Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Sinus Infections or Sinusitis Part 1 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I wanted to talk about sinus infections for several reasons. Obviously, the location of the sinus cavities plays a role in the decision to talk about them during a review of dental health. In …
Strontium Citrate for Bone Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I wanted to talk about Strontium citrate because most people have either not heard of it or have some very interesting ideas about it. In fact I recently had a conversation with someone who wasn’t sure …
Dental Bone Loss
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Bone loss is a topic that every woman has heard of once they reach a certain age. However, men must also be concerned with bone loss! Typically, when most people think of bone loss they usually think of the hips or spinal area. However, bone loss in the mouth can and does occur. What can cause this bone loss? What are the signs of dental bone loss? And most importantly what can you do about it? Let us get into it, shall we?
To start with dental bone loss can occur in the teeth themselves. What happens is that there is a gradual loss of the bone portion of the tooth. In addition to losing bone in the teeth dental bone loss also refers to the deterioration of the bones that surround and support the teeth. Please see the attached pictures for before and after bone loss. (2)
What are the most common risk factors for dental bone loss? The most common cause for dental bone loss is gum disease! I have written a blog on gum disease, both periodontitis and gingivitis. So, for more information on this topic, I refer to that blog. Other risk factors include smoking, poor dental hygiene (including not receiving regular dental cleanings). Normally when you chew, bite, or even speak there is pressure applied to the teeth and their surrounding bones. This pressure will stimulate the repair and even strengthening of the bones. However, if you have a tooth removed for any reason this process does not occur and as a result the bone deteriorates. Thus, losing a tooth is a risk factor for dental bone loss. This is also why having bridgework or dentures can lead to dental bone loss. Certain trauma such as knocking out a tooth, cracking a tooth or even fracturing jaw bones can lead to dental bone loss. Even certain misalignments can lead to bone loss. For example, TMJ disorder, wisdom tooth eruption, general wear and tear and even having an over/under bite. (1) Poor nutrition as well as certain chronic conditions can increase the risk of dental bone loss. (2) If you have osteoporosis, when the bones become weak and brittle, you are at a higher risk of dental bone loss. Even certain tumors are a potential cause of dental bone loss. Osteomyelitis, which is inflammation in the bones can lead to dental bone loss. Certain prescription drugs can increase the risk of dental bone loss. (3) Having uncontrolled diabetes is also a risk for dental bone loss. Aging and age-related concerns can lead to dental bone loss. Lastly, tooth grinding is a significant risk factor as it wears away the teeth. (4)
What are the signs of dental bone loss? You may notice a change in the appearance of your teeth. For example, they may appear longer and thinner. You may notice bad breath. There may be receding gums. The teeth may feel as though they are unstable. (1) By unstable I mean you may notice that your teeth have begun to move, loosen, or even bleed. You may notice that your gums seem to “shrink.” Your gums may become swollen as well as start to bleed. There may be gaps between the teeth. (2)
What can you do to help reduce dental bone loss or even to reduce the risk of developing it?
Our product highlight will focus on Strontium, what it does and how to take it!
Sources:
Understanding Vitamin C Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In my experience everyone has heard that Vitamin C is good for our health. In fact, it’s everywhere you look these days! But while you may have heard that using vitamin C is “good for the health of …
How Osteo-Lube™ Supports your Health!
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
I wanted to take the time to talk about a product that in my mind just does not get nearly enough attention! This product is called Osteo-Lube™. I bet you are thinking Osteo-Lube™ what the heck is that? Well simply put it is a powder that is full of natural anti-inflammatories. So, let us get into it, shall we?
Osteo-Lube™ is a powder which is important for a few reasons. Being in a powdered form means it’s easy to use. First, you can mix it into water or juice. You can even mix a scoop of the powder into yogurt or applesauce. But you can also get creative and mix the formula into a menthol rub for a natural anti-inflammatory cream! You can even mix it into a warm bath to enhance the pain reducing and muscle relaxing effects of the warm water. Being in a powder has other benefits. If you read my blog on Beets Hx, another Invite Health powder, I will go into detail on just why being a powered formula has advantages over tablets or capsules. But all this is about the delivery system. What is in the actual formula itself that is so good for our overall health? Well to start with there’s ginger.
Studies have found that ginger helps to reduce inflammation. In a 12-week study those who had RA found a significant decrease in inflammatory markers. In another study those with RA reported a reduction in C-reactive protein, which is a well-known inflammation marker. In fact, in a 2020 study when ginger was combined with curcumin and black pepper it was as effective as naproxen in reducing inflammation and pain. (1) Osteo-Lube™ contains both curcumin and ginger! This is important for any inflammation-based illness. For example, inflammation plays a role in the pain associated with TMJ disease. For more information on this topic please see my blog on TMJ.
In addition to ginger Osteo-Lube™ contains curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric! Studies have found that it is both a powerful antioxidant as well as a potent anti-inflammatory. (2) Studies have also found that curcumin can help to reduce the symptoms of different forms of arthritis. (3)
Boswellia, shown to be helpful as well as curcumin. In fact, studies have found that boswellia can help to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. (4)
Osteo-Lube™ also contains Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) complex. Studies have found that this has beneficial effects for those who have arthritis pain. (5) Studies have also found it to be helpful in reducing pain from an autoimmune illness such as psoriatic arthritis. (6)
Something that may surprise you is the proteolytic enzyme blend. Studies have found numerous benefits for enzymes including being helpful for the digestive tract, immunity and even for reducing the inflammation that causes pain. (7)Osteo-Lube™also contains DMG. While more studies are needed recent studies have found evidence that DMG may help to reduce the risk of certain chronic conditions such as lupus. (8)
Quercetin is another nutrient that may surprise you. Studies have found a number of benefits for quercetin including reducing inflammation. It is also a strong antioxidant. Interestingly, quercetin has been shown to help with normalizing both blood pressure and blood sugar. (9) For information on how quercetin helps respiratory health please check out my blog series on that topic!
Rutin, shown to have multiple health benefits. It is antiulcer, vaso-protective, an antioxidant, antibacterial and even anti-inflammatory. (10) Luteolin from perilla leaf, shown to be a strong anti-inflammatory as well as antidiabetic formula. (11) Lastly cayenne has benefits for our digestive health, pain relief and even is helpful in reducing congestion. It is well known that creams made with capsaicin help to reduce pain. (12)
Now before I wrap this up, I just wanted to remind everyone that ginger, and turmeric have more benefits than what I have listed. Ginger, shown to help with nausea (including morning sickness!). In a recent study ginger showed help with weight loss. Ginger, shown to help reduce fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. Ginger can even reduce certain heart disease markers. Ginger can even help with indigestion. Lastly studies have found it can help fight infections. (13) Studies have found that turmeric, in addition to helping with pain can help with reducing depression. It has also been found to have benefits for memory loss, including potentially helping in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric, found to help against heart disease. (14)
As you can see the nutrients in Osteo-Lube™ have numerous benefits. Speak to an Invite nutritionist to see if it is right for you!
Our next topic will be Dry Mouth.
Sources:
