Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that spreads through the systemic circulation. There is very strong scientific research data indicating that it is also a risk factor for many serious conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and others. You can learn more about the mouth-body link here.
PLEASE NOTE: The below are suggestions for reducing inflammation. Please check with your physician before beginning any supplementation. All the supplements below will thin the blood somewhat. If you are on blood thinners or have any bleeding or other blood disorders do not take these supplements.
Curcumin
Curcumin is NOT plain Tumeric. It is a potent anti-inflammatory. It interrupts the cascade of inflammatory mediators from periodontal disease bacterial toxic enzymes such as cytokines, leukotrienes and 5-lipoxygenase, that enter the blood stream.
Recommendation: “Curcumin Phytosome 500mg,” Doctors Best brand, taken once or twice per day.
Omega-3 EPA/DHA Fish Oil
Omega-3 fish oil is another polyphenol like curcumin which has been widely used in medicine to reduce triglycerides and inflammation in coronary arteries to prevent clotting that leads to heart attacks. It directly improves periodontal disease, not to mention brain functions such as memory and, potentially, the plaques of dementia. Clearly more study is needed in the effects of fish oil on dementia, but there is NO doubt that this supplement acts like Curcumin to stop the inflammatory progression.
Recommendation: “Super Omega-3-EPA/DHA,” Life Extension brand, taken once or twice per day.
Boswellia (Frankincense)
Gum-resin extracts of Boswellia serrata have been traditionally used in folk medicine for centuries to treat various chronic inflammatory diseases. As described above, they help stop the production of toxic mediators, such as the destructive 5-lipoxygenase protein. They are also helpful to relieve pain in the teeth and gums. It has been used as incense to enhance the spiritual experience of religious ceremonies in ancient and even modern times.
Recommendation: “5-LOX Inhibitor,” Life Extension brand, taken once or twice per day.
We would recommend starting with curcumin once daily for two weeks, after which, you can add the second daily dose. Two weeks later, you can add Boswellia and two weeks again before adding the Omega-3 fish oil. This way you can monitor how you feel as each supplement is introduced. If you have questions or concerns about your symptoms, call your physician. Do not increase the dosages listed.
To learn more about ways to fight oral-systemic inflammation in Brick, New Jersey, and to schedule your visit with our dentists, Dr. John Tortora and Dr. Theresa Dantonio, call John J. Tortora, D.D.S. at 732-295-1616.
