Our mouth is talking to us, but are we listening? When looking in the oral cavity there are signs that can shed light on systemic issues. It can also function as an indicator for autoimmune diseases and even lifespan.
We have more microorganisms on us and in us than we have our own human cells. The symbiotic relationship is vital for our health and well-being and, at the same time, we are host to a myriad of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is a well-balanced ecosystem like a large aquarium or a lake. When things are balanced, every organism thrives in harmony. However, if there is a disruption of that balance, it throws off our healthy microbiome and that leads to disease.
Most diseases are due to a disruption of our microbiome and the common causes of it are deficiency and toxicity. Essentially it is either not enough of vitamins, nutrients, and substances, or too much of something. Through modern farming practices (toxic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, etc.) most of our soil has been severely compromised and depleted. Let’s face it, if we wanted to ensure that we intake the right amounts of vitamins and nutrients we would have to ingest a room full of fruits and vegetables. Since that is not practical, the alternative is to take supplements. Some key supplements that we recommend are vitamin K2, vitamin D and vitamin C. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with a 75% increase of risk of colon cancer.
Oftentimes patients have old amalgam fillings. Some studies suggest that certain patients can be sensitive to the mercury contained in those metal fillings. Patients with mercury toxicity have experienced irritability, brain fog, headaches, fatigue, and early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Patients with gum disease, missing teeth, and poor oral hygiene are four times more likely to die early. The oral condition can be a strong predictor of longevity and quality of life.
There is a profound correlation between oral health and overall health. The mouth is a portal not only to the digestive system but also to the immune system, circulatory system, respiratory system, and the nervous system. The mouth is so vascular that substances get absorbed into the blood stream quickly. This can be a good thing but also a bad thing. It’s great to have nutrients absorbed in the mouth. It is not great when we have toxins and bacterial plaque absorbed into the blood stream, ultimately gaining access to other organs in the body.
So let’s review some biological, minimally invasive treatments: A Calcium Phosphate mineral paste can re-mineralize teeth, buffer acidity and fight tooth sensitivity. Xylitol gum or mints can stimulate saliva and restore balance to our microbiome. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda can gently remove stains, whiten teeth but also break down into oxygen that controls bacteria causing disease and bad breath.
Oral probiotics are freeze-dried, harmless bacteria in a form of a tablet. There are billions of them in one tab and they compete for the same nutrients that harmful bacteria utilize, thereby balancing out the oral microbiome.
These biological approaches restore the oral ecosystem and ensure harmony among the normal microorganisms in the mouth which results in strong, white teeth, cavity prevention, fresh breath, and healthy gums which, in turn help us maintain a healthy, vibrant and long life.
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
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