Oral-Systemic Connection: Fix the Cause, Not the Symptom
A recent article in a dental journal extensively described the oral-systemic connection, that is, the influence that the teeth and gums have on the entire body (the “system”) and vice versa. He was referring to the overwhelming attention this topic is receiving in both the dental and medical literature.
As an example, common knowledge in dentistry is that, if left untreated, periodontitis (inflammation of the gums) leads to progressive bone loss around the teeth, loosening of the teeth, and eventually tooth loss. Periodontitis is a very common disease, affecting approximately 50% of American adults over the age of 30.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, there’s an even stronger message here. The author of the article listed numerous unfavorable effects of periodontitis on the rest of the body: heart disease, stroke, lung dysfunction, premature babies, low birth weight, osteoporotic diseases, diabetes mellitus, and even neuropathological syndromes such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Understanding the oral-systemic connection in the dental community is a breakthrough. I was excited to see what I have been practicing for many years finally come to light in a mainstream dental magazine.
However, I was sorely disappointed. The article repeatedly focused on “preventive periodontal management” and “maintaining regular periodontal checkups.” By doing so, the article reported, potential systemic complications will be significantly reduced. What a disappointment. The article started with an incredibly important premise and completely avoided the actual conclusion.
Ask yourself: if we continue to manage the condition, are we solving the problem? Chronic systemic inflammation will continue to persist throughout the body until we learn to balance body chemistry. Proper body chemistry is imperative for good health. When your body is balanced you will have good health. When your body is out of balance you will have disease.
Answer this: Where can you see your own skeleton? Seriously, you can see your skeleton. The answer: when you smile or open your mouth. Your teeth are the only visible part of your skeleton. Your mouth is the easiest place to see what’s going on, not just with your teeth and gums, but with your overall health as well.
The junction formed by the teeth and the biological seal that surrounds them is very sensitive to changes in blood sugar, hormonal, immunological and stress, to name a few. This rubbery junction serves as a good monitor for inflammation and connective tissue breakdown both in the mouth and elsewhere.
If your diet deviates by 10% from your biological norm, it can first manifest as dental disease, inflamed gums, or tooth decay. If it deviates further, you can get arthritis. Any more deviation and you could have a heart attack or even get cancer. These diseases often indicate an unhealthy lifestyle and diet that your body can no longer compensate for.
I do not believe periodontal disease is the underlying cause of many systemic problems. I think it is a symptom that manifests itself along with other imbalances or chronic diseases that are occurring in other parts of the body. However, there is a common link that can help resolve most imbalances that lead to disease: nutrition.
Nutritional support is one step in the process of correcting imbalances in the teeth, gums, and body. As you understand the undeniable importance of this “oral-systemic” connection, your motivation for nutritional support will increase dramatically.
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