CCH Health Review
Ideas & Strategies to Improve Your Health
December 2005
Gum Trouble? Your Heart May Be Next
There's mounting evidence that brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups and a healthy diet play a role in good cardiovascular health.
Chronic periodontal disease -- which is caused by a number of oral bacteria -- appears to set off an inflammatory process that exacerbates and contributes to the buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque on artery walls.
The presence of a chronic infection in the mouth is very similar to a chronic infection anywhere else in the body, in that it puts stress on our body's response system. The body responds to this stress by sending certain biochemical elements through the bloodstream, which create the plaque.
People with chronic infections -- and gum disease is one of the major chronic infections -- are at increased risk later in life for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and coronary heart disease.
Some tips to keep bacteria from setting up house in your gums:
- Get an oral exam. A dentist can detect gum disease, gauge its severity, and order treatment such as bacterial removal via scaling and root-planing.
- Brush and floss regularly. The more frequently food is kept away from teeth, the better, since regular cleaning robs oral bacteria of the nutrients they crave.
- Reduce snacking. Every snack delivers a fresh meal to germs that are hard at work destroying teeth and gums. If snacking is unavoidable, at least avoid refined carbohydrates and other processed foods. Fresh, whole vegetables and fruits are the best snacks for oral health.
Source: Beck, JD et al, Systemic Effects of Periodontitis: Epidemiology of Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, J Periodontol. 2005 Nov;76(11-s):2089-2100
Mom's Gum Disease Raises Risk of Preterm Birth
Gum infections do more than cause problems for your heart and circulation.
Women who develop gum disease during pregnancy, as many do, are at increased risk for delivering prematurely and of delivering an infant of low birth weight, according to a study conducted in Chile.
The researchers reported that periodontal therapy to get rid of the bacteria in the plaque that coats the teeth reduced the risk of having preterm and low birth weight babies. It appears that infection in the mother plays a role in about half of all cases of premature deliveries.
There is evidence that periodontal pathogens can cross the placenta and produce infection in the fetus.
If you are pregnant and have a history of gum problems, please consult with one of our physicians. We can offer you a customized healthy diet plan that reduces risk of gum disease while still nourishing your baby. We can also prescribe supplements that will be helpful.
Source: Lopez, NJ et al, Periodontal Therapy Reduces the Rate of Preterm Low Birth Weight in Women With Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis, J Periodontol. 2005 Nov;76(11-s):2144-2153.
Lower Cholesterol Naturally with Policosinol and Fish Oil
If you have high cholesterol and are taking statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs, you have a healthy option for reducing cholesterol that is free of side effects.
Ninety patients with high cholesteroal were divided into groups and studied recently at the Surgical Medical Research Center in Havana, Cuba. The group taking 10 mg. of policosinol and 2 grams of omega-3 oils had a 15.3% reduction in their total cholesterol, a 14.7% reduction in triglycerides, a 24.4% reduction in LDL "bad" cholesterol, and a 15.5% increase in HDL "good" cholesterol.
Policosinol occurs naturally in sugar cane and is now available as a nutritional supplement. Our clinic pharmacy has the highest quality policosinol and omega-3 fish oils. Call our toll-free pharmacy line (877-347-8600) to order policosinol and fish oil.
Or, if you or a loved one has high cholesterol, consult with one of our physicians about a customized treatment plan that will lower your cholesterol without the cost and side effects of drugs.
Source: Castano, G et al, Effects of addition of policosanol to omega-3 fatty acid therapy on the lipid profile of patients with type II hypercholesterolaemia, Drugs R D. 2005;6(4):207-19.
