What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease is a disease of the gums. It can start off as gingivitis and from there progresses if it is not treated. It is caused by a bacterial infection of the gums and causes inflammation and eventually bone loss around the teeth. The symptoms associated with periodontal disease are:
Redness or bleeding of gums
Reoccurring gum swelling
Bad breath and/or a metallic taste in the mouth
Teeth appear longer (due to gum loss)
Deep pockets between the teeth
Loose teeth
A survey conducted by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey involving nearly 10,000 people found that the risk of Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD) was increased by 25% amongst those with periodontal inflammation.
Dr. Ciancio adds, “in males younger than 50 years, the link between periodontitis and the incidence of coronary heart disease was even stronger.”
Your thyroid gland, located about the middle of your throat, can also be greatly affected by bacterial infections in the mouth. The close proximity of the thyroid to the mouth places it at greater risk.
Many people who suffer from hypothyroidism have also have lost many teeth or suffer from reoccurring cavities.
Diet for Healthy Teeth
A contributing cause to poor oral health may be a poor diet. Healthy teeth require more than just calcium. It was found that selenium, not commonly associated with healthy teeth, turns out to be very important in the prevention of gum disease (Nishida).
In addition to selenium, here are a few other nutrients to help keep teeth and gums healthy:
- Selenium
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Trace Minerals
Natural Dental Care
Taking good care of your teeth is a relatively easy way to maintain heart health. It is important to establish a routine, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly, to insure proper oral hygiene. The following preventative measures can help prevent periodontal disease:
- Brushing properly on a regular basis (at least twice daily) making sure to brush at the gum lines as well
- Use miswak at least once a week to help remove plaque from the gum line and strengthen gums and teeth
- Flossing daily
- Using a mouthwash. Avoid products like Listerine and Scope; they kill the beneficial bacteria in your mouth and are loaded with sugar and sometimes alcohol. There are many herbal mouthwashes available that are naturally antibacterial
- Using a ‘soft’ toothbrush to prevent damage to tooth enamel and sensitive gums
- Regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleaning (Dr. Ciancio recommends every 3-6 months)
- Do not share toothbrushes
- You can use blackseed oil as a mouth rinse every few weeks. Use one tablespoon and swish the oil around in your mouth. Hold it in your mouth and do not swallow. After 15-20 seconds spit it out
Dr. Ciancio also recommends using Colgate Total, the first toothpaste approved for the prevention of bacterial plaque and gingivitis and Crest Pro-Health.
Smile more, it’s sunnah 🙂
References:
- Barnes, Broda, M.D. & Lawrence Galton. “Hypo-Thyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness.” ThomasCrowellCompany: New York. 1976.
- Emingil, Gülnur Dr, Eralp Buduneli, Abbas Aliyev, Azem Akilli , Gül Atilla, “AssociationBetween Periodontal Disease and Acute Myocardial Infarction.” Journal of Periodontology: December 2000, 71:12, 1882-1886.
- Desvarieux, Moïse MD, PhD; Ryan T. Demmer, MPH; Tatjana Rundek, MD, PhD; Bernadette Boden-Albala, DrPH; David R. Jacobs, Jr, PhD; Panos N. Papapanou, DDS, PhD Ralph L. Sacco, MD, MS, ” Relationship Between Periodontal Disease, Tooth Loss, and Carotid Artery Plaque.” Stroke: 2003; 34:2120.
- Gilbert, Susan, “Oral Hygiene May Help More Than Teeth and Gums.” New York Times: Tuesday, August 5, 2003.
- Janket, Sok-Ja DMD, MPH a; Baird, Alison E. MD, PhD b; Chuang, Sung-Kiang DMD, MD c; Jones, Judith A. DDS, DSc d, “Meta-analysis of periodontal disease and risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.” Oral Medicine: May 2003, 95:5.
- Loesche WJ, “Periodontal disease as a risk factor for heart disease.” Compendium: Aug;15 1994 8:976, 978-82, 985-6.
This article is from our archive, originally published on an earlier date.
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