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Start a more specific and rigorous nightly mouth care practice based on the recommendation of my new periodontist, including following the instructions below, and taking two pills daily: Coenzyme Q10 100mg/day, and Periostat 2x/day (not sure standard dosage). I'll do it starting the week of 5/17 through the week of 7/12 (9 weeks).
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I'll compare pocket depths measured on 3/9 to new measurements on 7/20. Results will be clear: If any pockets have reduced, it will be a success and I'll continue. Otherwise, I'll re-evaluate whether I did it long enough, or other variables. |
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See above time period. If effective, I'll make it permanent. |
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o Be satisfied that I'm taking action to improve my teeth, and hopefully keeping them longer. This his already helping to reduce dental anxiety.
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Tags health, dental, teeth, gums, mouth, brush, brushing, tooth, periodontal
Comments & Observations
Matthew Cornell Started this last week, except for the two pills. The CQ10 arrived yesterday, so started taking it then. Feels good to be taking action.
May 23, 2010
Matthew Cornell As with anything that takes a time commitment, I have to put the effort into perspective so that it doesn't seem a chore. Unsurprisingly, I look forward the least to the gum brush and rubber tip steps because they're more time intensive than the others. Challenge: How to make them fun? Turn it into a game? Something timed, say?
May 30, 2010
Lizzy This is great. I have read CQ10 can be very helpful for the immune system.
Also, from what I have read and seen first hand, Oil Pulling is supposed to be a great way to keep the gums healthy and remove toxins from the body. It sounds a little odd at first. But when you think about it, oils are pretty amazing. They can either bring nutrients or toxins into cell tissue or remove from the body. So the kind of oil is really important (don't want to go pulling toxins deeper in).
Here is basic info:
1. Use Organic Sesame or Coconut Oil
2. In the morning before eating or brushing teeth), take a teaspoon of oil and swish around the mouth for about 10 minutes (or as long as you can).
3. Spit out when done (don't swallow).
4. For the first few months this can be done a few times a day, and then once a week or so for maintenance.
I have heard people say it works well too for strengthening the gums around loose teeth, and firms up pockets. Pretty wild, and the cost = a bottle of oil.
http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Oil_Pulling_
Jun 03, 2010
Matthew Cornell Yes, I should try the pulling. I'll ask my hygienist about it. I brought it up with my perio, who, did not know about it. He's into "alternative" stuff (along with solid medical things too), so I was a bit surprised. Thanks for the pointers!
Jun 04, 2010
Lizzy The perio is unlikely to know about it or talk about it because, from what I have read, it would put them and most dentists out of business. :-) When I did oil pulling regularly and had a cleaning at the dentist they were blown away by how healthy my gums were (the previous visit they had said I need to increase cleanings to 4 times a year). After oil pulling they said I was going great and no longer needed the extra cleanings.
There is a scientific angle to this. The properties of oil a very profound.
Jun 06, 2010
Matthew Cornell Thanks, Liza. I think I'll try the oil pulling (it needs a more science-y name) after the next pocket depth measurement.
Jun 07, 2010
Brock Tice I did a little research (you can start here: http://www.skepticforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=54&t=5098 ) on this. Sounds like woo on all fronts. The pulling toxins thing from the body is a particularly doubtful claim. There is a little 'evidence' from a poorly-designed and executed study that oil pulling *might* have a benefit for gingivitis. The rest comes off as standard woo.
I'm willing to grant that (a) subjecting yourself to an absurdly long mouth rinse that (b) maybe smothers aerobic bacteria (since dry mouth can have bad effects -- opposite thing) might just be helpful, but I doubt it's more helpful than swishing Listerine or even water (for 10-20 minutes).
Jun 09, 2010
Brock Tice Addendum: If you can swish Listerine for 10-20 minutes, you must be related to Chuck Norris.
Jun 09, 2010
Matthew Cornell I came across that discussion too, Brock. I'm skeptical. I think I'll post there and ask if anyone wants to try it on Edison :-)
Re Listerine, I'm pretty amazing in what I'm willing to undergo to stay healthy. I'll put acid in my mouth if I have to ;-)
Jun 10, 2010
Brock Tice It just starts to burn like crazy after 60 seconds.
Jun 10, 2010
Matthew Cornell My dental anxiety is almost nil, which is surprising. I'm putting this observation here and in "get gum surgery using Alloderm" (http://edison.thinktrylearn.com/experiments/show/139) because I'm not sure which contributed more. Probably the surgery, but either way, it's a relief.
Jun 20, 2010
Matthew Cornell Got my three-month cleaning yesterday, and my hygienist measured pocket depth in a few places. Her observations: Depth is improved 1-2 mm in trouble areas, and the gum appearance and tightness is better. Great news. In three months I'll get the full measurement, which will conclude this experiment, but I feel good about the extra work that's been required each night. I wish I'd been shown this years ago!
Jul 21, 2010
Brock Tice Nice work! I'm also doing a more thorough oral care regimen. I suppose I should have it on Edison -- tisk tisk!
Jul 21, 2010