Notes

Biological Periodontal Therapy
The American Academy of Periodontology estimates that nearly 80% of Americans involve some type of gum disease. Approximately 50% of cases are considered moderate to severe. As a biological dentist office, it really is our responsibility not only to recognize and regard this localized, infectious disease in the oral cavity, but also to comprehend 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 important message we communicate to our patients is, "if you're likely to treat periodontal infection, you absolutely must treat the complete body." People who have gum disease aren't "healthy people who have sick gums." They're unhealthy people.

The easiest method to improve general health (like the mouth) would be to place the chemistry of the 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 the body until balance is restored.

Is there a solution to treating periodontal disease that may improve short term and also long term success? I believe the answer would be to provide nutritional support for your body along with an effective non-surgical approach to periodontal therapy.

Most people would like an alternative method to the traditional "cut and sew" surgical procedures. They are often painful, require weeks of healing, and worse, are largely ineffective at curing periodontal disease long term unless systemic considerations are also taken into account.

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

First, remove the pathogens. That is considered the acute phase of therapy which will usually require 3 -5 visits to complete.

This task starts with irrigating the complete mouth with an antimicrobial rinse which has essential oils and herbs. These lessen the initial exposure of microforms into the bloodstream before periodontal therapy begins.

Next, the periodontal pockets are treated as needed with gross debridement, root plane and scaling and sub-gingival irrigation as a way to eliminate the offending microforms and calculus which are present.

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

Each appointment is concluded with a complete mouth irrigation having 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 your system chemistry. An acidic body is a major causative factor for disease in oral cavity and during your body. more info may take the time depending on your condition. T here fore, balancing your system chemistry can be a longer term phase of your therapy.

Balancing your system chemistry could be the hardest part of the program because you have to have a serious look at your personal lifestyle and behavior to determine areas that require improvement. Following a recommended protocol will surely enhance your body's ability to heal and repair damaged tissue.

Nutritional Guidelines:

"Get Back to Basics." Eat natural, fresh, whole foods.
Eat vegatables and fruits with low glycemic index.
Eat animal products such as for example white meats and fish.
Consume monounsaturated fats from olive oil, olives, nuts, natural peanut butter, almonds and avocados.
Drink check here of WATER!
Take nutritional 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 keep up with a maintenance program that's personally designed for you to ensure an effective outcome for years to come. This includes:

Regular hygiene check-ups, every 3 - 4 months at first, then increase to 6 months as appropriate for your individual situation.
Follow proper home care instructions.
Eat a healthy diet plan.
Take nutritional supplements.
The systemic problems associated with periodontal infections are too dangerous to ignore. These include 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 people with periodontitis? Therefore, it seems sensible that the treatment of periodontal disease, alongside good nutritional support and quality supplements, may offer a new solution to prevent strokes and heart disease.

As a biological dentist, I believe the therapy outlined above provides an excellent opportunity to create healthy teeth and gums for the overall health. I encourage dentists to promote this idea of biological periodontal therapy to safeguard 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. To find out more about Biological Dentistry and Patient Success Stories visit [http://www.ToothAndBodyConnection.com] Attend a free monthly presentation by Dr. Rehme on Biological Dentistry in the seminar room of his newly expanded office on the 3rd Tuesday of each month @ 6:30pm. Please call to verify and reserve your space 314-997-2550.
Here's my website: https://milkyway.cs.rpi.edu/milkyway/show_user.php?userid=4050469