The Latest Research on The Oral Systemic Connection

Aetna Finds Periodontal Treatment lowers overal health cost!

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Oral Cancer & Periodontal Disease
"UB study links gum disease with oral cancer risk"

The Nutrition Connection - Supporting the body's defense system
By Marcus Gitterle, MD

A famous doctor once told me that “Medicines, such as antibiotics don’t cure you; They just reduce the level of harmful bacteria to the point where your own immune system can take over”.

The immune system is the body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade our systems and cause disease. The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. As we age, the body is less able to assimilate the nutrients required to maintain an optimal immune system and it is more necessary to make sure that our diet contains fruits and vegetables and that we take the right supplements. We have heard much about anti-oxidants that prevent cell oxidation and lower the occurrence of disease, aging and even cancer. They are important supporters of the immune system.

As we have noted, periodontal disease is much more common among 60 year olds than 20 year olds, even though 60 year olds are more dental savvy and probably brush better. The difference is likely in the body’s ability to fight off the attacks of bacteria and chemicals.

Recent research at Loma Linda University showed that a nutritional supplement alone (Pharmaden), without any other dental treatment, was able to significantly combat the effects of periodontal disease, lowering bleeding and pocket depths (19).

The key ingredients in the supplement were Grapeseed Extract, CoQ10 (Ubiquanone), Echinacea and Folic Acid. It is valuable to examine these elements because several are not normally found in your daily multi-vitamin.