Proper nutrition can help combat many diseases at the cellular level, including periodontal disease. Not only is the role of nutrition important in periodontal disease, but we can also take advantage of nutritional protocols to maximize oral health – and overall health – in general. If there is inflammation or infection in the pulp of the teeth, for example, these conditions can often be improved and pain reduced with nutritional supplementation. Or, if a patient suffers from TMJ, nutrition can help support the health of the bone structure surrounding the teeth, which in turn improves the patient's pain level, oral health, and overall well-being. In short, optimal nutrition is good for all the cells in the body.

People often think of infections in the mouth as isolated problems, and it is that thinking that leads people to put off visiting the dentist for long periods of time. Patients do not naturally link their oral health with the general state of health of their bodies. However, more and more, science and medicine are linking oral infections to cardiovascular problems, diabetes, neurological problems, and low birth weight of infants born to mothers with dental infections. No one has yet been able to establish a direct cause and effect link, but as many published articles on Holistic Dentistry attest, there does seem to be a direct association between oral health – or lack thereof – and many of the ailments mentioned above.

If we think of health as a glass of water, it requires the maintenance of a certain balance in order to remain at a steady level in the glass. When the water becomes out of balance, it begins to overflow the glass. When the water starts overflowing, it is problematic – and we become symptomatic. 

It is my personal philosophy, as well as my professional opinion as a dentist dedicated to offering Natural Dentistry to my patients, that complete health encompasses four distinct elements, which I call the four pillars of health. They are: 1) the biomechanical aspect, 2) the electromagnetic aspect – the function of the nervous system, 3) the emotional/spiritual aspect, and 4) the nutritional aspect. All of these areas complement each other.

If we look at our personal lives, most of us will find that we are strong in at least one or two of these areas, perhaps average in a third area, and perhaps weak in the fourth area. I believe that if we are weak in one area, but strong in at least three of the four pillars of health, we can live a life more or less free of symptoms.

For purposes of a Holistic Dentistry discussion in this particular article, I will be focusing primarily on the role of Nutrition in oral health. First, I will briefly address the other three elements.

The biomechanical aspect, which I discuss in the article on Neuromuscular Dentistry, encompasses dental treatments like bite correction through Full Mouth Reconstruction (see the Full Mouth Reconstruction page on the website) and Neuromuscular Orthodontics (see the Neuromuscular Orthodontics page on the website). In these Natural Dentistry disciplines, I like to work in conjunction with competent experts who are trained at all levels of biomechanics, such as physical therapists, chiropractors and physiatrists, as well as doctors of medicine. The area of bite management involves working in cooperation with all of these experts.

To address the electromagnetic aspect of health – the nervous system – a patient might consult with acupuncturists, neurologists, and chiropractors.

As for the emotional/spiritual element, I encourage my patients to explore that for themselves. I acknowledge that it is beyond my scope as a dentist, and yet my entire office staff endeavors to be sensitive to the emotional and spiritual needs of our patients. Because we believe in Holistic Dentistry and are oriented towards the support of the spiritual/emotional aspect as well as all other aspects of health, our entire approach reflects that orientation. Everything about our practice – from the way the office is set up, to the options we offer our patients for their greatest comfort – is designed with sensitivity to the emotional and spiritual aspect of health in mind.

When we look at the Role of Nutrition in Oral Health, there are certain basic nutritional elements which I believe are of great benefit to my patients. While I am specifically addressing these nutritional elements and their role in Holistic Dentistry, many of my patients who have taken these nutritional supplements also report the additional benefit of a greater sense of overall health.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

The Essential Fatty Acids are known as Omega 3, 6, and 9. The reason these are such important nutritional elements is because they are precursors to Prostaglandin Type 1 and Type 3, considered to be anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Anti-inflammatory prostaglandins are helpful in reducing inflammation in capillaries. As we discussed earlier in this article, inflammation is a critical factor in a lot of diseases at the cellular level, such as periodontal disease and other conditions affecting oral health and overall health of the body.

Good sources for Omega 3, 6, and 9 are: Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, and pistachios – all very high in these essential oils. Also, cold water fish, such as cod, trout, and salmon – wild salmon, not farm salmon which contains added coloring. I tend to avoid fish with high levels of mercury, such as mackerel, swordfish, shark and albacore tuna.

My personal favorite choice of the Omega Oils is called “Udo's Choice,” which can be purchased at Whole Foods Markets in the refrigerator section. It contains organic flax seed oil, borage oil, and evening primrose oil.

Vitamin C – Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic Acid affects all mucosal membranes and is well-known as a contributing factor in cellular health and the health of the gums. Many years ago, when sailors didn't have access to foods naturally high in Vitamin C, like fresh fruits and vegetables, there was a prevalence of scurvy – a connective tissue disease characterized by bleeding gums.

Co-Enzyme Q-10 (Co-Q-10)

Co-Q-10 helps increase the aerobic metabolism of the cells. One of the hallmarks of periodontal disease is anaerobic bacteria growing in the gum pockets. By increasing aerobic metabolism, we can reduce the growth of anaerobic periodontal bacteria.

Co-Q-10 is the first coenzyme in the mitochondria (a microscopic body found in the cells, responsible for the conversion of food to usable energy), so if we are deficient in that, our ability to produce energy will be hampered significantly. A runner, for example, who is running a marathon, can't go too fast all at once, but must pace themselves so the cells can break down fuel and use oxygen and Co-Q-10 to generate energy.

The best source of Co-Q-10 is organic apples eaten with the skin. You can also purchase Co-Q-10 in supplement form.

Mucopolysaccharides – Essential Carbohydrates

There is a group of nutrients known as mucopolysaccharides, or essential carbohydrates, essential for healthy immune system and cells. Protein combines with mucopolysaccharides to create glycoprotein, which improves the body's ability to fight inflammation in the mouth. Glycoprotein is what makes recognition sites on the cells, and the immune system thrives on it. Periodontal disease is also immune-mediated, so glycoprotein is essential for immune health.

In periodontal disease, bacteria invade connective tissues, so the immune system wants to attack it. With improved recognition sites, the patient's immune system is strengthened, and the patient is less susceptible to periodontal disease.

Good sources of mucopolysaccharides are shitake mushrooms, barley, oatmeal, seaweed, and goji berries. In Tibet , the goji berry is called the fountain of youth for all of its broad spectrum mucopolysaccharides.

Probiotics

Probiotics, which contain beneficial good bacteria strains like Bifidus, produce Vitamin K for the body, which helps in the production of collagen cross-linkage, essential in maintaining the health of gum tissue and other tissues in the body. The absence of Vitamin K affects gum tissue, and can result in weak gum tissue, characterized by gums separating easily from the teeth. Gastrointestinal experts also link probiotics to good digestion, as well as optimal intestinal health.

Probiotics are especially essential when a patient has to take antibiotics – such as our patients who must pre-medicate prior to treatment, due to medical conditions such as mitral valve prolapse. While antibiotics have their time and place in a patient's health, they destroy both good and bad bacteria, which can alter the intestinal flora and give rise to a whole series of conditions that manifest both inside the intestinal tract and systemically. I believe it is definitely a good idea to take probiotics to replenish the good bacteria the patient's body needs to maintain a proper balance and fight opportunistic invading organisms.

Good sources are yogurt with live, active cultures, and cultured probiotic supplements.

How an Alkaline versus Acidic pH Level in the Body Affects Gum Health

Human blood pH ranges between 7.2 and 7.9. If it falls either below or above that range – more alkaline or more acidic – we expire. It is one of the most tightly regulated functions in the body, and it is regulated by many enzymes. Our body senses and measures it very precisely at the brainstem level.

In one of the paradoxes of health, once converted by our bodies, acidic foods become alkaline, and alkaline foods become acidic. When our bodies are acidic, inflammation levels can rise, and promote gum disease. Therefore, a more alkaline body pH is optimum for healthy gums.

Our modern diet – heavy in hamburgers and fries, or proteins and oils – breaks down to create acidic blood pH. Even carbohydrates such as bread and pasta, once metabolized, break down into acidic pH. On the other hand, when we eat vegetables, and fruits to a lesser extent, our body is better able to maintain a healthy alkaline pH, so a diet rich in vegetables and fruits is helpful in dental health.

For those interested in maintaining a healthy pH, there are also water alkalizers, and I personally use one. I encourage my patients who are interested to talk to someone knowledgeable about those products.

See Your Allied Health Care Professionals for Detoxification

In my ongoing commitment to providing the best in Holistic Dentistry, I work with a network of allied health care professionals. I encourage my patients to visit their allied health care professionals for detoxification of their system. The build-up of toxins in the gall bladder and liver can lead to increased inflammation, which, as I've already discussed, promotes gum disease – not to mention a host of other problems from weakness to infections and sickness. With these things in mind, I personally like to add a little apple cider vinegar to the Udo's Choice Omega Essential Oil and use it as a salad dressing.

For further benefits related to Natural Dentistry, and for patients interested in investigating detoxification and locating professionals trained in that area, I invite them to call the office. I will share the resources at my disposal.