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An t i - Ag i ng DENTISTRY MONTHLY NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2020
The ‘Whole’ Story
YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM, YOUR MICROBIOME, AND YOUR HEALTH
The link between oral health and whole-body health is incredibly important. Early this year, I released a new book discussing immunity, the microbiome within our bodies, and how they influence one another — and our health. The book, “The Toxic Overload: The Truth About Your Body’s Natural Defenses and How to Experience Whole-Body Health” is currently available, and you can find a link to purchase it on my website at DrMaddahi.com. This month, in relation to the book, I want to talk about the immune system, which is often misunderstood. There is a misconception that your immune system is wholly responsible for providing you with immunity from disease and infection, but this is only partially true. Your immune system goes to work after infection has already started. Infection also leads to inflammation. In the absence of an immune system, or if the immune system is suppressed, infection can take hold and result in destructive or deadly consequences. When you’re exposed to pollution, pollen, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, your immune system goes to work. But it’s only after these elements make it into the body. Merely being exposed to a pathogen won’t make you sick. It isn’t until the pathogen passes through your microbiome that the problems arise. For instance, because the mouth is the gateway to the body, more pathogens pass through the mouth than by any other means, including the nose, eyes, and ears. Harmful bacteria or viruses that enter through your mouth can get into your stomach via swallowing or infiltrating your bloodstream. These pathogens can enter the bloodstream if you have any bleeding in the mouth, or they can be absorbed through the soft tissue under your tongue. Studies show that when you rinse with an alcohol-based mouthwash — even just for 30 seconds — the alcohol has enough time to enter your bloodstream through the soft tissue in your mouth. Absorption happens fast. The same happens with microorganisms, which is why it’s so important to take care of your oral microbiome. In a healthy mouth, 98% of the oral microbiome is composed of good bacteria. These microorganisms help keep your mouth — and body — healthy. It works because they don’t let harmful bacteria take their place. There just isn’t any real estate for the harmful bacterial to “take over.” However, when your microbiome is compromised, there are gaps. Harmful bacteria have the chance to stick and grow. This can lead to infection, inflammation, and other health problems.
Your microbiome works with your immune system to develop antibodies to keep harmful bacteria in check. So, should harmful bacteria make it into the mouth and then the bloodstream, the body is ready to fight. But this all changes if your microbiome is compromised. We live in an era when antiseptic toothpastes and mouthwashes are the norm. People use these every day, and they cause more harm than good, simply because they destroy good bacteria along with the bad. There are many other things people do to their bodies that harm the microbiome. Eating foods treated with herbicides and pesticides can be very destructive. Even if the food is thoroughly washed, harmful chemicals still get through. The same can be said for the harsh chemicals found in smoking and vaping. And eating meat or dairy products produced from animals treated with antibiotics can have a similar effect. Remaining antibiotic compounds can harm the bacteria in your body. These are all things to keep in mind when you want to keep your microbiome healthy. A healthy microbiome boosts your immune system. They work together. When they work together — and work together well — you can achieve better whole-body health. Join me again next month as I talk about how the microbiome and immune system work together, and how these two systems, when compromised, work against you.
-Dr. Maddahi
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ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE FILMS EARLIER Streaming Services Change the Face of Entertainment
The way we watch our favorite shows and movies has changed drastically in recent years and even more so this year. With the pandemic impacting the world, people found themselves stuck inside their homes looking for new sources of entertainment, and many found exactly what they were looking for through the numerous streaming services available to us. The pandemic made time for people to watch their favorite shows again and again, and it also changed the way businesses, such as Disney and Universal Studios, release their movies.
One of the most anticipated early releases under this new system is “Hamilton.”This hit Broadway show has drawn thousands of people to the theater since its debut in 2015. A stage performance of “Hamilton”was filmed in 2016 in just over three days. The resulting movie creates an opportunity for everyone to see the show, whether or not they were able to catch it live on stage. Disney bought the rights to the film last year and announced this February that it would be released on Oct. 15, 2021, in theaters. However, due to the pandemic, Disney decided that what people needed most was something they could enjoy, even if they couldn’t leave their homes. On May 12, the
studio announced the film would be available to stream on Disney+ starting on the July Fourth holiday. “Hamilton” fans and those who’ve never seen the play are thrilled to watch the film 16 months in advance of the originally scheduled release. Streaming services have changed how people consume their entertainment, and the pandemic has changed how streaming services offer it. Both changes are helping people get through these difficult times.
Throughout the spring, many movies were released early and some skipped theater showings all together. “Trolls: World Tour”was released through video-on-demand and earned nearly $100 million in rental fees on its April 10 debut, grossing far more than the first “Trolls”movie debut in 2016. Other movies, such as “Onward” and “Frozen II,”were released early on different digital platforms for purchase or rent.
How Gum Disease Progresses and How to Stop It Gum Disease and the Body
Aggressive Periodontitis This form of gum disease is rare, but it’s becoming increasingly common among people under the age of 30 who do not practice good dental hygiene. The symptoms are similar to those of chronic periodontitis, but if left untreated, this disease can become, as the name suggests, more aggressive. It can destroy gum tissue and lead to significant damage to teeth and bone. It can also lead to infection in the body. Again, this requires professional intervention and takes more work to treat, but it is treatable.
Gingivitis is a common form of oral inflammation. It’s often caused by bacteria or an infection at the gum line. While it is relatively common, it’s also very easy to treat and prevent. However, if gum disease goes untreated, it can worsen and lead to increased inflammation and health issues within the body. Here are three forms of gum disease and how to identify them. Gingivitis Most people realize they have gum disease when they notice more frequent bad breath or when their gums become red, slightly swollen, and sensitive during brushing and flossing. To complicate matters, they may also notice that their gums bleed after brushing or flossing and assume that they need to brush or floss less. However, the correct course of action is to improve your brushing and flossing technique and frequency. Pair this with regular dental checkups, and your gums will heal in matter of days or weeks. Chronic Periodontitis This is a more complex form of gingivitis. It occurs when gingivitis is allowed to progress. People with chronic periodontitis experience inflamed and sensitive gums. In addition, the gum line starts to recede and the gums may also pull away from the teeth, allowing bacteria to infiltrate deeper into the tissue. As you can imagine, it isn’t pleasant. Many people with this form of gum disease also experience frequent sensitive teeth. This requires professional intervention, followed by improved brushing and flossing habits.
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Maintaining Bodily Balance Inflammation-Causing and Inflammation-Reducing Foods
Alcohol Too much alcohol burdens your liver, an organ that helps flush out toxins in your body. One of the single best ways to “detox” your body is to keep your liver healthy. When you consume alcohol, it’s harder for the liver to pump out toxins. And when it can’t properly do its job, the result is inflammation.
Our choice of diet plays a major role in how effectively our body functions, from the whole-body systems down to the microscopic level. There are many foods that work against us, which can lead to short- and long-term problems — including inflammation. Then there are foods that help us feel great and keep inflammation in check.
With the inflammatory foods out of the way, here are three foods that can greatly benefit your health by decreasing inflammation.
Here are a few examples of foods that can lead to inflammation in the mouth and throughout the body:
Blueberries Many studies call blueberries one of the best fruits you can eat to ease the symptoms of inflammation. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, polyphenols, and so much more. Add them to salads and smoothies or simply eat a handful of organic berries every day! Salmon This fish is a great source of healthy fat and omega-3 fatty acids, making it one of the best sources of lean protein for people with inflammatory conditions or for those who want to keep inflammation at bay. Broccoli One of the most nutritious and accessible vegetables around, broccoli florets are also high in anti-inflammatory compounds. This is another food you want to have around all the time. Refer a friend, get a brighter smile! That’s right, every time you refer a friend to Dr. Maddahi, you get one FREE teeth cleaning!
Sugar This is one of the biggest culprits of inflammation and far worse than eating fatty foods. While it’s quick fuel for the body, it’s also fuel for harmful bacteria. Avoid foods with added sugar (this includes sugar of any kind). On their ingredient labels, many food manufacturers use specific types of sugar (like corn syrup, fructose, and sucrose) to hide added sugars in their product, so read labels carefully. Refined Carbs Essentially anything made from white flour falls into this category, including bread, pasta, baked goods, and cereals. Much like sugar, research suggests that refined carbs play a more serious role than fat does when it comes to contributing to obesity, diabetes, and many other chronic conditions, including heart disease (which is caused by inflammation).
Easy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Who says a loaded potato has to clog your arteries? In this healthy version that serves four, a sweet potato base is topped with fiber-rich bean salsa.
INGREDIENTS •
4 medium sweet potatoes
• • • •
1 tsp coriander
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•
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup sour cream
• • •
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
DIRECTIONS 1. With a fork, prick each sweet potato a few times. Microwave the potatoes on high 12–15 minutes, or until cooked through. 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and salt. When the potatoes are done, microwave the mixture on high for 2–3 minutes. 3. Cool potatoes slightly, then cut each potato open lengthwise. Pull the halves apart to create space to spoon the warmbean salsa inside. 4. Add a scoop of sour cream to each potato, garnish with cilantro, and serve! Inspired by EatingWell.com
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Balance Your Immune System and Microbiome for Better Health
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Streaming Services Change Entertainment
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Stop Gingivitis in Its Tracks
The Best and Worst Foods for Inflammation
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Easy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
The Truth Behind the 21st Night of September
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key element of the song: the nonsensical phrase “ba-dee-ya,” which White included in the chorus. Throughout the songwriting process, Willis begged to change the phrase to real words. At the final vocal session, Willis finally demanded to know what ba-dee-ya meant. White replied, “Who cares?” “I learned my greatest lesson ever in songwriting from him,”Willis recalled in a 2014 interview with NPR, “which was never let the lyric get in the way of the groove.” The groove is why “September” has stood the test of time, right from that very first lyric. For decades, people have asked Willis and members of the band about the significance of Sept. 21. As it turns out, there isn’t much beyond the sound. “We went through all the dates: ‘Do you remember the first, the second, the third, the fourth …’ and the one that just felt the best was the 21st,”Willis explained. The truth is that nothing happened on the 21st night of September — except a whole lot of dancing.
What Happened on the 21st Night of September?
4 Decades of Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘September’
“Do you remember the 21st night of September?”
The story behind “September” is almost as enduring as the song itself. It was co-written by White and Allee Willis, who eventually became a Grammy-winning songwriter and Tony nominee. But before any of that, Willis was a struggling songwriter in Los Angeles living off food stamps. When White reached out and askedWillis to help write the next Earth, Wind & Fire hit, it was truly her big break.
In 1978, Maurice White of the band Earth, Wind & Fire first asked this question in the song “September,” a funky disco song that quickly topped the charts. While disco may be dead today, “September” certainly isn’t. The song is still featured in movies, TV shows, and wedding playlists. On Sept. 21, 2019, the funk hit was streamed over 2.5 million times. It’s no wonder that the Los Angeles City Council declared Sept. 21 Earth, Wind & Fire Day.
White and Willis proved to be excellent songwriting partners, but they clashed over one
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