Gum Disease, Rheumatoid/Osteo-arthritis, Fibromyalgia & Autoimmune Disorders: The Connection PART 1 of 2 – Your Health Detective

· Developing periodontal disease – more than twice as likely as others

· Developing severe jawbone loss – moderate to severe

· Extractions – averaged 12 missing teeth in studies

The graphic upper left shows periodonal disease in the advanced stages with bone loss as evidenced by the dental instrument known as a probe. Notice acute inflammation and pocket that allows food and bacteria to fester, eventually leading to bone loss.

Inflammation (Latin for, inflammation, to set on fire) is the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing processes for the tissue. – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflammation

Examples of disorders associated with inflammation include, but are not limited to:

Additionally, research shows, and experts agree, that there is a definite association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.

It’s important to keep in mind that many symptoms and markers of disease present in the teeth and mouth. The mouth is often used to diagnose, make a prognosis, treat or intervene on a number of diseases. Healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red and swollen–and your teeth should feel solid. If you have problems with your teeth and gums, it’s important to see a dentist, and possibly your health professional.

Toxicity of Tissues

The late Dr. Weston Price, renowned dentist, nutritionist and researcher, noted that patients suffering from rheumatic disease were prone to withering away of their tissues. In many cases, this emaciation was up to 25 percent in ordinary cases and up to 50 percent in extreme ones. He reported that one woman patient who had a normal weight of 130 dropped to 72 pounds after dental infections manifested. However, after removal of her dental infections, her weight quickly climbed from 72 pounds to 111 as the body continued the healing processes without having to deal with the dental infection.

The Way I See It…the majority of my clients who suffer from chronic multiple allergic responses (MARS^™) – environmental illness, multiple chemical sensitivities and inflammatory disorders (fibromyalgia, lupus, gout, arthritis) – ALSO experience chronic dental issues that involve periodontal infection.

Graphic in lower left shows periodontal disease in moderate stage; notice inflammation causing tissue to pull away from tooth, allowing bacteria to form and eventually damage bone.

As a practitioner and recovered victim of these disorders, I speak from experience that gum disease is a huge contributor to our overactive immune responses. I worked in dentistry for over a decade prior to embarking on my career in natural health. In addition to the massive exposure of toxic mercury that we handled and placed in our mouths, many of the metal restorations used actually caused inflammation of the gum tissue – leading to chronic inflammation and deterioration of our immune system as bacteria invaded the deep tissues of the mouth and eventually involved the bone and lymph system. When we’re presented with any symptoms that include pain and inflammation, we must do our detective work and see if there is a connection to our oral health. For a detailed account of my odyssey from healer to victim, read my account in the book I was Poisoned by my body. Also, Soon to be released is my new book, I was Poisoned by my teeth, check our website for release date and discounted pricing when you order prerelease.

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases are eight times more likely to have gum disease than people without them. Inflammation may be the common denominator between the two–an autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. (In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.) Making matters worse, people with RA can have trouble brushing and flossing because of damage to finger joints. The good news is that treating existing gum inflammation and infection can also reduce joint pain and inflammation.

In Part 2 of 2 next week, I’ll provide you with insight as to what I’ve used and recommended as effective steps for reducing inflammation in general as well as what to do for your oral health, Naturally.

Your Health Detective:

Uncovering Clues to Add LIFE to Your Years…NOT Merely Years to Your Life, Naturally

Dr. Gloria Gilbère (aka Dr. G), N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D.,

EcoErgonomist, Wholistic Rejuvenist

Creator of certificated courses to become a Wholistic Rejuvenist™ (CWR) and for post-graduate education for health and spa professionals. Go to www.gloriagilbere.com and click on Wholistic Skin & Body Rejuvenation (WSBR™) for course outline. Available on-site at worldwide locations, and via distance-learning at your convenience globally.

Dr. Gilbère is renowned worldwide for her work in identifying and finding natural solutions to chemically-induced and inflammatory disorders, multiple chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Gulf War Syndrome, and digestive disorders that defy conventional diagnosis and treatment. She consults worldwide via telephone and at her Institute in north Idaho. Visit her website at www.gloriagilbere.com for details about consulting with her.

Information in this newsletter is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by medical professionals, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease or disorder. The FDA has not reviewed or endorsed the contents of this educational publication.

Copyright is held by Gloria E. Gilbère, to which all rights are reserved. Other than personal, non-commercial use or forwarding, no material in this newsletter may be copied, distributed, or published without the expressed written permission of its author and copyright holder.

http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/arthritis.htm

Year Book of Dentistry 2001, Dentistry Today, pg 38 Jan 2002

AGD Impact, August/September 2001 pg 17

http://www.dailyindia.com/show/1235.php Feb, 2006

Journal of Periodontology, Robert Genco, D.D.S., Ph.D

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20091020/gum-disease-raises-arthritis-risk

American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, Oct. 17-21, 2009.

Jerry A. Molitor, MD, PhD, associate professor, division of rheumatology and autoimmune disease, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Interview by Phyllis Fisher: Hospital for Special Surgery

Darcy Majka, MD, assistant professor of rheumatology, Northwestern University, Chicago.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/symptoms/Inflammation/hic_Inflammation_What_You_Need_To_Know.aspx