Biological
Periodontal Therapy
by Michael Rehme, DDS, CCN
The American Academy of Periodontology estimates that
nearly 80% of Americans have some form of gum disease.
Approximately 50% of cases are considered moderate to
severe. As a biological dental office, it is our responsibility
not only to recognize and treat this localized, infectious
disease in the oral cavity, 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 important message we communicate
to our patients is, “if you’re going to
treat periodontal infection, you absolutely must treat
the whole body.” People with gum disease are not
“healthy people with sick gums.” They are
unhealthy people.
The best way to improve overall health (including the
mouth) is 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 will improve short term as well as long term success?
I think the answer is to provide nutritional support
for the body along with an effective non-surgical approach
to periodontal therapy.
Most people would prefer an alternative method 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 are also taken
into account.
I consider Biological Periodontal Therapy to require
three basic steps for long term success. First, remove
the pathogens. This is considered the acute phase of
therapy that will usually require 3 -5 visits to complete.
This step starts with irrigating the entire mouth with
an antimicrobial rinse that contains essential oils
and herbs. These help reduce the initial exposure of
microforms into the blood stream before periodontal
therapy begins.
Next, the periodontal pockets are treated as needed
with gross debridement, root plane and scaling and sub-gingival
irrigation in order to eliminate the offending microforms
and calculus that are present.
Using the phase contrast microscope, your progress
is checked toward disease eradication. This is a great
visual display of the bacteria level in the mouth which
often motivates patients to continue the steps necessary
for their improvement.
Each appointment is concluded with a full 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
work with you to balance your body chemistry. An acidic
body chemistry is a major causative factor for disease
in oral cavity and throughout your body. This may take
some time depending on your condition. Therefore, balancing
your body chemistry may be a longer term phase of your
therapy.
Balancing your body chemistry may be the hardest part
of the program because you have to take a serious look
at your own lifestyle and behavior to determine 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 fruits and vegetables 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 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 essential that you continue with a maintenance program
that is personally designed for you to ensure a successful
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.
-- 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
higher than normal for people with periodontitis? Therefore,
it makes sense that the treatment of periodontal disease,
along with good nutritional support and quality supplements,
may offer a new way 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 your overall health. I encourage
dentists to promote this concept of biological periodontal
therapy to protect our patients in a more holistic fashion.
Dr. Michael Rehme, DDS, CCN (Certified Clinical Nutritionist).
He practices Biological Dentistry that includes mercury
free, tooth colored fillings; healthy dental materials;
balancing body chemistry; and nutritional therapy. For
information about Biological Dentistry and patient success
stories visit www.toothandbodyconnection.com
or call his office 314-997-2550. Attend a free monthly
presentation and discussion by Dr. Rehme on Biological
Dentistry in the seminar room at his office on the third
Tuesday each month at 6:30 pm. Please call to verify the
date and reserve your space.
|
