DENTAL HEALTH

* TOOTH AND GUM DISORDERS
* GINGIVITIS
* PERIODONTITIS
* PYORRHEA


Cavities (dental caries) are the primary dental problem in the United States. Most cavities are caused by persistent eating of refined sugars and starches, which mix with saliva to form an acid that erodes tooth enamel. Once an control cavities by avoiding refined carbohydrate foods, eating a nutritionally balanced diet, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, and properly cleansing the mouth, including brushing both teeth and gums. Besides cleanliness, other causes of cavities and gun disease are illness, blood disease, and glandular disorders. Cleansing between the teeth with dental floss following meals and snacks is an extra precaution that prevents loss of teeth from gum disease.

A condition known as periodontitis accounts for the loss of more teeth than do cavities. Three out of four Americans will experience gum disease in one or another of the forms. Gum disease begins with plaque, a mixture of food, bacteria, and mucus that attaches to the spaces between the teeth and the gums. This substance, if not properly removed from the base of the teeth through brushing and flossing or dental visits, hardens into a substance called calculus that irritates and infects the gums.

Periodontitis begins as a condition known as gingivitis, in which the gums react to the presence of calculus by reddening, swelling, and a tendency to bleed. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to pyorrhea, characterized by further gum inflammation from pockets created between the teeth from the already irritated area. The condition is accompanied by a continuous discharge of pus, gum recession, and loosening of teeth. Periodontitis is also the deterioration of the bones that surround and support the teeth and may be accompanied by mouth and upper respiratory infections, inadequate diets, poor fillings, and poorly fitting dentures as well as te improper cleansing of teeth and gums. Cementum is the area of the root of the tooth that becomes exposed as a result of gum disease and is highly sensitive to hot and cold when eating. Two symptoms of gum disease are bad breath and a not so fresh taste in the mouth.

Nutrients may help. Bioflavonoids that are found in vitamin C foods help bleeding gums. Although all vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper formation and continued health of the teeth, an adequate vitamin C intake is especially helpful for the prevention of gingivitis and pyorrhea. A deficiency of Vitamin C causes teeth to loosen and break down. Vitamin A seems to control the development and general health of the gums; a lack of this vitamin often results in gu infection. Vitamin A is also necessary for the formation and maintenance of tooth development in children. Minerals important for healthy teeth are sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium.

A varied diet of fresh vitamin C-rich foods and vegetables, especially in raw form, will provide the teeth and gums with needed exercise and supply the body with vitamins and minerals essential for dental health.

Helpful Supplements:

Living Multi Optimal Formula
Living Multi Vitamin C
Cod Liver Oil (for Vitamins A & D)