As natural medicine doctors, we are used to looking at the whole picture of a patient’s symptoms and see how they fit together. One area that is often overlooked as a root cause (pardon the pun) of illness is periodontal disease, which is an infection or inflammation around the gums and bones that hold our teeth in place. In fact, half of us over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease, which the Journal of American Cardiology states is underdiagnosed and undertreated.
There are now emerging strong links between ill health in the mouth and diseases in the rest of the body including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimers. Oral infections are even associated with higher risk for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and early delivery of low birth weight babies.
Through testing the bacteria in the mouth and rebalancing their population with a variety of substances including natural agents, we can decrease the likelihood of developing these diseases. Good oral health care can include in-office ultrasound treatments that kill bugs deep under the gums. At home we can adopt healthier self care practices including daily flossing and brushing, using soft pics to disrupt populations of dangerous bacteria between the teeth, and washing the gums with an herbal solution that can help reduce the populations of these detrimental bacteria.
In association of an integrative dentistry team at Two Lights Dental, Dr Sarah Paton has worked together to create a protocol to support oral health during this process using supplements like Vitamin A, mouth-friendly oral probiotics and anthocyanin-containing berry syrup to improve integrity of mucus membranes in the mouth.
This is a developing area of scientific research but from what we already know, taking care of the health of our gums and surrounding tissues can support health in many other systems of our body. Please share this information with friends and family who may be looking for additional ways of preventing or treating these common chronic diseases. For more information, feel free to contact Dr Paton or Two Lights Dental in Cape Elizabeth. Be well!
Sarah Paton, ND - Naturopathic Doctor + Speaker + AuthorDelightful health care in the comfort of home. Telemedicine (video/phone) or house call 194 Danforth St, #3 Portland, ME 04102 ph (207) 200-5155 fax (207) 510-2486 http://drsarahpaton.com schedule online: https://drsarahpaton.fullslate.com/ video appts: https://doxy.me/drsarahpaton