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An estimated 80% of Americans currently have some form of
periodontal disease, such as gingivitis, and as we age, we are more
susceptible to the serious complications of periodontal disease, such as
tooth loss and jaw osteonecrosis (death of the bone). Preventing and Healing
Periodontal Disease For most of our lives, we have been told to brush and
floss our teeth daily to prevent cavities and gum disease. But another
useful preventive measure can be the addition of digestive enzymes both as a
supplement and as a topical treatment. Periodontal diseases result from
microbial colonization and growth on tooth surfaces and their supportive
tissues. The food debris trapped between the teeth and in other areas causes
the oral flora to grow faster and produce more organic acids that cause
tooth decay and injury to the gums. Oral supplemental enzymes help control
those conditions by hydrolyzing (breaking down) food debris in the mouth,
thereby removing the nutrients that serve to support the "bad" bacteria.
Another way the enzymes help is by preventing the bacteria from attaching
themselves to the tooth surfaces. When bacteria are not attached to teeth,
they are easily washed away by the saliva, thereby unable to destroy the
teeth, the gum line, or other structures. Additionally, the enzymes help
heal sores and cuts in the mouth that otherwise may serve as gates for
bacteria into the body, which could cause more serious infections. Dentists
working with the Transformation Enzyme Clinic in Houston, Texas found that
patients with advanced periodontal disease who used oral enzyme therapy
along with other traditional treatments like brushing, flossing and
mouthrinse, showed a marked improvement. One patient even was able to avoid
dental surgery through the additional use of enzyme therapy. Incorporating
Enzymes into an Oral Hygiene Routine Along with regular brushing and
flossing, digestive enzyme supplements can help support good dental health.
There are two ways to incorporate digestive enzymes into your routine:
dissolving the enzymes in water (or just letting the capsule dissolve in
your mouth) and swishing in the mouth to help break down food particles and
taking them internally to help promote overall immune system function. When
an enzyme solution is swished in the mouth after eating, the enzymes have
the advantage of being able to reach areas of the mouth that can be missed
by brushing. The simple persistence of food residues in the mouth is the
major factor that causes periodontal disease and over a period of time, this
disease could lead to more systemic problems as well. A daily routine of
brushing, flossing and intake of digestive enzymes both topically (swishing)
and internally (supplements) can lead to both a healthy smile and a strong
set of teeth that can chew food and ensure we get the proper nutrition
needed to keep our body healthy.
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