Babies, even babies of parents with periodontal disease are born pathogen-free and yet, some 90% of adults suffer from gingivitis. Therefore, at some point, they become infected but from where? The bacteria or germs that exist in the crevice or pockets between the teeth and gums are found nowhere else but in an infected person.
Therefore periodontal diseases are contagious as saliva is shared through kissing, sneezing, shared utensils etc. Since most people have some form of gum disease but don’t know it, these
If this is all true why bother with treatment if they’re going to reacquire the infection anyway. The reason is that, just like the common cold, not everyone will catch it that is exposed to it.
1. The bacteria need an environment in the mouth conducive to growth such as someone:
-Who has poor oral hygiene
-Who has crowns or bridges or other types of extensive work in their mouths (more places for bacteria to hide out of reach)
-Who has receding gums (research has shown these areas are more prone to colonization of bugs)
-Who has had periodontal treatment with a periodontist but does not regularly see the periodontist for supportive periodontal care
2. The bacteria must attain sufficient numbers or concentration to trigger an immune response and the associated inflammation
Professional care such as the revolutionary LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) can eliminate existing risk factors without the invasiveness and fear associated with traditional gum surgery and bone grafts but an appropriate maintenance plan and understanding on the part of the patient needs to be part of the equation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Most patients we speak with are not happy with their mandibular or “bottom” dentures. The children of elderly parents assume that their mothers and fathers have accepted their “plates” since they don’t seem to complain. Many tell us that their parents dental health condition is just a sign of the times and places they grew up in. Unfortunately they dont know any better! The widespread use of denture cream is one indication that these prostheses are inadequate for many denture wearers. Our patients that come in wearing conventional dentures claim that they cannot eat many foods, particular those that are hard or tough. This forces them to change their eating habits in unhealthy ways and in turn creates nutritional patterns that are poorer than that of people with natural teeth. In an article written in The Miami Herald dated February 19, 2010, Poligrip denture cream accounted for more than $520 million in sales last year alone! GlaxoSmithKline will stop making and marketing Super Poligrip Original, Ultra Fresh and Extra Care products in the United States. Apparently the zinc in the formula has caused neurological damage and blood problems in denture wearers, allegedly crippling some.
With the safe and simple placement of only 2 implants, lower dentures have been shown to be superior to conventional dentures in randomized and non-randomized clinical trials that ranged in duration from 6 months to 9 years. The patients in these studies are significantly more satisfied with 2-implant over dentures than with new conventional dentures. Implant over dentures are incredibly more stable, and chewing various foods is significantly easier.
There is also preliminary evidence that this improves their nutritional state. Such improvements may have a strong positive impact on general health, particularly for senior adults who are vulnerable to malnutrition. Call us at 305.447.1447 to schedule a free implant consult to learn more about these important developments in our population.
2020 SW 27th Avenue
