With our fast paced lifestyles, we generally have little time for the daily oral health care routine needed to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. This is unfortunate since periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. More than half of all Americans reportedly have some form of periodontal disease.Early detection of periodontal disease reduces the risk of permanent damage to teeth and gums and can prevent more extensive and costly treatment in later years. Regular dental visits, every six months or as recommended by your dentist, will help you learn more about proper care for your teeth and gums, and help detect periodontal disease early

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people who don’t have diabetes, most likely because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered the sixth most common complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk. A study in the Journal of Periodontology found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled diabetics are. Research has emerged that suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications.

Bacterial respiratory infections are thought to be acquired through aspiration (inhaling) of fine droplets from the mouth and throat into the lungs. These droplets contain germs that can breed and multiply within the lungs to cause damage. Recent research suggests that bacteria found in the throat, as well as bacteria found in the mouth, can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract. This can cause infections or worsen existing lung conditions. People with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, typically suffer from reduced protective systems, making it difficult to eliminate bacteria from the lungs. Scientists have found that bacteria that grow in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lung to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with periodontal disease. This discovery leads researchers to believe that these respiratory bacteria can travel from the oral cavity into the lungs to cause infection. Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) cause persistent obstruction of the airways. The main cause of this disease is thought to be long-term smoking. Chemicals from smoke or air pollution irritate the airways to cause obstruction. Further damage to the tissue and working function of the lungs can be prevented, but already damaged tissue cannot be restored – untreated or undetected COPD can result in irreversible damage. Scientists believe that through the aspiration process, bacteria cam cause frequent bouts of infection in patients with COPD. Studies are now in progress to learn to what extent oral hygiene and periodontal disease may be associated with more frequents bouts of respiratory disease in COPD patients.

Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks. Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures..

Recent studies have shown that women with periodontal disease are at three to five times greater risk of preterm birth than those who are periodontally healthy.

Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost. The stages of Periodontal Disease are:

• Tartar: Bacteria in our mouths, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
• Gingivitis: The presence of plaque and tartar on the teeth can become harmful over time. The bacteria causes inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
• Periodontitis: When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth.”)  In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.  The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

A root amputation is a specialized dental procedure in which one root is removed from a multi-root tooth. The tooth is then stabilized and repaired with a crown or filling. The purpose of performing a root amputation is to save an injured or diseased tooth from extraction. Dental implants, extensive bridgework and custom-made tooth replacements can be expensive and time-consuming. Generally, root amputation and the necessary crown work are less expensive and can be completed in 1-3 short visits.

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. This treatment prevents the tissue surrounding the tooth from becoming infected and prevents abscesses from forming. The term “Root canal” is used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the root canal. The tooth’s nerve lies within the root canal.

There are many options for replacement of teeth, with varying fees for service:

• Bridge: One or two teeth are replaced by having a tooth made of metal anchored on either side by crowns on the adjacent teeth.
• Complete Upper Denture: All teeth are missing in the upper arch.
• Complete Lower Denture: All teeth are missing in the lower arch.
• Immediate Denture: The denture is made prior to extraction and is fitted right after teeth are extracted. This procedure is more expensive and will need replacement at the patient’s expense, usually within one year.
• Removable Partial Denture: Some teeth are missing and the denture fits onto two or more remaining teeth.
• Processed Reline: A denture is relined with acrylic to accommodate the new shape of the gums following extraction or subsequent shrinkage of the gums.
• Implant: One or more teeth are replaced by inserting metal posts into the upper or lower jaw. A crown, bridge or denture is attached to the metal post(s).

The first priority of any dentist is always to save your teeth, as it is usually important to a patient’s long-term dental and general health to maintain the teeth. Extraction is an option when a damaged or decayed tooth cannot be restored, or when extensive treatment would be necessary to try to save the tooth, but the patient chooses not to proceed with necessary treatment.

Teeth whitening is a safe, easy and effective way to brighten your teeth to restore that clean, even tooth color that you used to have. Don’t let tooth discoloration ruin your smile. The things that we eat and drink every day affect our teeth. Did you know? Some over the counter whiteners can actually damage your teeth? Before you start any whitening program, you should consult your dentist!

A dental filling is a restorative dental treatment used to repair tooth fractures, damaged teeth, or tooth decay. Composite, porcelain, gold and silver amalgam are all types of dental filling material.A symptom of tooth decay is enamel loss, which may cause sensitivity in your teeth. Dental fillings are used to reduce and eliminate this sensitivity.

Symptoms may include sensitive gums, receding gums, gums that are red and bleed easily, or persistent bad breath. Since there are different stages of gum disease (from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis), there are different levels of treatment. Gum treatment is the treatment of active gum and jaw bone disease and can slow or stop the progression of gum disease. In some cases, the patient may be referred to a specialist. A non-surgical treatment is Scaling and Root Planning. By using special instruments, we remove bacteria and infection from the unhealthy deep pockets around the teeth below the gum line. This is often referred to as a deep cleaning.

Regular Oral Cancer screenings increase the likelihood of catching this affliction in the earliest, highly survivable stages of the cancer. All family members over 18 should be screened at least yearly. We recommend more frequent screenings when patients engage in known risk factors such as tobacco use. The screening is a simple, painless, 3-5 minute exam.

Beyond the connection to your general health, regular dental care is essential to preventing more complicated dental problems from developing. Good oral hygiene practices, that includes daily brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet and visiting your dentist for a check-up twice a year or as often as your dentist recommends is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful for a lifetime!

Recent studies of men with Erectile Dysfunction have shown a high correlation between ED and chronic Periodontal or Gum disease.  In other words, the higher the level of gum disease the more frequent their erection problems became apparent. This linkage between the two is being tested and examined further.  Prevention of Gum Disease could lead to a reduction in the probability of developing ED.