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Studies looking at possible links between oral health in general, periodontal health in particular, and systemic health impacting the major organs such as the heart and the brain have been accumulating for years. The outcomes can often be confusing for laypeople because of scientific language that is complex and may seem self-contradictory. This is partly because the science is still new, and the body is a complex system where everything may impact anything else. It’s often unclear whether oral health impacts overall bodily health, or if the health of the body and its major organs improves oral health or, perhaps more likely, they impact each other in a sort of feedback loop.

So, the most we can really say for sure is that eating a nutritious diet and regular oral hygiene is the best path we have for a lifelong healthy smile and health worth smiling about. Even so, researchers are trying to see if they can be just a little bit more specific in terms of which foods to watch out for if we’re concerned about diseases of the gums.

Oxidation and Inflammation

A new September 2023 article published in BMC Nutrition documents a study exploring the possible connection between periodontal illness and diets higher in nutrients that are considered pro-inflammatory as opposed to nutrients with antioxidants that tend to lower inflammation.

The study followed two groups of people who were keeping detailed track of everything they ate. One group had periodontal illnesses and the other, the control group, did not. The study was admittedly far from conclusive, but it was successful in finding a difference in the diet of the two groups. It specifically noted:

“There was a significant difference between the mean intake of micronutrients and food groups, including [pro-inflammatory] saturated fatty acids (SFAs), iron, magnesium, manganese, vitamin C, crude fiber, selenium, chromium, whole fiber, caffeine, dairy, and meat, between patients with periodontitis and the control group.”

We should note three things.

1. None of the substances mentioned as pro-inflammatory are inherently unhealthy in the correct amounts. Many – including vitamin C, fiber, and iron – are essential. Also, many of them may act as both pro-oxidants and antioxidants depending on circumstances. (We said it could be confusing!)
2. Correlation is not causation; the study is only pointing to a possible connection
3. Regardless, inflammation appears to be among the most important culprits in a growing number of illnesses, from cardiovascular diseases to cancer, to Alzheimer’s, to chronic pain. Eating foods to minimize inflammation should be a no-lose proposition.

Eating to Reduce Inflammation

So, let's look at a food that is undoubtedly healthy when consumed whole: an orange. On the one hand, the ubiquitous fruit contains vitamin C, which is usually an antioxidant but which can also be pro-oxidant. Regardless, citric acid, as it is also known, is very literally something we can’t live without.

Oranges also contain fiber which we need for good digestion. Fiber can also contain antioxidants, but it can foster oxidation on its own.

The main reason humans like oranges so much, however, is that they contain simple sugars which are pro-inflammatories and arguably health public enemy #1. Fortunately, the orange also contains powerful anti-inflammatories called polyphenols which makes eating an orange likely to reduce inflammation overall. The benefits of an orange decrease greatly, however, if you only drink orange juice. The concentration of calories and the large amounts of sugar it contains make it only marginally less bad than a standard sugary soda. Generally speaking, foods are going to be healthier if they are less processed.

Caffeine is another case in point. There has been an ongoing debate about whether it’s a health hero, villain, or something in between. By itself, it might be pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. In any case, if we obtain it from energy drinks or colas, we probably aren’t doing ourselves much good. While some energy drinks make nutritional claims, there are issues with calories and tooth-unfriendly acids, and any nutrients we get are likely to be marginal. However, if we get our caffeine via coffee or tea, we are also getting powerful anti-inflammatories. Of course, tea and coffee are frequent causes of staining in teeth and many people like to drink them with tooth-dissolving sugar and saturated fat-laden cream. Nothing’s perfect! Keep brushing and flossing.

Speaking of cream, low-fat dairy products are an excellent source of the calcium we need for healthy teeth, along with protein and other important nutrients, but even lower-fat products have their share of calorie-laden carbs. So, dairy foods are often good choices but only if consumed moderately and without too much oxidant saturated fats. Also, what you’ve heard about yogurt is true. It may have anti-inflammatory properties and may often support good digestion.

Eggs may be extremely healthy when not fried with a lot of fat. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, an antioxidant that is also essential for metabolizing calcium to avoid tooth loss and osteoporosis. Eggs have their issues, however; they contain substances that may increase oxidation in certain people and most of us will still be told by our doctor to take vitamin D supplements as we age no matter how many eggs we eat. While the cholesterol in eggs was once a widely known concern, we know now that they do not increase “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in most people who eat them.

Meat is another type of food that may be healthy lean and in moderate amounts. There are also numerous concerns about how meat is prepared. Well-done grilled/charred meats may be carcinogenic and can significantly increase the risk of deadly pancreatic cancers if eaten regularly. Processed deli meats aren’t much better. However, it’s generally agreed that seafood is by far the most beneficial type of protein. High-fat fish like salmon and sardines are arguably healthier than leaner fish as they are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fish oils. Alas, those oils that can make salmon such a healthy treat also mean more calories. (Again, nothing’s perfect!)

Speaking of calories, yes, it’s important to keep them from getting out of hand. And, yes, refined pasta, rice, baked goods, and other foods high in simple carbohydrates are both fattening and pro-inflammatory. We probably don’t have to tell you that sweet baked goods are, as Cookie Monster himself put it, “a sometime food.”  At the same time, trendy zero-carb diets can be problematic, it’s best to get most of your carbohydrates from whole grains and legumes such as beans and nuts which are often rich in antioxidant nutrients.

We keep talking about calories because being overweight or obese also causes inflammation. New drugs and bariatric surgery notwithstanding, permanently defeating obesity is difficult and rare in adulthood, especially if we’re past college age. Though overweight people can do themselves a lot of good by keeping their weight under control and even a small weight loss can be beneficial, prevention is always best. If you’re a thin person, please try to stay that way.

What Kind of Overall Diet is Best for Reducing Inflammation?

If you’re looking for the best eating plan to reduce inflammation for your oral and overall health, it’s not always easy to say. Everyone is different and the best healthy dietary plan is always one you can stick to. Moreover, it’s hard to go wrong if you eat a wide variety of food in moderate quantities, including generous amounts of fresh vegetables and fruit.

All that being said, more and more doctors seem to be coming around to what we call the Mediterranean diet, which includes foods rich in antioxidants including healthy fats such as nuts, fish, chickpeas, and olive oil, as well as lots of whole grains and a wide palette of herbs and spices that make it possible to reduce salt while still tasting delicious. It's also got a lot of yogurt in it. If you love eating Middle Eastern or Greek cuisine, this may be the best path for you.

Of course, after you’ve eaten whatever it is you’re eating, you probably won’t be surprised when we say that you should floss and brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice daily. Using mouthwash regularly doesn’t hurt either. Also, visit the dentist twice a year.

You knew that was coming. We are talking mostly about oral health here, right?

Healthy Gums for a Healthy Life

Believe it or not, some 70 percent of the population is believed to have at least a mild case of gingivitis – and that includes some people with excellent oral hygiene habits. At the first signs of symptoms like persistent bad breath (halitosis), dry mouth, or any sign of bleeding gums, including a slightly pink toothbrush, please seek out the help of a skilled oral health professional.

If you’re looking for periodontal disease treatment on the west side of Los Angeles, gum specialist Dr. Peiman Soleymani of Beverly Hills Periodontic & Dental Implant Center is one of the nation’s most respected authorities and has dealt with many advanced cases of periodontitis. For people whose situation has progressed to the point where extractions and site preservation are necessary or who have lost one or more teeth due to trauma, he is also a leader in the field of oral implantology so he can handle the entire process and has been praised by his patients for his careful and gentle approach.

For more information, feel free to get in touch with us via the phone number on your screen or by filling out the form on our contact page.

Evidence has been accumulating in recent years pointing to possible connections between periodontal disease and various systemic illnesses including dementia and diabetes. While the connections are important, the information can be contradictory. It may bring to mind the ancient paradox about whether the egg or the chicken came first. (Technically, eggs long preceded chickens.)

As explained in a Medical News Today article from 2022, the evidence shows that many people with dementia have developed significant gum diseases. The question, however, is this: Since severe cognitive impairment causes people to neglect their oral health, leading to periodontal illness, is that the only connection? Or, has periodontal illness made sufferers more vulnerable to contracting serious cognitive ailments such as Alzheimer’s disease? Could the problem be what doctors call bidirectional: a vicious circle of cognitive impairment worsening self-care, making already present periodontal issues that much worse, leading to more dementia?

The Medical News article presents a lot of interesting data along with plenty of contradictions and caveats but it does make one clear recommendation that is just good common sense. If you are concerned about dealing with dementia in your later years, it makes sense to maintain good oral health habits and watch out for any possible periodontal issues.

Even if the causation all flows in a single direction and cognitive impairment leads to periodontal illness but not the other way around, the “worst” thing that can happen is that you may not have to deal with the pain and unpleasantness associated with periodontal problems on top of whatever health problems you wind up suffering as you age. The best outcome is that you’ll have helped prevent lost teeth and maybe dementia also. A twofer!

Protect Your Periodontal Health

Aging is inevitable but we make our middle and later years a lot more productive and enjoyable by preventing illnesses, including periodontal disease. Medical science is getting better and better at extending our lifespans despite our health problems. What many of us fail to realize, however, is that even if we recover from heart attacks, strokes, and other common health emergencies, recovery always means time spent in significant discomfort and may be only partial. Engaging in healthy behaviors and avoiding unhealthy habits can not only add years to our lives but also, as the old saying puts it, “life to our years.”

The longer you can protect your teeth and gums while you are reasonably healthy, the less vulnerable they will be when your health starts to decline. Painful oral health problems will be one less difficulty for you and your family.

Stay on Top of Your Oral Health

Dr. Peiman Soleymani is one of the nation’s leading periodontists and implantologists as well as a widely published expert in his field. His team of expert oral health care professionals at Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center has helped countless people from throughout the Los Angeles area and beyond recover from a wide variety of periodontal illnesses as well as helping to provide dental implants.

Our advice on protecting your health is clear though mostly very familiar: Floss, brush twice daily for at least two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste, see an oral health professional twice yearly, and watch out for the signs of periodontal illness – including bleeding, painful gums (even just a pink toothbrush is cause for concern), and persistent bad breath (halitosis). When these issues appear, it’s time to consult with the best oral health professional you can find.

Concerned About Your Gums? Interested in Dental Implants?

If so, Dr. Peiman Soleymani and his team at Beverly Hills Periodontics and Dental Implant Center want to hear from you. Call us at the phone number on your screen or reach out electronically to schedule a consultation.

Should Anyone Still be Worried about Seeing a Periodontist?

No. First, oral health care from a reputable practitioner is extremely safe for everyone, including those who may be especially vulnerable. Second, the ongoing pandemic makes it more urgent than ever for those who need it to obtain first-rate periodontal disease treatment as quickly as possible.

What’s Changed Since the Early Days of the Pandemic?

There was a great deal of uncertainty during the early days of the Covid-19 crisis and the priority was slowing the spread of the virus.

With offices limiting visitors to more urgent cases, many people put off routine dental care and may have ignored issues. Even now that offices have long ago developed protocols and are conducting normal business too many people are delaying oral health care indefinitely. That is never a good idea.

Yes, Covid-19 is still very serious business, especially for more vulnerable individuals. Those who are elderly and in poor health, immunocompromised, and who are unvaccinated for any reason have to show great care. However, while Covid-19 was a reason to temporarily put off routine oral health care in 2020, it is now a reason to prioritize periodontal treatment in particular.

Is There a Connection Between Periodontal Issues and Covid Mortality?

Quite likely, yes. We have known for a long time that periodontal problems may increase the threat of many systemic health issues. It also stands to reason that, like any other stressor, periodontal problems may negatively impact our immune system and make us more likely to pick up Covid-19, especially with current strains becoming more and more communicable. But there is more specific evidence.

A recent article in The Lancet looks into a 2021 Indian study that helped to confirm that people with issues such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease had higher Covid mortality rates. Taking a separate tack, The Lancet looked into patients in the study who had periodontal diseases. The article's authors found that people who had been found to have advanced periodontal problems appeared to have a higher mortality rate. “Patients with severe periodontitis are at much higher odds of requiring hospital admission and ventilation, developing COVID-19 pneumonia, and dying after SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with COVID-19-positive patients with healthy gums,” wrote The Lancet.

Caring for Periodontal Problems and Limiting the Risk of Covid-19

Regardless of your status regarding Covid, it is more important than ever to maintain excellent dental hygiene. Bleeding gums, halitosis (bad breath), and pain are signs of potentially serious problems and be looked at as quickly as possible. Even seemingly minor signs, like a pink toothbrush indicating slight bleeding, should be looked at immediately.

The Highest Level of Care with Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center

Our founder, Dr. Peiman Soleymani, is one of the nation’s leading periodontists. When patients present with gingivitis or its more advanced cousin, periodontitis, Dr. Soleymani is a master of such state-of-the-art treatments as laser gum surgery as well as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) and other highly effective treatments.

Whether you are concerned about your gums or want to look into immediate dental implants with one of the nation’s most respected implantologists, Dr. Soleymani and his team want to hear from you. To get started, simply call the number below or visit our contact page.

If you’re researching dental implants in Los Angeles or anywhere else, you’ll notice that many oral health care professionals tend to focus exclusively on their functionality. But that's not the whole story.

Yes, implants are much more than prosthetics such as dentures and bridgework. They fully replace lost or extracted teeth, offer many oral health benefits, and generally do a great job at it – but, as a patient, you may have other concerns directly impacting your quality of life.

The fact of the matter is that, yes, dental implants have many benefits that have pleasant immediate impacts along with all of those important long terms ones. They allow patients to maintain a beautiful, attractive smile that’s nearly indistinguishable from a person’s original teeth – and they do this with a great deal more convenience than older types of dental prosthetics.

Our Smile Matters

As much as we might like to pretend that looks don’t matter, the reality is that our appearance plays an important role in nearly every aspect of our lives, both socially and in terms of our careers. Just as important, how we perceive our looks directly affects most peoples’ level of confidence. After all, nearly anyone would likely feel at least some embarrassment if a tooth is lost or extracted and not replaced – and the truth is that there will be some people who may make false assumptions about you based on even one visibly missing tooth.

Dental implants offer the very best permanent solution to this problem.

It’s true that dentures and bridgework are tried and true replacements for teeth and are much better than nothing. At the same time, they require special care, offer fewer health benefits, and may not be quite as attractive. Dental implants, however, are the gold standard solution in terms of appearance, oral health, and convenience. Patients care for them exactly the same way as they should be caring for their natural teeth.

The Best Dental Implants in Los Angeles

Are you ready to get the best dental implants in Los Angeles? Dr. Peiman Soleymani is one of Southern California’s foremost experts on dental implants as well as the health of the gums they rest on. As the founder of Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center, Dr. Soleymani has helped countless patients find renewed confidence in their smiles.

To get started, simply call the number below or visit our contact page.

Periodontal work involves the most delicate and important area of the mouth: gums. Numerous studies have proven the importance of maintaining oral health in terms of preserving an individual’s overall wellbeing, and many of these studies start with the significance of healthy gums and ensuring that lost teeth are replaced. As such, entrusting your periodontal care to the best periodontist and oral implantologist you can find in the Los Angeles area only makes sense.

Who Is Dr. Peiman Soleymani?

Dr. Peiman Soleymani graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1997, where he later taught third and fourth-year dental students at the Department of Advanced Treatment Planning.  The doctor earned his degree in Periodontics and Dental Implantology from Oregon Health Sciences University a few years later in 2000. In 2008, Dr. Soleymani became a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. In total, he has served as a clinical instructor/lecturer for both the USC and UCLA schools of dentistry for over eighteen years.

Throughout his career, Dr. Soleymani has been involved with numerous research projects and has co-authored a scientific publication on the effects of nicotine on bone grafting and tissue healing. He has been a fixture in top oral health periodontal publications starting in the early 2000s.

Since founding Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center, countless patients have left Dr. Soleymani’s center with healthier, more attractive smiles and what they often describe as the best experience they’ve had with an oral healthcare provider.

Dr. Soleymani has earned consistently outstanding patient reviews on social media sites such as Yelp; many emphasize his excellent bedside manner, caring demeanor, and most importantly, the kind of outstanding results that come with the highest level of expertise.

Contact Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center

Don’t let your health and quality of life wait. If you are interested in learning more about periodontal treatment or dental implants with Dr. Soleymani, call our office today at the number on your screen or visit our contact page.