Vitamin C Connections to Dentistry

By Michael Rehme, DDS, CCN

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a very important nutrient. Its therapeutic use became popularized in the 1970s, thanks to research performed by Dr. Linus Pauling. He is well known for endorsing that the common cold could be controlled by an adequate intake of Vitamin C.

He deserves an enormous amount of credit for educating the world on the many benefits of Vitamin C and its ability in destroying cancer cells. Although he was ridiculed by the medical establishment on both of these issues, many years later his views are much more highly regarded as being accurate.

Although not firmly established by clinical trials, Vitamin C, a antioxidant, has gained strong support within the health care community in assisting the body to achiever the following: reduce the risks of cancer, strokes and hypertension; reduce the histamine levels in the body, which trigger allergy and asthma attacks; assist the body in the production of collagen, a basic component of connective tissue; aid in teeth and bone formation and to keep your gums healthy.

Vitamin C also supports the immune system, aids in wound healing and is an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage to the body. This statement is what intrigued me to learn more about the positive affects of Vitamin C and its use in biological dentistry.

Dental procedures, as we all know, can create trauma, pain and even post operative infection following surgical procedures. What I wasn’t aware of, until a few years ago, is the natural healing effects Vitamin C has to offer for my patients.

Have you ever felt weak, fatigued or even sick after a visit to your dentist? Anytime there is bleeding during a dental procedure, whether it’s simply a cleaning, periodontal surgery, tooth extraction, or even a small filling placed in a tooth, bacteria can be introduced into your system. This bacterea originates in the oral cavity and can spread throughout the entire body. The strength of your immune system determines if you become ill or not during the next few days.

Protecting yourself before hand with a prophylactic nutrient like Vitamin C certainly makes sense. During the last year, we’ve developed a basic protocol designed to protect every one of our patients who receive dental treatments in our office.

1 – 2 grams of Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C is administered orally before our dental procedures begin. This form of Vitamin C provides an excellent rate of absorption, boosters the immune system, and simply makes you feel better.

Over the last two years, I’ve continued to promote a holistic concept of the tooth and body connection. This connection reveals the importance of Vitamin C therapy in dentistry.

We must learn how to protect the body by stimulating the immune system whenever possible. Vitamin C’s track record has been very impressive in the past and I believe it will continue to surprise people with its healing properties in the future.

FREE Seminar!!

Free Monthly Seminar

For Both New and Current Patients.

Are Your Teeth and Gums Making You Ill?
Discover The Tooth And Body Connection.

A Healthy Mouth Supports A Healthy Body. Discover how infection and illness transfer between the teeth and body. Understand how the principles of Biological Dentistry focus on your overall health and wellness and why we've chosen it as the best practice of Dentistry.

The discussion reveals dental materials compatible with wellness; mercury-free amalgams, tooth-colored fillings; the impact of dental procedures; the need to balance your acid-alkaline body chemistry; and nutritional therapy that supports a healthy mouth.

Presented by: Dr. Michael Rehme, DDS, CCN (Certified Clinical Nutritionist). A Healthy Choice For Dental Care.
When: Third Tuesday Each Month, 6:30-8:00 pm. Call to verify the date and reserve your space at 314-997-2550.
Where: At Dr. Rehme's office.
Be sure to read our Patient Success Stories.

What you'll gain from the seminar:

• Understand Dr. Rehme's Philosophy of Biological Dentistry as a healthy choice for dental care
• Discover the teeth and body connection to preventing illness and staying healthy
• Expand your knowledge of the impact of nutrition on the health of your teeth and gums
• Answers to your questions about dentistry

Topics: Open forum with questions and answers covers:

• How infection and illness transfer between teeth and body
• Differences in dental materials and their influence on wellness
• Biocompatible dental materials and Materials Reactivity Testing
• Importance of balancing your acid-alkaline body chemistry
• Mercury-free, tooth-colored fillings and the alternatives to "silver" fillings that are over 50% mercury
• Impact of dental procedures
• Nutritional therapy that supports healthy teeth and gums
• And Much More!

"Gatekeepers" of Good Health

By: Dr. Michael G. Rehme D.D.S., C.C.N.

In the last several years, numerous dental articles and medical reviews have been published regarding the health connections between the oral cavity, i.e. the teeth and gums, and the rest of the body. However, I don’t believe this topic is receiving as much attention or credence as it deserves in the field of dentistry.

Westin Price, DDS. in Nutrition and Physical Degeneration,1945, wrote that streptococcus and other pathogens found in the mouth were causing inflammatory and infectious events to occur throughout the entire body.

Melvin Page, DDS, 1949, states “Disease in not due to the presence of bacteria, but rather to the body being out of balance in such a way that the bacteria responsible for the inflammation are breeding out of control. Killing the bacteria is not the answer. Placing the body back in balance is a much more effective method of treatment.”

In the early 1970‘s, the American Heart Association issued a health alert to the dental community to premedicate all patients with antibiotics who had heart disease, rheumatic fever or MVP.

The American Academy of Periodontology, July 23, 2003, stated that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease.

Colgate-White Papers, Oral Inflammation 2005, states “In recent years, increasing evidence has supported the concept that the relationship between systemic and oral health is bi-directional.”

A systemic imbalance is one that affects the health of the whole body. The oral cavity provides us with much information. It may help, and in some cases may be the critical missing link, to understanding your overall health and wellness. This may be especially true for chronic conditions that don’t seem to have any answers.

The key for dentists and the patient is to recognize and know what to do with the information provided by the oral cavity.

What does it tell me when I see a patient with compromised periodontal conditions, tooth decay and generalized inflammation? Conventional wisdom says the dentist should treat this as a local condition which typically means more frequent dental visits, improved home care techniques i.e., better flossing and brushing of your teeth, usually some antibiotics, root plane and scaling, and sometimes even surgical procedures.

I believe these are all symptoms of a systemic condition. Therefore, in addition to the oral cavity, it becomes imperative to evaluate the chemistry of the body, e.g. its chemical levels and the pH level indicating an acidic or alkaline orientation. It becomes imperative to evaluate the nutritional needs and make recommendations based on the body’s own signals.

What does this indicate about the role of dentistry? Dentists can be the “Gatekeepers” to good health! Everything begins in the oral cavity. What we eat and what we drink enters one’s body through the mouth. Our first line of defense and our initial immune responses begin in the mouth.

If there are imbalances in the mouth, inflammation, red, puffy, bleeding gums, tooth decay, sensitive teeth, halitosis, root canals, or missing teeth, you may have imbalances in other parts of your body that aren’t even obvious. As patients you should be aware of these possibilities and take control of your health.

Clean Teeth Reduce Illness

By: Michael G. Rehme, D.D.S, C.C.N

In 2008, researchers at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis completed a year long study which shows that a simple and inexpensive way to reduce the risk of potentially deadly pneumonia in intensive care patients is to keep their teeth clean.

This interesting study was performed by nurse specialists in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the hospital along with Washington University physicians. Their study group involved ICU patients that were on breathing machines.

Their findings revealed that if these patients had their teeth brushed on a regular basis, i.e., twice daily, the incidence of ventilator- associated pneumonia was reduced by 46 percent! This type of pneumonia is the most common hospital acquired infection in critically ill patients and is a leading cause of complications and death.

State University of New York at Buffalo oral biology professor Frank Scannapieco has also performed research showing a link between poor oral hygiene and an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia. He agrees that the teeth may be an important reservoir for those bacteria to establish themselves in the mouth. Dr. Scannapieco concluded that if you can minimize the bacteria found in the teeth and gum tissue, you can reduce the risk of lung infection.

The study provided by Barnes-Jewish hospital is a classic example of what is termed “the focal infection.” Definition of focal infection: A bacterial infection localized in a specific part of the body, such as the oral cavity, that may spread by way of the bloodstream to another gland or tissue, i.e., lungs, and start a whole new infection.

Although this medical term has not received much attention, the focal infection theory was discovered almost 75 years ago by Weston Price, D.D.S., a biological dentist.

His extensive research with oral bacteria indicated that these microbes could travel not only to the lungs, but also to other major organ systems such as the heart, kidneys, stomach, thyroid, muscles, and joints. Dr. Price concluded that the whole body can be exposed to these microorganisms.

Some of these offending microbes found in the mouth include streptococcus mutans, porphyromonas gingivalis and actinobacellus actinomycetemcomitans.

I think it’s exciting to observe that similar results can still be duplicated even after such a lengthy time between studies. Dr. Price’s work in the 1930s also concluded that many serious infections originate from the mouth.

The study performed by Barnes-Jewish hospital confirms, once again, the impact of the oral cavity on the rest of the body. A healthy mouth supports a healthy body. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist are not only a good idea but may even save your life.

Celiac Disease and the Oral Cavity

I recently discovered an interesting connection between patients suffering from Celiac Disease and its effects on the oral cavity. Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the micro-villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. What does this mean?

Celiac disease is triggered by consumption of the protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the fingerlike villi of the small intestine. When the villi become damaged, the body is unable to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, which can lead to malnourishment.

Roughly one out of every 133 Americans has celiac disease, but 97% remain undiagnosed. This means that almost three million Americans have celiac disease and only about 100,000 know they have it.

Left untreated, people with celiac disease can develop further complications such as other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, and cancer.

Symptoms: Symptoms of celiac disease may or may not occur in the digestive system. For example, one person might have diarrhea and abdominal pain, while another person has irritability or depression. In fact, irritability is one of the most common symptoms in children.

Some of the most common symptoms of celiac disease include: bloating or gas, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, joint pains, tingling/numbness, headaches, irritability and infertility.

Dental symptoms include discolored teeth or loss of enamel and canker sores. I must admit, over the years, I've seen plenty of these symptoms in my patient's mouths but never once made this connection. It's also interesting to note that there are no known etiologies for the causes of canker sores either.

Remember, the oral cavity is alike a window to the rest of the body and Biological Dentistry offers this unique interpretation to our patients as we continue to think outside the box and we search for these “tooth and body” connections.

In our office, a clinical examination of the oral cavity offers more than just a casual evaluation of the teeth and gums. Looking for clues that may suggest systemic imbalances or a compromised condition in general health is our main focus for our patients.

Diagnosis: Accurately diagnosing celiac disease can be quite difficult largely because the symptoms often mimic those of other diseases including irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, intestinal infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression.

Blood tests will usually be ordered to gain a proper diagnosis of celiac disease.

It is important to continue eating a normal, gluten-containing diet before being tested for celiac. If the blood tests and symptoms indicate celiac, a physician may suggest a biopsy of the lining of the small intestine to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment: The only treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet. A gluten-free diet means avoiding all foods that contain wheat (including spelt, triticale, and kamut), rye, oats, and barley.

Despite these restrictions, people with celiac disease can eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods, including bread and pasta. For example, instead of wheat flour, people can use potato, rice, soy, or bean flour. Or, they can buy gluten-free bread, pasta, and other products from specialty food companies. Just keep in mind that some people may also have sensitivities to other foods such as soy.

The gluten-free diet is a lifetime requirement for people with celiac disease. Eating any gluten, no matter how small an amount, can damage the intestine. This is true for anyone with the disease, including people who do not have noticeable symptoms. As with other chronic illness, as the immune system is continuously attacked over time, other more serious illnesses may develop.

Following a gluten-free diet may seem daunting at first. However, with a little creativity anyone can make delicious gluten-free meals! For example, plain meat, fish, rice, fruits, and vegetables do not contain gluten, so people with celiac disease can eat as much of these foods as they like.

Dr. Michael Rehme, DDS, CCN (Certified Clinical Nutritionist). He practices Biological Dentistry that includes mercury free, tooth colored fillings; healthy dental materials; balancing body chemistry; and nutritional therapy. For information about Biological Dentistry and patient success stories visit www.toothandbodyconnection.com or call his office 314-997-2550. Attend a free monthly presentation and discussion by Dr. Rehme on Biological Dentistry in the seminar room at his newly expanded office on the third Tuesday each month at 6:30 pm. Please call to verify the date and reserve your space.

Bisphenol A: A Dental Concern for Our Patients or Not?

By Michael Rehme, DDS, CCN

An important lesson that I’ve learned over the years about Biological Dentistry is to ask questions. Then to be willing to make the appropriate changes that seem necessary for improving the health and well being of our patients.

The use of specific dental materials and their biological compatibility for our patients has always been a concern for me. About 6 months ago, I was investigating a chemical used in dentistry called Bisphenol A (BPA). This is a common additive to plastics and a by-product of the chemical Bis-GMA.

Bis-GMA is an ingredient found in many dental resins or tooth colored fillings and sealants. It is also a widely used substance commonly found in plastic containers, baby bottles and the lining of metal food cans.

The problem I found with BPA is that it’s a hormone disrupter that can mimic estrogen. Some research has linked it to health consequences, including early puberty in girls, breast and prostrate cancer, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder.

That led me to ask: Is it safe to use in dental products? What are the experts saying about this additive that is found in most dental fillings and sealants? The following describes what I found.

The ADA (American Dental Association) believes any concern about potential BPA exposure from dental composites or sealants is unwarranted at this time. When compared with all other sources of BPA, these dental materials pose significantly lower exposure concerns. The presence of a substance, whether in the environment, human blood or urine samples, does not mean it’s necessarily harmful to human health. That would typically depend on how much of the substance we are exposed to.

Some studies have found detectable levels of BPA in the saliva of patients after use of the sealants or fillings. However, experts are divided as to whether this low exposure constitutes a health risk.

A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association in 2006, found some dental products leach BPA and could result in low-dose exposures within the range in which health effects have been seen in rodents.

The term “low exposure” still concerns me enough that we’ve decided to eliminate this chemical from our office.

If you search enough you can find dental resins and even sealants that do not contain Bisphenol A. We use two products in our office that meet this criteria. They are from DRM called Diamond Lite (for fillings) and Diamond Crown (for crowns). They have performed quite well in regards to their strength and aesthetics. I would highly recommend these products for other dentists to try.

Even though the BPA controversy is likely to continue, biological dentistry will continue to choose the path less traveled. If you can do without toxins, why not do without toxins? If you can perform dental procedures safely and do not have to jeopardize the integrity of the product, then why even take a chance with potentially harmful products in our patients’ mouths? We believe in the “Precautionary Principle” so we simply don’t take those chances.

Dr. Michael Rehme, DDS, CCN (Certified Clinical Nutritionist). He practices Biological Dentistry that includes mercury free, tooth colored fillings; healthy dental materials; balancing body chemistry; and nutritional therapy. For information about Biological Dentistry and patient success stories visit www.ToothAndBodyConnection.com or call his office 314-997-2550. Attend a free monthly presentation and discussion by Dr. Rehme on Biological Dentistry in the seminar room at his newly expanded office on the third Tuesday each month at 6:30 pm. Please call to verify the date and reserve your space

To your good health,

Michael G. Rehme, DDS, CCN