What I see in my patients almost constantly, is chronic inflammation in the gums. I see this about 80% of the time while I'm working in my dental chair. I see about 8 patients a day, and most of these patients Come to the dentists every 3, 4 or six months for periodontal maintenance. At these intervals, since they are different times of the year, that would take any dietary seasonal variables out of the equation. I consider that seeing my patients very regularly, and feel I have a good handle on their health when they are honest with me. I know that some of these patients are trying their hardest to maintain dental health, but with no improvements. When I do not see improvements on patients, I often suspect the constant bleeding is from some sort of systemic issue.

The list of systemic issues that can compromise the dental tissues in the mouth is a lengthy one. It could be something simple like a nutritional deficiency. However it could easily complex as a bleeding disorder, or hormonal imbalance. It can also be very difficult to distinguish which case it is. However, with having the medical history of current medications and treatments a patient may be undergoing, and with having a dental history with these patients, a dental professional is in a unique situation to help find the root causes of dental issues.

Dental tissues change with changes in the body. The texture of the gums become more red, and inflamed when you do not floss, a condition called gingivitis. Furthermore, I've seen changes in the mouth tissues when a patients diet, medications or hormones are not serving them well. For example, the tissues on the sides on the inner cheeks (buccal mucosa), the floor of the mouth, and the top of the tongue (dorsum) are such areas I see the change. The change could be that the tissues change in color, ranging from a pale pink to a STOP SIGN RED color. Either case, and any in between, could indicate a systemic problem within the patient. The trouble is, the "problem" does not always feel like a problem. Like I tell my patients, we can, and we do, go through life with multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies and still feel *pretty* healthy. This is because these fairly minor imbalances tend to not interfere with our daily lives. They are not great enough that cause us to seek change. Especially a dietary change that may have limitations or cause us to expand our palates.

Dietary deficiency show themselves in subtle ways. Like, eczema, mild hair loss, or dry eyes. A constant dry cough from "allergies" and a difficulty sleeping may fool some too for simple annoyances. However these annoyances may be surfacing due to a deeper issue with diet. For example, perhaps, the quality of the dairy products (I believe not all diary is bad) your eating is not jiving well with your body. Or possibly you're consuming too much convenient package foods that are lacking nutrients. The food we put in our mouths are the building blocks for our body. If we are feeding our internal working systems crumby products labeled as food, then our biological systems will degenerate from the inside out, or the outside in. And the dengeration can be different for every individual.

It is difficult to say what is the most common deficiency. However I do know which I see most commonly. Vitamin D deficiency, thyroid conditions and iron deficiencies are the most common issues I see presented in the mouth tissues.

*DISCLAMIER: I always let my patients know what I think I see in their mouths, and I also remind them (and let this serve as YOUR reminder too ;)! ) I am not a doctor or dietician. I am just interested about the connection between the mouth and the total person, and I couple that with a passion for holistic well being*

My passion for total body health has lead me to pursue a certificate in nutrition. For many years now I have loved reading about nutrition and being diligent with mine and my families diet. I have been able to help myself and own family live with more vitality. More energy and better health in general.

It is my desire to see more of my friends, family and patients in my dental practice live better quality lives also. I know that this is possible with a quality, nutrient dense diet. And I plan on helping as much as I can! Be encouraged my friends :) . You do not have to live life fatigued, or surrounded by chronic inflammation!

Stay tuned for more tips! See my post on vitamins to get started ;)!