Primal Nutrition and Your Dental Health with Periodontist Alvin Danenberg - EP007

Primal Nutrition and Your Dental Health with Periodontist Alvin Danenberg – EP007

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We know that the eyes are the window to the soul, but did you realize that the mouth is the mirror of the body? Today’s guest contends that an examination of your teeth and gums uncovers a lot of information about your overall health, and he suggests that a Primal approach to nutrition can heal both gum disease as well as autoimmune disorders associated with inflammation of the gut.

Dr. Alvin Danenberg (also known as Dr. Dan) has been a periodontist for over four decades. He is based in Beaufort, South Carolina, but offers an online consulting practice as well. His approach is based on Primal nutrition and lifestyle practices, and he assists patients in eliminating detrimental lifestyle routines and poor food choices with the goal of improving dental – and overall – health.

Dr. Dan discovered the Paleo approach after suffering from a stroke. This led to a curiosity regarding how a nutrient-dense diet might impact periodontics, and now Dr. Dan uses a holistic approach in his practice. He received his dental degree from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, and his Specialty Certificate in Periodontics from the University of Maryland. Dr. Dan is also a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, an ADAPT Trained Health Professional, and a Certified Primal Health Coach. Today he joins Ali to discuss why he adopted a Primal lifestyle, the connection between nutrition and dental health, and the specifics of how his practice has evolved. Listen to discover Dr. Dan’s suggestions for taking care of your teeth – and improving your overall health!

Topics Covered

[0:58] The role of a periodontist

Specialist in gum tissue around teeth, fibers that attach root to bone surrounding tooth
Understand factors that affect gum tissue, i.e.: jaw joint and bite
Consulted in cases of gum disease, bleeding gums, odor, jaw pain, etc.

[2:58] The prevalence of gum disease (gingivitis)

Study of college students identified 94% had gingivitis
Bleeding gums are sign of infection
Can progress to periodontitis (infection in bone surrounding roots of teeth)
Study found 47% of adults in US had periodontitis, 70% in population 65 and older
Hardly any signs of periodontitis or tooth decay in primal ancestors (20,000–10,000 years ago)

[7:39] How Dr. Dan discovered the Primal diet/lifestyle

Suffered stroke at 59, given seven meds to take
Took five-day Nutritional Intensive for Healthcare Professionals
Learned about Primal nutrition/lifestyle
Changed diet (eliminated processed food)
Lost 35 pounds, reduced 7 meds to 2 (taken intermittently)
Healthier today than ever

[11:12] The connection between a Primal lifestyle and the health of teeth and gums

Incorporates Primal principles into periodontal practice
Suggests patients focus on stress reduction, efficient exercise, restorative sleep
Recommends nutrient dense, anti-inflammatory foods
Conducted study of 13 patients for 30 days, took supplements to increase nutrients
Remeasured to see significant reduction in bleeding and depth of infected spaces
Peer reviewed literature demonstrates that mouth and organ systems are healthier on Primal diet

[14:10] How Dr. Dan’s surgical practice has evolved

Traditional gum surgery first 38 years
Now uses laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP)
LANAP employs fiber optic light to kill virulent bacteria and stimulate natural stem cells to regenerate bone
Incorporates concept of Primal diet

[16:13] The ramifications for patients who don’t adopt Primal diet

See hygienist four times/year
Continue to deal with manifestations of disease

[17:24] What the mouth can tell you about a patient’s overall health

‘Mirror to the body’
Mouth is beginning of digestive tract (unhealthy bacteria in mouth indicates unhealthy bacteria in gut)

[20:03] Dr. Dan’s recommended daily habits

Nutrient-dense diet
Brush correctly into gum at 45° angle where gum meets tooth with soft-bristle brush
Try coconut oil and baking soda rather than toothpaste
Clean between teeth with small brush (GUM Soft-Picks)
Clean base of tongue with teaspoon twice a day

[24:46] The relationship between fitness and health

Aggressive endurance training without time for body to repair is unhealthy
Poor diet leads to inflammation and autoimmune disorders
Trend in 1980’s to run five miles/day, five days/week has led to hip and knee replacements

[29:54] Dr. Dan’s online consulting practice (periodontics with a holistic approach)