Periodontics

The prevalence of periodontal disease was reported to range from 20% to 50% around the world [1]. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory reaction of the gum and supporting tissues, which always begins with inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. This inflammation is shown as reddened or swollen gums, bleeding and/or pain when brushing teeth or even biting on food. If left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis which causes the destruction of the gum, tooth ligaments and supporting bone and can lead to tooth loss.

Research has found out that periodontal disease is associated with >50 health conditions including common diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, low birth, and pre-eclampsia), rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain types of cancer.

Although the most well-known cause of periodontal disease is the build-up of bacteria in the form of dental plaque, we understand that the periodontal inflammation is NOT merely due to poor oral hygiene. In a healthy, nutrient well-balanced person with the holistic oral care routine (such tooth brushing, tongue scraping and oil pulling), this dental plaque cannot defeat the natural defenses of the body.

The severity and speed with which periodontitis progresses depends on factors including:

• the number and type of bacteria present.
• the strength of an individual’s immune defenses. 
• the presence or absence of risk factors(e.g. smoking, diabetes).
• genetic factors.
• certain types of medication.

At MCDC, we embrace the holistic and biological integrated concept, and we believe that periodontitis might be the “scurvy of the 21^st century” and might be caused by micronutrient deficiency (especially vitamin D and vitamin C) as Dr. Karl Ulrich Volz pointed out in his Swiss Biohealth Concept [6]. The pain and sensitivity to touch due to gum inflammation cause the patient to stop brushing adequately. Plaque buildup is more likely to be the consequence rather than the cause of periodontitis.

Considering the whole-body health and wellbeing, our specialist team offer multitude of treatment solutions such as nutritional counseling, Laser therapy, non-invasive periodontal support, and reconstructive surgical treatment.

Reference:

1. Sanz M. European workshop in periodontal health and cardiovascular disease. European Heart Journal Supplements. 2010;12(Suppl B):p. B2. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/suq002
2. Graziani F., Gennai S., Solini A., Petrini M. A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiologic observational evidence on the effect of periodontitis on diabetes an update of the EFP-AAP review. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2018;45(2):167–187. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12837
3. Lockhart P. B., Bolger A. F., Papapanou P. N., et al. Periodontal disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease: does the evidence support an independent association? Circulation. 2012;125(20):2520–2544. doi: 10.1161/cir.0b013e31825719f3
4. Ide M, Papapanou PN. Epidemiology of association between maternal periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes–systematic review. J Periodontol. 2013;84(4 Suppl):S181-S194. doi:10.1902/jop.2013.134009
5. Pritchard AB, Crean S, Olsen I, Singhrao SK. Periodontitis, Microbiomes and their Role in Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci. 2017;9:336. Published 2017 Oct 24. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2017.00336
6. Hajishengallis G, Chavakis T. Local and systemic mechanisms linking periodontal disease and inflammatory comorbidities. Nat Rev Immunol. 2021;21(7):426-440. doi:10.1038/s41577-020-00488-6
7. Volz KU. The Swiss biohealth concept. Swiss Biohealth Academy. 2021.