By Tom Cornwell |
In last month’s installment we looked at Dr. Nara’s concept of there being seven factors in play for healthy and long-lasting teeth and gums. ‘Frame of Reference’ was the factor discussed in that article. Our new frame of reference should include the view that tooth and gum disease really can be prevented and in many cases, reversed – but not if left to the archaic maxim, “Brush after meals, avoid sweets and see your dentist twice a year.” Since that advice has led to an epidemic in tooth and gum diseases, don’t you think it’s time for a different perspective?
Let’s take a look at a more obvious factor: ‘Nutrition.’
We will not dictate a perfect diet for healthy teeth and gums. Rather, we will say that a good diet includes vitamin C for healthy gum tissue, the minerals calcium and phosphorus for proper re-mineralization of tooth enamel, and a good balance of all other vitamins and minerals. Getting these vitamins and minerals from the foods we eat is by far our first preference, and most of us will seek out healthy, high quality foods for ourselves and our families. Since we also know that this is not always possible, we should also supplement our meals with specific or multi-vitamins and minerals. There will be no recommendations for brands and plans, except to advise that you stay the course on the concept of healthy diet and intelligent choices.
There is more involved in oral health than just eating a healthy diet, of course. In the case of re-mineralization of tooth enamel, six more factors weigh in and each of those can be broken down into other factors, and on and on. We don’t have to know everything there is to know to keep our teeth and gums healthy, but we should at least know the basics!
For example, our organization was asked not long ago about a strange phenomenon occurring among some people eating a raw diet. It turns out that many raw foodies were experiencing problems with their dental health. How could this possibly be? A raw food diet apparently preserves enzymes otherwise destroyed in the cooking process. This means that we should be getting the full nutritional benefit of these foods, right?
So after surveying many raw food dieters and oral health professionals, we reached a rather surprising conclusion. It appears that what was missing was not nutritional in nature, but in fact, adequate oral hygiene. A healthy diet, even without the junk food and sugary starches, does not eliminate the need for brushing and flossing!
We need to understand the concept that tooth and gum disease is just that – an infectious disease caused, in great part, by the presence of certain anaerobic bacteria – thriving on sugars, and not just refined sugars. All fermentable sugars become food for the culprit pathogens. This means that all the healthy fructose-containing fruits and juices, for example, became like pouring gasoline on a fire we didn’t realize existed. Consequently, the pathogens thrived and quietly spread, creating situations where the decay process followed.
One has to conclude then, that focusing on only one principle of health, such as nutrition, is not enough. The overall, comprehensive picture must be studied and applied, which is why Dr. Robert Nara determined that there were seven factors in play for healthy teeth and gums for life:
• Frame of reference
• Nutrition
• Options
• Knowledge
• Understanding the biological balance
• Taking action
• Money
We’ve taken a look at the first two factors and will follow in subsequent issues with the rest. It is clear that the more we know and understand what is involved comprehensively with oral wellness, the better we can be in taking responsibility, not only for our oral health but the overall health of our bodies and those we are responsible for. An increase in desire for that responsibility would more than likely accompany that ability.
Meanwhile, adopt a healthy eating plan and stick to it. Take supplements if you need to, and no matter what, continue to practice good oral care and hygiene, which should include seeing your dentist.
References:
1. Demineralization and Remineralization; http://mizar5.com/demin.htm
2. Cornwell, T. Personal Research, 2007.
For more information: Tom Cornwell at http://mizar5.com.
