Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?

Is there a link between periodontal (gum) disease and cardiovascular disease? Medical researchers are endeavoring to answer this intriguing question, but early findings seem to say yes. If it bears true, the findings could advance treatment for both diseases.

There is one thing that can be said for certain: inflammation is a factor in both diseases’ progression. Gum disease begins as an infection caused by bacteria growing in plaque, which is made up of bacteria and a thin film of food remnant that adheres to tooth surfaces. The body responds to this infection through tissue inflammation, an attempt to prevent the infection from spreading. Likewise, inflammation appears to be a similar response to changes in blood vessels afflicted by cardiovascular disease.

While inflammation is part of the body’s mechanism to heal traumatized tissue, if it becomes chronic it can actually have a damaging effect on the tissues intended to benefit. For patients with gum disease, chronic inflammation causes connective tissues to detach from teeth, leading eventually to tooth and bone loss. Similarly, inflammation damages the linings of blood vessels in cardiovascular disease patients.

Read full story at  www.kochandcrossley.com

Photo credit:  www.dotyislanddental.com

Top 5 Tips to Get Kissably Fresh Breath

Who doesn’t love kissing? It is a wonderful way to connect and show love to your special someone. Unfortunately, when bad breath is part of the scenario, the fun can just go away. Bad breath affects your confidence and your attractiveness. 

Don’t let bad breath stand in the way of a kiss! Follow these simple tips and you will be ready to pucker up in no time!

• Keep it Clean

Dedicate at least two minutes morning and night to brushing your teeth, and another minute or so to flossing. Five or six minutes a day really isn’t much when you consider the benefits to your health – and your smooch. And don’t forget to schedule a professional cleaning at our dental office in Cumming at least twice a year. It ensures that odor-causing plaque is cleared away and lets us keep an eye on your oral health.

• Brush and Scrape Your Tongue

Your tongue is a rugged terrain. Food particles and bacteria get caught between tastebuds and in cracks, and when they stay there, lead to some interesting odors. It is kind of like a miniature compost pile in your mouth! To most effectively clear it all away, buy yourself a tongue scraper. In the meantime, brush your tongue with your toothbrush.

Read full story at:  www.dentistincumming.co

Photo credit:         www.dentistincumming.co

The Laser Revolution is Changing the Dental Healthcare

Lasers have transformed our everyday lives, especially in healthcare. These intense beams of light of a single wavelength have revolutionized all manner of diagnostics and treatments, from general surgery to cosmetic therapy.

Dentistry has also been influenced by the laser revolution. Here are just a few of the areas where they’re growing in use and popularity.

Early disease detection. Laser instruments can take advantage of “fluorescence,” the tendency of bacteria to “glow” when exposed to certain wavelengths of light. This is proving more effective in detecting early tooth decay in pits and fissures (very tiny areas in a tooth’s biting surface) than traditional needle-like probing instruments called dental explorers. Newer lasers can now detect the same fluorescent qualities in soft tissues, which may reduce the detection time for oral cancer and make the difference between life and death.

Read full story at www.davidvanappledornddspc.net

Photo credit:  www.davidvanappledornddspc.net

Being Vegetarian and Your Good Oral Health

We all have our own preferences when it comes to food choices becoming a vegetarian is one of the most considerable forms of food prerogatives. Notwithstanding some consequences related with it, there are some concerns relevant to being the same.

Many people in our society have chosen to go Vegetarian for many good reasons. People choose to prefer this kind of lifestyle or habits to live a healthier life. Vegetarian diet has considerable health benefits, and while most vegetarians have excellent oral health, it can also have an adverse effect to oral health without proper care. This is due to the fact that certain food groups are excluded in the vegetarian diet which causes the loss of certain nutrients that is needed or essential for good oral health.

There are nutritional issues correlated with this specific diet. Definitely, those who not eat food from animals usually suffer from calcium and vitamin d deficiencies and also proteins and riboflavin. However, if the concern individual is eating a well-balanced diet, problems will never occur and chances of getting all the needed nutrients is deemed possible. It is better to maintain not only your dental health but also your overall health.

Despite of the unavoidable negative effects of being a vegetarian, dental health advantages are obviously cannot be denied. Fruits and vegetables can boost saliva production which neutralizes acids in return. The same do not contain carbohydrates and sugars that can be easily acidify or fermented by bacteria. The fibrous contents do actually helps in cleaning the teeth, thus, aids in in protecting against dental caries. Low acid beans, legumes or whole grain products are among the best choices for fibrous supplements.

We must take into consideration that while putting into action a vegetarian lifestyle, proper information from documents, books, your physician and your nutritionist as well be provided. This is to make sure maintenance of a well-balanced diet. All related medical and dental expertise should be informed for record purposes.

Visiting your dentist on a regular basis for dental check-ups and services is quite vital in maintaining good dental hygiene. And altogether with a healthy well balanced diet, both are perfect shield against problems with your gums and teeth.

Photo credit:  rfi-eui.org