If you know Dr. Weston Price, it’s probably for his landmark research on how the modern Western diet affects the development and health of the teeth and jaws. Yet through his root canal research, he was also largely responsible for popularizing an idea called focal infection theory. This is the idea that local problems can […]
Periodontal (Gum) Health
Are You in the Gum Disease Majority?
If you’re American and over 30, you’ve probably got periodontal disease to one degree or another. As many as 75% do. If your gums look red and puffy, or if they bleed when you brush or floss, bingo – you’re in the majority. But just because something is the norm doesn’t mean that it’s good […]
Hate to Floss? Other Options for Cleaning Between Your Teeth
When it comes to your regular home hygiene, our motto is “floss first.” But of course we know there are some folks who dislike flossing so much, they’ll opt to “forget first” and just brush their teeth instead. Maybe it’s how the floss feels wrapped around their fingers. Maybe they don’t like sticking their fingers […]
From the Archives: Is Exercise a Part of Your Everyday Oral Care? (It Should Be – & Here’s Why)
Originally posted July 31, 2012 You know exercise is good for your body. You know it’s good for your heart and lungs and muscles. You may have read about how good it is for your brain. And you know what? It’s good for your teeth and gums, too. Yes, just like everything else you do […]
From the Archives: Food as Medicine? The Big Picture Matters
Originally posted February 26, 2013; updated For all the “health care” that happens in this country, we seem to have a real problem when it comes to preventive care – in dentistry or otherwise – even as all of our most common chronic conditions can be largely avoided. Yet, despite billions of dollars spent each […]
Why Coconut Oil Rocks
Last week, we talked about oil pulling for healthy teeth and gums – a practice for which coconut oil is especially well-suited. Why? Evidence continues to mount with respect to its antimicrobial effects, particularly with respect to oral pathogens. For instance, a 2012 study by scientists at the Athlone Institute of Technology found that enzyme-modified […]
Obesity & Gum Disease
The good news: The obesity epidemic seems to be easing among kids. According to data just published in JAMA, the obesity rate among 2 to 5 year olds dropped from 14% to 8% over the past 10 years. The meh news: Add teens to the mix, and the overall youth obesity rate hasn’t changed much […]
Gum Disease, Inflammation & the Oral-Systemic Link
Want a good life? Keep clear of periodontal disease. No kidding. According to a study recently published in the Journal of Periodontology, gum disease can significantly lower a person’s overall quality of life. Analysis of data collected from nearly 500 individuals showed that those with poor periodontal health experienced functional limitation, psychological discomfort, and […]