Here’s a summary of the most recent continuing education
course I have taken. Dr. Tim Donley
(DDS, MSD) spoke about periodontal disease and what we dental professional
should be telling our patients:
“Inflammation ls at the root cause of many of the chronic diseases
that occur with age. The mouth is a
source of these exact same mediators of inflammation when chronic periodontal
disease is present.” When there is
inflammation of the gums (i.e. gums that are red and puffy or gums that bleed), there is ulceration of the epithelium (skin) allowing
bacteria, bacterial byproducts, and mediators of inflammation to enter the
blood stream, and travel throughout the body, influencing the progression of
systemic diseases including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and
pregnancies which result in premature
low birth weight babies. All diseases in the mouth are caused by bacteria, but
the body’s response to the bacteria does vary.
The patient’s most at risk for chronic inflammatory periodontal disease
are tobacco users, diabetics, and patients who suffer from obesity. "Brushing
and flossing" is good prevention, but won’t solve the problem if there is subgingival
inflammation already present, therefore you need to partner with your dental
care professional (dentist and hygienist) for minimal oral inflammation over
your lifespan. Good dental care is necessary for good healthcare.
When was the last time a dentist or hygienist checked you
for gum disease?
Posts
