Raise your hand if you’ve had bad breath, red or swollen gums, painful chewing, tender/receding gums, sensitive teeth, shifting teeth, or issues with your bite? Don’t be alarmed but these are signs of gum disease and even if you don’t have these symptoms, you’ll want to know how your diet can lead to conditions as severe as tooth loss.
Now let’s take a deep breath and dive right in!
Study findings: Low-Fat diets can reduce the risk of bone loss!
There is new Information regarding how Obesity can cause chronic inflammation that leads to bone-related diseases, gum disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis by triggering the development of cells that break down bone tissue.
According to a study published in the Journal of Dental Research obesity will cause excessive inflammation of the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), which are Immune cells in the bone marrow that can develop into cells that break down bone tissue.
As bone loss is a major symptom of gum disease (which affects 47% of adults over the age of 30) It’s important to address it immediately. It can also lead to periodontal disease, tooth loss, and serious health problems. As the alveolar bone is destroyed as a result of MDSC enlargement during obesity and an increased osteoclast cells amount it shows how periodontal bone loss is connected to obesity. Obesity leads to the weakening of the bone, which makes you more susceptible to gum disease.
In the study, two groups of mice were fed different diets (10% fat V.S. 45 % fat diet) over 16 weeks. The group that had a high-fat diet experienced obesity, inflammation, more osteoclasts (including the genes to create Osteoclasts), lost more alveolar bone, and had a greater increase of MDSC cells in the bone marrow compared to the low-fat diet group.
How can I adjust my lifestyle to reduce the risk of Gum Disease?
3 Top Oral Health Tips
- Visit your dentist semi-annually for a hygiene appointment and check-up earlier if problems arise
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day including your tongue
- Replace your toothbrush head every 3-4 months and floss daily
Oral Probiotics (healthy bacteria) that can keep your mouth remain healthy
- Prevent Plaque
- Fight Bad Breath
- Prevent Oral Cancer
- Manage Gingivitis symptoms and decrease inflammation from gum disease
What are Oral Probiotics and Where can I find them?
Oral probiotics have an impact on digestive health but they can also keep your mouth healthy. Although they’ve yet to be approved for medical use they are available in foods like enhanced milk, yogurt, cheeses, kefir, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut, sourdough bread, and sour pickles.
Some doctors may recommend taking probiotic bacteria especially in supplement form with prebiotics. These are foods or supplements that help probiotics flourish in your intestines. These high in fiber foods consist of raw garlic, onions, bananas before they ripen, artichokes, acacia gum, chicory root, leeks, honey, and asparagus.
Now you may be thinking gross, as many of these foods may not sound as appetizing as a bag of potato chips or a german chocolate cake but they will help improve your overall health.
For a personalized program, we still suggest you consult your dietician, nutritionist, or family doctor.
Conclusion (fight gum disease with great oral care)
At Sbenati Dentistry in London Ontario, we can help you fight gum disease (which affects 47% of adults) and build strong bones in your gums and enamel by helping you maintain a healthy oral health routine that enhances your smile.
To inquire about our dental clinic in London Ontario email us at Info@sbenatidentistry.ca or call 519-474-0220 and we’ll set up a consultation.
#SmileBetterLiveBetter
