Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a disease of the teeth that affects individuals of all ages, although it is more common in children and young adults. Dental caries occurs when the tooth enamel is destroyed. Decay begins at the tooth’s hard external surface, and may advance to internal structures of the tooth including the dentin and pulp. The earlier decay is treated, the better chance of saving the tooth.

How does tooth decay happen?

The bacteria inside of the mouth changes the food (primarily sugars and starches) we eat into acids. Over a period of time, the bacteria and acids form a sticky deposit called dental plaque that clings to the teeth. If the plaque is not removed, the acids will destroy the tooth’s enamel surface –resulting in holes or cavities. Sugar and starches (such as candy, cakes, cookies, milk and pop) are responsible for much of tooth decay, but sour or acidic foods (such as lemons and fruit juices), also contribute to decay because they change the pH (acidity level) in the mouth. If left untreated, the decay will progress and can lead to tooth infection. Children’s teeth primarily decay in the grooves. In addition to the grooves, older adults decay in other areas, including the roots of the teeth, which may be exposed as a result of receding gums.

How do you prevent tooth decay?

Taking good care of your teeth, eating nutritious foods and visiting the dentist on a regular basis will help prevent cavities. Here are some guidelines for preventing tooth decay:

• Brushing twice a day with a toothpaste
• Cleaning between the teeth daily with floss
• Cleaning the teeth and gums daily with a Hydro Floss® oral irrigator
• Eat well-balanced meals and limit snacking

Visiting the dentist on a regular basis for check-ups and cleanings.
If brushing is not possible, the next best thing is to rinse the mouth with water to neutralize the acids and change the pH level in the mouth, which may curb tooth decay.

When should you contact a dentist?

At least every six months for a cleaning and a thorough examination.
You should consult a dentist if you experience any problems or need emergency care.

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Gingivitis is an inflammation or infection of the gums (gingiva) that is an early stage of periodontal disease (gum disease). Healthy gums appear pink in color. Gingivitis causes the gums to become inflamed and swollen and bleed easily when they are brushed or flossed. Gingivitis is reversible and there is no permanent damage to the gums or teeth when treated early. If allowed to progress, the infection can advance below the gum line and cause periodontal disease. Gum disease, left untreated, can destroy the soft tissue, bone and ligaments that support the teeth. Teeth may become loose and then fall out. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Why does it occur?

Gingivitis often results from poor oral health care. Individuals who do not brush or floss their teeth regularly or correctly; increase their chances of developing gingivitis.

How does it happen?

A combination of bacteria, saliva and acids in the mouth form a sticky deposit called dental plaque that clings to the teeth. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth hardens into hard calculus (tartar), which irritate the gums.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include gums that are tender, red and swollen. The gums may bleed when brushed or flossed, and it can also cause bad breath. In some cases, there may be no obvious symptoms.

How do you treat gingivitis?

If you have inflamed gums or your teeth bleed during brushing or flossing, you need to visit a dentist or periodontist. The first step is to have the teeth cleaned professionally to remove the soft plaque and tartar. Brushing and flossing at home cannot remove the hard deposits or calculus. Oral irrigating with the Hydro Floss® will help soften the hard deposits or calculus.

How do you prevent gingivitis?
Brush your teeth twice a day to remove the bacteria from the teeth.
Use the Hydro Floss® oral irrigator daily to remove bacteria and food.
Eat a well-balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
Visit your dentist on a regular basis for an exam and cleaning.

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Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease or periodontitis. There are various stages of gum disease, and the two most common forms are gingivitis and adult periodontitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation or infection of the gums gingiva) that is an early stage of periodontal disease. When left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontal disease, which can progress to the loss of teeth. Only a professional –a dentist or periodontist –can diagnose gum disease, which often is painless. Research shows that periodontal disease may also be linked to heart, lung, kidney and respiratory disease, and to premature birth.

How does gum disease progress?

A combination of bacteria and acids in the mouth form a sticky deposit called dental plaque that clings to the teeth. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth hardens into calculus and tartar, which aggravate the gums. Pockets (filled with plaque) form between the teeth and gums –causing the irritated gums to detach or pull away from the teeth. At this point, the infection has advanced below the gum line and it can then destroy the soft tissue, bone and ligaments that support the teeth. The teeth may become abscessed and loose, and even fall out. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

The early symptoms of periodontitis (gingivitis) are inflamed, swollen gums that bleed easily when they are brushed or flossed. Many times bad breath is present and there are times when there is little or no pain in the early stages. The late stage symptoms of periodontitis are loose teeth, spaces in between the teeth, pain upon chewing, pus around the teeth or gums, or abscessed teeth. Receding gums may be a symptom and the tooth may appear to look longer because the gums are withdrawing. Also the teeth may be sensitive to cold, hot and sugars.

Who is at risk of gum disease?

Periodontal disease is not hereditary, but it may play a role in the progression of the disease. Individuals with diabetes and those on certain medications may be at risk for periodontitis. Use of tobacco in any form can cause periodontal disease to advance more rapidly.

How do you prevent periodontal disease?

Keeping the teeth clean by brushing and flossing on a regular basis will help prevent gum disease. Using the Hydro Floss® oral irrigator on a daily basis will help prevent gum disease.

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Plaque is a colourless film that is constantly forming in the mouth. It is made up of a combination of bacteria, saliva and acids that form into a sticky deposit –adhering to the teeth. Plaque can irritate the gums and the acids can destroy the tooth’s enamel surface –causing holes or cavities. When plaque isn’t removed, it turns into calculus and tartar.

What is a plaque attack?

A “plaque attack” occurs when sugar and acids in the mouth begin to dissolve the enamel on the tooth and starts to decay.

How can you prevent plaque?

Good oral hygiene –including brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and oral irrigation with the Hydro Floss® oral irrigator –and regular check-ups with the dentist will help eliminate plaque and tooth decay. Dentists also recommend eating nutritiously and limiting the number of between-meal snacks.

Who is affected by plaque?

Plaque affects those as young as six months who are just getting their primary teeth, and it continues to form in your mouth for your whole life.

What if plaque is not removed?

If plaque is not removed, it can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease). The two most common forms of gum disease are gingivitis and adult periodontitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation or infection of the gums (gingiva) and it is an early stage of periodontal disease. Gums become red, inflamed and swollen. If not treated, gingivitis may progress to adult periodontitis, a more serious stage of gum disease, that can lead to tooth loss.

When should you contact a dentist?

It is recommended to visit a dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and a thorough examination. If you experience any problems with your gum or teeth, you should consult a dentist immediately.

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Oral and throat cancer, also referred to as pharyngeal cancer, may involve the lips, gums, tongue, teeth, cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth or back of the throat. It usually starts out as a small white spot that looks like an irritation, or an ulcer that may be red or white. The most common site is on the side of the tongue, and it oftentimes is not painful. The lesion may become infected and increase in size. There are 30,000 new cases of oral cancer each year, according to the National Centers for Disease Control. The Center estimates that 8,000 individuals die each year from oral cancer. Some tumors are benign, meaning non-cancerous, and others are malignant or cancerous. If a malignant growth is not treated, cancer cells can spread to other areas of the body. With early diagnosis and advanced technology, oral cancer can be treated with success.

What are the symptoms of pharyngeal cancer?

The symptoms, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), include: A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal, a lump on the lip or in the throat or mouth, a white or red patch on the gums, tongue or mouth lining, unusual bleeding, numbness or pain in the mouth, a sore throat that won’t disappear, or a feeling something is caught in the throat, difficulty or pain with swallowing or chewing, jaw swelling that causes dentures to fit poorly or be uncomfortable, voice changes, and ear pain.

How is oral cancer detected?

Most dentists or hygienists check for oral cancer during the routine examination. If you have any symptoms, you should contact your dentist or physician immediately. Oral cancer is detected via a biopsy that includes removing all or part of the tissue growth. The sample is sent to a lab where the cells are examined.

How to prevent pharyngeal cancer?

Good oral hygiene can help prevent oral cancer, as well as having your dentist or physician check your mouth regularly for skin lesions and abrasions.

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Halitosis is a condition of having offensive or “bad breath”. Nobody wants to have bad breath, and many consumers are in search of Products –including toothpaste, mouthwash and mints –that promise a quick cure for halitosis and fresher-smelling breath. Bad breath is often self-perceived and there is no test or device to diagnose or measure the problem. Breath mints or mouthwash may freshen the breath short-term, but do not often get to the root of the problem. A common source of bad breath is the mouth and tongue. therefore, a trip to the dentist is the first step to rule out any dental problems.

What causes halitosis?

Decaying or rotten teeth. Bacteria and acids in the mouth form a sticky deposit called dental plaque that clings to the teeth. If the plaque is not removed, the acids will destroy the tooth’s enamel surface –resulting in holes and cavities. If left untreated, tooth decay can result in a foul odor in the mouth.

Food trapped in the teeth or tongue. Bacteria and food particles can become lodged in the teeth or stuck on the papillae (small projections on the tongue) – causing bad breath. It’s important to brush and floss the teeth, and brush the tongue and back of it to remove food debris. Tongue scrapers are available to help remove debris from the tongue. The Hydro Floss® oral irrigator is an excellent tool to remove trapped food and debris from the teeth and gum.

The Hydro Floss® oral irrigator also assist in the removal and flushing of plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth.

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The best way to ensure that your child does not get cavities or gingivitis is to instill proper oral habits early. Good oral hygiene routines should be established as early as infancy and continued throughout life.

When do teeth appear?

Teeth begin to erupt at about six months of age. The tooth appears first and the root begins to develop underneath. When a child’s mouth is fully developed there should be 20 teeth—10 on the bottom and 10 on the top. However, the top and bottom teeth erupt at different times.

Top: The central incisors, or very front teeth, are the first to erupt between 6 to 12 months. The teeth next to them, called the lateral incisors, erupt between 9 to 13 months. The canines erupt between 16 to 22 months. The fist molars erupt between 13 to 19 months. And the second molars erupt between 25 to 33 months.

Bottom:
The central incisors erupt between 6 to 10 months. The lateral incisors erupt between 10 to 16 months. The canines erupt between 17 to 23 months. The first molars erupt between 14 to 18 months. The second molars erupt between 23 to 31 months. Under all this activity, the 32 adult teeth are forming. In fact, the adult teeth began developing when the baby was three months old.

At what age should my child visit the dentist?

Children should visit the dentist for the first time between the ages of six months to one year. Do not wait for the child to be in pain to bring him or her to the dentist. Most procedures are painfree and your child should know that a trip to the dentist can be a comfortable and fun experience. Regular brushing should become a part of a child’s daily routine as soon as he or she can hold a brush. Parents should also swab infant’s gums to prevent plaque buildup. Children’s teeth should be brushed as soon as they erupt. Although the enamel of a child’s tooth is stronger than that of an adult, it is also thinner, so cavities develop more quickly. Children’s primary teeth require as much care as their permanent teeth. Untreated cavities in primary teeth can adversely affect the development of permanent teeth. Such cavities result in a roughening of adult teeth, or may result in primary teeth that erupt with cavities.

Are “baby” teeth important?

Your child’s primary teeth are extremely important. Without them your child cannot chew food properly and will have difficulty learning to speak clearly. Children who lose their primary teeth too soon require a space maintainer until their permanent teeth erupt. Otherwise, the teeth will tilt toward the empty space, causing the permanent teeth to come in crooked.

When do children lose their teeth?

The permanent teeth do not erupt until the child is almost 8 years of age. They continue to erupt until the child is about 13 years of age. Girl’s teeth tend to erupt a little earlier than boys’. The only teeth to appear after that are third molars, or wisdom teeth. They usually form between the ages of 12 to 16 and do not erupt until 17 to 20 years of age.

How can I help my child prevent cavities?

Children are the most cavity-prone of all age groups. It is critical that children brush twice each day and floss once each day to remove plaque, the colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and leads to decay and gum disease.

A well-balanced diet and limited snacking also promote good oral health. Toothpaste and mouth rinses provide important protection. And, of course, regular dental check-ups are important.

When and how often should my child brush their teeth?

Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day –after breakfast and before bedtime. Using a sonic toothbrush or oral irrigator is recommended for the best results.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Most children need appointments every six months. However, children who are experiencing cavities or other dental problems may need to see the dentist more frequently.

More info on Oral Health >>

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What if the teeth are not straightened?

Left untreated, an individual may suffer from chewing or jaw (TMJ or temporomandibular joint) problems because the bite is off, increased tooth decay because teeth may be difficult to clean or gum disease. An individual with crooked teeth and an unattractive smile may suffer from low self-esteem, social problems or even depression.

What are the types of problems?

There are three main types of malocclusions, including:
Type 1. The upper and lower jaw are proportionally related from front to back, but there are problems with the teeth lining up straight within the jaws.
Type 2. The upper jaw is too far forward and/or the lower jaw is too far back resulting in an overbite, and ther may also be problems with alignment of teeth.
Type 3. The upper jaw is too far back and/or the lower jaw is too far forward resulting in an under bite, and the teeth may also be crooked.

How long will treatment take?

It’s impossible for an orthodontist to project the actual treatment time. In most cases, however, treatment will range from 15 to 48 months for those with severe problems. In calculating total treatment time, the “resting stages” between multi-stage treatment periods (when the teeth are not actually being moved), should not be included. If a patient does not follow instructions from the dentist, treatment may take longer. If the interceptive stage is a success, subsequent stages may be avoided. An orthodontist develops a tailord treatment plan for each patient.

How effective is treatment on adults?

More and more adults are getting braces. There is an array of treatment options for adults on the market—including ceramic braces and removable appliances— but they may have limited applicability and effectiveness. Many dentists report that metal braces are still the most effective and least expensive option.

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“I began my quest to understand the causes and treatment of Periodontal Disease almost 20 years ago. The importance of this mission increased as I uncovered research findings that linked this debilitating dental condition to even more serious health threats, such as heart disease.”

Periodontal Disease, which is actually Periodontal Infection, can be treated. I hope that my book; The Periodontal Solution: Healthy Gums Naturally, give you the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions concerning your teeth, your gums, and ultimately your health.”
James Harrison, D.D.S.

Following his graduation from the University of Vermont in Engineering, James Harrison, D.D.S. received his dental training at the State University of New York at Buffalo. After graduation, he joined the faculty in fixed prosthetics for two years.

He is a fellow and a director of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. He is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Environmental Medical Association, the Holistic Dental Association and the American Dental Association. In addition he has experienced and studied healing systems around the world. In his private practice in Lake Worth, Florida, he specialized in integrative dentistry.

Dr. Harrison can be reached through his website, www.theintegrativedentist.com

Excerpts from the book The Periodontal Solution

*The following information on this page is exerted from chapters of the book.

What Is Periodontal Disease and Periodontal Infection?

• The true cause of Periodontal Disease is microorganisms… germs, and conventional treatment often does nothing to address the problem!
• Research shows that Periodontal Disease develops when germs are introduced into the mouth. 1, 2 Therefore, Periodontal Disease is really Periodontal Infection (PI).
• The time to start treating the problem should be long before the destruction becomes visible. Whatever your stage of gum problems, the information available on this site and in the book is essential for your teeth, gums and an overall health.

Healthy gums are “stippled,” resembling the look of an orange peel in texture. If your gums do not have this look, or are smooth and shiny, you may have a periodontal infection. However, healthy-looking gums do not necessarily mean you are bug-free.

Gum problems:
From the mildest to the most serious

Gingivitis: gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. There is generally little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is usually reversible with professional treatment, coupled with an effective home-care program.

Early Periodontitis is the mildest form of periodontal infection. There is a slight loss of connective tissue attachment at this stage. The infection begins to destroy the bone and tissue that support the teeth. There is a sensation that something feels wrong, but it is mild enough to ignore. At this stage brushing and flossing will no longer reach the base of the pockets, which are 3 – 5 mm.

Moderate Periodontitis represents significant bone loss with the teeth beginning to loosen. As bone is lost, more of the tooth is exposed. The ability to arrest the infection becomes more difficult.

Advanced Periodontitis has devastating bone loss with loosening teeth. If no immediate attention is given, there is a high probability that teeth will become very loose and eventually fall out. Controlling the infection is a major challenge.

Click the thumbnails for a larger view.

Refractory Periodontitis is a rapidly advancing infection that does not respond to typical therapy.

Generalized Juvenile Periodontitis is often considered a disease of young adults, although it can begin around puberty. It is characterized by marked inflammation and heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus.

Plaque is a sticky, water-repellent coating or bio-film on the teeth and gums. It is composed of food debris and over 300 forms of bacteria, viruses and fungi and their waste products.

Calculus (tartar) is the hardened, porous buildup of mineral salts and dead bacteria.

Saliva is the mineral-rich fluid that keeps the teeth hard, lubricates the mouth, and provides digestive enzymes. But saliva also plays an important role in a healthy mouth. It impairs the growth of bacteria by washing them away, along with acidic bacterial waste products that can dissolve tooth structure. Dryness means that you do not have enough saliva, the mouth’s natural protective fluid.

Pathogenic Microorganisms: The Bugs

A Description of the Enemy

Pathogenic microorganisms tend to be mobile: increased mobility often correlates to increased virulence.

Bacteria

• Spirochetes look like snakes. With their constant spiraling motion, they worm their way into the tissue of the gum. They can eat right through the skin to feast on blood and fibrin. If your gums bleed easily, always suspect the presence of spirochetes.
• Small gliding rods are short, cigar-looking bugs that cruise rapidly from one end of the screen to the other. They are fairly tough to kill. They may grow on bone and eventually destroy it.
• Large gliding rods are long and graceful. They also may destroy bone.
• Spinning rods are the whirling dervishes of the bug world. They are very active, constantly twirling. Unfortunately, these colorful bugs are associated with progressive PI.
• Clock Arms (Cytophaga) look like they were designed to tell the time, with extended, pole-like arms swinging like the hands of a clock.
• Motile cocci are small specks that zip around the slide. Sometimes these bugs are seen in the slides of children who do not brush carefully enough. They can cause bleeding and mild irritation.

One-Celled Animals

• Trichomonas tenax look like miniature mice with five extended tentacles flailing in front as they overcome any bacteria in their way.
• Amoebas are shapeless blobs that creep about in slow motion. Their shape depends on what they have just eaten. They devour white blood cells after first stinging them. When a white blood cell is stung, it goes in to frenzy, releasing enzymes that dissolve the surrounding tissue. This degrading of the tissue calls for even more white blood cells, which meet a similar fate. Since amoebas are asexual and are capable of reproducing quickly, the increase in damaged white blood cells provides more food for the ever-growing amoeba colony. They alone may do more damage than any other microorganism.
• Yeast, fungus and candida are slow moving and are either long strands, which are invasive, or dots that can grow rapidly. This pathogen has the capability of switching functions, depending on which stage it is in.

Oral Infection and Related Health Risks

What you should know…

• The National Institute of Dental Research states that 75% of the adult population has moderate to advanced periodontal infection.
• 90% of adults have some form of gingivitis
• 30% of children have moderate Periodontal Infection
• According to the National Institute of Health, “the incidence of Periodontal Infection exceeds 70% in the 30 – 44 age groups and 90% in the 55 – 64 age group. 8,9
• Present research overwhelmingly supports the assertion that Periodontal Infection affects the rest of the body in dramatic ways.10,11,12

Heart Disease > Stroke > Diabetes > Stomach Ulcers > Obesity and Weight Loss > Pneumonia and Respiratory Diseases > Pregnancy > Osteoporosis

If you have an unhealthy mouth, you have an unhealthy body!
The Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health: Implications on Research and Education stresses the seriousness of the connection between PI and many systemic diseases.

Other research associates PI with over forty diseases, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The sheer number of studies that directly or indirectly examine the oral-systemic link is substantial.14,15,

Parade Magazine, March 26, 2000 has an article entitled “Keep Your Gums Healthy—And Your Heart Will Benefit.” The word is definitely getting out.

Heart Disease
There is increasing awareness in medical literature that coronary heart disease is linked not only to hereditary and nutritional factors, but that it also has infectious origin.18,19, 20,

Researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, (UNC) conducted a long-term study involving 1,147 men. The study concluded that having PI increases the risk for coronary heart disease by 150%, for fatal coronary heart disease by 190%, and for stroke by 280%. It was found that heart attack survivors with PI also have a greater risk of suffering a second heart attack.29

UNC also added that heart-attack survivors who have advanced PI are more likely to have elevated blood levels of C-reactive-factor protein (CRP), an inflammatory protein associated with heart disease. Further research noted that CRP levels were directly related to the severity of the PI.30

At the Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, doctors followed the medical history of 9,760 patients for fourteen years. They confirmed that those with the most severe dental infections at the beginning of the study had a 25% increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, especially men under 50 years of age.35

Stroke
The First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and its follow-up represents the first major study correlating cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) with Periodontal Infection. The study comprised 9,962 adults, ages 25 to 74, categorized from no PI to significant PI. The results were astounding: having PI represented more than a 200% greater risk for total strokes and, in particular, non-bleeding strokes.38

Arnin Grau, M.D., of the Department of Neurology at the University of Heidelberg, Germany discovered that poor dental status resulting from chronic dental and bone infection was associated with a stroke increase of two and one-half times over non-PI patients. 39

Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)
Previously, it was assumed that the association between Periodontal Infection and diabetes was the diabetic patient’s compromised ability to respond to infectious challenges. Therefore, they were predisposed to bacterial infections such as PI.

However, now the opposite possibility should be considered. Dr. Robert Genco, chairman of Oral Biology Department at SUNYAB, said, “Diabetics are at a higher risk for periodontal disease.” His studies show that treating PI may reduce a diabetic’s blood sugar levels.40,41

Stomach Ulcers and H. Pylori
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a species of bacteria that is found in the stomach lining of 50% of all Americans and has been associated with stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. 49

Even when H. pylori was eliminated from the stomach with antibiotic therapy, it was not completely eradicated from the mouth, where it continues to grow in colonies deep within periodontal pockets. These pockets could be a source of re-infection for the stomach.50

Obesity and Weight Loss

Dr. Sara Grossi, clinical assistant professor of oral biology, director of the UB Periodontal Disease Research Center states, “Acute infections cause metabolic disturbances, and periodontal disease is one of humankind’s most common chronic infections. In this case, we think bacteria from gum disease may interfere with fat metabolism, leading to elevated LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.”51

Statistics correlate obesity and PI. Results obtained from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES III) show that overweight people with the highest levels of insulin resistance are 50% more likely to have severe PI compared to overweight people with low insulin resistance.52

Dr. O. A’cbay and his team discovered that H. pylori in the stomach triggers the release of the hormone gastrin. Gastrin acts to stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, causing hyperinsulinemia, a serious condition that may not only result in diabetic complications and obesity but also put the heart at risk. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether eliminating H. pylori in the stomach can help in weight reduction.53

Pneumonia and Respiratory Diseases

Bacterial respiratory infections may be acquired by inhaling fine droplets of oral fluids from the mouth and throat. These droplets contain germs, which can breed and multiply within the lungs. It is recognized that pneumonia and lung abscesses can result from the same bacteria that cause PI. Dental plaque would seem to be a logical source of these bacteria, especially in patients with PI.54

Pregnancy
Researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) have made an enormous contribution to understanding the correlation between PI and pre-term, low-birth-weight babies (PTLBW). An infectious process appears to trigger either early labor or a premature rupture of membranes by placing undue stress on the immune system.57

Marjorie Jeffcoat, D.M.D., Department of Periodontics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry stated, “…the trend for pre-term birth was observed in women with as little as two sites (of PI).”63

Further studies in “The Journal of Infectious Immunity” were conducted on hamsters. When maternal hamsters were exposed to a common oral pathogen, such as P. gingivalis, they experienced stressed delivery.65,66

Osteoporosis
Dental researchers have established a connection between PI and bone disease. A study at SUNYAB reviewed the medical records of 2,599 postmenopausal women and found that women who had osteoporosis of the hip were two times more likely to have loose teeth and PI than women with healthy hip bones.67

Researchers are starting to use bone scans to compare the bone density of the hip to that of the bone surrounding the teeth. Preliminary results indicate that, as dental bone density decreases, so does hip bone density. Further studies are warranted.69

Diagnosing Periodontal Infection

Any oral discomfort or abnormal coloring can indicate infection. Unfortunately from a detection point of view, gum disease isn’t associated with a great deal of pain, especially in its early phases. Without pain, the majority of people aren’t adequately concerned about their teeth and gums.

You can keep a sharp lookout for PI by being aware of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding is the most common marker of infection. Small ulcers or wounds in the gum pocket bleed with the smallest provocation, such as flossing, brushing, irrigating, or even rinsing and chewing. If you see even a little blood when you are cleaning your mouth, there is a problem!
• Red, swollen or tender gums are an indication of PI.
• Abscesses are swellings or bumps on the gum surface that can either appear suddenly or grow gradually. They can feel hot and/or painful. An abscess always indicates PI.
• Discomfort resulting from inflammation as pressure is exerted on the nerves. Note carefully which teeth are sensitive to pain and whether this condition is constant or fluctuates. If the area is irrigated with an anti-microbial and the discomfort goes away, the source for the pain is most likely PI. However, if the discomfort is a throbbing pain, and cold relieves it, the infection is probably into the nerve, and the tooth needs immediate attention.
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth are a clear indication of PI.
• Loose, shifting teeth, or a change in the way teeth or partial dentures fit together when you bite, is an indication of PI.
• Persistent bad breath is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide compounds, which are bacterial waste products. It is almost always a sign of PI. One way to determine if the cause is PI is to floss and then smell the floss. If it smells bad, like rotten eggs or spoiled food, PI is probably present.
• Medications can also cause bleeding. Anti-convulsants (dilantin) or hypertensive drugs like the calcium channel blockers (Cardizem, Tenormin) can cause hyperplasia, abnormal overgrowth of gum tissue. Aspirin and most anticoagulant medicines will also cause a patient to bleed more easily.
• Dental plaque is hard to see. Chewing red disclosing tablets, sold at grocery stores and drug stores, can stain plaque, making it more visible. Another technique to make plaque visible is to paint red food coloring on the teeth after brushing. The color left on the teeth shows where there is still plaque.

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The BioPro Oral Health Program

An effective periodontal program helps support and maintain healthy teeth and gums naturally. The BioPro Oral Health Program is a unique system that combines herbs, vitamins, essential oils and Phytoplenolin* into a family of great tasting professional strength products. Recognizing a need in the marketplace for truly professional strength natural oral health care products, Bio-Pro partnered with James Harrison, D.D.S., The Integrative Dentist, to create a line of products that promote periodontal health.

The complete BioPro range of products…

• Are enhanced with Co-Q10 & Folic Acid
• Soothe weak and distressed gum tissue
• Support immune health
• Contain organic and wildcrafted herbs blended with essential oils
• Freshens breath for hours
• Moisten naturally
• Are safe for cosmetic dentistry
• Encourage a healthy periodontal environment
• Are easy to use

Bio-Pro Oral Health Program features products that are…

• Preservative-Free
• Fluoride-free
• Promote cell vitality with
• Patented extract of Phytoplenolin*
• Vegetarian
• Alcohol-free, and contain no synthetic chemicals and solvents, sodium lauryl sulfate, artificial sweeteners, colors and dyes.

*What is Phytoplenolin? Phytoplenolin (Centipeda cunninghamii extract) is a ‘holistically balanced’ patented herbal extract that has been shown in independent laboratory studies to promote cell vitality. Phytoplenolin is a registered trademark of Bio-Botanica. U.S. Patent# 5,804,206.30

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