The Effect of Oral Health on Systemic Diseases
The Effect of Oral Health on Systemic Diseases
Cassandra Mougiakou, M.D., specialist in internal medicine, Greece
Oral diseases affect approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide. The World Health Organization recognizes oral health as a key indicator of overall health, well-being, and quality of life.
Though dentistry and medicine have been practiced as stand-alone disciplines, their connection is evident in holistic approaches. Doctors and healthcare professionals increasingly recognize the strong association between oral health and systemic disease. This relationship
is often referred to as the oral-systemic link, highlighting how conditions in the mouth can influence or reflect overall health.
Poor oral health can contribute to or exacerbate systemic diseases, while systemic conditions can manifest symptoms in the oral cavity.
Connections Between Oral Health and Systemic Diseases Cardiovascular Disease
Gum disease (periodontitis) has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and contributing to plaque buildup in arteries. Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), elevated in gum disease, are also linked to cardiovascular issues.
Diabetes
A bidirectional relationship exists between diabetes and oral health. Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease by impairing blood sugar control and reducing the body's ability to fight infections. Severe gum disease can make blood sugar levels harder to control, worsening diabetes.
Respiratory Diseases
Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, leading to infection or exacerbating existing respiratory conditions.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chronic periodontitis is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with shared inflammatory pathways. Bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis, commonly involved in gum disease, may play a role in the development or worsening of RA by triggering autoimmune responses.
Alzheimer's Disease
Emerging research suggests that gum disease may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Chronic inflammation and the presence of oral bacteria and mercury (from amalgam fillings) in brain tissues may contribute to neurodegeneration.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Poor oral health, particularly periodontitis, is associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Bacteria and inflammatory mediators from gum infections may enter the bloodstream and affect the placenta and the fetus.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, characterized by weakened bones, can contribute to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. Decreased bone density in the jaw may increase the risk of periodontal disease and tooth loss.
Cancer
Poor oral health is linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as oral, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer. Chronic inflammation from gum disease and the presence of harmful oral bacteria may contribute to carcinogenesis.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Periodontal disease has been associated with an increased risk of CKD. Systemic inflammation and bacterial spread may negatively impact the kidney function.
Endocarditis
Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and infect the inner lining of the heart (endocardium), especially in individuals with heart valve problems. In one study oral bacteria were identified in the pericardial fluid of 22 subjects at forensic autopsy (utilizing DNA typing).
Liver disease
Chronic inflammation in the gums due to bacterial gum disease exacerbates liver conditions such as (non-alcoholic) fatty liver disease, hepatitis, fibrosis, and, ultimately, cirrhosis. Oral bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (associated with periodontitis), can travel to the liver via the bloodstream and trigger immune responses that accelerate liver damage.
The relationship is bidirectional, as liver disease can also negatively affect oral health. Intestinal dysbiosis
Poor oral hygiene can alter the gut microbiota (dysbiosis). This condition can increase intestinal permeability ("leaky gut"), allowing bacteria and toxins to cause inflammation in the body and reach the liver through the portal vein.
Oral health conditions with systemic connections
Dental caries (tooth decay)
Caused by bacterial plaque that metabolises sugars, producing acids that demineralise enamel and dentin, leading to the formation of cavities in the teeth' surfaces.
Symptoms include tooth sensitivity, pain, and visible holes or discoloration. Periodontal Diseases
Diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. They are:
Gingivitis:Early-stage gum disease caused by plaque buildup. The symptoms are red,
swollen gums that bleed during brushing. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis.
Periodontitis: Advanced gum disease leading to tissue and bone loss. The symptoms include receding gums, swollen gums, loose teeth and bleeding, and bad breath.
Oral Candidiasis (Thrush)
A fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. There is an association between oral and intestinal candidiasis. The symptoms are white patches on the tongue, cheeks, or throat, often with redness and discomfort.
Oral Herpes
Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), often HSV-1. The symptoms are painful blisters or sores around the mouth and lips. Herpes simplex virus is one of the common pathogens causing encephalitis. It can also affect the trigeminal nerve and cause eye infections (common manifestations include blepharitis, follicular conjunctivitis, keratitis, and keratouveitis).
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The symptoms can be jaw pain, clicking sounds, difficulty opening or closing the mouth but also headaches, ear aches, tinnitus, throat complaints, pain in the shoulder, rib cage, hip, and legs.
Key connections between oral and systemic health
Oral health is directly linked to overall physical health through
systemic pathways: Inflammation and infection:
Conditions like gum disease (periodontitis) are associated with chronic inflammation, which can contribute to systemic issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Oral microbiome:
Imbalances in oral bacteria are linked to intestinal dysbiosis and leaky gut, which can lead to autoimmune disorders.
Heavy metal contamination:
Mercury from silver dental fillings can get absorbed and accumulate in the brain, joints, internal organs, and glands causing chronic inflammation.
Nutritional impact:
Poor oral health, including tooth loss, can impair chewing and digestion, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Fluoride exposure:
Fluoride in mouth care products can cause teeth and skeletal problems and affect the brain, thyroid, and kidney function.
Key Bacteria Involved in Gum Biofilm
Dental plaque is the formation of biofilm, which is primarily caused by a group of bacteria that adhere to the tooth surface and gums. These bacteria thrive in the oral environment and play a significant role in the development of gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Streptococcus species:
Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis are early colonizers of the tooth surface.
They produce extracellular polysaccharides, aiding in the adhesion and formation of the biofilm matrix.
Porphyromonas gingivalis:
A major pathogen in periodontitis.
Produces virulence factors like proteases and lipopolysaccharides, which contribute to tissue damage and inflammation.
Treponema denticola:
Often associated with advanced periodontal disease.
A motile spirochete that can invade gingival tissues.
Tannerella forsythia:
Frequently found in subgingival plaque.
Plays a role in the progression of periodontitis by breaking down host tissues. Fusobacterium nucleatum:
Acts as a "bridge" species that facilitates the adhesion of other bacteria.
Produces pro-inflammatory substances that exacerbate gum inflammation.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans:
Associated with aggressive forms of periodontitis.
Capable of invading tissues and evading the immune response. Prevotella intermedia:
Commonly found in inflamed gingival tissue.
Contributes to the inflammatory response in the gums.
There are six closely associated groups of bacterial species within dental plaque, which are presented by colors. The colors indicate different pathogen groups in the development of periodontitis.
The blue complex includes the Actinomyces.
The yellow complex consists of members of the genus Streptococcus.
The green complex consists of Capnocytophaga species, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotype A, Eikenella corrodens, and Campylobacter.
The purple complex consists of Veillonella parvula and Actinomyces odontolyticus.
The orange complex consists of Campylobacter gracilis, C. rectus, C. showae, Eubacterium nodatum, Fusobacterium nucleatum subspecies, F. periodonticum, Parvimonas micros, P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, and Streptococcus constellatus.
The red complex consists of Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella denticola (previous names Bacteroides forsythus, or Tannerella forsythensis)
The blue, yellow, and purple groups of species are early colonizers of the tooth surface whose growth usually precedes the multiplication of the predominantly gram-negative orange and red complexes. The orange complex includes pathogens important to the initiation of periodontal disease. The red complex includes pathogens with a highly inflammatory capacity. Pathogens of the green complex usually have a high local persistence and destruction potential and pathogens of the purple complex have several strong virulence factors that cause cell death and trigger or evade inflammation.
The biofilm contains not only bacteria but also proteins, polysaccharides, and DNA, forming a matrix that enhances bacterial survival. In this way, it protects bacteria from mechanical
cleaning and immune responses. As the biofilm matures, oxygen levels decrease, favoring the growth of anaerobic bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis. However, the dental plaque biofilm consists not only of bacteria but also archaea, protozoa, fungi, and viruses.
The oral microbiome can be investigated under the Phase Contrast Microscope.
Oral DNA (pathogens under the Phase Contrast Microscope)
Panel 1: healthy microbes
Panel 2: rods, white blood cells
Panel 3: spirochetes, rods
Panel 4: Panel 3 + parasites
Root canal treatments
Root canal treatments are a common dental procedure designed to save a damaged or infected tooth by removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth. However, when a root canal procedure is incomplete or poorly done, residual bacteria may remain in the tooth or surrounding tissues, potentially leading to reinfection. Also, bacteria in the tiny tubules of the tooth can produce toxins that may enter the bloodstream and potentially affect systemic health.
Mercury in amalgam fillings
Mercury in amalgam fillings, often referred to as dental amalgams, has been a topic of health and environmental concern for decades. These fillings are made from a mixture of mercury (50% by weight) and a combination of other metals like silver, tin, and copper. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that is widely dispersed in nature. Poisoning can result from mercury vapor inhalation, mercury ingestion, mercury injection, and absorption of mercury through the skin.
Amalgam fillings release small amounts of mercury vapor, which can be inhaled and absorbed into the body. Mercury release may increase due to:
Chewing, grinding, or brushing.
Exposure to hot liquids or foods.
Natural wear and tear over time.
Osteoporosis leads to the release of calcium and mercury from the bones.
Dentists have 44 times more mercury in their pituitary gland. They are very prone to depression, neurological issues, and suicide.
The amount of mercury released is generally considered low, but its impact depends on individual factors such as the number of fillings, habits like teeth grinding (bruxism), and overall sensitivity to mercury. Some individuals may experience adverse effects even at low exposure levels, while others tolerate amalgam fillings without issues.
Mercury may accumulate in organs, particularly the brain and kidneys, potentially leading to toxicity in susceptible individuals. In bioresonance, we also find mercury in the internal organs such as the liver, glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands, and in bones and joints.
Potential Health Effects of Mercury
Mercury in dental amalgams exists primarily as elemental mercury, which, when converted to mercury vapor, can have systemic effects.
Nervous System and Brain:
Mercury vapor is neurotoxic and can cross the blood-brain barrier. Potential symptoms of chronic exposure include:
Mood swings
Memory loss
Cognitive decline
Tremors
Links to diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's
Kidney Function:
Mercury is filtered and excreted by the kidneys, and prolonged exposure may impair kidney function.
Immune System:
Mercury exposure can potentially trigger immune dysfunction, including autoimmune responses.
Pregnancy and Fetal Development:
Mercury can cross the placental barrier, raising concerns about its impact on fetal brain development. Pregnant and nursing individuals are often advised to avoid procedures involving amalgam placement or removal.
Allergic Reactions:
Rarely, some individuals may develop an allergic or hypersensitive reaction to mercury in fillings.
Oral Galvanism:
The galvanic reaction that can happen in the mouth when different metals (e.g. gold crowns and amalgam fillings) are present may result in electrical currents, contributing to discomfort, metallic taste or increased mercury release.
Impact on the Environment:
Improper disposal of amalgam waste contributes to environmental mercury pollution, affecting ecosystems and potentially human health through the food chain.
Fluoride in mouth products
Fluoride, a mineral commonly added to dental products and, in some countries (e.g. Republic of Ireland, Serbia, Spain, UK, USA), to drinking water, can have potentially harmful effects on the body, depending on the dose and exposure. The only Western European countries that allow salt fluoridation are Austria, France, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland.)
Fluoride is added to toothpaste (sodium fluoride) and mouth rinses, while dental treatments often contain fluoride as well. This is the reason why there is a warning on fluoride-containing mouth products to not swallow them and contact a Poison Control Center right away.
For children under the age of 6, it's recommended to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. The reason is that, particularly in children under 8, excessive fluoride exposure during the development of teeth can cause dental fluorosis.
Potential Health Effects of Fluoride Dental Fluorosis
Excessive fluoride intake during the development of teeth (typically in children under 8). The symptoms are white spots, streaks, or brown stains on teeth. While primarily cosmetic, it is an indicator of overexposure.
Skeletal Fluorosis
Long-term exposure to high levels of fluoride, often in areas with naturally high fluoride levels in groundwater. The symptoms are:
Joint pain and stiffness.
Bone thickening and calcification, up to reduced mobility and deformities in severe cases.
Neurological Effects
Some studies suggest a potential association between high fluoride exposure and reduced IQ in children. Fluoride can affect the brain.
Thyroid Function
High fluoride exposure may interfere with iodine metabolism, potentially affecting thyroid function and leading to conditions like hypothyroidism.
Kidney Health
Individuals with impaired kidney function may accumulate fluoride in their bodies, increasing the risk of fluoride-related toxicity.
Teeth-Meridian Connection
The teeth-meridian connection in TCM emphasizes the interplay between oral health and systemic well-being. Each tooth is thought to connect to one or more meridians. There is mutual influence and so, a diseased or infected tooth may disrupt energy flow in the corresponding meridian, potentially impacting the related organ. Respectively, problems in the associated organ may manifest as pain, sensitivity or issues in the linked tooth.
Bioresonance treatment
In case of systemic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis or elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance and diabetes, chronic respiratory problems, neurological issues, joint complaints, autoimmune disorders, liver and kidney issues, and leaky gut problems we always need to think about whether the source of the problem is in the oral cavity.
We need to ask whether the patient sees blood when brushing their teeth. When taking their medical history, we need to ask about amalgam fillings, dental procedures, tooth extractions, root canal treatments, abscesses, periodontitis, bridges, and implants.
We check for radiation stress, scar interference blocks, especially in the mouth (teeth), sinus blocks, and jaw-joint blocks, we test the function of the elimination organs, as well as the energetic connections of the teeth with the meridians and even with emotions.
To treat existing dental issues, we can test and run jaw/tooth-related programs using sulcus fluid from the affected area. Dental absorbent paper points can be inserted into the gingival sulcus. The best spot is the area between the teeth. The sample is taken from the front and rear of the gap between the tested teeth. The paper points should be left in place for about 20 seconds or until they have absorbed fluid. Then, we place the paper points in a glass
beaker.
Case examples
Case study 1:
A 49-year-old woman with pain and impaired motility of the abductor muscles in her right hip for 3 years. Her physiotherapist concluded she had piriformis syndrome. The orthopedic doctor asked her to do an MRI, which showed: "Residual coverage of the femoral heads by the corresponding acetabular cups is observed. In the right hip joint, chondropathic changes, small areas of subarticular bone edema, and lateral osteophyte protrusions in the right femoral head. Mildly increased fluid collection in the right hip joint." The doctor concluded that she would have qualified for hip surgery if she had been older.
Energetic testing results:
Mercury (she did have amalgam fillings, some had been already removed), gum bacteria (Treponema denticola, Treponema pallidum, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens), emotions (despair, guilt). 2nd channel: Mercurius Corrosivus transferred from the BBC2.
Due to lack of time for a full session, the only programs that were run were the program sequence 10325 (157.0 x 2, 691.0) and DMI-attenuating, which resulted in pain reduction and mobility increase within the next 40 minutes!
On the next day, I ran the bladder meridian programs, as the right bladder meridian goes through the pain area, and the pain and motility had improved even more.
Overall, her treatment plan included the elimination of the stressors and running programs for the hip joint, including the gallbladder meridian and tissue regeneration.
She has had an 80% improvement. However, we have concluded that since she still has the amalgam fillings, she needs the elimination of mercury regularly. She did remember that the pain in her hip area began one month after she had had an amalgam filling replaced!
Case study 2:
A 66-year-old woman came in with fatigue, low energy, constant sleepiness, and blurry vision. The blurry vision was attributed to having cataract disease.
In her first session, the main focus was the liver. Apart from radiation clearing, scar programs, and spine block programs, several liver-related programs were run.
Energetic testing revealed stress from mercury both on the liver and the eyes. The eye-related programs were tested, and the ones that resonated were run. The program sequence 10325 was used to reduce the mercury stress.
On her second treatment, one week later, the patient reported a 45% improvement in her vision, which happened within a few days! Her therapy is being continued.
Case study 3:
A 60-year-old man with a chronic cough for the past 2 years. No allergens were identified, nor was there a stomach problem.
Energetic testing identified stress by oral bacteria and program sequence 10325 was used with the vials in the input cup. His cough improved on the same day (of the 1st session). Overall, it took 4 sessions to completely eliminate the bacterial stress and his cough.
Case study 4:
A 42-year-old man with sudden hypertension not responding well to the anti-hypertension medications.
His gums had recently started bleeding which he thought was not a great deal. Energetic testing revealed issues with oral bacteria. After his second session of eliminating the oral bacteria stress his blood pressure was lowered and after four sessions it normalized completely.
Case study 5:
A 27-year-old woman came for therapy due to a recent diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
Energetic testing indicated stress on the thyroid gland due to radioactivity, fluoride, BPA, and glyphosate.
Basic therapy and all initial removal of blocks were conducted (radiation, scar interference, jaw joint block) followed by eliminating all stressors with program sequence 10325 and also 10326 in subsequent sessions. After the second session, she reported that her energy was back up to normal, her hair had stopped falling out as much, and her nails had improved. After 5 sessions none of the stressors tested positive. She had the thyroid hormones retested and they had normalized.
Case study 6:
A 54-year-old woman with sudden short, sharp pain in the right hip that appeared without any reason. She reported that she had recently taken off braces which had corrected the front teeth on her lower jaw. She had also noticed that the 4.1 tooth had moved from the new
place and was slightly moving forward. Now, the 4.1 tooth is linked to the same area of the thigh where she was getting the sudden pain!
We ran the circulatory meridian program 241 with input on the right thigh and output on the tooth and in reverse, as well. After two applications, five days apart, the pain in the thigh had not troubled her again. She had the tooth glued to a metal rod on the back of the front teeth so it would stop moving forward.
Natural detox support
The body detoxifies mercury primarily through the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system. Strengthening these organs is crucial.
Drink plenty of water to support the kidney function and flush out toxins.
Induce sweating, another route for toxin elimination (saunas, steam baths, increased exercise).
Support gut health with fermented foods.
Eat sulfur-rich foods (garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables).
Eat fiber-rich foods (whole grains, flaxseeds, chia seeds).
Use herbs like Milk Thistle and Dandelion Root.
Mercury can be bound by natural chelating agents such as:
Cilantro
Chlorella
Pectin
Activated Charcoal
Alpha-lipoic acid.
Oral health support
Brush teeth twice daily with a fluoride-free toothpaste and a soft brush.
Maintain a balanced diet low in sugars and acidic foods.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.
Stay hydrated and manage underlying health conditions.
In case of gum issues, apply the following recommendations:
Coconut oil pulling.
Warm salt water solution rinses (alkalizing properties)
Natural mouthwash: Apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, Silver Tongue oral care, Betadine antiseptic oral rinse, ozonated water
Regular irrigation (Hydro Floss, Waterpik).
Essential oils: clove, neem, peppermint, tea tree, frankincense, rosemary, lavender, oregano, cinnamon (can be added to the coconut oil for "pulling", or to the homemade toothpaste)
Vit C and K for bleeding gums
Practical Study: Two Diagnostic Approaches (BBC and Dark-Field Microscopy) for Inflammatory Diseases —Treatment and Follow-up Treatment
Irene Kolbe, naturopath and Andrea Knopp, naturopath, Germany
WE met for the first time at last year's REGUMED CONGRESS in Fiirstenfeldbruck. After our presentations, we quickly came up with the idea that we both wanted to work together on confirming/proving this method.
And so we would like to welcome you to our project, in which we prove that the bioresonance method can be demonstrated in its effect with both dark-field microscopy and the BBC!
So we drove home with the idea in our heads and the associated question: "What field test can we start to make this comprehensible, visible and subsequently confirmed?"
In the weeks that followed, we put together a plan for a project weekend. What can and do we want to present, which patients can we recruit from Ms. Knopp's practice to kick things off in Much? How can we achieve comparability and how should the project series proceed?
Presentation of the project and project requirements
We would like to introduce you to three patients as examples and explain our different test methods in more detail, as well as the treatment and aftercare or follow-up. Let's see if we can come to a common conclusion.
We proceeded in the same way for each test patient:
The patient should come to the practice on an empty stomach, but should have drunk plenty of water beforehand. It is important that no high-protein food was consumed the day before, as this could affect the results of the dark-field microscopy.
Blood was taken from him in advance, Ms. Kolbe tested the blood using dark-field microscopy. Ms. Knopp then took measurements with the BBC and chose a detailed scan, explicitly with an additional focus on the blood cells, liver and ATP.
We chose the following programs as therapy on the bioresonance device: 10197 Oxygen absorbtion, improve
3136Intracellular stress
2211Intracellular pathogens — a self-written program by Dr. Rauch, in which we used the
blood of the patients and not the respective pathogens