Study Indicates That Weight Control And Physical Fitness May Help Reduce The Risk Of Severe Gum Disease

Dr. Ellie Kheirkhahi-Love DDS, MSD

The health complications of being overweight, such as increased risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, have long been reported. Health care professionals often urge patients to manage their weight and strive to get physical exercise each day to achieve and maintain overall health. And now, researchers have now uncovered another benefit of maintaining a fit lifestyle: healthy teeth and gums.

In a study published in the August issue of the Journal of Periodontology, researchers found that subjects who maintained a healthy weight and had high levels of physical fitness had a lower incidence of severe periodontitis. Using body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat as a measure of weight control, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) as a measure of physical fitness, researchers compared subjects’ weight and fitness variables with the results of a periodontal examination. Those with the lowest BMI and highest levels of fitness had significantly lower rates of severe periodontitis. Study Abstract *

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting bone and tissues around the teeth. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, and research has suggested gum disease is associated with other diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Samuel Low, DDS, MS, Associate Dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), says that research connecting overall health and periodontal health should motivate people to maintain a healthy weight and get enough physical fitness.

“Research continues to demonstrate that our overall health and oral health are connected,” says Dr. Low. “Weight management and physical fitness both contribute to overall health; and now we believe staying in shape may help lower your risk of developing gum disease. Since gum disease is related to other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” continues Dr. Low, “There is even more reason to take care of yourself through diet and exercise.”

Dr. Low also encourages comprehensive periodontal care through daily tooth brushing and flossing, and routine visits to a dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease.

www.drellielove.com

Research Suggests That Flossing Daily Could Decrease The Chance Of Developing Neck Cancer

Dr. Ellie Kheirkhahi-Love DDS, MSD

 It comes in a matchbox sized package with a flip top, and often smells minty fresh. And if you put it in your mouth, it just might save your neck. What am I referring to? Why dental floss of course.

   New research suggests that flossing daily could decrease your odds of developing neck cancer. Doctors already know that flossing and brushing help prevent oral diseases that somehow open the door to bad things like heart disease. Now a new study found that in people with periodontitis — a form of gum disease in which the bones that hold the roots of teeth in place start to break down —that for each millimeter of supporting bone that was lost, head and neck cancer risk increased more than fourfold. 

 More and more research is pointing to ties between oral health and overall health. Even when taking into consideration other bad health habits, such as smoking or excessive drinking, studies have still shown a strong link between periodontal disease and other diseases. Short of a visit to the dentist, no other oral healthcare habit alone has the same ability to remove plaque between teeth and below your gum line as flossing does.

   To help you get the most out of that minty white string here are some flossing tips. Be sure to slide the floss under your gum line and to gently curl it around each tooth as you floss. Floss gently, but don't quit because your gums bleed. eventually, they will become stronger and bleed less with regular flossing. Use fresh floss for each tooth juncture. and if you find it hard to floss using your fingers, try dental–floss picks or holders that anchor sections of floss. Taking the time to floss is a wise investment—not just to protect against head and neck cancer, but to reduce your risks for heart disease and stroke.

www.drellielove.com

New Study: Healthy Gums May Lead to Healthy Lungs

Dr. Ellie Kheirkhahi-Love DDS, MSD

Maintaining periodontal health may contribute to a healthy respiratory system, according to research published in the Journal of Periodontology. A new study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. These infections, which are caused when bacteria from the upper throat are inhaled into the lower respiratory tract, can be severely debilitating and are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

The study included 200 participants between the ages of 20 and 60 with at least 20 natural teeth. Half of the participants were hospitalized patients with a respiratory disease such as pneumonia, COPD, or acute bronchitis, and the other half were healthy control subjects with no history of respiratory disease. Each participant underwent a comprehensive oral evaluation to measure periodontal health status.

The study found that patients with respiratory diseases had worse periodontal health than the control group, suggesting a relationship between respiratory disease and periodontal disease. Researchers suspect that the presence of oral pathogens associated with periodontal disease may increase a patient’s risk of developing or exacerbating respiratory disease. However, the study authors note that additional studies are needed to more conclusively understand this link.

“Pulmonary diseases can be severely disabling and debilitating,” says Donald S. Clem, DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology. “By working with your dentist or periodontist, you may actually be able to prevent or diminish the progression of harmful diseases such as pneumonia or COPD. This study provides yet another example of how periodontal health plays a role in keeping other systems of the body healthy.”

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. Previous research has associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Clem stressed the importance of routine oral care in helping to prevent periodontal disease. “Taking good care of your periodontal health involves daily tooth brushing and flossing. You should also expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year,” he advised. A dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease, can conduct a comprehensive exam to assess your periodontal disease status.

Study Information

Sharma, N. & Shamsuddin, H. (in press). Association between respiratory disease in hospitalized patients and periodontal disease: a cross-sectional study. Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists—specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,000 members worldwide.

Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by calling our office at 760-340-3335.

www.drellielove.com

Women Winning The Battle Of The Sexes When It Comes To Periodontal Health

Dr. Ellie Kheirkhahi-Love DDS, MSD

Research indicates that women have better knowledge of periodontal health; are more committed to maintaining healthy teeth and gums

CHICAGO, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The differences between men and women are extensive, especially when it comes to taking care of one’s health. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), compared to men, women are better about seeing their physician for routine check-ups and are more likely to schedule a doctor visit when feeling sick or injured. And now, new research published in the Journal of Periodontology reveals another area where women are more proactive than men: in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

According to the study, published in April 2011, women are almost twice as likely to have received a regular dental check-up in the past year. In addition, women were more likely to schedule the recommended treatment following the dental check-up. Women in the study also had better indicators of periodontal health, including lower incidence of dental plaque, calculus and bleeding on probing; all of which can be used as markers of periodontal disease.

The study also suggested that women have a better understanding of what oral health entails, as well as a more positive attitude towards dental visits. The study included over 800 participants between the ages of 18 and 19. Participants were asked to complete a written questionnaire concerning lifestyle, dental knowledge, dental attitude and oral health behaviors. In addition, the participants underwent an oral examination to assess for indicators of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. In addition, previous research has associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

“It is crucial that everyone – both men and women – strive to maintain periodontal health,” says Donald S. Clem, DDS , a periodontist in private practice in Fullerton, California and President of the American Academy of Periodontology. “With increasing research indicating that one’s periodontal health may be related to overall health, never has it been more important to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. You cannot be healthy unless you are periodontally healthy.”

Dr. Clem stressed the importance of routine oral care in helping to prevent periodontal disease. “Taking good care of your periodontal health involves daily tooth brushing and flossing. You should also expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year,” he advised. A dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease, can conduct a comprehensive exam to assess your periodontal disease status.

Periodontal Health: Women vs. Men

Women are 26 percent more likely than men to floss on a daily basis.

74 percent of women would be embarrassed by a missing tooth, a possible consequence of periodontal disease, compared to 57 percent of men.

Women are almost twice as likely to notice missing teeth on another person than men.

44 percent of women are aware that periodontists can help contribute to overall good health, compared to 33 percent of men.

Study information:

Furuta, Michiko; Ekuni, Daisuke; Irie, Koichiro; Azuma, Tetsuji; Tomofuji, Takaaki; Ogura, Toshio; Morita, Manabu, 2011. Gender differences in gingivitis relate to interaction of oral health behaviors in young people. Journal of Periodontology 82 (4): 558-565.

SOURCE American Academy of Periodontology

www.drellielove.com

Five Ways Dental Offices Can Reduce Waste And Pollution

To help dentists be more environmentally conscious, the EDA has issued a checklist of standards for green dental offices. Specifically, the EDA is recommending that dental professionals make the following Earth Day resolutions to reduce waste and pollution:

1. Use an amalgam separator. 
Even if you don’t place amalgams, you still need an amalgam separator, according to the EDA. In a typical one-dentist office that only removes amalgam fillings, an amalgam separator can capture 3 pounds of mercury-containing waste material in one year. Every restorative practice should have this important piece of equipment, the EDA says.

2. Practice litter-free infection control. 
It is estimated that 1.7 billion plastic-paper sterilization pouches and 680 million barriers from U.S. dental offices will end up in landfills this year, according to the EDA. The EDA offers Best Practices for Waste-Reducing Sterilization and Infection Control to help dental professionals to go litter-free while maintaining the highest infection control standards. Cloth sterilization wraps and pouches and reusable cloth patient bibs and barriers, popular in high-tech and spa practices, help dentists significantly reduce their environmental footprint. When a paper-plastic pouch is the best solution, separate the paper from the plastic and recycle each appropriately, the EDA says.

3. Detoxify your infection control processes. 
Using the right non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner and disinfectant is an important component of pollution-preventing infection control, according to the EDA. Line cleaners and cold sterile solutions like glutaraldahyde are a significant source of pollution from the dental industry and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Modern dentistry has eliminated the need for cold sterilization, and there are several environmentally safe line cleaners on the market. Making a switch to the non-toxic option will keep your office in compliance with hospital infection control standards while eliminating the “dental office smell” that patients hate, the EDA says.

4. Take digital images. 
Dental radiographs are an important part of preventive dentistry, but traditional dental X-rays will contribute as much as 4.8 million lead foils and 28 million liters of toxic X-ray fixer to local ecosystems this year, according to the EDA. Conserve resources and help cool the planet by switching to digital patient charting. The EDA says patients will appreciate the significant reduction in radiation digital imaging provides and will benefit from an up-to-date approach to their healthcare records. Going digital will also save a practice more than US$8,500 a year, the EDA says.

5. Promote your practice paperlessly. 
Dental practitioners are always looking for ways to build rapport with patients. You may not realize how much your patients will appreciate your office’s eco-friendly initiatives, especially when they are delivered paper-free. Use a digital marketing and communications provider that offers Web optimization and appointment confirmation by email or text message, the EDA recommends. Provide your patients with regular updates about your eco-friendly initiatives in electronic newsletters and e-mail blasts. Once or twice a year send a special newsletter using earth-friendly papers, inks and printing processes.   www.drellielove.com

Can Treating Gum Disease Improve Blood Sugar Control?

Dr. Ellie-Kheirkhahi-Love DDS, MSD

It's long been known that diabetes can lead to gum disease — one of a long list of possible complications. But can treating gum disease improve blood sugar control?

Dentists say there's some evidence to think so. And now San Antonio and three other cities are taking part in a large, federally funded study to find out.

A number of small and observational studies over the years have appeared to show that treating gum disease improves blood sugar in diabetes. But it's far from proven, said Dr. Thomas Oates, assistant dental dean for clinical research at the University of Texas Health & Science Center.

“We're saying OK, if gum disease is contributing to poor glycemic control in these patients, if we treat the patients' gum disease will it reverse that process and improve it? And that's what our study is really looking to do,” Oates said.

The study will enroll 600 adults — about 150 from San Antonio — who are 35 and older with both diabetes and gum disease.

While gum disease is an infection, it also causes inflammation, which has been linked to greater insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control. It also can cause pain and tooth loss, which can interfere with healthy eating, researchers said.

“We expect a modest effect — certainly not a cure for anything,” said Dr. Steven Engebretson, assistant professor of periodontics at Stoneybrook University, N.Y., who is heading the study. “We can't even cure periodontal disease. But even if it's a modest improvement for these patients, I think they'll take it. Because we know that Type 2 diabetes is relentless and it is progressive.”

Good dental care is one of many health care recommendations given to new diabetes patients, along with regular eye and foot exams, self-monitoring of blood sugar, a healthy diet and exercise. Diabetics have a harder time fighting off infection, which leads to more plaque buildup and slower healing.

There are other connections between the two conditions. Engebretson noted that the poor are more prone to developing both diabetes and gum disease, and that the problem is aggravated by the fact they often lack dental insurance and can't afford regular care.

“We're finding that the patients who enroll in our study who might be helped are struggling with their diabetes and often have had no access to periodontal treatment, just because the cost of dentistry is high,” Engebretson said.

And while surgical treatment for gum disease can run thousands of dollars in a specialist's office, the treatment offered in the study is the basic kind — scaling and root planing, sometimes called deep cleaning — that can be done in a general dentist's office.

“It's a fairly basic level of care for gum disease,” Oates said. “Then we're going to follow up and see if that now has an effect in improving the blood sugar levels.”  www.drellielove.com

Tips For Great Oral Hygiene

Dr.Ellie-Kheirkhahi-Love DDS, MSD

While brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet, gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort. When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth. To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don't forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue. Next you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth. To do this use short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing. 


How to Floss

Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice. Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18" long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand. To clean the upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb and forefinger of each hand. Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down on the side of one tooth. Remember there are two tooth surfaces that need to be cleaned in each space. Continue to floss each side of all the upper teeth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. As the floss becomes soiled, turn from one finger to the other to get a fresh section. To clean between the bottom teeth, guide the floss using the forefinger of both hands. Do not forget the backside of the last tooth on both sides, upper and lower. When you are done, rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.


Caring For Sensitive Teeth

Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive, please let us know. Dr. Love and her staff may recommend a topical fluoride, medicated toothpaste, or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.


Choosing Oral Hygiene Products

There are so many products on the market it can become confusing and choosing between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients. Automatic and "high-tech" electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes called Rotadent, please ask us for a demonstration. Some toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle; this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also tiny brushes (interproximal toothbrushes) that clean between your teeth. If these are used improperly you could injure the gums, so please allow us to demonstrate the proper use. If used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses can reduce tooth decay as much as 40 percent. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gum line so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stage of gum disease. Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, contain agents that may help bring early gum disease under control. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing. Dr. Love and her staff are the best people to help you select the right products that are best for you.


Professional Cleaning

Daily brushing and flossing will keep dental calculus to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. 

www.drellielove.com