858.578.4677
8270 Mira Mesa Blvd, Suite D
San Diego, CA 92126
FAQ - Association between oral and overall health
Q. I'VE HEARD THERE'S A CONNECTION BETWEEN MY MOUTH AND MY OVERALL HEALTH. IS THIS TRUE?
A. A growing number of studies indicate that there may be an association between a type of chronic oral inflammation in the form of periodontitis and diseases such as heart attack, stroke and diabetes. While more research is being done, to be safe you should avoid chronic oral inflammation and treat periodontitis early if you have it.
Q. WHAT IS CHRONIC ORAL INFLAMMATION AND WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?
A. When dental plaque is left untreated, it can result in a bacterial infection inside your mouth. Many people with swollen, bleeding or sensitive gums have an early form of gum disease, called gingivitis, which is one example of chronic low level oral inflammation. If left untreated, gingivitis, can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss and many studies suggest it is associated with heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Q. HOW MIGHT PERIODONTITIS BE ASSOCIATED WITH OTHER DISEASES?
A. The inflammation in your mouth can cause the releases of chemicals into the bloodstream. These chemicals might affect tissues far from the mouth. Also, toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque may do the same thing.
For example, in diabetes, inflammation by-products can make it more difficult for the patient to control their blood sugar – even if they're taking medication. Also, diabetes can make it harder for patients to control their gum disease.
So, besides helping to maintain healthy teeth and gums, eliminating the chronic oral inflammation of periodontitis may have benefits well beyond the mouth.
Q. WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID THESE PROBLEMS?
A. Start by doing the things we all know about. Exercise, healthy eating, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and quitting smoking are important steps. Keeping your mouth healthy is also very important. You should brush twice daily, clean daily between your teeth with floss, and come in for regular checkups. Most importantly, you should get regular scaling and root planning, also called deep cleaning, if you have chronic gum inflammation as recommended by your dentist. It is easier preventing gum disease than treating it.
In addition to proper bushing and cleaning between teeth, try using a toothpaste shown to fight both bacteria and gingivitis-related oral inflammation. Ask your dentist for a recommendation.
back
CHAO PINHOLE GUM REJUVENATION
This animation compares conventional gum grafting to Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation® the minimally invasive treatment for receding gums invented and patented by dentist and educator Dr. John Chao. Gum recession is corrected in minutes with no scalpels and no stitches.
