A Serious Oral Infection – Symptoms Often Overlooked, including inflammation, auto-immune, yeast infections, etc. – Your Health Detective

Author’s Perspective…

Understanding the consequences of an oral bacterial infection is critical. I’ve had oral healthissues most of my life beginning with a mouth full of silver amalgam fillingssince age 7. We didn’t consume but small amounts of sugar in my household becauseof adult-onset diabetes. That said, I had cavities every six months and laterin life constantly fought gum disease. Having worked in dentistry beforeembarking my career in natural health, I had all my amalgam fillings removed inthe 1980’s with other restoration materials, yet fighting the gum disease has beenan ongoing serious challenge. I recently was again besieged with a seriousbacterial infection that we are currently medicating; however the eventualityof removing the teeth to finally rid my body of constant assaults is becomingmore of a reality than I’d like to admit. Many of my clients have had to resortto the same conclusion but in the long run after the initial healing period,their health is better than it has been for many years since it no longer is inthe “fight or flight” response. I share my personal experiences in order toassist others who might be challenged with a similar situation. In my upcoming

book, I was Poisoned by my teeth I will share the outcome once the story has an ending. When the book is released, Premium Subscribers will be able to download the eBook at no charge as a benefit of their membership…click here to continue reading…

Open Wide…

The oral cavity containssome of the most varied flora in the entire human body. Specifically, apathologic condition such as periodontitis creates a concentration of infectionthat can affect other vital systems such as cardiovascular (endocarditis) andrenal (glomerulonephritis). In addition, oral microorganisms can include fungal(Candida yeast), protozoal (parasites), and viral species. Oral infections canaffect the teeth, gums, palate, tongue, lips and inside of the cheeks. Thepropensity for oral infections is especially high because it creates theperfect conditions for microorganisms to flourish – a warm, moist, wet

environment filled with bacteria, viruses and food.

An oral bacterial infection is when bacteria invade the oral cavity (mouth) and cause a harmfulgrowth of microorganisms. Most oral bacteria are harmless, often even helpfulfor our immune system keeping it armed and ready to attack invading bacteria when needed. However, some cause disease and produce pathogens in thebody that wreak havoc on overall immune responses, inflammation, and a variedgenre of infections – many times not connected to oral infection such is the

case with many fibromyalgia victims.

Stages ofbiofilm in the oral cavity. They are three-dimensional bacterial communitiesattached to a solid surface like the enamel of the teeth, the surface of theroot or dental implants. They are exemplary for bacterial adhesion and for

creating resistance to antibiotics. The five stages follow:

Biofilm sitting in the mouth or on teeth
Biofilm multiples
Further multiples
Attaches to a surface (tooth, gum, tongue, etc.)
Breaks apart as if to “explode” once it grows
exponentially and then the cycle begins again

Oral Infection – Serious Consequences…

The most common bacterial oral infections are gingivitis and periodontitis (serious gum diseases). Theplaque that builds on teeth and gums is also called plaque biofilm, and is teeming with bacteria. The type and virulence of the bacteria change and multiply and the longer they’re in the mouth the bad bacteria (health-depleting) begins to outnumber the good. In extreme cases, oral antibiotics are necessary to first manage the spread of the bacteria and then dental intervention like deep scaling or even periodontal treatment is necessary. In some cases, it is actually healthier to remove the teeth than have a chronic bacterial infection constantly pouring poisons into your blood

stream – a systemic infection can kill you.

Oral Disease and Overall Inflammatory Disorders

Systemic inflammation is believed to be a major threat to overall health. Strong associations exist
between chronic systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, dementia, and many other chronic diseases that are oftentimes associated with aging.

Two recent publications highlighted the nature of chronic inflammation as part of periodontal disease, as a systemic result of periodontal disease, and as a major negative factor for overall general health. The relationship between periodontal disease, inflammation, and general health has been discussed in the literature for several years; however, recent studies have provided more specific and
comprehensive evidence for the interconnection.

There is increasing acceptance that periodontal disease shares some of the same chronic
inflammatory mechanisms as do other systemic conditions and that periodontal disease increases the overall systemic inflammatory burden leading to exacerbation of these conditions.

The Way I See It…

It has long been my experience in working with thousands of clients diagnosed with Fibromyalgia,Chronic Fatigue, auto-immune disorders, generalized inflammation, Scleroderma, Lupus, etc. that when measures are taken to improve their oral health and rid itself of all infection, the rest of their health and inflammation is significantly improved or literally non-existent. That said dietary modifications to avoid foods and

additives that “ignite” inflammation as well as support for the organs of detoxification is also critical in achieving overall wellness.

My experience with a systemic bacterial infection is that it manifests many months PRIOR to the crisis. I recently experienced Plantars Fascitiis that came on suddenly. Approximately ten years ago the same thing appeared, lasted three months, and went away as fast as it manifested. I also experienced reoccuring yeast infections within the past year, something I hadn’t dealth with in over 30 years. No one made the connection to my oral health, not even me. As soon as the oral infection began to clear with appropriate medications (antibiotics, probiotics and nutraceuticals), the foot recovered and the yeast infection was gone. I had NOT resorted to antibiotics in over 35 years, always being able to effectively use natural remedies and nutraceuticals, even through a couple of extractions years ago. However, once a bacterial infection goes systemic it is important you consider all options in order to avoid it becoming life-threatening. If you experience any of the symptoms recalled, begin your investigative work with your oral health, it could save your life!

The first best step in achieving oral health is to be diligent in your daily oral health routine, have
periodic cleaning as recommended by your dentist, and use an antibacterial mouth wash daily. If you, like me, have done all you know to do and you constantly fight bacterial infections, your worst fear of finally removing the deadly culprits may have to be your reality, it might end up being mine.

I have benefited greatly from having hydrogen peroxide I.V. therapy but even that is only a temporary “fix” if the foundational cause persists. Most of us with immune system challenges do not do well with extreme periodontal surgery; I suggest you weigh your options for possible laser periodontal treatments before taking drastic measures that are more invasive. Afterall, our compromised immune responses are more than likely connected to our oral health.

To be continued….

Your Partner in Health,

Dr. Gloria

Resources:

U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333.
The CDC’s Division of Oral Health offers information about children’s and
adults’ oral health at its website.

http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/index.htm

U.S. National
Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 45 Center Drive, MSC 6400,
Bethesda, MD 20892. The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of
Dental and Craniofacial Research provides information about oral and dental
health at its website. Telephone 301-496-4261 http://www.nidcr.nih.gov

http://www.humanillnesses.com/Infectious-Diseases-My-Si/Oral-Infections.html#ixzz2HJowLGoz

Hugoson A,
Norderyd O, Slotte C, Thorstensson H (1998) Distribution of periodontal disease
in a Swedish adult population 1973, 1983 and 1993. J Clin Periodontol 1998; 25:
542-548.

Lindhe J,
Karring T, Lang PN. (1997) Clinical Periodontology and implant dentistry.
Textbook Munksgaard, Copenhagen.

Österberg T,
Sundh V. (1998) Trends and prognosis of dental status in the Swedish
population. Analysis based on interviews by statistics Sweden 1975-1997. Poster
vid riksstämman 1998.

Inflammation
in Systemic Health and in Periodontal Disease.
Medscape. Apr 07, 2011.