Notes

Biological Periodontal Therapy
The American Academy of Periodontology estimates that nearly 80% of Americans involve some form of gum disease. Approximately 50% of cases are believed moderate to severe. As a biological dental office, it is our responsibility not only to recognize and treat this localized, infectious disease in the mouth, but also to understand the systemic effects that the mouth has with the rest of the body. This relationship between systemic health in the body and oral health is bi-directional.

Our biological practice incorporates this bi-directional holistic concept. The most crucial message we communicate to our patients is, "if you're going to treat periodontal infection, you absolutely must treat the complete body." People with gum disease are not "healthy people with sick gums." They're unhealthy people.

The best way to improve overall health (like the mouth) is to place the chemistry of your body in balance. Disease, no matter where it appears, is a body chemistry imbalance. Opportunistic conditions exist for bacteria, viruses, yeasts, parasites and molds to flourish and attack your body until balance is restored.

Is there a remedy to treating periodontal disease that will improve short term as well as long term success? I think the answer would be to provide nutritional support for your body along with a highly effective non-surgical approach to periodontal therapy.

Most people would prefer an alternative solution to the conventional "cut and sew" surgical procedures. These are often painful, require weeks of healing, and worse, are largely ineffective at curing periodontal disease long term unless systemic considerations may also be taken into account.

I consider Biological Periodontal Therapy to require three basic steps for long term success.

First, take away the pathogens. This is considered the acute phase of therapy that will usually require 3 -5 visits to perform.

This task starts with irrigating the entire mouth having an antimicrobial rinse that contains essential oils and herbs. These help reduce the initial exposure of microforms in to the bloodstream before periodontal therapy begins.

Next, signs of pregnancy are treated as needed with gross debridement, root plane and scaling and sub-gingival irrigation so that you can get rid of the offending microforms and calculus that are present.

Using the phase contrast microscope, your progress is checked toward disease eradication. It is a great visual display of the bacteria level in the mouth which often motivates patients to keep the steps essential for their improvement.

Each appointment is concluded with a complete mouth irrigation with an antimicrobial rinse and polish.

We use "natural" antibiotics, as necessary, such as garlic extract (Allicin) or Oil of Oregano for inflammatory or infectious conditions.

Second, alter host response. A biological dentist should use you to balance the body chemistry. An acidic body is really a major causative factor for disease in mouth and throughout your body. This may take some time depending on your condition. Therefore, balancing your body chemistry might be a longer term phase of one's therapy.

Balancing your body chemistry may be the hardest section of the program because you need to have a serious look at your own lifestyle and behavior to find out areas that need improvement. Following the recommended protocol will certainly enhance your body's ability to heal and repair damaged tissue.

Nutritional Guidelines:

"Get Back to Basics." Eat natural, fresh, whole foods.
Eat fruit and veggies with low glycemic index.
Eat animal products such as white meats and fish.
Consume monounsaturated fats from olive oil, olives, nuts, natural peanut butter, almonds and avocados.
Drink plenty of WATER!
Take natural supplements for biological periodontal therapy:
Multi-Vitamin/Mineral
Coenzyme Q-10
Antioxidant
Probiotic
Vitamin C
Oil of Oregano
Third, reduce susceptibility through maintenance care.
Once your biological periodontal therapy is completed, it is crucial that you continue with a maintenance program that is personally designed for one to ensure an effective outcome for years ahead. This includes:

Regular hygiene check-ups, every 3 - 4 months at first, then increase to 6 months as appropriate for your own situation.
Follow proper home care instructions.
Eat a healthy diet.
Take nutritional supplements.
The systemic problems associated with periodontal infections are too dangerous to ignore. Included in these are heart disease, stroke, pre-term, low birth weight babies, pregnancy gingivitis, stomach ulcers, diabetes, brain abscesses, prosthetic joint failure and sub-acute bacterial endocarditis.
Did you know the risk of having a stroke is 2� times greater than normal for those who have periodontitis? Therefore, it makes sense that the treatment of periodontal disease, alongside good nutritional support and quality supplements, may provide a new solution to prevent strokes and cardiovascular disease.

As a biological dentist, I believe the therapy outlined above provides an excellent opportunity to create healthy teeth and gums for your overall health. I encourage dentists to promote this idea of biological periodontal therapy to protect our patients in a far more holistic fashion.

Dr. Michael Rehme, DDS, CCN, practices Biological Dentistry that includes mercury free, tooth colored fillings; healthy dental materials; balancing body; and nutritional therapy. For more info about Biological Dentistry and Patient Success Stories visit [http://www.ToothAndBodyConnection.com] Attend a free of charge monthly presentation by Dr. Rehme on Biological Dentistry in the seminar room of his newly expanded office on the third Tuesday of every month @ 6:30pm. Please call to verify and reserve your space 314-997-2550.
Homepage: http://www.pearltrees.com/fitzsimmonsmckinney4