health issues such as:

• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Hardening of the Arteries (atherosclerosis)
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder)
• Pneumonia
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy, premature delivery & conception issues

Much of the research revolves around the discovery that harmful bacteria, bacteria normally held in check in a healthy oral environment, can multiply out of control in a mouth infected with gum disease or periodontitis.

In a healthy person, the introduction of harmful bacteria into the body from gum disease is normally purged by an active and strong immune system, but in certain people or under circumstances where the immune system is weakened or compromised, this process can lead to devastating consequences. Under these conditions harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to vulnerable organs of the body, exacerbating existing health issues such as diabetes and lung diseases – or creating a cascade of events that lead to a ‘perfect storm’ for chronic health issues to develop such as pneumonia, heart attack or stroke.

Recognizing the Early Signs of Gum Disease

If your gums are sore, red and swollen or bleed easily when you floss, you may be one of many Americans with periodontal, or gum disease – some holistic dentists estimate that up to 90 percent of the population suffers from some form of periodontal disease.

In the mouth the tiny space between the tooth and the bone presents the perfect environment for bacteria to collect. Early on in gum disease this bacteria forms into a sticky film called plaque. If this plaque is not removed routinely with good home care techniques, and if the body’s resistance is low, then this bacterial plaque can eventually overwhelm the immune system. The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, and left untreated this stage can quickly lead to periodontitis.

How We Can Help You Prevent Chronic Health Issues

Since the bacteria rising from gum disease may spread throughout the body to threaten more than just the teeth and gums, it is important to talk to your dentists about risk factors and treat any infected areas of your mouth as soon as possible.

In a person diagnosed with periodontal disease a holistic dentist will generally use deep cleaning, teeth scaling and root planing to break up bacteria and remove calcified tartar stuck to the teeth. The dentist will follow up this treatment with a tutorial on how to brush, floss and irrigate the teeth to effectively remove plaque and bacteria.

Treatment of oral bacteria with proper tooth cleanings, mouth rinses and good oral care at home can reduce the complication of chronic disorders. Contact our office to learn more about how we can help you to keep not only your gums healthy, but help to ensure overall good health for life.

For more information:

Microbiologists Discover How Cavity-Causing Microbes Invade Heart http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=3240

New Study Shows Gum Disease Can Extend The Time That It Takes For A Woman To Become Pregnant http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/230714.php

Healthy Gums May Lead to Healthy Lungs

http://www.perio.org/consumer/healthy-lungs.htm

Dentists Can Identify People with Undiagnosed Diabetes, Columbia Researchers Show

http://dental.columbia.edu/news/DentistsUndiagnosedDiabetes.htm

Dried Licorice Root Eliminates Bacteria That Cause Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Research on dried licorice root released in January, published in ACS’s Journal of Natural Products, reports that two of compounds found in licorice, licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, may play a significant role in “treating and preventing tooth decay and gum disease.”

Stefan Gafner and his team of researchers point out that the dried root of the licorice plant is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, especially as a way to enhance the activity of other herbal ingredients, or as a flavoring. And herbalists and alternative health practitioners have long known of the many benefits of licorice including; to relieve respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, colds, coughs, congestion, sore throat, and allergies. In addition, it is used for stomach ailments including heartburn from reflux, inflammatory issues, skin conditions (eczema and psoriasis), minor skin infections, and liver problems.

The leading cause of tooth loss is gum disease and tooth decay which is best managed by good oral hygiene practices and regular trips to the dentist, but the discovery of the antibacterial properties of dried licorice root now offers an additional way to stave off these dental health issues. Before using the dried licorice root it is best to take stock of any other prescription drugs you may be using as it has been known to have adverse effects when used with certain prescription drugs.

Glycyrrhizin, one of the more common components found in licorice, has long been believed to contribute to its many therapeutic properties. Additional substances that have been identified in licorice include compounds called flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). But to test whether the root could combat specific bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities, the researchers focused on the licorice compounds called licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, which tested as the most effective antibacterial substances. Together, these substances killed two of the major bacteria responsible for dental cavities and two of the bacteria that promote gum disease while the substance licoricidin honed in on and killed a third gum disease bacterium. The researchers also indicate that these substances could treat and quite possibly prevent oral infections.

For a list of precautions visit the Herb Library, and/or consult with your physician before taking licorice root supplements.

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.

The Truth About Gum Disease

Episode 9 of Dangers in Dentistry, originally aired on KPRZ in San Diego.

Have you or someone you know been told you need gum surgery? How about an expensive treatment for gum disease? Or maybe no one has ever talked to you at all about gum disease…

In this week’s episode of Dangers in Dentistry, Dr. Marvin — America’s Holistic Dentist — breaks down the biggest myths about gum disease — gingivitis, surgery, alternative treatments, risks, and more.

Join us for this week’s episode of Dangers in Dentistry and discover the real truth behind the myths!

Enjoy!
Dr. Marvin
San Diego, Encinitas Holistic Dentist

Gum Disease Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis

As if you needed another reason to take care of your gums and treat gum disease, researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and University Hospital of Cleveland have found that treating periodontal disease reduces arthritic pain, swollen joints, and morning joint stiffness in people suffering from arthritis.

The researchers discovered a close biochemical association between microbes in inflamed gums, the toxins they create, and the joints.

“It was exciting to find that if we eliminated infection and inflammation in the gums, then patients with a severe kind of active rheumatoid arthritis reported improvement on the signs and symptoms of that disease,” said Dr. Nabil Bissada, head of the school’s periodontics department, who worked with Dr. Ali Askari, chairman of the department of rheumatology at the hospital. “It gives us a new intervention.”

Gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis are both inflammatory diseases sharing similarities in their progression over time – the soft and hard tissues are destroyed from inflammation caused by toxins from bacterial infection. One toxin from the inflamed areas, called tumor necrosis factor-alpha, is a marker present in the blood when inflammation is present in the body and can initiate new infections or aggravate sites where inflammation already exists.

For patients who already suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a visit to the dentist to treat any signs of gum disease might lessen the pain and inflammation. For people not currently suffering from arthritis, it’s one more reason to proactively treat and prevent gum disease.

“Again we are seeing another link where good oral health improves the overall health of an individual,” said Bissada.

Heart disease, rheumatic disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis… they all have one thing in common: they are all linked to gum disease. Once again it goes to show that taking proper care of your mouth makes good, common sense for your overall health.

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Dr. Marvin is an holistic dentist at The Center for Natural Dentistry in Encinitas, California (San Diego County), specializing in dental care that protects and preserves your overall wellness. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, please contact his office today at (888) 825-5351.