The Connection Between Oral Health and Your Heart

by

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped candies, cards, and decorations, have you thought about the health of your own heart? And did you know that there is a connection between oral health and heart disease?

In April 2012, the American Heart Association published a statement supporting an association between gum disease and heart disease. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing. When gum disease becomes more advanced, it is called periodontitis. Periodontitis can to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and may become more severe over time resulting in tooth loss. It is estimated that 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States have periodontitis.

Unfortunately, gum disease sometimes does not have any symptoms or warning signs, so people who have it may be unaware that the tissues and bone supporting their teeth are eroding away. This is one reason why regular dental cleanings and periodontal examinations are so important. The earlier we are able to identify gum disease, the earlier we can intervene and prevent the condition from progressing.

While the exact link between gum disease and heart disease remains undetermined, it is known that people with gum disease have a two to three times higher risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. Although we cannot prove that treating gum disease prevents heart disease, the connection is compelling enough that both dentists and doctors agree patients should strive to prevent developing gum disease. To avoid developing gum disease and maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association suggests:

  • Brushing twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
  • Cleaning between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
  • Eating a balanced diet and limiting between-meal snacks.
  • Visiting your dentist regularly for oral examinations and professional cleanings.

Dr. Kristy Chandler

BACK TO SCHOOL DENTAL TIPS

by

As another summer ends and a new school year approaches, many of us parents begin the task of preparing our children for their first day back to school. We shop for the necessary school supplies, we update their wardrobes, and we ensure they have the immunizations and booster shots necessary to continue in school. Children should also have a dental exam before returning to school to ensure they have a healthy mouth and the tools they need to maintain it. [Read more…]

Snoring in Children – WARNING!

by

Overnight guests in our home have joked about my husband’s snoring. His sleep study results call him a “heroic snorer” meaning he can snore in any position, but his snoring has not been found to be connected to sleep apnea or breathing issues. When children snore, however, it is no laughing matter.  A child may snore occasionally when he or she has a cold or is “stuffy,” but when a child snores regularly for more than just a week or two and is not ill, it may be a warning sign of sleep-disordered breathing which can lead to dental, behavioral, and health issues. [Read more…]

Fluoride (Preventing Tooth Decay)

by

In 1909 a dentist in Colorado noticed that many children were developing brown spots on their teeth. Those children also had fewer cavities than children living in other areas. It was later discovered that these children, who were living at the base of Pike’s Peak, were receiving high concentrations of natural fluoride. As rain water ran down the mountain, fluoride was released from the rock and flowed into the town’s water reservoir. [Read more…]

Your Diet and Your Smile

by

The foods you choose and how often you eat affect your general health as well as the health of your teeth and gums. Today, Americans are eating record numbers of sugary sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and non-nutritious snacks, and over time these foods can make cavities in teeth. [Read more…]

Teeth…one of your most valuable possessions!

by

Uninsured and underinsured Americans have been for years a concern to the healthcare industry.  Realizing the importance of good health, our government has been attempting to solve the problem through healthcare reform.  Unfortunately, dental care is looked at by some as a non-necessity. Teeth are important for chewing, which helps provide proper nutrition to our bodies, and a healthy smile affects others’ views of who we are. [Read more…]

Drugs and Your Teeth

by

Living in the affluent East Cobb area not only provides our young adults with many cultural and educational opportunities but also, unfortunately, easy access to drugs and alcohol, the use of which can wreak havoc on the teeth and gums (not to mention the brain and the rest of the body!) There are many drugs that can have such deleterious effects, but I’ll focus on three more common ones among teenagers: alcohol, marijuana, and methamphetamine. [Read more…]

Why are dental costs so pricey and variable?

by

Dentistry is a profession that is both art and science. It should not be treated as a commodity where comparison shopping is based on price alone. There are many reasons why a treatment plan quoted by one dentist may vary greatly from that of another dentist and why the associated costs for each procedure may also differ. [Read more…]

How to Prevent a TKO (Tooth Knock Out)

by

On a Thursday afternoon recently, a beautiful young lady was rushed into my office with a bloody rag held up to her mouth. Two of her front teeth were missing, the gums surrounding those teeth were torn and bleeding, and there was a broken hunk of bone hanging from the area where the teeth had been.  She had been running on the field at school during lacrosse practice when another student ran into her, accidentally head-butting her in the mouth.  As we tried to come up with a plan to piece this pretty child’s smile back together, I couldn’t help thinking “Why wasn’t she wearing a mouthguard?” [Read more…]