Health Hotline Magazine | November 2023

There is also a correlation between periodontal disease and hypertension—a concept called dental hypertension. Nitric oxide (NO) is a small molecule that’s involved in maintaining metabolic and cardiovascular health, including the regulation of blood pressure, but without a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, our bodies are not able to effectively make NO. It’s believed that a decrease in the quantity of oral nitrate-reducing bacteria and an increase in the quantity of pathogenic bacteria are responsible for a link between periodontitis and CVD. Notably, research has indicated that daily use of antibacterial mouthwashes, essential oils, and routine tongue brushing can negatively affect oral concentrations of nitric oxide-reducing bacteria, while probiotics may be the answer to restoring good oral flora. One review concluded, “Restoring the oral flora and NO activity by probiotics may be considered a potential therapeutic strategy to treat HT [hypertension].” Periodontal Disease & Cranberry’s Countero ensive Periodontal disease is the result of an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth that can lead to inflammation, bleeding and swollen gums, bone loss, and tooth loss. The process starts when the bacteria form a film on the teeth—plaque—that, left unchecked, eventually moves under the gum line and hardens into tartar. Both plaque and tartar are loaded with bacteria that increase inflammation and drive the development of periodontal disease. Furthermore, this bacteria and inflammation can become systemic, affecting whole body health (as seen in the studies previously mentioned). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47 percent of US adults older than 30 have some form of periodontal disease. This includes a common, mild form of gum disease called gingivitis.

But exciting research has shown that regularly drinking cranberry juice can improve periodontal disease due to its anti-adhesive, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. An eight-week, randomized controlled study examined the daily consumption of 750 ml (three cups) of cranberry juice on individuals with gingivitis, and found that markers of gingivitis (like inflammation) and measurements of plaque were significantly lower in the cranberry group compared to the control group. The cranberry group also saw a reduction in the number of cavity-causing Streptococcus mutans . Several in vitro studies show that the compounds in cranberry juice can inhibit biofilm formation and cavity-forming oral bacteria that live in biofilm, such as S. mutans .

Be Proactive with Probiotics Two meta-analyses and one review determined that probiotics could be beneficial for oral health due to their ability to decrease numbers of oral pathogens. Furthermore, regular consumption of probiotics has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cavities by inhibiting bacteria that lead to tooth decay and promoting beneficial microbes in the oral cavity. These strains stand out for oral health: Streptococcus salivarius K12 suppresses oral pathogens that cause infection and autoimmune disorders, provides immune support to help reduce symptoms of respiratory viral infections, and maintains ear, nose, and throat health. Limosilactobacillus reuteri reduces pro-inflammatory immune responses and can improve symptoms of gingivitis and gum bleeding.

For references, email customerservice@naturalgrocers.com The Best Defense is a Good O ense with Vitamin D This fat-soluble vitamin helps your body absorb and retain calcium for bone and tooth mineralization, and low vitamin D levels are associated with oral health disorders that can weaken your teeth, making you highly susceptible to cavities, fractures, and decay. A 2020 study of 4,244 participants aged 20–80 showed that the likelihood of dental cavities was significantly higher in those with a severe deficiency, mild deficiency, and even an insufficiency of vitamin D. A 2020 review found that low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and an increased risk of periodontal disease, as it interacts with the immune system and modulates inflammation on the tissue surrounding teeth. The review summarized that supplementation with vitamin D to correct vitamin D deficiency, “may contribute to a successful treatment of periodontitis.” Natural Grocers ® | 39