Diabetes and Periodontal Disease: A Two-Way Relationship July 2010
The American Diabetes Association defines diabetes as a serious disease in which the body does not produce
or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life. Approximately 23.6 million Americans have diabetes; however, 5.7 million of them have not yet been diagnosed. continue
Protecting Your Oral Health June 2010
Congratulations! You've already taken the first step towards good oral health by pursuing active periodontal therapy. You're already beginning to enjoy some of the benefits of treatment- a healthy mouth and a happy smile. Now that you've made the commitment to good oral health, it's important for you to protect it. Without careful, ongoing monitoring and treatment, periodontal disease can recur. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to bone and tooth loss. continue
Targeting Tobacco Use May 2010
You are probably aware of the devastating effects that smoking and tobacco use can have on your heart, lungs, and other organs. However, you might not be familiar with the whole other “mouthful” of problems caused by tobacco use. For example, tobacco use is a significant risk factor in the development and progression of periodontal disease, which is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. continue
Choose Tried-and-True Methods to Treat Gum Disease Mar 2010
Miracle cures, or quick fixes, have been around for centuries; certain foods, ointments, or potions have claimed to cure everything from hair loss to cancer. Marketed as quick, easy, and painless, these miracle cures often are not backed by science or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that they may do more harm than good. Similar quick fixes that claim to treat periodontal disease are no different. Though elements of these quick and easy periodontal "cures" may be FDA approved. continue
Is it Time to See a Periodontist? Dec 2009
If you have been experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, including red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth, bleeding while brushing your teeth, persistent bad breath, or a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment
with a periodontist. However, you may be wondering "What exactly is
periodontal disease?" and "Why is it a good idea to see a periodontist for treatment options?" These are common questions, and their answers are important!. continue
My toothbrush can help my diabetes? Diabetes and Periodontal Disease Nov 2009
You are probably aware of the major risk factors for diabetes, including genetics, obesity and high blood pressure. However, what you may not realize is that periodontal health is also associated wi th diabetes. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, and has been associated with the progression of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. continue
Periodontal Disease in Children and Adolescents Sept 2009
Periodontal disease is often thought of as a consequence of aging, or an adult problem. But, did you know that gingivitis, a mild form of periodontitis, is often found in both chi ldren and adoles cent s? Additionally, research shows that more advanced, harmful forms of the disease can occur in younger age groups. The good news is that a little education and a few easy steps go a long way toward preventing periodontal disease. continue
Working Together for Healthy Gums and a Healthy Heart July 2009
Gum disease and cardiovascular disease are both major public health issues that impact a large number of Americans every day. While these two diseases impact separate areas of the body, research indi cates that periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are connected; having one disease may actually increase your risk of developing the other. Inflammation’s Role.- Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are both considered chronic inflammatory conditions. Inflammation is the body’s instinctive reaction to fight off infection. Inflammation is initially good for your body because it helps in the healing process. However, chronic and prolonged inflammation can lead to severe health complications. continue
Maintaining Oral Health During Cancer Therapy June 2009
Cancer therapy can cause oral complications that compromise periodontal health, so a visit to your periodontist is important to help keep your gums healthy during this difficult time. Oral Complications.- Common side effects of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation to the head and neck, and bone marrow transplantation can negatively impact your overall health and quality of life. Radiation and chemotherapy kill cancer cells, but they can also hurt normal cells. continue
Brush and Floss for Healthy Gums! April 2009
One of the easiest ways to help prevent gum disease is to brush and floss every day, so therefore it is very important to know the correct way to take care of your teeth and gums. It does not matter if you brush first or floss first, as long as you do both (twice a day!). Equipment.- The most commonly used toothbrush is the manual toothbrush. Another option is the electric toothbrush, which uses electrical power to move the brush head. The resulting vibrations that are created gently clean the teeth. It is important to always choose a soft brush head when using either a manual or electric toothbrush, and to replace the toothbrush when the bristles begin to bend (or every two to three months). continue
The American Diabetes Association defines diabetes as a serious disease in which the body does not produce
or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life. Approximately 23.6 million Americans have diabetes; however, 5.7 million of them have not yet been diagnosed.
Congratulations! You've already taken the first step towards good oral health by pursuing active periodontal therapy. You're already beginning to enjoy some of the benefits of treatment- a healthy mouth and a happy smile. Now that you've made the commitment to good oral health, it's important for you to protect it. Without careful, ongoing monitoring and treatment, periodontal disease can recur. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to bone and tooth loss.
You are probably aware of the devastating effects that smoking and tobacco use can have on your heart, lungs, and other organs. However, you might not be familiar with the whole other “mouthful” of problems caused by tobacco use. For example, tobacco use is a significant risk factor in the development and progression of periodontal disease, which is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Miracle cures, or quick fixes, have been around for centuries; certain foods, ointments, or potions have claimed to cure everything from hair loss to cancer. Marketed as quick, easy, and painless, these miracle cures often are not backed by science or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that they may do more harm than good. Similar quick fixes that claim to treat periodontal disease are no different. Though elements of these quick and easy periodontal "cures" may be FDA approved.
If you have been experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, including red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth, bleeding while brushing your teeth, persistent bad breath, or a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment
with a periodontist. However, you may be wondering "What exactly is
periodontal disease?" and "Why is it a good idea to see a periodontist for treatment options?" These are common questions, and their answers are important!.
You are probably aware of the major risk factors for diabetes, including genetics, obesity and high blood pressure. However, what you may not realize is that periodontal health is also associated wi th diabetes. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth, and has been associated with the progression of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Periodontal disease is often thought of as a consequence of aging, or an adult problem. But, did you know that gingivitis, a mild form of periodontitis, is often found in both chi ldren and adoles cent s? Additionally, research shows that more advanced, harmful forms of the disease can occur in younger age groups. The good news is that a little education and a few easy steps go a long way toward preventing periodontal disease.
Gum disease and cardiovascular disease are both major public health issues that impact a large number of Americans every day. While these two diseases impact separate areas of the body, research indi cates that periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are connected; having one disease may actually increase your risk of developing the other.
Cancer therapy can cause oral complications that compromise periodontal health, so a visit to your periodontist is important to help keep your gums healthy during this difficult time.
One of the easiest ways to help prevent gum disease is to brush and floss every day, so therefore it is very important to know the correct way to take care of your teeth and gums. It does not matter if you brush first or floss first, as long as you do both (twice a day!).