Nutrition and Oral Wellness
By:
Tom Cornwell
www.Mizar5.com
Readers
of the OraMedia Newsletter and site have been aware of Dr Nara's
concept of there being seven factors
in play for healthy and long-lasting teeth and gums. 'Frame of
Reference' is one of the factors heavily discussed. Our new 'frame of
reference' should include the view that tooth and gum disease really
can be prevented and in may cases, reversed, but not if left to an
archaic maxim, "Brush after meals, avoid sweets and see your dentist
twice a year." Since that advice has led to an epidemic in
tooth and gum diseases, do you think it's time for a different
perspective?
Let's take a look at another more obvious factor: 'Nutrition.'
Being that diet is akin to religion to most people, I would not attempt
to dictate a perfect diet for healthy teeth and gums. Rather, I will
say that a good diet includes vitamin C for healthy gum tissue, the
minerals calcium and phosphorus for proper re-mineralization of tooth
enamel and a good balance of all other vitamins and minerals. Getting
these vitamins and minerals from the foods we eat is by far our first
preference, and most of us will seek out healthy, high quality foods
for ourselves and our families. Since we also know that this is not
always possible, then we should also supplement our meals with specific
or multi-vitamins and minerals. There will be no recommendations for
brands and plans, however, except to advise that you stay the course on
the concept
of healthy diet and intelligent choices.
There is certainly more involved in good oral health than just eating a
healthy diet, of course. In the case of re-mineralization
of tooth enamel, six more factors weigh in and each of those
can be broken down into other factors, and on and on. We don't have to
know everything there is to know to keep our teeth and gums healthy,
but we should at least know the basics!
For example, our organization was asked not long ago about a strange
phenomenon occurring among some people eating a raw food diet. It turns
out that many raw food dieters were experiencing problems with their
dental health. How could this possibly be? A raw food diet apparently
preserves enzymes otherwise destroyed in the cooking process. This
means that we should be getting the full nutritional benefit of these
foods, right?
So after surveying many raw food dieters and oral health professionals,
we reached a rather surprising conclusion. It appears that what was
missing was not nutritional in nature, but in fact, adequate oral
hygiene. Eating a healthier, diet minus the junk food and sugary
starches, did not negate the need for brushing and flossing, yet to
some the diet created a false sense of security in their overall health
and some started slacking in simple oral care.
We need to understand the concept that tooth and gum disease is just
that - an infectious disease caused, in great part, by the presence of
certain anaerobic bacteria -- thriving on carbohydrates and sugars --
and not just refined sugars. All ferment-able sugars become food for
the culprit pathogens. This means that all the healthy
fructose-containing fruits and juices, for example, became like pouring
gasoline on a fire we didn't realize existed. Consequently, the
pathogens thrived and quietly colonized and spread, creating situations
where the decay process followed.
One has to conclude then, that focusing on only one principle of
health, such as nutrition, is not enough. The overall, comprehensive
picture must be studied and applied, which is why Dr. Robert Nara
determined that there were seven factors in play for healthy teeth and
gums for life:
-
Frame of Reference
-
Nutrition
-
Options
-
Knowledge
-
Understanding the biological balance
-
Taking action
-
Money
It is clear that the more we know and understand what is
comprehensively involved with oral wellness,
the better we can be in taking responsibility, not only for our oral
health but the overall health of our bodies and those we are
responsible for. An increase in desire (motivation) for that
responsibility would more than likely accompany that ability.
Meanwhile, adopt a healthy eating plan and stick to it. Take
supplements as you need them, and no matter what, continue to practice
good oral care and hygiene.
The '7 Factors
Transcript' is available as bonus material with 'Money by the Mouthful'
here.
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