DR. JENNIFER JABLOW
Starting The Year Off Right With Oral Health
It’s a new year and we all start off with promises to ourselves. The most important foundation of a healthy body is oral health. The mouth is the gateway to the rest of our body systems and many diseases can start there. We know chronic inflammation is the start of any complications. If you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, studies suggest you are more likely to get Alzheimer’s, heart disease, or diabetes.
There are some easy ways to keep your mouth healthy. You should go to your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning (and since the New Year is here, I suggest you contact your dentist’s office as soon as possible to schedule those two cleaning appointments so your year is set), but the secret is what you do daily at home.
STEPS TO GOOD HEALTH
Using a sonic toothbrush is a must for the basics. There is no way a manual brush can remove plaque as efficiently. A water flosser is also an essential must. Think of it as power washing vs. using a string to clean (string floss). The water flosser is much more reliable for getting microscopic particles out of the gumline a toothbrush can’t reach. There is also a concern that many string flosses have forever chemicals like PFAs that can enter the bloodstream through the gum tissue.
A good toothpaste is essential. The advancement of nano-hydroxyapatite has replaced the need for fluoride. It helps with sensitivity and can remineralize the enamel surface, making it more decay resistant. Nano HAP has the potential to reverse early cavities. Finding a toothpaste that is not too abrasive and free of dyes, saccharin and other toxic ingredients is ideal. Adding vitamins like D3 and K2 are ideal to help with calcium uptake into the bones and teeth. My brand, Intelliwhite, will be launching Hap 10+ Superpaste in February on HSN, which contains this. It also has organic olive oil, which has been shown to have anti-bacterial properties. Xylitol is added to fight cavities and help with remineralizing the teeth.
I’m not a big proponent of mouthwash. Many are too harsh and wipe out all the bacteria. By killing all the bacteria, you wreak havoc on the oral microbiome and lose the necessary protective bacteria. Alcohol in mouthwash is also very problematic, as is a rinse with an acidic pH. I don’t see them as necessary in our routine. Some studies have linked mouthwash to high blood pressure.
NUTRITION, TOO
Diet is also key. Many of us are deficient in certain minerals and vitamins that have been correlated to people with gum disease. Studies have shown that vitamin C, D3, K2, and Coq10 are low in periodontal patients.
I recommend supplementing these vitamins if you can’t get enough through diet. But you should speak with your primary care physician before you start a supplement regimen.
What you drink can also affect the health of your teeth. We must be careful not to regularly expose our enamel to very acidic drinks. Bottled sports drinks, energy drinks and carbonated sodas can eat away tooth enamel. Hydration is key, and we must keep a healthy saliva flow to wash away food particles and help carry minerals to the teeth. If your mouth is dry, opt for a mint or lozenge with xylitol to help stimulate salivary flow. And to ensure you are staying hydrated, you should always make sure you are drinking water throughout the day, every day.
Start your new year with a commitment to your overall health, especially your oral health and oral health care regimen, starting with these easy steps at home.
In good health and a Happy New Year!
For more information on Dr. Jennifer Jablow,
visit doctorjablow.com.
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