May 3, 2012 — Energy and sports drinks can damage tooth enamel, boosting the risk of cavities, according to a new study.

“The big misconception is that energy drinks and sports drinks are healthier than soda for oral health,” says researcher Poonam Jain, BDS, MPH, associate professor and director of community dentistry at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine.

“This study completely disproves that, because they erode or thin out the enamel of the teeth, leaving them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.” Read the rest of the story…

We all talk a lot about good oral health but what do we do about it at the dinner table and even in between meals? At Premier Periodontics, we are focused on good oral health and that often times takes us well beyond the science of Periodontics and leads to the simple, everyday things we all can be doing…and eating, to make our mouths a better place!

Below we have listed our top 5 food that we all strongly consider to be the very best for your overall oral health…ENJOY!

FRUITS -

CHEESES -

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

CHICAGO—May 11, 2011—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.

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 taking the Academy’s risk assessment test.

Periodontal disease leads to inflammation of the gums.

This inflammatory bacteria then enters your bloodstream and travels throughout your body. Researchers have linked this process to a number of serious medical conditions. It is important to treat periodontal disease as quickly as possible to avoid the release of bacteria into your bloodstream.

Heart Disease & Heart Attack 
Recent studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are 2.7 times more likely to suffer a heart attack.

Stroke 
Studies have also shown that people with periodontal disease are 3 times more likely to suffer a stroke.

Pre-Term Childbirth 
Women with periodontal disease are 7-8 times more likely to give birth prematurely to a low birth-weight baby.

Diabetes 
Periodontal infection can raise blood sugar in diabetic patients. Periodontal treatment often results in a reduced need for insulin.

Respiratory Disease 
Periodontal infection in the mouth can be breathed in and increase the severity of such respiratory diseases as pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema.

Periodontal Infection Is a Medical Problem

Periodontal disease is no longer thought to be just a dental problem. Researchers are finding many correlations between periodontal infection and serious medical problems.

Your Infection Can Be Transmitted

Research using DNA testing has found that 80% of all periodontal disease comes from bacteria transmitted from a parent or spouse. Patients with periodontal disease can pass their infection along to their loved ones.

Some Patients Are at Higher Risk

Patients in certain higher risk categories (see below) should pay particular attention to any signs of periodontal disease.

Those patients having a personal or family history of:

• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Premature childbirth
• Diabetes
• Respiratory diseases

Those patients having higher risk lifestyles, including:

• Chronic stress
• Smoker
• Sedentary and overweight
• Frequent colds, flu, etc.

Higher Risk Patients

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (or some of its symptoms) it is vital that you seek evaluation and treatment.

Click here to learn about the dental consequences of periodontal disease.

At Premier Periodontics, we are sticklers for good Dental Hygiene and are always more than happy to offer any advise and information that keeps you in good oral health.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Periodontal disease can wreak havoc elsewhere in the body. Evidence suggests that people with periodontal disease are at higher risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease. This article suggests good dental hygiene tips to protect your health. (Spanish translation of article)

Protecting Children’s Oral Health

Studies indicate that gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease) is nearly a universal finding in children and adolescents. Advanced forms of periodontal disease are more rare in children than adults, but can occur. This article describes the types of periodontal diseases, signs of periodontal disease in children, and suggests some preventive measures. (Spanish translation of article)

Women and Periodontal Disease

Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can affect many tissues, including gum tissue. Because periodontal disease is often a “silent” disease, many women do not realize they have it until it reaches an advanced state. However, at each stage of your life, there are steps a woman can take to protect her oral health.

Smoking and Periodontal Disease

Recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease. In addition, following periodontal treatment or any type of oral surgery, the chemicals in tobacco can slow down the healing process and make the treatment results less predictable.

How Older Adults Can Keep Their Smile for Life

Older adults are more likely to keep their teeth for a lifetime than they were a decade ago. However, studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease and need to do more to maintain good dental hygiene.

We hope this was helpful. If you need any additional information on this or any Dental issues you may want to know more about, please call our office at 425.455.2020 to schedule a consultation with any of our talented Doctors.

Normally gum tissue surrounds and protects the delicate roots of your teeth. Exposed tooth roots are prone to tooth decay, root canals, discoloration and actual jawbone loss. All of this can lead to tooth loss in advanced cases.

Functional Soft Tissue Grafting replaces the missing gum tissue and protects your teeth. For this reason, soft tissue grafting may be recommended even for back teeth.

Cosmetic Soft Tissue Grafting

In addition to the functional problems previously mentioned, receding gums can look unsightly.

Longer looking teeth and exposed tooth roots give an “old” appearance to your smile. Some people cover their mouths when they smile for this very reason.

Cosmetic Soft Tissue Grafting can add a new youthful appearance to your smile. In your initial consultation, we will thoroughly explain what can be achieved in your particular case.

If you or someone you know needs more information about this or any of our other procedures, please call our office at 425-455-2020 for a scheduled consult with one of our Doctors.

The Medical Consequences of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease leads to inflammation of the gums. This inflammatory bacteria then enters your bloodstream and travels throughout your body. Researchers have linked this process to a number of serious medical conditions. It is important to treat periodontal disease as quickly as possible to avoid the release of bacteria into your bloodstream.

Heart Disease & Heart Attack 
Recent studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are 2.7 times more likely to suffer a heart attack.

Stroke 
Studies have also shown that people with periodontal disease are 3 times more likely to suffer a stroke.

Pre-Term Childbirth 
Women with periodontal disease are 7-8 times more likely to give birth prematurely to a low birth-weight baby.

Diabetes 
Periodontal infection can raise blood sugar in diabetic patients. Periodontal treatment often results in a reduced need for insulin.

Respiratory Disease 
Periodontal infection in the mouth can be breathed in and increase the severity of such respiratory diseases as pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema.

Periodontal Infection Is a Medical Problem

Periodontal disease is no longer thought to be just a dental problem. Researchers are finding many correlations between periodontal infection and serious medical problems.

Your Infection Can Be Transmitted

Research using DNA testing has found that 80% of all periodontal disease comes from bacteria transmitted from a parent or spouse. Patients with periodontal disease can pass their infection along to their loved ones.

Some Patients Are at Higher Risk

Patients in certain higher risk categories (see below) should pay particular attention to any signs of periodontal disease.

Those patients having a personal or family history of:

• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Premature childbirth
• Diabetes
• Respiratory diseases

Those patients having higher risk lifestyles, including:

• Chronic stress
• Smoker
• Sedentary and overweight
• Frequent colds, flu, etc.

Higher Risk Patients

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (or some of its symptoms) it is vital that you seek evaluation and treatment.

Call our office today at 425-455-2020 and ask to speak to one of our Doctors about your symptoms and how we can help!

Traditionally, several missing teeth would have been replaced with a removable partial or full denture.

Dentures have to be taken out and soaked at night. During the day, they can also look unnatural and rub painfully. Dentures and partials make it difficult or impossible to eat certain foods.

Dentures can cause bone loss, due to lack of stimulation.

Dental implants can now be used to anchor partial and full dentures. This prevents the slipping, irritation, and pain associated with “floating” partials and dentures. It also prevents the tedious removal of dentures for overnight soaking and cleaning. With dental implants, these restorations are anchored firmly into the jawbone becoming much more like natural teeth.

Natural tooth roots and dental implant posts are fixed firmly in your jawbone. When you chew, these tooth roots and posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking. You may have seen a person who looked prematurely old because their jawbone had shrunk after wearing floating dentures. Dental implants help preserve your jawbone and appearance.

Periodontal Disease is similar to other chronic diseases, such as Diabetes. The key to control is early diagnosis and treatment, followed by prompt ongoing treatment. This entails periodontal maintenance procedures (PMP) or supportive periodontal therapy. PMP will help in gaining control of the disease and increase your chances of keeping your teeth.

If not cleaned out every 3-4 months, this periodontal bacteria can grow to a point where bone loss starts to occur again. This is why 3-4 month periodontal cleanings are very important.

Periodontal Maintenance Visit

Your Periodontal Maintenance visit will include:

1. An update of your medical & dental history
2. A periodontal examination & measurement of your periodontal pockets
3. An oral cancer screening
4. Tooth root cleaning & polishing
5. Oral hygiene instructions