Integrative Health Blog

Do You Have Mask Mouth?

Posted by on Wed, Jun 02, 2021

We all have heard the reasons for wearing a mask or not wearing a mask, however are you aware of the oral side effects from wearing a mask for an extended time? 

When wearing a mask, the dryness in your mouth increases which makes your mouth a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses to grow. This dryness, which prevents your saliva from doing its job as a protective barrier can also lead to other problems in the mouth such as:

Increase in Tooth Decay- without saliva to bathe the teeth there is a higher risk of getting cavities.

Gingivitis, or Inflamed Gums- an increase in bacteria in the mouth sends your immune system into action, which may cause inflammation.

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Tags: biological dentistry, periodontal disease

See Your Dentist. It's Good for Your Heart!

Posted by on Sun, Aug 26, 2018

Recently you may have read or heard that "The American Heart Association (AHA) has said that Periodontal Disease (gum disease) is not a cause of heart disease." This statement was on virtually every news outlet including newspapers. What is interesting is that there was so little depth to this "news bite."

In fact, what the AHA said was that no one can say what the cause of heart disease actually is. By this, they mean that heart disease, the number one killer in the USA,  is a "multi-factorial" disease.

Heart disease has many contributors to its cause, and any of these contributors may indeed be the cause in any one patient. Contributors to heart disease include obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, genetics, periodontal disease, and other factors. No single factor might be the cause in any one case.

Inflammation and Heart Disease

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Tags: heart disease, biological dentistry, dental health, periodontal disease, gum disease, holistic dentistry

What You Should Know About Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Posted by on Wed, Jul 18, 2018

 

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the major cause of tooth loss.

The foundation of biological dentistry is to promote a healthy mouth. When the mouth is in a healthy state the gums are pink and attached to the roots.  The roots are strong and completely surrounded by bone.  There is no inflammation and rarely is there bleeding; imagine a sturdy new fence post that has just been placed in the ground.   If you are following a daily regimen that involves brushing and plaque removal from the area around and in between the teeth there is a good chance that your mouth is in a healthy state.

However, if you notice swollen gums or bleeding gums, that may be a sign that the mouth is not healthy. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can build up if left untreated. Plaque can produce toxins that can cause bleeding, inflammation and eventual bone loss.  If left untreated the gum tissue and bone can break down- and now that fence post is loose, making you vulnerable to tooth loss and serious periodontal disease.

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Tags: biological dentistry, periodontal disease

Natural Dental Products for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Posted by on Mon, Jan 21, 2013

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

Believe it or not, when we are taking care of our teeth and mouth we are taking steps to a healthy body.

Daily home care for our teeth and gums is important and not just for the obvious reasons of keeping our teeth for a lifetime and not having bad breath, but a healthy mouth contributes to overall good health.

Natural Dental Products for Healthy Teeth and Gums

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Tags: health products, integrative health, dental health, periodontal disease, gum disease

Periodontal or Gum Disease, a Chronic Disease of Mankind!

Posted by on Mon, Sep 24, 2012

Tom Baldwin DDS

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Tags: biological dentistry, holistic approach, dental health, periodontal disease, gum disease, holistic dentistry

What's In your Mouth that Affects your Health?

Posted by on Mon, Aug 06, 2012

Laurie DeRosa RDH

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Tags: biological dentistry, integrative health, integrative medicine, dental health, periodontal disease, plaque, biofilm, integrated health

Biofilm, Plaque and Your Dental Health

Posted by on Tue, Feb 21, 2012

Laurie DeRosa RDH

First, what is biofilm?

Biofilm is a collection of many types of bacteria surrounded by a slimy substance that can stick to most everything.  Biofilms can be found in our bathrooms, on our kitchen countertops, cutting boards and yes, the kitchen sink.

Over 900 types of bacteria can live in our mouths but not all at the same time. There are usually 100-200 species on different surfaces at any given time.  The bacteria on our teeth are different than those on the gums, cheek and tongue. Different sides of a single tooth can have different biofilms. 

The plaque that forms on our teeth is a type of biofilm.  Biofilms play an important role in the health of your mouth.  Basically, biofilms are bacterial cells that  will  team up on and around your teeth and under your gums forming clusters of unhealthy bacteria. If left alone, these bacteria will become toxic.   The cells actually feed off each other and if left undisturbed, will multiply and can cause periodontal disease.  

So how do I get this plaque biofilm off my teeth?

Daily brushing and flossing is the best way.  The surfaces of the teeth and gums need to stay consistently clean in order to keep the bacteria from becoming toxic.

You need to see your dental hygienist regularly so that any plaque that has worked its way down into your gums can be removed.  If it is left down under for too long plaque will harden.  You may have heard the terms "calculus" or "tartar" from your hygienist or tv commercials.  This is what plaque is called after it hardens.  Tartar is unhealthy and cannot be removed at home.  It will cause inflammation which can destroy the gums.   It only takes 24 hours for plaque to harden.  Left on the teeth and surrounding gums for too long leads to gum disease

How can I prevent gum disease?

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Tags: dental health, periodontal disease, plaque, biofilm, gum disease

How Good Dental Health Affects our General Health

Posted by on Mon, Oct 03, 2011

Good dental health is an important component of overall total health and well being. Studies have shown a link between chronically ill patients and poor dental health.

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Tags: dental health, periodontal disease, holistic dentistry

Invisalign Open House: Straighten Your Teeth for a Healthier Mouth

Posted by on Tue, May 03, 2011

Crooked teeth are not just unattractive, they may negatively impact your health!

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Tags: cosmetic dentistry, periodontal disease