Dental caries also known as toothe decay is progressive decalcification of the enamel and dentin of a tooth.
Periodontal disease affects the supporting structure of the teeth (periodontium) including the alveolar bone which the teeth are anchored to and is related to dysbiosis of the mouth. Specifically, adult periodontitis ha sbene primarily associate with the microorganisms Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. However yeast and other pathogens can contribute to the disease also.
Dental caries are caused by dental infection and erosion of the teeth from acid by-products of bacterial metabolism on the surface of the teeth. Dysbiosis of the mouth and nutrient deficiencies (minerals required for teeth health) are both considered contributing factors to the development of dental caries.
Dental caries and periodontal disease are detectable during via a dental examination. They often cause pain and sensitivity, gums may be swollen and bleeding especially after brushing or flossing.
Progression of the disease
Starches are broken down by saliva enzyme called amylase to maltose. This along with other sugars become the substrate for microbial fermentation with the resultant production of acids. Dental plaque is a combination of these sugars, bacteria and salivary glycoproteins. it becomes a localized area for acid production and lead to demineralization of the enamel, caries and gum regression. Microbes can cause infection and even abscesses in the tooth or tissues that support the teeth (periodontium).
Pyorrhea alveolaris is compound periodontitis, in which there is inflammation of the periodontium, sometimes include the bones of the jaw and a copious discharge of pus most likely due to pyogenic bacteria such as Staph aureus or Strep pyogenes.
An acidic diet, soda, sugary foods, poor oral hygiene, dysbiosis, coffee and other factors wear wear down tooth enamel and prevent dentin formation (what makes the tooth white and strong).
Dietary Recommendations
- Avoid coffee, caffeine, alcohol, soft drinks and carbonated beverages
- Avoid sugars including fructose (fruit) and sucrose and artificial sweeteners as they feed bacteria and weaken the immune system. Pyorrhea can result from poor nutrition, including too much sugar, alcohol, smoking, drugs, Vitamin C deficiency, calcium, folic acid and niacin deficiencies.
- Drink lots of filtered water
- increase fiber intake
- Decrease refined and simple carbs
- Eat an alkaline diet and increase dark green leafy veggies and chlorophyll-rich foods
- Eat plenty of COMPLETE protein
- Eat fresh garlic and onions
Supplement Recommendations
- Probiotics (get powdered probiotics swished around the mouth to improve dysbiosis of the mouth, especially before bedtime)
- Eat and supplement if needed with the nutrients needed for bone health such as calcium and magnesium, zinc, vitamin D3, silica, folic acid, vitamin K
- Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are essential for gum health
- Antioxidants such as vit E, selenium, CoQ10 (improves oxygenation and inhibits bacterial growth – supplement 10 days out of 30 to prevent it interfering with future CoQ10 production by the body).
- Essential fatty acids – cod liver oil
- Calcarea fluroica and calcarea phosphorica tissue salts can help strengthen tooth enamel (needs to be taken for several months+)
- Silicea tissue salt can help improve overall mineralization of teeth (do not take if you have any implants, pace makers, metal joints, etc)
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Maintain good dental hygiene
- Avoid fluoride and chemical toothpaste
- Brush teeth with a toothpaste containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate or make your own with baking soda and clove and peppermint essential oils and coconut oil.
- Brush teeth with baking soda before bed
- Avoid commercial mouth rinses
- Avoid waxed dental floss (use activate charcoal floss from my magic mud instead)
- Address dysbiosis (what happens in the gut DIREZCTLY affects the mouth)
- Apply Genestra perid-gen phytogen to the gums and teeth using your tongue
- Wild oregano oil, aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil can be applied to inflamed gums
- Clove oil and peppermint essential oil rubbed on gums can relive pain and hep right tooth infection (mix with coconut oil first)
Botanical Recommendations
Below remedies can help strengthen and tone the gums:
- St. Johns wart (astringent)
- Comfrey root (mucilage’s that are soothing)
- Calendula (healing and antiseptic
- Plantago (anti-inflammatory and antiseptic)
- Myrrh, bayberry, prickly ash, echinacea and cinnamon formula for receding gums