Most of you have read a few things about gum disease. Some of you have seen a gum specialist or periodontist for a consultation or treatment. I have written articles about traditional treatment, alternative, biomimetic, minimally invasive, biological, and advanced, high tech treatment. But, what about supplemental support?
Our bodies have an innate ability to heal themselves. When we get sick, do we rush to take medicine? I hope not. With rest, vitamins, minerals, hydration and good nutrition, we nurse ourselves into health. We have our own, innate pharmacy and we were designed ingeniously. If we support our immune system, all of our cures are within us. So what can you do at home to prevent gum disease, minimize its progression or even reverse it?
Gum disease is a whole-body issue. Longterm success of healthy gums and bone around our teeth requires lifestyle and dietary changes. We know that the cause of gum disease is bone loss, inflammation and bacterial or microbiome imbalance. The gut is the largest potential source of inflammation. Both gut and mouth microbiomes must be balanced.
60% of the typical American diet includes sugar, excess starch, processed foods, and refined vegetable oils. By simply avoiding these unhealthy substances we improve our oral health, let alone our total body health. Conversely, by eating more fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics we ensure a healthier immune system.
I love prebiotics and probiotics because it is a biological strategy that takes advantage of the helpful bacteria that live in us and on us. By feeding these “little health buddies” they provide healthy immune support. Fiber rich foods include vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans. Prebiotic Foods include artichokes, asparagus, plantains, and seaweed. Probiotic foods are fermented foods, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, natto, kimchi and tempeh. Additional nutrients for gut health include zinc, omega-3 fats, vitamin A, polyphenols, phytochemicals, and probiotics. One of my favorite sources of good fats are avocados. Bonus: mushrooms are absolutely incredible when it comes to immunity; please indulge!
Everyone usually asks me for dietary supplements that I would recommend. Here’s my powerful list below:
Calcium 1 to 1.5 g, Magnesium, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2. These are all essential nutrients for strong bones. Most people are significantly deficient in vitamin D3 and it leads to compromised immunity. Cod Liver Oil EPA/DHA 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily, is a strong anti-inflammatory. Bone broth or Collagen powder 10 to 40 grams daily. This is an important component of tissue and bone. Turmeric 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily, another strong anti-inflammatory. CBD 20 to 100 mg daily will also provide strong antiinflammatory effects. Spirulina and Algae are both high in bone forming minerals, but will also provide strong detoxification properties. Celery contains vitamin K and potassium, both of which neutralize acids that erode bone. Oral probiotics help maintain healthy oral microbiomes. In general, you want to avoid excess sugar, alcohol, caffeine, salt, smoking, soda, stress, sedentary lifestyle. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medicines that work by reducing the amount of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach. However, these medications wreak havoc on your bones and connective tissue that is found in ligaments. Please consult with your physician before discontinuing any medications.
Jimmy Kilimitzoglou, DDS, FACD, FPFA, DABOI, MAGD, FAAID, FICOI
ESI Healthy Dentistry 42 Terry Road, Smithtown, NY 11787
Tel (631) 979 7991 / Fax (631) 979 7992
dental@esihealthydentistry.com
www.esihealthydentistry.com
