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ORAL CARE inflammation in the body, gum disease remains an epidemic health care problem, affecting more than 80 percent of the American population. Extensive clinical research has linked gum disease to a long list of systemic diseases. There are now many new nonsurgical treatments for gum disease, such as laser periodontal therapy, which can help disinfect and regenerate healthy gum tissue. 2. JAW CAVITATIONS/JAW OSTEONECROSIS: These hidden areas of necrotic bone are commonly found in the areas of extracted wisdom teeth via 3D cone beam radiographic examination. Jaw cavitations have been found to be a source of chronic inflammation and chronic infection. Microbial cultures of these areas have shown that multiple pathogens harbor in these bony defects, including many coinfections from Lyme disease. Proper surgical training is essential in the treatment of jaw cavitations, as well as the use of biologic materials to enable these areas of necrotic bone to regenerate and heal. 3. AMALGAM (MERCURY) FILLINGS: Amalgam (mercury) fillings are silver-colored fillings that contain approximately 50 percent mercury, a heavy metal, which has been shown to off-gas throughout its duration in the mouth. Chronic
A key element in overall wellness that often gets overlooked is oral health. Your mouth serves as the most important gateway for both health and disease in the body, and dental diseases have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, Alzheimer’s disease and more than five types of cancer. In his book, The MouthBody Connection, Dr. Curatola also describes the mouth as a mirror of conditions in the body that also manifest in the mouth, including gut problems, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune problems and cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. The good news is, with proper oral care and regular screening, these issues can be diagnosed and addressed. “Over the past 40 years,” he says, “I have seen the elimination of toxicity and the control of inflammation in the mouth as vital in helping patients achieve systemic wellness.” Most people are unaware that the greatest causes of inflammation and toxicity to the body may be found in the mouth. Here, according to Dr. Curatola, are the top 10 sources: 1. PERIODONTAL DISEASE/GUM DISEASE: Recognized as one of the leading perpetrators of chronic low-grade 50
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Dr. Gerry Curatola discusses the top 10 sources of chronic inflammation and toxicity in the mouth.
