Dental Health, Diet and Wellness: Expert Insight on How They’re All Connected
By: Suzanne Kvilhaug
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Eat less sugar and brush your teeth twice a day were always the standard two pieces of advice many of us received when it came to our oral health. Now with the evolution of dentistry and more dentists taking a more functional approach, there is a whole lot more information available about what we can do to keep our mouths healthy. For some of that expert advice, I spoke with Dr. Sanda Moldovan. Dr. Sanda is an award-winning double board-certified periodontist and nutritionist focusing on biological dentistry with a dental practice in Beverly Hills. Dr. Sanda is world-renowned for working with celebrities, appearing on television, and sharing her insight with people across the globe. Dr. Sanda believes in treating the whole person using natural, chemical-free patient-specific techniques. Dr. Sanda is the founder of Orasana®, an All-Natural Oral Health & Wellness brand understanding the connection between the mouth and the overall health of the body. Most recently, Dr. Sanda opened The Lounge, a dental health and wellness practice where patients can receive treatments and nutritional advice for a healthier, happier lifestyle.
It’s not often that you come across a periodontist who is also a nutritionist. Why did you decide to focus on both?
As a periodontist, I perform oral surgery on a daily basis. Being nutritionally fit plays a big part in healing. Years ago after I finished my residency, I would do the same surgery on two different people but the healing was different. Being a nutritionist helps me optimize my patients’ healing, and in the process, they discover a new level of health.
You’ve created a self-guided detox using a plant-based diet. Do you believe a plant-based diet is important for overall health and dental health?
Plant-based diets have been studied for many years. Research has shown to be the healthiest and even being able to reverse disease, especially cardiovascular disease. I believe everyone can benefit from detoxifying/cutting out unhealthy foods at least twice a year and my recommendation is to do this in the spring and in the fall. A plant-based diet during detoxification is important as the fiber in the plants helps to clean out our intestinal tract.
Poor dental health and gum disease have been linked to several health problems including depression and heart disease. You have said that “your mouth is the gateway to your health”. Can you give some insight on what you mean by that?
The health of our mouth plays a critical role in our overall well-being. The mouth is the number one place where silent infections can hide, in the form of root canals gone bad, cavitations (Chronic infections from a previous extraction), cavities under old toxic metal fillings, and of course periodontal disease. Over the years I’ve helped many patients with these issues recover their energy, decrease pain and optimize their wellness. I recommend everyone who’s had any kind of dental work to be evaluated by a biological dentist with a CT scan so we can detect all these chronic areas of inflammation. We are not healthy until our mouth is healthy.
You put an emphasis on natural health in your practice. What health and wellness habits do you personally believe help create a healthy, happy, and vibrant life?
In my book Heal Up! Seven Ways to Faster Healing and Optimum Health, I discuss habits of healthy living, such as anti-inflammatory foods and spices, alkaline water, quality sleep, meditation, breathing, and choosing the right dietary supplements.
Congratulations on creating your new brand Orasana. Orasana is an all-natural oral health and wellness brand that nourishes the mouth and the overall body. Orasana products are vegan, free from gluten, preservatives, artificial ingredients, and harmful chemicals. What was the inspiration behind launching the brand?
More than 80% of people throughout the world suffer from some form of oral disease or condition, with cavities being the number one chronic disease in children. The Orasana line of products addresses many of these conditions, which actually root in nutritional deficiencies. Many people don’t know that those who are prone to cavities have a deficiency in calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and/or phosphorus. The Orasana cavity support program provides nutritional support as well as mouth probiotics and oral hygiene tools, as a holistic program. Other Orasana programs support a dry mouth, TMJ Issues from grinding or clenching, and gum disease.
Dentists have always said to floss daily for good dental health. You offer a Waterjet (a powered flosser that uses water) as an alternative to flossing. Do you recommend people switch to this method vs. traditional flossing?
Studies have shown that using a water flosser decreases bleeding and plaque levels more than string floss. I believe the reason for this is the fact that mastering the string floss technique is difficult. Using a Waterjet is a lot easier, especially for people with manual dexterity issues, such as older patients with arthritis. Today, many people have dental implants to replace missing teeth, and the Orasana Waterjet has a special tip to help dental implants stay healthy.
Your product line Orasana includes supplements, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and detoxifying ingredients. What has your experience revealed to you about the importance of the ingredients that you use?
It is important to choose the right natural, non-GMO ingredients that our body is in synergy with. Targeted therapeutics in nutrition can help us with numerous health challenges.
To get more helpful information on all things dental health, check out Dr.Sanda’s website and Instagram.
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