Keeping a Healthy Mouth

Health starts in the mouth, but there is more to a healthy mouth than simply brushing and flossing. There is a whole nutritious approach that directly affects our body systems. There are specific vitamins and minerals that are essential to our everyday health. The best place to receive specific information for your particular case is your dentist. I was surprised by some of the information provided, maybe you will be too!

What we eat directly affects our teeth, mouth, and body. Dr. Arden O. Pulley, D.M.D. has a great deal of information concerning our overall health, especially in relation to our mouth and teeth. He begins by writing about the reduction of sugar, especially high fructose, which is a must in order to maintain a healthy mouth, teeth, and body. Along with the reduction of sugar, Dr. Pulley states that we also need to be, “using xylitol (a sugar substitute), having enough calcium, vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, preventing dry mouth, and getting enough trace elements, especially boron. The combination of (these) is very important for the best metabolism of calcium,” he continues.

This is all very interesting and it goes hand-in-hand. Dr. Pulley says, “Sugar changes the bacteria in the mouth and in the intestinal tract increasing bad bacteria and decreasing good or beneficial bacteria. Sugar causes an increase in insulin and insulin causes synthesis of fat and turns off the fat-burning process in the body. This causes you to become hungry soon after you have eaten and can result in undesirable weight gain. If you want to lose weight, cut back on high-glycemic carbohydrates, especially sugar.” Sugar seems to be the root of the health problems of Americans today. Cutting back can be hard because everything we buy seems to have a sugar component in it. If we stick with whole foods, it may reduce or eliminate the “sneaky sugar” prevalent today.

Dr. Pulley also notes vitamin D3 is essential to a healthy mouth and body. “Vitamin D3 was first recognized as important for preventing rickets. A dose of 400 IU was sufficient to do this. Studies have shown that high doses of vitamin D3 could be toxic, so an upper limit of 2,000 IU was established.” Vitamin D3 also benefits bones, muscles, teeth, and our cardiovascular system. “Adequate vitamin D3 reduces heart attacks by 42% and strokes by 50-65%. It lowers rennin that can cause high blood pressure.” The best way to get D3 is through sunlight, with sunscreen being used to protect the skin.

Another important vitamin to consider for our mouths is vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 can be obtained from cheese, meats and eggs. “Vitamin K2 removes calcium from the blood vessels and uses it to form bone. This benefits blood vessels, warding off things like stroke and heart attack, and decreases osteoporosis. This also increases bone mass and mechanical strength and enhances collagen structure in the bones.” The Doctor continues, “Vitamin K2 protects against coronary heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease, Diabetes (helps to control blood sugar), reduces Cytokine, (a substance that creates inflammation), and is a factor in Arthritis and diseased blood vessels. The combination of K2 and D3 help to form healthy bones and teeth.” As always check with your healthcare provider for your own personal situation.

Dr. Pulley also says that trace elements, such as calcium, boron, and magnesium are important too, and tells us that boron is essential for bone metabolism and calcification. It prevents osteoporosis, arthritis, and tooth decay. It is also helpful for memory and brain function. Calcium is valuable for tone, strength, longevity, vitality and endurance, to name a few. It is stored in our teeth, blood, tissues and is needed in every organ of the body, including the brain. A lack of calcium leads to many diseases and degenerative problems. Magnesium helps lower blood pressure and is important in the production of energy. Magnesium and vitamin D3 are important for the absorption of calcium.

Wow, that is a lot of information from Dr. Pulley. There are so many reasons to keep our teeth healthy. Be sure to check with your health care provider or dentist about what is best for you. Everything in our bodies is related, and it all starts with what we put in our mouths! Now that is something to smile about!

What does your dentist recommend?