Gum Disease could be linked to Anaemia

A research study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that there might be a connection suggesting patients who have severe gum disease (ie. chronic Periodontitis) may lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, causing the blood disorder anaemia. The trail from one to the next found that over one third of those people suffering from extensive gum disease had below the normal level of red blood cells. The study tracked these patients for a 6 month period of oral health treatment, and results actually showed all patients had an increase in their red blood cell count. Results show women had a higher risk of anaemia than men, with 4 in 10 women, and a little less than 3 in 10 men. "The research suggests that the defense chemicals produced by the body as a result of inflammation of the gum can have the negative effect of lowering haemoglobin levels and other factors important to a healthy blood system," said Dr. Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation. There have been several studies prior to this that have linked the connection, but this most recent study confirms chronic Periodontitis can lead to Anaemia. View the extended article here, http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2010.100336

Dental Happy Hour!

Thank you to all who joined us for Happy Hour last week at Salty's, we hope you had a good night!

Before and After Progress

If you find yourself wondering what services our office provides, but aren't sure what questions you should be asking, start here. Feel free to comment on the blog posts directly, and we'll promptly respond with answers. If you're stumped, maybe a visual will speak louder than words. Here is a good before and after example of what we can achieve. For more photos visit our website, http://www.pugetsoundperio.com

Oral Systemic Link

Have you heard the saying, "Your mouth is the window to your body's immune response"? In dental terminology, this is referred to as the Oral Systemic Link. In other words, your mouth doesn't have to speak to let the doctor know when something is wrong. When examining Periodontal tissue, the body's inflammatory response can be easily identified; swollen and bleeding gums are a sign the body's immune response is switched over to defense. Light bleeding or swelling can be caused by stress, or a minor cold, when your body's immune system is on overdrive. When bacteria lingers, the mouth becomes imbalanced, and your periodontal cells send out the message that there is an immune system attack, and if not properly cared for, periodontal tissue becomes a popular spot for chronic inflammation. Regular assessments of periodontal tissue by a hygeniest is the surest way to determine whether your body is in a chronic inflammatory state. This early stage is commonly refferred to as gingivitus, and later serious cases are called Periodontitus, or Periodontal disease. Ecodentistry.org estimates as much as 80% of the population suffers from Periodontal disease. Without proper care, our body's own immune system actually destroys the affected periodontal tissue and bones that hold your teeth in place. So when your mouth is trying to signal that somethings up, be the voice that isn't heard, and schedule an appointment with your hygenist.

Just how important is Flossing?

When you go in for your routine cleaning and your Dentist asks you the standard Q &A, what is your answer when asked, do you regularly floss daily? Since over 50% of adults have gingivitis to a varying degree, the importance of good dental hygiene could be the difference between a mouth full of teeth, and a mouth full of gums. Inadequate removal of dental plaque, especially in interdental areas of the mouth might be susceptible to periodontal disease. It's essential that patients remove dental plaque, and sometimes a tooth brush just can't get into the nooks and crannies of the mouth. Dental floss is designed and intended to be used for this very purpose, and removes food debris and built up plaque that would other wise be inaccessible. Studies from the ADA show floss removes up to 80% of plaque, and you can bet they recommend flossing become a part of your daily oral maintenance ritual, (along with the CDA, ADHA, CDHA, etc). When used properly, flossing can reduce the risk of gingivitis, and other gum diseases. In a recent home study from the ADA polled 2-10% of patients regularly flossed correctly on a daily basis, and most cannot, or choose not to floss at all on a daily basis. Your dental hygiene is exactly that- YOUR choice to create or improve your daily routine, if you'd like more information on flossing, or what kind of floss to use, visit http://www.saveyoursmile.com/healtharticles/flossing.html

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

As we're getting into the thick of April, Puget Sound Periodontics would like to help spread the word that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. I've you've never been screened, more information can be found on where to get a free screening this month in and around the Seattle area, or anywhere across the country, www.oralcancerfoundation.com. We'd like to emphasize the importance of this month's awareness campaign by revisiting the Kiro 7 news story on oral cancer stats around the northwest, http://www.kirotv.com/video27457942/index.html Have a good Monday afternoon!