How is your oral health? Every new patient that see’s me gets an oral exam. I look at the tongue, examine the gums and look how many missing or filled teeth are present. I have found it extremely important to ensure that you have good oral health.
The relationship between dental diseases and body illnesses such as cardiovascular disease has been written about in both the medical and dental literature for over 50 years. I have found it virtually impossible to help my patients overcome heart disease (and many other illnesses) if they have poor dental health.
A recent analysis of seven studies found periodontal disease to be independently associated with an increased risk of heart disease. In fact, the authors reported a 24-34% increased risk of heart disease if there were signs of periodontal disease. (J.Gen. Int. Med. 23(12):2079. 2008).
It is very important to ensure that you don’t have periodontal disease. Seeing a good dentist (preferably one who is holistic and understands why he/she should not be using mercury in your mouth) and taking care of your teeth can help more than your teeth; it can help your entire body. I have seen patients with heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders and other illnesses that which are unresponsive to any treatment when there is periodontal disease present.
In my area, I work closely with the holistic dentists to ensure that our therapies are compatible. We frequently talk about our patients in order to coordinate our care as we are both trying to help the patient achieve the best outcome.
I know the value of having a healthy oral cavity. I had a tooth that was hurting a few months ago. I went to my holistic dentists (Drs. Leilas and Rousseau) and they told me I had gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. I wasn’t happy. I floss every day and thought I was taking good care of my teeth. He told me that if I didn’t reverse that I would be in for trouble with that tooth.
Dr. Leilas’ assistant, Mara, recommended that I start to use a water pick. I began to use a water pick with ‘Under the Gums Irrigant’ (form Dental Herb Company), which is an herbal product designed by a dentist to help with gingivitis. I also began oil pulling. Oil pulling is where you put one tablespoon of sunflower oil in your mouth and swish it around for 10 minutes and then spit it out. Oil pulling is an old ayurvedic remedy for periodontal disease. I have used oil pulling in many patients with good success.
After seven days of my new therapies, the tooth stopped hurting. When I went back to the dentist, I received a good report; no more signs of gingivitis.
It is important to have a ‘team’ approach for your healthcare. Finding the right physician, dentist, chiropractor, etc., is the correct approach. If you are not getting appropriate care from your health care providers, then find the right ones to work with you. I can never understand why a patient will continue to see a health care provider he does not particularly care for. Remember, you are in charge of your health care decisions. We (the health care providers) work for you.
Take good care of your teeth—it will help more than just your oral cavity. (5.2009)
Hi Dr. B,
Thank you for your informative post. I am in a dilemma and would love your opinion. I had two silver amalgam fillings that I recently decided to take a proactive approach for and change to composite. One was a deep filling so it had to be a crown and the other a composite. It has been a week and a half and I have been having horrible pain. I have went back 2x to have the bite adjusted until my permanent crown comes in. Inflammation and/or infection were both ruled out. I am going back next week because I am still in pain without pain meds. I am hoping not to hear the words root canal. Is there anything you can recommend for me to avoid that route? I would truly appreciate your recommendation. Thanks so much in advance.
Dear CA,
I suggest working with a holistic dentist. You can find one from IAOMT.org.
DrB
I have a health care provider whom I do not like because I have choices only from the list of doctors that my insurance will pay for. I have to live on an income of less than 12 thousand per year and have nothing left to be able to pay for a a holistic provider.
I am 70 years old and have just learned about holistic medicine. I now believe in it 100% and am very frightened that I have no one to support me in the health care that I need.
Thank you, Dr. Brownstein for the work that you do. I know that holistic medicine for everyone who wants it is just around the corner because of Dr. James Maskell’s summits. It feels like a race now as I am hoping I’m still around when that day comes. I’m very happy to say that I talk with my grown children about their health and health care every chance I get. They are all interested and want to know more. I know they will be able to benefit from holistic medicine.
That dental and general health are closely related was on prominent display in Weston Price’s book, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, originally published in the 1930’s. Sad that many physicians still don’t have as integrated of a view as you do. Sad for the physicians/dentists, sad for their patients.
Thanks for this post.
Great advice Dr. Brownstein.