How to Take Control of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal (gum) disease is a broad term for conditions involving inflammation and infection of the tissues (gum and bone) that surround and support the teeth. Being that the mouth is a microcosm for other body parts, it is important to heal this gum disease ASAP, to prevent further deterioration of the rest of your health.

Periodontitis is a very common type of gum disease among U.S. adults:

• About 4 in 10 U.S. adults 30 years or older had a mild, moderate, or severe level of periodontitis in 2009–2014.

• About 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women 30 years or older had some level of periodontitis.

Periodontitis is more common as people age. About 60% of adults 65 years or older have periodontitis. 

There are different levels of Periodontal Disease, ranging from Gingivitis (inflamed bleeding gums) up to full blown Periodontitis (severe bone loss, loose teeth).  There are several causes of Periodontal Disease which are listed below:

1.   Poor oral hygiene

2.   Nutritional deficiency

3.   Bacteria overgrowth

4.   Genetics                     

I have seen a direct correlation between dental bone loss and systemic bone loss. If you are losing the bone that supports your teeth, there is a high probability that you are losing bone elsewhere.  No surprise when we find that patients with periodontal bone loss, also have osteopenia or osteoporosis.

There are many ways to treat Periodontal Disease, but it depends on the root cause. From the list above, #1 and #2 are  straight forward in terms of treatment; #3 and #4 require some further investigation.

There are other diseases that correlate with Periodontal Disease. The chart below lists most of them.  The little circles listed next to the disease are the abridged names of the bacteria that are usually present in the saliva with each of the diseases listed. Once we know which bacteria are present in your saliva, this will guide us in treating the periodontal condition with the best medicament.

Luckily we have a simple, painless saliva test to figure these out.  The test involves rinsing with saline for a half minute and spitting into a test tube.  The specimen is sent out to a lab, and the results are back within a week.  Not only will the test tell you which bacteria are present in your mouth but will also tell you if you are genetically predisposed to getting Periodontal Disease.  Knowing these factors can make a huge difference in successfully treating your condition.

Conventionally, most dentists will treat Periodontal Disease with deep cleanings or surgery. This will not address the root cause. It will only treat the symptoms.  By learning which bacteria are present, we know which medicament can eradicate it.

So if you have bleeding gums, receding gums, moving or loose teeth, it would be wise to have the saliva test done to rule out bacterial infection, as well as genetic factors.

Diagnosing Periodontal Disease is easy. Addressing the root cause for proper treatment is the tricky part. Be sure to ask for your saliva test at your next visit.

If you like this post, you may also like: Ozone Dental Therapy for Gum Disease

Rebuilding Bone Naturally  

A Simple Daily Health Regimen

 Like many of you, I am always looking for easy ways to restore good health and stay healthy.  As you already know, I have dozens of posts on just this topic alone.  If one post doesn’t resonate, you can always try another post that will. This particular post may be a keeper.

BENEFITS OF OLIVE OIL / LEMON JUICE KIDNEY / LIVER CLEANSE

 

The effects of combining olive oil with lemon juice is similar to combining chocolate with peanut butter. Each ingredient is respectable on its own, but together the effects are magical. The main difference is the former combo will help heal you, but the latter, not so much.

Organic Extra Virgin Olive oil on its own has been known to effect health in the following ways:

·       High polyphenol content

·       Antioxidant effect

·       Anti-inflammatory effect

·       Improve brain health

·       Improve heart health

·       Improve skin health

·       Strengthens bone health

·       Lowers blood pressure

·       Rich in Vitamin E and K1

 

Organic Lemon Juice on its own will effect health in different ways:

·       High citric acid concentration to prevent kidney stones

·       Alkalize the body, decrease inflammation

·       Detox and promote liver function

·       Antioxidant properties which contribute to healthy skin

·       Improve bone health -Natural source of Vitamin C and calcium

·       Hydrating with electrolytes

·       Boost immune system

·       Enhance digestive health

·       Can curb appetite

·       Helps regulate blood sugar

 

Together they create a powerhouse of support to help you heal and stay healthy.

Extra virgin olive oil has polyphenols which are known to be a strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.  It has also been proven to fight free radicals and protect against cell damage. Because of this, it may help with chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.  It also has Vitamin E and K  which can foster good bacteria in your gut.

Lemons have flavonoids which also have strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. 

Synergistically, extra virgin olive oil and organic lemon juice have many extra exponential benefits.  They could boost hair and skin health, protect against diabetes and improve insulin resistance.  They may help lower blood pressure and help to reduce excess clotting that leads to strokes and heart attacks.  It may help with cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels, boost metabolism to aid in weight loss and aid in digestion.  It may guard against osteoporosis, help prevent gallstones/kidney stones, heal a fatty or enlarged liver, and may help fight mood disorders, Alzheimer's and depression.

So how do we imbibe this magical elixir?

This is the way I take it.  First thing in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before any food or medication.

·       1TBSP lemon juice

·       1 TBSP olive oil

Mix together in a shot glass.  Get it down in one swallow. You may want to follow it up with a sip of something more palatable, like water or juice.

It is essential to remember that “food is medicine” when properly dispensed and consumed. By feeding the body nutritional necessities and removing toxins, exceptional health can be achieved.  Olive oil with lemon juice does both. It’s a win!

 

If you like this post, you may also like: Black Seed Oil for Dental Health