WELLNESS COLUMN
Take Care of Your Teeth…They’re Alive!
8 Marine Log // January 2018
4) Those who had bleeding gums were at twice the risk of stroke compared with those whose gums were healthy.
Factors that Weaken Teeth Poor nutrition is a front runner in the process of tooth decay. Our Villain in this story of deterioration is Sugar and Citric Acid, and our Hero is Fat. There is some debate over how Sugar and Acid effect the System, but
There is a sinister and hidden relationship between gum disease and heart failure
no doubt that high sugars and acid in/on the teeth are a deteriorating force. Hero Fat can swoop in and save the day though. According to the Weston A. Price Foundation there are three fat soluble vitamins that act upon our teeth with a great force of protection; Vitamin A, D, and K2. These vitamins help to shuttle calcium into the teeth and bones and boost its absorption rates for stronger, healthier teeth. Teeth also get weak from over fluorination. The World Health Organization identities this phenomenon based on their scientific research of fluoride sources that we ingest including water and toothpaste.
How to Care for Teeth The most common form of disease in the mouth (about 50% of the population has it) is Gum or Periodontal Disease. It is typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow a film of bacteria to build up on the teeth and harden (plaque). In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss. Beyond the “Brush and Floss”, there are a few other considerations that may be warranted: 1. Professional Tooth Cleanings: Those who had their teeth cleaned professionally had a 24 percent lower risk of heart attack and 13 percent lower risk of stroke overall compared with those who never had a dental cleaning. Those who had their teeth cleaned at least once a year had the fewest heart attacks and strokes. 2. Nutritional Assets: Vitamin D, K2 and A are critical to strong teeth and bones. 3. Understanding Your Fluoride Levels: Testing may help determine if over fluorination is an issue for you. 4. Ditch the Tobacco: Tobacco use is one of the major risk factors for Periodontal Disease. This just adds to the growing list of things tobacco is not good for. Emily Reiblein
Crowley Maritime Corporation, Labor Relations-Union Wellness Programs/ Operations Integrity
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n 1958, dentist Dr. Ralph Steinman identified that our teeth are alive. He saw that there was a fluid that moved through each tooth, orienting from the intestines (regulated by a hormone system in your brain). He examined its flow upward in the body, and finally outward through the teeth. This fluid is responsible for bringing nutrients to the teeth, and also leached out beads of “sweat” from each tooth, which helps clean the teeth and flush out harmful bacteria and toxins. A film from this fluid ultimately forms on the teeth and helps repel cavities, preventing gum/periodontal disease. When the flow of this fluid is compromised, it reverses and becomes centripetal, pumping fluid inward bringing bacteria and a trail of damage with it. Enamel gets eaten away and nutrients get pulled from the teeth. Gums bleed, and rotting can banish the tooth from your mouth. The death of a tooth from poor dental hygiene and lousy diet may be far more reaching as an indicator of overall health. One study from Sweden found a more sinister and hidden relationship between some types of gum disease and an increased likelihood of heart attack, stroke or heart failure. This study of 8,000 men and women, age 20 to 85 years old, found that: 1) Adults with fewer than 21 teeth had a 69% increased risk of heart attack compared to adults who retained most of their teeth. 2) People with Periodontal Pockets, had a 53% greater risk of a heart attack than those with the fewest pockets (these pockets are where bacteria can get caught). 3) Adults with the least teeth had twice the risk of developing congestive heart failure.
“Fluoride is a desirable substance: it can prevent or reduce dental decay and strengthen bones, thus preventing bone fractures in older people….Because of its positive effect, fluoride is added to water during treatment in some areas with low levels. But you can have too much of a good thing” In the case of fluoride, the WHO identifies that water levels above 1.5mg/ litre may have long-term toxic effects. Instead of strengthening bones and teeth, it breaks them and causes a state called Dental Fluorosis. In 2010 the Center for Disease Control (CDC), determined that prevalence of Dental Fluorosis in the U.S. ranged from 41% of the population among adolescents aged 12-15 to 9% among adults aged 40-49. Meaning, 41% of adolescents in the U.S. have enough fluoride in their system to break their teeth and bones.