Root Canals

[jenbooks]

Considering the fact that among the normal "healthy" population, periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease I'm not sure that we're so unususal. In my research since getting sick from dental treatment 2 weeks ago and still sick from it, I found many stories of people, MCS or not--people who also had other health problems like migraine, sinus, fibromyalgia--who when having noxious or sick teeth removed got better. There was one story though of a guy who had to have them go back in after removing the bad wisdom teeth and a root canal tooth. Because they were not thoroughly cleaned out at the time, infection remained and began to turn the bone to mush. At first his health improved after extractions then declined again so he figured it out. Once the sites were thoroughly cleaned he regained his health.

I should add that a lot of us may be unhealthier from tooth issues now because the profession has changed and they preserve a tooth at all costs--crowns, root canals and bridges. They have more materials that are asthetically appealing but may be toxic. My grandfather was a dentist and I remember both he and my grandmother having dentures by their 50's. Dentures may actually be healthier for the body--it was common then--it's less common now. I joined a yahoo group about them just to read about people's experiences with partial and full dentures. Most of those folks had them because of gum disease, where there is no way to preserve that sick tooth as it's gonna fall out. The ones with problems were the ones who did not get a proper fitting. Apparently that's an art that is less and less popular with changes in dentistry. That's too bad.

 

[kolowesi]

root canals, extractions, etc

Thanks all for the help in this area.

It's good to hear that dentures aren't the end of the world. My current dentist made the analogy of a root canal being like a knee replacement as opposed to dentures being like an amputation.

Maybe he was prejudiced by the current "keep your teeth at all costs" thinking. I don't think he has a clue about chronic infection, toxin buildup, MCS, etc.

This post has helped me decide to get a second opinion.

Wow that story about last-ditch teeth extraction and recovery! What we have forgotten in modern medicine.

My grandmother had dentures and my uncle has them. At least I can think about the possibility now.

Many thanks,
Kelly

 

[Deborah S.]

My entire CFS illness was precipitated by a crack in my molar that the dentist kept missing and it eventually caused an infection that nailed my lymph system and went to my brain. It is a miracle I am alive. Needless to say I had the tooth pulled 9 mo ago in the hospital and my health improved dramatically but I am still sick, just not as bad as before.

I have been under treatment by Stanford for over a year on Valtrex to control all the viruses that then took over my system. I have recently begun having dental work to deal with the rest of my oral health and now have a tooth that the dentist (a new one and he is a biological dentist) says needs a root canal. I am really wondering if I should just have it pulled - the viruses that attacked my system are in my teeth.

Everyone talks about bacteria. What about viral infections?

 

[jenbooks]

A wisdom tooth of mine was cracked by a supersonic cavitron in a dental cleaning. Two weeks later I had pain from that area down my whole side. It was missed for five months. I kept saying the wisdom tooth felt funny but since xrays showed nothing and there was no obvious "caries" nobody did a bite test. I think you should pull any tooth with a history like that, don't get a root canal. I'm probably going to pull a few teeth. Healthy people can handle root canals and bridges and crowns, although we don't really know if they could be connected to chronic sinusitis or heart problems or who knows what. For those of us who are immune compromised, get the infected teeth out.

I think its a travesty that dentists are not all DMDs and trained in medical school. How is dentistry simply plumbing? It's surgery on bone. There is infection. I don't get it.

Did you take antibiotics before and after they pulled the tooth? I guess the infection was already systemic.

It sounds like the bacterial/osteomyletis in your bone led to reactivation of dormant viruses.

 

[judith]

can root canals get rid of infection?

I think we raised this before but it is so important:

When there is infection, how best can dentists determine its existence when there are no obvious symptoms?

Is the root canal procedure variable depending on excellence of dentist and/or other factors as to its being able to get rid of extant infection?

Whether or not it can rid you of infection (and how in god's name can the patient tell?) what are the safe materials to use to seal it (most inert) AND can any seals be reliable to prevent future infection?

If as some "holistic" dentists say that no root canal meets the standard of safe materials or providing a decent seal so that the tooth if cared for is optimally safe from infection then pulling is the obvious alternative. Are there things about pulling that people with ME should know re inflammation, avoiding spreading infection, reduction/minimizing stress of procedure? Should there be a space of time between extractions if more than one tooth has to be extracted?

Then, the very big worry, especially if your tissues are very sensitive (like some days I can't bear anything but the loosest of clothing and though this sensitivity varies it is never such that any bit of clothing I wear or shoes I get really involves anticipating pressure; e.g., I cannot tolerate spandex) is the biggie: false teeth? I do have a permanent bridge and have for years. But my new dental downturn and my need to rely on public funds (I don't know there limitations yet) might mean a permanent bridge won't be possible with the hordes of teeth now in trouble.

I am going to a top University clinic and the dentists are DMDs (not sure what that means but will ask but think they know more about the human body not just teeth). I will do as much inquiring as possible and will post what I think is of value as I will look to this list for information and experience.

My terrific ME doctor I can see too infrequently and with all the stuff he has to read about ME doesn't I think so far know much about dentistry. And that means, also, the million things I must discuss with him leaves little time for dentistry.

The docs who comprise the most knowing about ME (some of whom still using "CFS") really MUST attend to this issue and find a way to get us access to such information. But they are not into serving patients that way; however that's another post I'm working on.

But I am really worried. For myself and for all of us.

Must go finish my food stamp application and will leave this as is.

Best,

Judith

 

[jenbooks]

I think there is no good choice.
1) Even regular fillings are mostly toxic. Amalgam is very toxic and may be the initial trigger for many of us here (mercury poisoning). Composites which I thought were safe, I've since found out all have bisphenol A which is almost as potent as DES. It's a hormone mimic. Want *that* leaching into your system daily? Cements and metals and fluoride and acrylics...it's not good. Root canals are worse. Teeth do not get cleansed they get closed up--nerve is gone--pain is gone--soft tissue infection is gone but the tooth is still infected with anaerobic bacteria. Cant' be good for you.
2) Pulling teeth. A hole or two is okay but teeth move over time and then there will be gaps between your other teeth and decay will ensue from stuck food particles. Will you remember to clean and floss and waterpik after every meal or snack? Not so likely especially if you're sick and stressed. Pull more teeth, get a partial you also get bone resporption. If the partial is hard toe at with you may shift your food choices. But you need good raw foods, nuts, salads, legumes--fiber. THe elderly who are "endutulous" teethless have 3x as much dementia as those who have teeth. One reason could be without teeth they only eat soft foods--not nutritious.
Then there is your point about sensory sensitivity with a partial. Or what about the materials? I've been researching and people get allergies--burning sensations etc. Acrylic is not a nice biocompatible material. Dentures used to be made from porcelain, now the teeth are plastic. Do youw ant synthetic rubber and plastic throughout your entire mouth? I'm MCS, how do I know I could stand the taste? I did read that a denture needs to be boiled for a while after being made (by the dentist or lab) in order to get all the extra plastic monomers out. I also did read that some dentists (not too many anymore as most people get root canals, crowns, bridges and implants) make great dentures that fit well and many others make crap ones that lead to constant problems. Those dentists just shrug and say you can't eat well with dentures.

Implants--I have genetically low sinuses and not enough bone. I'd have to have a bone graft, I assume with cadaver bone. That could cause infection or rejection. Then you screw titanium into your bone. That surely is bad for an MCS person. I've read some bad stories especially about upper implants and permanent damage to the sinus cavity or bad infections.

I know healthy people who've done fine with this stuff, but they have very robust constitutions and can handle the "stress" or "load" of the dental materials and procedures.

The best would be to grow new teeth and there is some work being done on that.

 

[SaraM]

root canal

I have a cracked molar with amalgam filling,too. The dentist says I probably need root canal, if I feel any pain. I have no pain right now. I have no idea what I should do about this tooth.

 

[jam338]

Thanks Wayne for this thread....so important and yet so little posted on most boards on this partcular contrbuting cause of chronic illness...root canals.

I am the person w/infected root canals Wayne referred to in this thread; very sick though no idea how much of my illness may be infected root canals. They are definitely there and I am severely ill.

Was diagnosed with CFS/FM over 20 yrs ago. Subsequently tested positive on EBV, lyme, babesia duncani, virals, methylation block, and my house and my body tested positive for toxic molds. Currently displaced in a hotel for 3 months while house is undergoing remediation/remodel.

Too sick to post much, but try to read the board when able. Am a sickie in the lurking rafters these days. This is very important subject and pushing myself to post this info on root canals.

PLEASE read and learn the dangers presented by James Howstein, M.D., regarding root canals: http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james34.htm. Dr. Howenstine has several interesting health articles online.

My CFS doc asked to see my full mouth dental xrays. It was odd to have a medical doctor ask ton see dental xrays. Had them done and took them to him on one of office visits. He took one look and said there is a potentially substantial problem with your root canals that could be contributing to your illness. Floored me. He sent me to a biological dentist who suspected the same and referred me to an Endotonist for a special XRAY called a 3DConeBeam. It shows very specific details and shows infection. That is how mine was diagnosed. It also revealed how poorly my root canals had been done by my regular dentist. The Endotinist said the infection had to have started right away given the improper process followed by my dentist. He said regular dentists are successfu about 80% of the time and Endotonists about 95% because of specialized training and equipment that regular dentists don't have. According to him, anyone with chronic illness should NEVER have a root canal done as it takes a very healthy immune system to handle balance the ever present bacteria load of root canals.

The infection is signficant in one tooth where I have had pain for years and my regular dentist (the one who did the root canals years ago) insisted all was fine. The other root canal tooth is infected as well; 1999 and 2000 (close to the time I became bedridden).

If I understand it right (cognitive problems so who knows if I do) my doc seems to think that toxic mold and infected root canals suppressed my immune system which already had genetic risk factors. The suppression allowed antibodies (designed by nature to protect us from the diseases ) to bloom into disease/disorder.

I had lyme disease as a teenager and now have active lyme infection again with no recollection of a subsequent bite though most never know they were bitten so it doesn't really mean anything that you don't know or didn't have bullseye rash; many don't. Maybe lyme has been active on some level all along in my body but I was able to work and be somewhat functional though "knew" I was sick with reoccurring bedridden periods lasting up to a couple of weeks.

Was very sickly all my life, but determined to push myself through and be "normal". Learned to quit telling anyone I was sick because I couldn't explain what/how/why.....feared being labeled as a hypochrondriac slacker so I pushed myself to be the opposite and workaholic to compensate for my down period times. Many of you have done the same I am sure.

My biological dentists (one an Endotonist sp?) insist they MUST be extracted and feel they may be directly related with my severe illness. My CFS specialist doc consulted with them and concurs. Surgery scheduled for Friday.

If I had known root canal risks at all, I would never allowed them to be done. Removing them may not make a noticeable change, no way to know until they are done.

I am terrified as sick as I am. I can not imagine that a person can be this sick and not be dieing. I can't take much more. Doctor is doing presurgery IVs on Thrs but I don't yet know what they consist of.

Will post more on it if I can ever find this thread again. I love reading this board but find the format cognitively challenging. The single page format on PH is so much easier for me, but this board is much more supportive and positive place than PH. Just wish the format was simpler and easier to find posts. Too many subtext categories to look under. I understand the intent was to make it easier by having grouping, but for me it makes it harder. Posts frequnetly have contextual crossover information so that defeats the subgrouping.

When able I privately email with friends here and will try to keep them informed on what happens and maybe they can post for me on what pre-surgery IVs they do in hopes it helps someone else.

Another interesting point made by the Endotonist, the location of my root canals on the body's meridian lines. He said disruptive infection will be carried to those areas of the body and create problems there.

For example, my root canals are on a meridian line associated with breasts, thyroid, sacroilliac.....all areas where I have had substantial health problems. Have had growths on my thyroid and breast lumps; breast lumpectomy in 2005 (benign) (within 5 yrs of root canals) and now have another lump in the same breast. Had to have sacroilliac injections twice after those root canals.

Is it associated with the infected root canals? Who knows. Some pretty smart dentists and doctors are convinced it is related.

My husband has to take me to SF tomorrow to have it further evaluated by UCSF breast care center. Please say a prayer for me, thank you.

IF you have root canals, you may want to check out this website for the associated meridian line and body area impacted:
http://www.secretofthieves.com/tooth-chart/index.cfm (Chart on left, click on specific tooth)

 

[dmholmes]

Will post more on it if I can ever find this thread again. I love reading this board but find the format cognitively challenging. The single page format on PH is so much easier for me, but this board is much more supportive and positive place than PH. Just wish the format was simpler and easier to find posts. Too many subtext categories to look under. I understand the intent was to make it easier by having grouping, but for me it makes it harder. Posts frequnetly have contextual crossover information so that defeats the subgrouping.

Couple of things might help. First, use the Thread Tools -> Subscribe to this thread near the top to get an email whenever a new post is made to the thread. Also near the top is New Posts which will show you just the new posts since your last viewing.

Keep us updated, I too have a root canal that I've been contemplating getting pulled.

Thanks,
David

 

[kolowesi]

jam338 the start of getting healthier

May this make a big difference in your health!

Maybe you will feel instantly better, I certainly hope so.

Glad you are able to get IV's. Vitamin C? A little colloidal silver?

Hope you will be better very soon. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Kelly

 

[Wayne]

My biological dentists (one an Endotonist sp?) insist they MUST be extracted and feel they may be directly related with my severe illness. My CFS specialist doc consulted with them and concurs. Surgery scheduled for Friday.

If I had known root canal risks at all, I would never allowed them to be done. Removing them may not make a noticeable change, no way to know until they are done. I am terrified as sick as I am. I can not imagine that a person can be this sick and not be dieing.

Hi Jam,

It's really nice to see you posting here today. And I'm really pleased to see that you're going to be getting some oral surgery on Friday. I can certainly understand how this can feel terrifying, given how weak you are at this time. But I'm thinking (based on my own experience and from reading of others) there's probably a good likelihood that you will notice some improvement fairly early on.

I was wondering, do you know whether the oral surgeon will be removing the peridontal ligament, and also whether he will treat some of the bone next to the tooth? I've heard that if infection has spread into the bone, that removing a small amount of the bone surface can go a long way toward eradicating any infection that's been present.

My understanding is that most oral surgeons do not do these things. But those that have an understanding of the toxicity of root canals and how it can affect nearby tissue and bone (sometimes leading to necrosis) take these precautionary measures.

Anyway, I'm really glad you took the time to post and fill us in a bit on your upcoming surgery. Though you may feel terrified, I have to say that what you're doing feels really quite courageous to me. I sincerely hope you do really well with all this.

Warmly, Wayne
...............................................

Definition of Necrosis:

Cells which die due to necrosis do not usually send the same chemical signals to the immune system that cells undergoing apoptosis do. This prevents nearby phagocytes from locating and engulfing the dead cells, leading to a build up of dead tissue and cell debris at or near the site of the cell death. For this reason, it is often necessary to remove necrotic tissue surgically.

 

[jenbooks]

Jam I wish you luck. Getting rid of the mold and the infected teeth is part of your healing.

Reading these stories and knowing my own--a fractured socket, bad fillings, frequently missed decay--(the premolar that is causing me problems now--I had 18 xrays last August and if decay this August was near the nerve, then it was *there* to be seen last August, but not a word was mentioned)--and in fact, the whole rigamarole that started ruining my teeth, which was unecessary braces for straight, normal teeth...leading to lots of decay and then poisonous amalgam fillings etc...

Well reading about people almost dying from cracked molars, or people with bad root canals poisoning their systems...I have to say, the dental profession is a true hazard!

 

[Sushi]

Root canals! I just saw a biological dentist who is also trained in Klinghardt's and Dr. Lee Cowden's laser detox methods.

He did find that my 2 root canals are toxic and said that they are affecting the ANS--no surprise, but not welcome news. He also said that the only way to get a "clean" root canal done is if the endotonist uses a laser to clean the canal. Even with this, he said there is still a 15% chance of toxicity. For me, it is pull the teeth!

But first I am going to work with the laser detox which is a treatment I have been looking at for a long time. Previously I only found it at Dr. Lee Cowden's clinic in Arizona.

Sushi

 

[Wayne]

Sushi - Laser Dentistry

... the only way to get a "clean" root canal done is if the endotonist uses a laser to clean the canal. Even with this, he said there is still a 15% chance of toxicity. For me, it is pull the teeth!

But first I am going to work with the laser detox which is a treatment I have been looking at for a long time. Previously I only found it at Dr. Lee Cowden's clinic in Arizona.

Sushi

Hi Sushi,

I'm glad you brought up the subject of laser dentistry. From what I've read and researched, laser dentistry certainly seems to be the dawning of a new age in dentistry. Unfortunately, only a VERY few dentists are embracing it at this time. And most of them seem to want to charge way too much for it (by my standards anyway).

My own dentist has a laser that he sort of plays around with. By that, I mean that he's heard of some of the benefits it can provide, but has not gotten training. He mentioned how his dental assistant had all the indications that she would need to have a root canal, but by "experimenting" on the abscess area with his laser, his dental assistant was able to avoid any major root canal therapy.

I currently have a tooth that has some indications it may be abscessed. My dentist has offered to take the crown off the tooth and use his laser to try to disinfect the area (it is not root canaled). I'm trying some other methods to try to clear this up first, but will likely take him up on his offer if I can't clear it out myself. I expect to use MMS, essential oils, and other means to try to clear this all up.

It seems many of us could stay busy for the rest of our lives trying to clear up much of the damage that's been done to our teeth by modern dental practices. I think laser dentistry will eventually leave many of these dental practices in the dust. Too late for us, but perhaps hopeful for future generations.

Sushi, RE: """But first I am going to work with the laser detox which is a treatment I have been looking at for a long time."""

I'm not clear on what you're saying here. Are you contemplating doing detox laser treatment on your two root-canaled teeth, and then having them extracted later? Or are you looking at using the laser to disinfect your extraction sites at the time you get your teeth pulled. Thanks much for any additional insight you can provide.

Wayne

 

[Sushi]

Hi Wayne,

I think it is too late for my teeth--those root canals have been there a long time.

The laser detox I am speaking of is a general method of detoxification that was developed by (I think--I know he is the primary practitioner) Dr. Lee Cowden who is a cardiologist with a clinic in Arizona where he does all sorts of interesting and innovative detox work--including the laser work.

As I understand it from previous reading (my doc will send me an article, but I don't have it yet), a laser (cold I think) is passed through a vial of the appropriate homeopathic remedy and then into the body. This is supposed to (and many patients report) promote a very rapid (within 24 hours), nearly herx-less, detox of the substance you are being treated for. I believe you also use appropriate binders also to carry by-products out of the body, and follow with other therapies.

Another well known cardiologist, Dr. Roberts (heartfixer.com) also uses this method. I have been interested in it for a long time because it seems to work quickly with minimum discomfort. I know Dr. Cowden is very well respected and often presents with Dr. Klinghardt at conferences.

Since the opportunity to try this virtually "arrived at my door," I have decided to try it. This doc also comes to your home to check for mold, pathogens, electromagnetic pollution, etc., so that you are not re-exposed to a toxic environment. Sounds like one of the TV Dr. House home invasions--but in this case, the doctor invited!

Sushi

 

[judith]

how to deal with dentures

laser if available re dentists who can do it and re cost sounds good to me, but because of the derth of dentists who'd be available to most of us to use this method AND the cost and thus I want to hear everything about it from those who can try it, I and others are stuck with the decision between root canal and extraction.

Extraction according to my dentist and independently my ME specialist who I saw yesterday is really virtually worthless with our condition. He said even if all the infection is removed, it will return.

With extraction of a certain % of teeth comes false teeth. I personally am so sensitive the thought of false teeth (besides their symbolic awfulness) brings with it the knowledge that I very likely will find them terribly uncomfortable, increasing pain, headaches and neck spasms.

Thus ANY news of ways to interfere with that sensitivity seems vital for any of us to report. I feel this is a very bad dream. My doc said that several patients who had infected teeth extracted experienced vast improvement in their overall health.

Thus if anyone has found a technique that makes them more tolerable to wear for the probably fibromyalgia sensitivities, please do post it.

thanks.

judith

 

[jenbooks]

Why wouldn't extraction of an infected tooth get rid of the infection? On what does your specialist base the idea that the infection will continue? I have heard and seen just the opposite.

I joined, to browse, a yahoo group on denture adventures. I saw a range of experiences there depending on how good the dentures were. I remember Gigi on lymenet having to get 3 sets before she was happy (she had all her teeth pulled as she had so many root canals bridges and crowns and her doc, Dr. K, said the teeth must go to heal. Chronic infections, chronic toxins from anaerobic bacteria, and also toxic materials in all these restorations). But eventually she was very happy. She herself has claimed that the teeth were a major part of getting better. I see stories on the yahoo group of people who have had them for years and love them and others who are having lots of trouble and I conclude that it is a bit of an art to make them properly. One person who was having trouble with her new dentures was not eating at a holiday dinner and her uncle who had been eating corn on the cob heartily said, 'What's wrong?' She explained it was her dentures and apparently he pushed both of his out with his tongue and said he could eat anything. She had not known he had them. Anyway, considering how much horrible and harmful dental care I've had I'm sure that extends to denture makers. Finding a good one is key.

In my case, not sure what combo of factors makes it so, but lyme, my sensitive/inflammatory-inclined system (genetic given my father's severe asthma and allergies) my very large low sinuses and long tooth roots make upper teeth nerve problems almost impossible. I also read yesterday a long case on dentalminds.com where a woman almost died from her root canals. Her mother had a formaldehyde allergy and so did she. The woman got root canals and her health went nuts--cardiac, blood pressure, and strange anaphylactic reactions. No dentist wanted to remove them nor believed they were the cause even though it was obvious. After running around to many specialists and suffering for quite a long time and almost dying a few times, she did enough research to find that the sealant used in her root canals released formaldehyde. This is not commonly known or information that's easily obtained. I remember trying a few root canals and getting totally sick and not knowing why. I thought it was gutta percha and was laughed at. Now I think it was the sealants. But when I tried endocalex (the healthy alternative which is not used much here and therefore endontontists don't really know how to fill with it), the pain came back. I found I was never able to get a tooth quiet after inflammation/infection had gone to the nerve. Others may be different--they may have smaller teeth roots, more bone, etc.

However, judging by anecdote (Wayne felt much healthier after a root canal tooth was removed; Cort felt sick when exposed to 20 year old dental cement when a bridge fell off etc) I would say these materials and restorations are a load on all our systems. I have emailed with a professor who has an NIH grant at a Florida university using stem cells to regrow healthy nerve and pulp in root canaled teeth, and even to regrow teeth. But I'm sure its a decade away to the market. Maybe not. That would be the absolute ideal. I've got enough bone in the tooth that was pulled yesterday (I was in so much pain I couldn't bear it) that if we had that technology now, in 3 weeks I could have a tooth bud inserted and grow a new tooth. By the time that technology is ready the bone will have resorbed.

I also did research about allergies to partial denture materials (I've gotten so MCS which is so damn frustrating). They do exist so testing ahead of time is important.

 

[Wayne]

As I understand it from previous reading (my doc will send me an article, but I don't have it yet), a laser (cold I think) is passed through a vial of the appropriate homeopathic remedy and then into the body. This is supposed to (and many patients report) promote a very rapid (within 24 hours), nearly herx-less, detox of the substance you are being treated for. I believe you also use appropriate binders also to carry by-products out of the body, and follow with other therapies.

This doc also comes to your home to check for mold, pathogens, electromagnetic pollution, etc., so that you are not re-exposed to a toxic environment. Sounds like one of the TV Dr. House home invasions--but in this case, the doctor invited!

Sushi

Hi Sushi,

Thanks much for your response. I definitely want to research what Dr. Cowden is doing. Sounds pretty fascinating, and I can see why you would want to pursue it. I'm a big believer in trying to figure out ways to either eliminate dangerous herx reactions or significantly minimize them. I've long been concerned about people (esp. with ME/CFS) initiating detox reactions and being unprepared to properly handle them.

Gosh, I would sure love to have a competent person come to my home and check things like mold, EMFs, etc. I can't help but think this is a big factor in my current situation, but don't really have the ability or wherewithall to change things at this time. Even if I did, how do I protect myself from the very same things in a new living situation? As I read some of Lisa's (Slayadragon) and Forbearance's mold aversion experiences, I feel I need a lot more proficiency in making good decisions about this kind of stuff before I start making major (and probably unproductive) changes.

Wayne

 

[Wayne]

In my case, not sure what combo of factors makes it so, but lyme ...

Hi Jenbooks,

I really appreciate all the information you're posting here on this thread. Your posts offer so many angles from which to approach so much of this, which I feel gives my intuition all the more to work with.

I feel that my own Lyme infections play an important role in my long saga of dental / oral difficulties. This is why I spend so much effort (oil pulling and bentonite clay protocol, etc.) to keep on top of it all as best I can.

I have a dear friend with ME/CFS who has excellent insurance and goes annually to an orthodontist or endodontist (someone who specializes in gum health). In one particular year, her gums had deteriorated so badly since her last appointment that she came close to losing all of her teeth.

I sometimes feel I'm a bit obsessive about my oral health, but if there's one thing I've learned with this complex illness(s), it's that no matter how bad things may be at any moment in time, they can always get worse. I hope this doesn't sound to pessimistic, but I think it's pretty accurate.

I just posted on New Day to Cort (who's in Ohio meeting Mike's doctor) whether he knows if Mike's doctor considers dental/oral issues when he evaluates a patient. Will be interested to see if Cort will have a chance to ask him this, and what his reply might be.

Warm Regards, Wayne

 

[jenbooks]

Hi Wayne. I tend to think the teeth/gums are a sort of signal of the health of the rest of the body. On the other hand, I also think American dental care has caused me lots of problems. I had straight good teeth at age 11 when my mother decided I should have braces, and they had to do surgery under ether to remove fragments of baby teeth in my gums they found on xrays in order to then give me braces to shift my entire jaw as I had a small overbite. RIDICULOUS! I remember being fatigued for 3 months after that surgery and sleeping 10 hours a night...I am sure that they introduced infection into my jaw back then. Low grade. And then the exposure to nickel and other metals surely was not good. And then all the amalgams put in poisoning me all at once after the braces were removed. I don't remember any visits to the dentist before age 11--I had no or maybe one little cavity.

So, you can have your oral health tampered with--and then it affects your whole body--and then your mouth becomes a sort of cardinal sign of what's happening.

I agree--things can always get worse. I've been shocked at how that happens to me and usually it's some unusual stressor, like 2 years of demolition in my building.

I oil pull many mornings with pure sesame oil (cold pressed). I like it.

I am also going to try Periogen for my gums. This guy invented it to get rid of tartar--you use a waterpik. It dissolves tartar. I will do this after my extraction heals. I'll let you know. Tartar under the gums is made of fossilized bacteria, placque, hard deposits, and biofilm new bacteria thriving away. If you can dissolve the hard stuff the bacteria will have no scaffold and you can wash them way with your oil pulling.