Most of us assume that dental plaque is terrible; it causes cavities and gum disease, and encouraging its eradication is widely accepted. Scientists have determined that plaque bacteria can ferment processed carbohydrates and sugars into acids that cause decay. But, observations of populations who eat diets high in unprocessed carbohydrates, even when they don’t brush, have little to no decay. 1 Indeed, our dental plaque has been residing in human mouths since the beginning, and archaeology has proven that it only causes problems when processed carbs enter the diet. Plaque is necessary and healthy when we eat correctly. It produces many beneficial substances. Today, I will cover some nitrogen-containing chemicals plaque produces to help us survive and thrive.
Read MoreIt has been about one year since we started to hear about Covid-19. In that time, we have amassed tons of data on the disease. One thing is clear: the average person who dies from it has 2.6 underlying illnesses. Since most of our modern ailments are rooted in inflammation, I want to suggest six things you can do starting today to decrease it.
Read MoreThere are millions of patients in institutions who are incapable of attending to their own oral hygiene needs for one reason or another. The population includes the elderly, traumatic brain injury patients, Alzheimer's patients, stroke victims, those with limited mobility, and those with several other chronic and acute illnesses too numerous to name. The staff provides little to no oral care. There is a much greater chance of finding a hair salon in these facilities than a dental operatory. Considering that brushing twice daily and flossing once is the standard recommendation, this is a tragedy. Speech pathologist and Swallowing specialist Marta Marta Kazandjian Ranaldo has graciously taken time out of her busy schedule as a nationally recognized swallowing specialist to enlighten us more on the subject.
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