You want to do everything you can to reduce your risk of developing cancer, right? Can you imagine what you would go through if you were diagnosed with cancer? Can you imagine the worry that it would cause your family? Cancer is extremely difficult to face not only in terms of your mortality, but also in terms of treatment. What if you could do something to lessen your risk?
Gum disease has been linked to tongue cancer. Tongue cancer has usually been thought to be more associated with smoking then to anything else. Smoking is still thought to be a huge risk factor in developing tongue cancer, but gum disease is also a big risk factor. No other oral problem has been linked to tongue cancer other than gum disease.
When people are diagnosed with tongue cancer they are also checked for gum disease in order to reduce the risk of recurring tongue cancer. Long Island periodontist Dr. Scharf consults both cancer patients and those at risk of developing tongue cancer. A simple way to help reduce your risk of developing cancer would be to treat gum disease Long Island right away. As soon as gum disease sets in it can begin to cause bone loss. Every millimeter of bone loss that gum disease causes puts someone at five times greater risk of developing tongue cancer.
For people looking for a Long Island Periodontist there is no reason to be worried about treating gum disease. In most cases surgery is not necessary as has been thought in the past. Through the use of a periodontal laser on Long Island, Dr. Scharf can treat your gum disease without the need for old fashioned cut and stitch surgery. Not only is the procedure less invasive, but there is also less pain and a quicker recovery time. Another positive not is that you will not have to go into an operating room since Long Island periodontist Dr. Scharf can perform periodontal laser treatment in his office.
For more information on periodontal laser treatment on Long Island visit Dr. Scharf by calling (631)661-6633
Showing posts with label LANAP periodontal laser. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LANAP periodontal laser. Show all posts
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums.
Smoking/Tobacco Use
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
Other contributing factors include genetics, women's issues, stress, medications, grinding, diabetes, poor nutrition and obesity. These will be covered in future posts.
If you have gum disease and want to treat it without sugery, consider laser periodontal therapy. To learn more about the periodontal laser keep reading here.
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums.
Smoking/Tobacco Use
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
Other contributing factors include genetics, women's issues, stress, medications, grinding, diabetes, poor nutrition and obesity. These will be covered in future posts.
If you have gum disease and want to treat it without sugery, consider laser periodontal therapy. To learn more about the periodontal laser keep reading here.
Gum Disease and HIV
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Study Links Acid Produced From Gum Disease With HIV
February 13, 2009
A recent study conducted by researchers in Japan found that an acid produced in the mouth because of gum disease might promote the progression of HIV, AFP/Yahoo! News reports. According to the researchers, the study, which will be published in the March issue of the Journal of Immunology, marks the first time a link has been discovered between gum disease and HIV, although previous research has linked gum disease with diabetes and heart disease. According to study author Kuniyasu Ochiai of Nihon University, butyric acid -- produced by a group of bacteria that causes periodontal disease --hinders an enzyme called HDAC, which blocks HIV from proliferating. Takashi Okamoto, molecular biology professor in central Japan's Nagoya City University, and Kenichi Imai, a research assistant at the university, also participated in the study.
Through in-vitro experiments, the researchers found that HIV quickly proliferated in two kinds of immune system-related cells after they were given culture fluid containing the gum disease-causing bacteria and butyric acid. Ochiai said, "Serious periodontal disease could lead to the development (of AIDS) among HIV-positive people ... although the probability largely depends on individual physical strength." He adds that there are "fears that even those [who] were unaware that they had contracted HIV could develop the epidemic once they have periodontal disease." The research team intends to confirm their finding in animal tests, Ochiai said (AFP/Yahoo! News, 2/11).
February 13, 2009
A recent study conducted by researchers in Japan found that an acid produced in the mouth because of gum disease might promote the progression of HIV, AFP/Yahoo! News reports. According to the researchers, the study, which will be published in the March issue of the Journal of Immunology, marks the first time a link has been discovered between gum disease and HIV, although previous research has linked gum disease with diabetes and heart disease. According to study author Kuniyasu Ochiai of Nihon University, butyric acid -- produced by a group of bacteria that causes periodontal disease --hinders an enzyme called HDAC, which blocks HIV from proliferating. Takashi Okamoto, molecular biology professor in central Japan's Nagoya City University, and Kenichi Imai, a research assistant at the university, also participated in the study.
Through in-vitro experiments, the researchers found that HIV quickly proliferated in two kinds of immune system-related cells after they were given culture fluid containing the gum disease-causing bacteria and butyric acid. Ochiai said, "Serious periodontal disease could lead to the development (of AIDS) among HIV-positive people ... although the probability largely depends on individual physical strength." He adds that there are "fears that even those [who] were unaware that they had contracted HIV could develop the epidemic once they have periodontal disease." The research team intends to confirm their finding in animal tests, Ochiai said (AFP/Yahoo! News, 2/11).
Long Island Periodontist Discusses Smoking and Gum Disease
Friday, January 30, 2009
Surprising as it may sound, many smokers need to be made more aware of the dangers of tobacco use. In fact, just 29 percent of smokers say they believe themselves to be at an above-average risk for heart attack compared with their nonsmoking peers, according to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association in March of 1999.
Obviously, while information about the medical problems associated with smoking – such as lung disease, cancer, heart disease and low-birth-weight infants – is widely available, many smokers seem to have tuned out.
If you are a smoker who is concerned about the effects smoking can have on your health, congratulations! By accessing information about the negative impacts of tobacco use, you are taking the first step toward quitting.
To increase awareness of the dangers of smoking, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout every year in November. Americans are encouraged to quit smoking for a day or to encourage someone else to quite for a day. The idea is to help someone be smoke-free for a day in hopes of motivating that person to quit forever
Recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease Long Island. 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 does smoking increase your risk for periodontal disease? As a smoker, you are more likely than nonsmokers to have the following problems:
* Calculus – plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed during a professional cleaning
* Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
* Loss of the bone and tissue that support your teeth
If the calculus is not removed during a professional cleaning, and it remains below your gum line, the bacteria in the calculus can destroy your gum tissue and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. When this happens, periodontal pockets form and fill with disease-causing bacteria.
If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress. The pockets between your teeth and gums can grow deeper, allowing in more bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. As a result, the gums may shrink away from the teeth making them look longer. Without treatment, your teeth may become loose, painful and even fall out.
Save Your Smile
Research shows that smokers loose more teeth than nonsmokers do. In fact, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 20 percent of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 percent of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.
In addition, research shows that current smokers don’t heal as well after periodontal treatment as former smokers or nonsmokers. But these effects are reversible if the smokers kick the habit before beginning treatment.
Not Just Cigarettes
Other tobacco products are also harmful to your periodontal health. Smokeless tobacco also can cause gums to recede and increase the chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place.
And, a study of cigar and pipe smokers published in the January 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association revealed that cigar smokers experience tooth loss and alveolar bone loss at rates equivalent to those of cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers experience tooth loss at a rate similar to cigarette smokers.
Other Oral Problems
Researches also have found that the following problems occur more often in people who use tobacco products:
* Oral cancer
* Bad breath
* Stained teeth
* Tooth loss
* Bone loss
* Loss of taste
* Less success with periodontal treatment
* Less success with dental implants
* Gum recession
* Mouth sores
* Facial wrinkling
if you have been thinking about sstopping smoking now is the time. Good luck
Obviously, while information about the medical problems associated with smoking – such as lung disease, cancer, heart disease and low-birth-weight infants – is widely available, many smokers seem to have tuned out.
If you are a smoker who is concerned about the effects smoking can have on your health, congratulations! By accessing information about the negative impacts of tobacco use, you are taking the first step toward quitting.
To increase awareness of the dangers of smoking, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout every year in November. Americans are encouraged to quit smoking for a day or to encourage someone else to quite for a day. The idea is to help someone be smoke-free for a day in hopes of motivating that person to quit forever
Recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease Long Island. 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 does smoking increase your risk for periodontal disease? As a smoker, you are more likely than nonsmokers to have the following problems:
* Calculus – plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed during a professional cleaning
* Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
* Loss of the bone and tissue that support your teeth
If the calculus is not removed during a professional cleaning, and it remains below your gum line, the bacteria in the calculus can destroy your gum tissue and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. When this happens, periodontal pockets form and fill with disease-causing bacteria.
If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress. The pockets between your teeth and gums can grow deeper, allowing in more bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. As a result, the gums may shrink away from the teeth making them look longer. Without treatment, your teeth may become loose, painful and even fall out.
Save Your Smile
Research shows that smokers loose more teeth than nonsmokers do. In fact, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 20 percent of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 percent of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.
In addition, research shows that current smokers don’t heal as well after periodontal treatment as former smokers or nonsmokers. But these effects are reversible if the smokers kick the habit before beginning treatment.
Not Just Cigarettes
Other tobacco products are also harmful to your periodontal health. Smokeless tobacco also can cause gums to recede and increase the chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place.
And, a study of cigar and pipe smokers published in the January 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association revealed that cigar smokers experience tooth loss and alveolar bone loss at rates equivalent to those of cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers experience tooth loss at a rate similar to cigarette smokers.
Other Oral Problems
Researches also have found that the following problems occur more often in people who use tobacco products:
* Oral cancer
* Bad breath
* Stained teeth
* Tooth loss
* Bone loss
* Loss of taste
* Less success with periodontal treatment
* Less success with dental implants
* Gum recession
* Mouth sores
* Facial wrinkling
if you have been thinking about sstopping smoking now is the time. Good luck
Periodontist Long Island | Gum surgery | Conservative Gum Treatment | Suffolk County
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Long Island Laser Periodontal Therapy can be used to treat gum disease conservatively. Watch this video and call (631)661-6633 for an appointment.
Laser Periodontal Therapy FAQ | Periolase Long Island
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral from my Dentist or Physician to see Dr. Scharf?
Many patients choose Dr. Scharf on their own. They have heard of him through word of mouth from a friend, family member or colleague. Many of our patients find out about us from the internet. We welcome all new patients and you don’t have to referred from a Dentist or Physician. If you have a dentist you don’t have to leave them to see Dr. Scharf. Dr. Scharf will work closely with your existing Dentist as a team to help you. This is much like a Cardiologist who works together with the primary care physician to help their patients.
What is Periodontal Disease?
It’s an infection of the gums. It starts out as plaque, an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form calculus or tartar. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria which attacks the soft tissue around the gums. This early stage of gum disease is called Gingivitis. Symptoms include red swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath and, sometimes, an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Untreated, Gingivitis becomes Periodontitis. At this severe stage, bacteria destroys both the gums and the supporting bone structurel Pockets form where teeth are separated from the gums and surrounding bones. Left untreated, Periodontitis eventually results in tooth loss.
What's the best way to treat Periodontal Disease?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ (LPT™) a patented new non-surgical laser alternative to gum surgery, is a less painful, less traumatic way to treat periodontal disease at any stage. It is ideal for patients who want conservative gum disease treatment.
What's different about LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ uses a special kind of laser called the PerioLase®, invented by two dentists in Cerritos, California. Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Delwin McCarthy spent years developing a better way to treat gum disease. The laser fiber, which is only about as wide as a couple of human hairs, is inserted between the gum tissue and your tooth, where it painlessly removes the noxious elements that cause gum disease.
How many treatments will I need?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ doesn't take much time at all -- just two two-hour sessions versus eight to ten one-hour sessions with surgery. You don't have to worry about bleeding, stitches or post-treatment infection, because your gums haven't been cut.
What about recovery - will I be in pain or need to follow a special routine?
The sense of recovery is immediate, due to the laser’s ability to seal blood vessels, lymphatics and nerve endings. Of course, your tissue needs time to recover, regenerate and heal over the course of time, but after LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™, you can drive your car, go back to work, or do anything else you like.
I can see how good LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is - but is it very expensive and will my insurance cover it?
The good news is, LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is actually less expensive -- by about 20% -- than periodontal surgery. Dental costs vary around the country, so find a PerioLase® dentist in your area for exact figures. There is no special code for our therapy, so if your insurance company will reimburse for conventional surgery, they will reimburse for LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™.
My doctor said he’d have to pull my teeth because they are so loose and I don’t want to do that. Can you help?
We have been able to save a lot of teeth that other dentists wanted to extract. We have had great success in saving teeth that were to be extracted. There is nothing better than your own natural teeth. We can schedule a consultation for you.
I had x-rays a while ago. I don’t want to take them again. Can’t you look at those?
That depends on their age and quality. The conditions of your mouth change rapidly, and in order to accurately diagnose you, we will need current high quality x-rays. We take digital x-rays. These use up to 90% less radiation than conventional film based x-rays. We will only take the minimum necessary and only after you are examined to see exactly what is necessary.
How much more is the laser? I’ve been told that it is expensive.
The laser is comparable to the fee for conventional periodontal surgery. It is not more because it is new technology. Our fee has actually been less than some of the offices using the conventional technique.
How will I feel after the laser surgery?
You may experience some ache, throbbing or soreness. The doctor will prescribe some antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory to take care of any discomfort you may experience.
How many appointments will I need?
Usually two treatment visits and a couple of post-operative visits. The doctor will then prescribe visits with a hygienist every three months to keep up what he has started.
I only need a cleaning. That is all I have ever needed and had. I still be a patient
Yes we do cleanings in the office. We have an excellent prevention program and some patients come here just for that.
Will my insurance cover this?
We do not use any special codes because it is laser. We use the same codes that every office uses.
Do you offer financing?
We offer Care Credit Financing. It is a credit card for medical as well as dental services. It is easy to qualify for, and if you’d like, we can mail you an application. Many patients are surprised that they can have a very low monthly payment and treat their gum disease.
How do I know this will work? I had surgery 4 years ago, and I now need it again.
The doctor can answer all of your questions regarding treatment. LANAP gives better, longer-lasting results than conventional surgery. In fact, 98% of LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ treated patients remain stable after five years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery. Dr. Scharf will examine your mouth thoroughly to determine if the laser is right for you. You can meet the doctor and staff and have a demonstration of the laser performed for you. He will discuss all your treatment options with you as well as the pros and cons of each option so that you can made the treatment decision that you feel is right for you. If you just want to see the laser without an examination just call and ask for a appointment for a “Laser Meet and Greet.”
Do I need a referral from my Dentist or Physician to see Dr. Scharf?
Many patients choose Dr. Scharf on their own. They have heard of him through word of mouth from a friend, family member or colleague. Many of our patients find out about us from the internet. We welcome all new patients and you don’t have to referred from a Dentist or Physician. If you have a dentist you don’t have to leave them to see Dr. Scharf. Dr. Scharf will work closely with your existing Dentist as a team to help you. This is much like a Cardiologist who works together with the primary care physician to help their patients.
What is Periodontal Disease?
It’s an infection of the gums. It starts out as plaque, an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form calculus or tartar. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria which attacks the soft tissue around the gums. This early stage of gum disease is called Gingivitis. Symptoms include red swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath and, sometimes, an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Untreated, Gingivitis becomes Periodontitis. At this severe stage, bacteria destroys both the gums and the supporting bone structurel Pockets form where teeth are separated from the gums and surrounding bones. Left untreated, Periodontitis eventually results in tooth loss.
What's the best way to treat Periodontal Disease?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ (LPT™) a patented new non-surgical laser alternative to gum surgery, is a less painful, less traumatic way to treat periodontal disease at any stage. It is ideal for patients who want conservative gum disease treatment.
What's different about LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ uses a special kind of laser called the PerioLase®, invented by two dentists in Cerritos, California. Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Delwin McCarthy spent years developing a better way to treat gum disease. The laser fiber, which is only about as wide as a couple of human hairs, is inserted between the gum tissue and your tooth, where it painlessly removes the noxious elements that cause gum disease.
How many treatments will I need?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ doesn't take much time at all -- just two two-hour sessions versus eight to ten one-hour sessions with surgery. You don't have to worry about bleeding, stitches or post-treatment infection, because your gums haven't been cut.
What about recovery - will I be in pain or need to follow a special routine?
The sense of recovery is immediate, due to the laser’s ability to seal blood vessels, lymphatics and nerve endings. Of course, your tissue needs time to recover, regenerate and heal over the course of time, but after LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™, you can drive your car, go back to work, or do anything else you like.
I can see how good LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is - but is it very expensive and will my insurance cover it?
The good news is, LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is actually less expensive -- by about 20% -- than periodontal surgery. Dental costs vary around the country, so find a PerioLase® dentist in your area for exact figures. There is no special code for our therapy, so if your insurance company will reimburse for conventional surgery, they will reimburse for LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™.
My doctor said he’d have to pull my teeth because they are so loose and I don’t want to do that. Can you help?
We have been able to save a lot of teeth that other dentists wanted to extract. We have had great success in saving teeth that were to be extracted. There is nothing better than your own natural teeth. We can schedule a consultation for you.
I had x-rays a while ago. I don’t want to take them again. Can’t you look at those?
That depends on their age and quality. The conditions of your mouth change rapidly, and in order to accurately diagnose you, we will need current high quality x-rays. We take digital x-rays. These use up to 90% less radiation than conventional film based x-rays. We will only take the minimum necessary and only after you are examined to see exactly what is necessary.
How much more is the laser? I’ve been told that it is expensive.
The laser is comparable to the fee for conventional periodontal surgery. It is not more because it is new technology. Our fee has actually been less than some of the offices using the conventional technique.
How will I feel after the laser surgery?
You may experience some ache, throbbing or soreness. The doctor will prescribe some antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory to take care of any discomfort you may experience.
How many appointments will I need?
Usually two treatment visits and a couple of post-operative visits. The doctor will then prescribe visits with a hygienist every three months to keep up what he has started.
I only need a cleaning. That is all I have ever needed and had. I still be a patient
Yes we do cleanings in the office. We have an excellent prevention program and some patients come here just for that.
Will my insurance cover this?
We do not use any special codes because it is laser. We use the same codes that every office uses.
Do you offer financing?
We offer Care Credit Financing. It is a credit card for medical as well as dental services. It is easy to qualify for, and if you’d like, we can mail you an application. Many patients are surprised that they can have a very low monthly payment and treat their gum disease.
How do I know this will work? I had surgery 4 years ago, and I now need it again.
The doctor can answer all of your questions regarding treatment. LANAP gives better, longer-lasting results than conventional surgery. In fact, 98% of LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ treated patients remain stable after five years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery. Dr. Scharf will examine your mouth thoroughly to determine if the laser is right for you. You can meet the doctor and staff and have a demonstration of the laser performed for you. He will discuss all your treatment options with you as well as the pros and cons of each option so that you can made the treatment decision that you feel is right for you. If you just want to see the laser without an examination just call and ask for a appointment for a “Laser Meet and Greet.”
Gum Surgery Alternative Long Island | LANAP Suffolk County
Thursday, December 25, 2008
People looking for an alternative to gum surgery should consider laser periodontal therapy with the Millennium Laser.
Dr.
To learn about gum disease treatment Long Island visit Dr. Scharf on the Web.
Dr.
To learn about gum disease treatment Long Island visit Dr. Scharf on the Web.
Gum Disease and Diabetes | Periodontist Long Island
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Periodontal disease and diabetes go hand in hand. Below s an article that appeared in December 2008 JAMA. If you want to learn how to treat gum disease Long Island conservatively and without cut and stitch surgery visit lilaserperio.com For good information on gum disease on Long Island Suffolk County read here.
Studies Probe Oral Health–Diabetes Link
Tracy Hampton, PhD
PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS HAVE
long known that the health of an individual’s mouth can have significant effects on the health of the rest
of the body. The link between periodontal disease and heart disease is one of the most commonly known associations, but researchers are finding many more medical reasons to maintain good oral hygiene.
Diabetes, the focus of much attention lately due to its rising incidence, appears to have a particularly close
relationship with conditions within the oral cavity. This relationship seems to go both ways—diabetes can
lead to unwanted changes in the gums and periodontal tissues, and periodontal diseases—including
gingivitis and severe periodontitis— can make it more difficult to control diabetes.
TWO-WAY CONNECTION
A number of recent studies have highlighted the give-and-take relationship between diabetes and oral health (Taylor GW and Borgnakke WS. Oral Dis. 2008;14[3]:191-203). Periodontal disease worsens diabetes when bacteria released into the bloodstream contribute to inflammation.
“There are significant data now to support that if a person has diabetes and they also have periodontal disease that is left untreated, it is very difficult to gain glycemic control of that patient,” said Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, professor of oral biology and pathology, and director of clinical research at the School of Dental Medicine at Stony Brook University in New York.
For example, an analysis of data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) revealed that individuals with periodontal disease were twice as likely to develop diabetes as persons without periodontal disease (Demmer RT et al. Diabetes Care. 2008;31[7]:1373- 1379). Another prospective study, of Pima Indians, a population with a very high rate of type 2 diabetes, found that periodontal disease was a strong predictor of mortality from diabetic nephropathy (Saremi R et al. Diabetes Care. 2005;28[1]:27-32).
When tartar collects above the gumline, it becomes more difficult to thoroughly brush and clean between teeth. This can create conditions that lead to chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth. Researchers suspect that periodontitis may adversely affect glycemic control because the proinflammatory cytokines produced by the infection could enter the bloodstream from the gingival tissues and lead to the development of insulin resistance.
“Periodontal infection affects the health of the teeth and gums, but the body’s response to that infection, we believe, is systemic,” said George Taylor, DrPH, DMD, associate professor of dentistry at the Schools of Dentistry and Public Health at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
These effects may be evident even before clinical diabetes is recognized. As Ryan noted, periodontal disease is associated with higher levels of insulin resistance, often a precursor of type 2 diabetes, as well as with higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which indicates suboptimal glycemic control of diabetes.
Diabetes can contribute to periodontal disease as well. “We also think that the body’s response to infection is exaggerated in people with diabetes—it makes them more susceptible to periodontal disease and makes it more severe,” said Taylor.
Studies looking at the effects of diabetes on periodontal disease have found that diabetes can weaken the connective tissue surrounding the gums and cause various adverse effects in the mouth. An analysis of NHANES III data indicates that women who develop gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy are at greater risk for developing periodontal disease than pregnant women who do not develop the condition (Novak KF et al. J Public Health Dent. 2006;66[3]:163-168).
Other oral problems associated with diabetes include salivary gland dysfunction, ulcers, infections, and dental caries. For example, lichen planus, a skin disorder that produces lesions in the mouth, is a condition associated with diabetes. Severe types of lichen planus involve painful ulcers that erode surface tissue. Diminished salivary flow and an increase in salivary glucose levels create an attractive environment for fungal infections such as thrush and oral candidiasis, which occurs more frequently among people with diabetes.
“There are a lot of oral complications of poorly controlled diabetes,” said Ryan. “If your blood glucose levels are high, it also gets into your saliva, which can increase cavities and increase risk of oral candidiasis or yeast infections,” she explained.
Therefore, proper care of the mouth may help patients with diabetes achieve better glycemic control, and appropriate management of diabetes may help prevent periodontal disease and other oral problems. However, while periodontal disease causes significant infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, individuals often do not know they have the condition because it is usually painless. Therefore, Taylor and others are advocating for a greater awareness of periodontal disease, particularly among physicians whose patients may not regularly visit the dentist.
LINKING HEALTH CARE
Because diabetes can adversely affect oral health and poor oral health can worsen diabetic complications, dentists and physicians are beginning to realize the need to work together to ensure the health of their patients.
“For the first time ever, the American Diabetes Association has recommended to the physician that they ask when their patients last saw a dentist, and if they have not been seen by a dentist in the past year that they should recommend an oral evaluation,” said Ryan. “It’s also important that the dentist inform the physician of any oral infection or inflammation that’s being managed,” she added.
While it is unclear how many physicians and dentists communicate with each other, “as you start to see more information coming out on these connections, more of the medical community is becoming involved in oral care,” said Ryan. For example, Ryan and other dental researchers were invited to speak in June at the American Diabetes Association’s Annual Scientific Sessions in San Francisco, Calif. In addition, Taylor noted that the dentists’ and physicians’ perspectives are also both being represented in continuing education courses.
Health insurers are also realizing the value of linking dental and oral health. For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has created two referral forms, one from dentist to physician and the other from physician to dentist. The insurer also is incorporating preventive dental services into some medical plans.
However, many patients must deal with separate insurers when it comes to their dental and medical care. “Dentists are not reimbursed to screen for diabetes, so from the business side, they’d be spending time for services that cost them but that they’re not reimbursed for,” said Taylor. “The same happens with physicians,” he added.
Taylor noted that this situation highlights the need for more research on the benefits—including cost benefits—of linking medical and dental health. To that end, Taylor and others at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry are collaborating with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on a research project quantifying the medical savings of good oral care in patients with diabetes.
“We’re looking at costs from submitted medical claims for diabetes patients— physician costs, facility costs, prescription costs—and analyzing what kind of dental services the patient received,” said Carl Stoel, DDS, a senior dental consultant at Blue Cross BlueShield of Michigan. The goal is to compare the medical costs of patients who receive little or no dental services with costs of those who receive routine dental care.
“So far, we’ve found that when diabetic patients are good dental patients, there’s a substantial savings onthe medical side,” Stoel noted.
Specifically, the study has found a cost savings in the range of 3% to 8% for individuals who were receiving regular dental care each year compared with those who were not recipients of any preventive or periodontal services. The cost savings that were seen related to the following diabetes related complications: peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. “I hope that our research will provide the evidence to show that it can make a difference if physicians identify patients at risk for periodontal disease,” said Taylor.
Because many adults have gingivitis or periodontitis, and the incidence of diabetes is increasing, researchers predict that the links between dental disease and diabetes will become even more evident in the years to come. Ongoing studies are anticipated to contribute additional information highlighting the importance of simultaneously treating periodontal disease and optimizing glycemic control to prevent diabetic complications and maintain oral health.
Oral Health Problems Linked to Diabetes
Patients with inadequate blood glucose control appear to develop periodontal disease
more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than individuals who
have good control of their diabetes. According to the American Dental Association,
the most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are the
following:
• tooth decay
• periodontal disease
• salivary gland dysfunction
• fungal infections
• lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease)
• infection and delayed healing
• taste impairment
Physicians can play a role in encouraging patients’ oral health by recommending
good maintenance of blood glucose levels, a well-balanced diet, good oral care
at home, and regular dental checkups. When glycemia has been difficult to control,
a physician might consider asking patients when they last saw their dentist
and whether periodontitis has been diagnosed.
MEDICAL NEWS & PERSPECTIVES
2472 JAMA, December 3, 2008—Vol 300, No. 21 (Reprinted) ©2008 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Studies Probe Oral Health–Diabetes Link
Tracy Hampton, PhD
PHYSICIANS AND DENTISTS HAVE
long known that the health of an individual’s mouth can have significant effects on the health of the rest
of the body. The link between periodontal disease and heart disease is one of the most commonly known associations, but researchers are finding many more medical reasons to maintain good oral hygiene.
Diabetes, the focus of much attention lately due to its rising incidence, appears to have a particularly close
relationship with conditions within the oral cavity. This relationship seems to go both ways—diabetes can
lead to unwanted changes in the gums and periodontal tissues, and periodontal diseases—including
gingivitis and severe periodontitis— can make it more difficult to control diabetes.
TWO-WAY CONNECTION
A number of recent studies have highlighted the give-and-take relationship between diabetes and oral health (Taylor GW and Borgnakke WS. Oral Dis. 2008;14[3]:191-203). Periodontal disease worsens diabetes when bacteria released into the bloodstream contribute to inflammation.
“There are significant data now to support that if a person has diabetes and they also have periodontal disease that is left untreated, it is very difficult to gain glycemic control of that patient,” said Maria Ryan, DDS, PhD, professor of oral biology and pathology, and director of clinical research at the School of Dental Medicine at Stony Brook University in New York.
For example, an analysis of data from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I) revealed that individuals with periodontal disease were twice as likely to develop diabetes as persons without periodontal disease (Demmer RT et al. Diabetes Care. 2008;31[7]:1373- 1379). Another prospective study, of Pima Indians, a population with a very high rate of type 2 diabetes, found that periodontal disease was a strong predictor of mortality from diabetic nephropathy (Saremi R et al. Diabetes Care. 2005;28[1]:27-32).
When tartar collects above the gumline, it becomes more difficult to thoroughly brush and clean between teeth. This can create conditions that lead to chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth. Researchers suspect that periodontitis may adversely affect glycemic control because the proinflammatory cytokines produced by the infection could enter the bloodstream from the gingival tissues and lead to the development of insulin resistance.
“Periodontal infection affects the health of the teeth and gums, but the body’s response to that infection, we believe, is systemic,” said George Taylor, DrPH, DMD, associate professor of dentistry at the Schools of Dentistry and Public Health at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
These effects may be evident even before clinical diabetes is recognized. As Ryan noted, periodontal disease is associated with higher levels of insulin resistance, often a precursor of type 2 diabetes, as well as with higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which indicates suboptimal glycemic control of diabetes.
Diabetes can contribute to periodontal disease as well. “We also think that the body’s response to infection is exaggerated in people with diabetes—it makes them more susceptible to periodontal disease and makes it more severe,” said Taylor.
Studies looking at the effects of diabetes on periodontal disease have found that diabetes can weaken the connective tissue surrounding the gums and cause various adverse effects in the mouth. An analysis of NHANES III data indicates that women who develop gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy are at greater risk for developing periodontal disease than pregnant women who do not develop the condition (Novak KF et al. J Public Health Dent. 2006;66[3]:163-168).
Other oral problems associated with diabetes include salivary gland dysfunction, ulcers, infections, and dental caries. For example, lichen planus, a skin disorder that produces lesions in the mouth, is a condition associated with diabetes. Severe types of lichen planus involve painful ulcers that erode surface tissue. Diminished salivary flow and an increase in salivary glucose levels create an attractive environment for fungal infections such as thrush and oral candidiasis, which occurs more frequently among people with diabetes.
“There are a lot of oral complications of poorly controlled diabetes,” said Ryan. “If your blood glucose levels are high, it also gets into your saliva, which can increase cavities and increase risk of oral candidiasis or yeast infections,” she explained.
Therefore, proper care of the mouth may help patients with diabetes achieve better glycemic control, and appropriate management of diabetes may help prevent periodontal disease and other oral problems. However, while periodontal disease causes significant infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, individuals often do not know they have the condition because it is usually painless. Therefore, Taylor and others are advocating for a greater awareness of periodontal disease, particularly among physicians whose patients may not regularly visit the dentist.
LINKING HEALTH CARE
Because diabetes can adversely affect oral health and poor oral health can worsen diabetic complications, dentists and physicians are beginning to realize the need to work together to ensure the health of their patients.
“For the first time ever, the American Diabetes Association has recommended to the physician that they ask when their patients last saw a dentist, and if they have not been seen by a dentist in the past year that they should recommend an oral evaluation,” said Ryan. “It’s also important that the dentist inform the physician of any oral infection or inflammation that’s being managed,” she added.
While it is unclear how many physicians and dentists communicate with each other, “as you start to see more information coming out on these connections, more of the medical community is becoming involved in oral care,” said Ryan. For example, Ryan and other dental researchers were invited to speak in June at the American Diabetes Association’s Annual Scientific Sessions in San Francisco, Calif. In addition, Taylor noted that the dentists’ and physicians’ perspectives are also both being represented in continuing education courses.
Health insurers are also realizing the value of linking dental and oral health. For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has created two referral forms, one from dentist to physician and the other from physician to dentist. The insurer also is incorporating preventive dental services into some medical plans.
However, many patients must deal with separate insurers when it comes to their dental and medical care. “Dentists are not reimbursed to screen for diabetes, so from the business side, they’d be spending time for services that cost them but that they’re not reimbursed for,” said Taylor. “The same happens with physicians,” he added.
Taylor noted that this situation highlights the need for more research on the benefits—including cost benefits—of linking medical and dental health. To that end, Taylor and others at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry are collaborating with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on a research project quantifying the medical savings of good oral care in patients with diabetes.
“We’re looking at costs from submitted medical claims for diabetes patients— physician costs, facility costs, prescription costs—and analyzing what kind of dental services the patient received,” said Carl Stoel, DDS, a senior dental consultant at Blue Cross BlueShield of Michigan. The goal is to compare the medical costs of patients who receive little or no dental services with costs of those who receive routine dental care.
“So far, we’ve found that when diabetic patients are good dental patients, there’s a substantial savings onthe medical side,” Stoel noted.
Specifically, the study has found a cost savings in the range of 3% to 8% for individuals who were receiving regular dental care each year compared with those who were not recipients of any preventive or periodontal services. The cost savings that were seen related to the following diabetes related complications: peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. “I hope that our research will provide the evidence to show that it can make a difference if physicians identify patients at risk for periodontal disease,” said Taylor.
Because many adults have gingivitis or periodontitis, and the incidence of diabetes is increasing, researchers predict that the links between dental disease and diabetes will become even more evident in the years to come. Ongoing studies are anticipated to contribute additional information highlighting the importance of simultaneously treating periodontal disease and optimizing glycemic control to prevent diabetic complications and maintain oral health.
Oral Health Problems Linked to Diabetes
Patients with inadequate blood glucose control appear to develop periodontal disease
more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than individuals who
have good control of their diabetes. According to the American Dental Association,
the most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are the
following:
• tooth decay
• periodontal disease
• salivary gland dysfunction
• fungal infections
• lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease)
• infection and delayed healing
• taste impairment
Physicians can play a role in encouraging patients’ oral health by recommending
good maintenance of blood glucose levels, a well-balanced diet, good oral care
at home, and regular dental checkups. When glycemia has been difficult to control,
a physician might consider asking patients when they last saw their dentist
and whether periodontitis has been diagnosed.
MEDICAL NEWS & PERSPECTIVES
2472 JAMA, December 3, 2008—Vol 300, No. 21 (Reprinted) ©2008 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Gum Laser Long Island | Periodontal Laser Long Island Suffolk Nassau
Friday, December 19, 2008
Losing your teeth is no fun. This video is funny excpet if it is you whose dentures are coming out at your wedding. Many people let their gum disease progress to tooth loss because they do not want gum surgery. The Periolase laser by Millenium can treat gum disease without cut and sew gum surgery. Dr. David Scharf, a Board Certified Periodontist on Long Island was the Island's first periodontist to embrace this technology and treat gum disease with a laser. For Laser periodontal information visit LIlaserperio.com.
Whoppi goldberg and her experience with gum disease | Periolase Long Island
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Whoppi Goldberg recently discussed her gum disease. She discussed on The View that the years of dental neglect have finally caught up with her. This does not have to happen to you. If you want to learn more about Long Island periodontal disease and gum disease treatment dental implants on Long Island and Suffolk County or treating gum disease with a periodontal laser on Long Island Suffolk Nassau and Queens follow these links. If you have questions about laser periodontal treatment visit the FAQ
Here is the Video
Here is the Video
You need to see a Periodontist Now What??
Friday, December 12, 2008
Your family dentist is recommending that you visit my office, or you have chosen to see me on your own so that the extent of your periodontitis or gum disease may be evaluated. I am a specialist in this area of dentistry and I am known as a periodontist.
Commonly known as Pyorrhea, periodontal disease is a progressive ailment suffered, to some extent, by nearly 90% of adults over age 35. It is the primary reason for loss of teeth by people over 30.
Periodontal disease begins when bacteria invade the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Once this bacterial invasion takes hold, the gums become puffy, bleed easily, and gradually lose their "grip" on the teeth they are supposed to protect.
Pockets for where the gum loses its grip. These pockets allow more bacteria to lodge under the gum line below the reach of a toothbrush. Some of the bacteria produce toxins that attack the bone which supports the teeth. Without treatment, teeth become loose and may need to be removed.
Because this destruction usually occurs beneath the gum line, the gum tissue may appear normal. This explains why many people discover too late that they have the disease. Only a thorough periodontal examination can reveal if hidden disease is present.
Dental Implant New York, Babylon Periodontal Services, Babylon Tooth Cleaning, Periodontist Long Island, Scharf DMD
Periodontal Disease Progression
What Can Be Done?
Appropriate treatment along with follow-up care by you and your family dentist can help to prevent recurrence of the disease.
Treatment usually begins with a thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and any gum pockets. The plaque and calculus are removed and tooth roots smoothed to eliminate any crevices that can harbor plaque.
This is followed by a daily home care program including careful brushing and flossing to remove plaque from under the gum margins.Dental Implant New York, Babylon Periodontal Services, Babylon Tooth Cleaning, Periodontist Long Island, Scharf DMD
Sometimes, the biting surfaces of the teeth may be adjusted to evenly distribute the chewing pressures throughout the mouth.
Other forms of treatment are necessary to help the gums reattach to the teeth for those patients who postpone periodontal care until the disease has progressed to an advanced state.
What happens on my First Visit?
Since your resistance to disease is affected by many factors, we begin with a medical history and dental history. This is followed by a thorough periodontal examination of your mouth.
At your second appointment, the findings and a recommended treatment plan will be reviewed with you. You may find it helpful to bring your spouse or a friend with you to this appointment. Many patients find such a person's opinion very valuable. In most cases no treatment is performed at this appointment.
Can I Delay Treatment to a More Convenient Time?
Delaying diagnosis and treatment means delaying the benefits that treatment provides. Immediate diagnosis and treatment prevents further destruction to the gum and bone tissue. Your ability to enjoy a wide variety of foods and to taste your food properly will be protected. Also, you can avoid suffering unnecessary pain caused by the disease.
With treatment, a patient can eliminate the unpleasant taste in the mouth often associated with the disease as well as the embarrassment of offensive breath. Your appearance will be protected through early treatment as successive loss of teeth often encourages lines, wrinkles and a "sunken" look due to the loss of tone in the facial muscles.
A patient's self-confidence and self-image is often renewed through an improved appearance. Early treatment is also less expensive.
Periodontal disease can be stopped. Your mouth can be restored to health. And, with help from your family dentist, the disease need not return.
Is it worth it to keep up with maintenance visits after Periodontal therapy?
You bet it is. Periodontal treatment is divided into two phases. The first phase or the active phase is designed to get your mouth healthy. The second phase or the maintenance phase is designed to keep your mouth healthy. Gum disease is s chronic disease. You can never be immune to it. But you can minimize the chances of it coming back. Studies have shown that periodontal treatment with maintenance is very effective at preserving ones teeth and dramatically reducing the incidence of tooth decay and gum disease recurrence. Studies have also shown that periodontal treatment without maintenance is of little value in the long run in preserving periodontal health.
To learn more visit us on the web at these sites
Dr. Scharfs overall web site. Learn all about perio.dental implants and lasers. Also be sure to read the patient letters section drscharf.com
To learn about dental implants on Long Island and Suffolk County visit drscharf.com , dentalimplantssuffolkcounty.com or dentalimplantsonlongisland.com
For GREAT information on treating gum disease with a laser visit
LILaserPerio.com or laserperio.blogspot.com
Best of all is a personal appointment with Dr. Scharf call 631-661-6633 to schedule yours today.
Commonly known as Pyorrhea, periodontal disease is a progressive ailment suffered, to some extent, by nearly 90% of adults over age 35. It is the primary reason for loss of teeth by people over 30.
Periodontal disease begins when bacteria invade the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Once this bacterial invasion takes hold, the gums become puffy, bleed easily, and gradually lose their "grip" on the teeth they are supposed to protect.
Pockets for where the gum loses its grip. These pockets allow more bacteria to lodge under the gum line below the reach of a toothbrush. Some of the bacteria produce toxins that attack the bone which supports the teeth. Without treatment, teeth become loose and may need to be removed.
Because this destruction usually occurs beneath the gum line, the gum tissue may appear normal. This explains why many people discover too late that they have the disease. Only a thorough periodontal examination can reveal if hidden disease is present.
Dental Implant New York, Babylon Periodontal Services, Babylon Tooth Cleaning, Periodontist Long Island, Scharf DMD
Periodontal Disease Progression
What Can Be Done?
Appropriate treatment along with follow-up care by you and your family dentist can help to prevent recurrence of the disease.
Treatment usually begins with a thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and any gum pockets. The plaque and calculus are removed and tooth roots smoothed to eliminate any crevices that can harbor plaque.
This is followed by a daily home care program including careful brushing and flossing to remove plaque from under the gum margins.Dental Implant New York, Babylon Periodontal Services, Babylon Tooth Cleaning, Periodontist Long Island, Scharf DMD
Sometimes, the biting surfaces of the teeth may be adjusted to evenly distribute the chewing pressures throughout the mouth.
Other forms of treatment are necessary to help the gums reattach to the teeth for those patients who postpone periodontal care until the disease has progressed to an advanced state.
What happens on my First Visit?
Since your resistance to disease is affected by many factors, we begin with a medical history and dental history. This is followed by a thorough periodontal examination of your mouth.
At your second appointment, the findings and a recommended treatment plan will be reviewed with you. You may find it helpful to bring your spouse or a friend with you to this appointment. Many patients find such a person's opinion very valuable. In most cases no treatment is performed at this appointment.
Can I Delay Treatment to a More Convenient Time?
Delaying diagnosis and treatment means delaying the benefits that treatment provides. Immediate diagnosis and treatment prevents further destruction to the gum and bone tissue. Your ability to enjoy a wide variety of foods and to taste your food properly will be protected. Also, you can avoid suffering unnecessary pain caused by the disease.
With treatment, a patient can eliminate the unpleasant taste in the mouth often associated with the disease as well as the embarrassment of offensive breath. Your appearance will be protected through early treatment as successive loss of teeth often encourages lines, wrinkles and a "sunken" look due to the loss of tone in the facial muscles.
A patient's self-confidence and self-image is often renewed through an improved appearance. Early treatment is also less expensive.
Periodontal disease can be stopped. Your mouth can be restored to health. And, with help from your family dentist, the disease need not return.
Is it worth it to keep up with maintenance visits after Periodontal therapy?
You bet it is. Periodontal treatment is divided into two phases. The first phase or the active phase is designed to get your mouth healthy. The second phase or the maintenance phase is designed to keep your mouth healthy. Gum disease is s chronic disease. You can never be immune to it. But you can minimize the chances of it coming back. Studies have shown that periodontal treatment with maintenance is very effective at preserving ones teeth and dramatically reducing the incidence of tooth decay and gum disease recurrence. Studies have also shown that periodontal treatment without maintenance is of little value in the long run in preserving periodontal health.
To learn more visit us on the web at these sites
Dr. Scharfs overall web site. Learn all about perio.dental implants and lasers. Also be sure to read the patient letters section drscharf.com
To learn about dental implants on Long Island and Suffolk County visit drscharf.com , dentalimplantssuffolkcounty.com or dentalimplantsonlongisland.com
For GREAT information on treating gum disease with a laser visit
LILaserPerio.com or laserperio.blogspot.com
Best of all is a personal appointment with Dr. Scharf call 631-661-6633 to schedule yours today.
Gum Laser Long Island | Periodontal Laser Long Island Suffolk Nassau County
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Watch this video t see how the periodontal laser works. Visit us on the web at lilaserperio.com or drscharf.com For an appointment call 631-661-6633
Laser Periodontal Therapy Long Island | Periodontal Laser Long Island| Suffolk County Nassau County
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Periodontal Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis
This information is very interesting. Periodontal disease effects much more than just teeth. You can treat your gum disease with a laser. Surgery is not the only option. To learn more about Lanap, laser periodontal therapy, periodontal laser and the gum laser on Long Island, Suffolk County go to www.LILaserPerio.com
Or learn all about Dr. Scharf at www.drscharf.com .
To learn about dental implants on Long Island go to www.dentalimplantssuffolkcounty.com
Researchers Uncover Higher Prevalence of Periodontal Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Study published in the Journal of Periodontology suggests impaired oral hygiene may only be part of the connection.
CHICAGO—June 5, 2008—Over 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic, inflammatory disease of the joints. RA is a disabling condition, and can lead to long-term joint damage resulting in persistent pain and loss of function in affected areas. A recent study published in the June issue of the Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), uncovered yet another potential side effect of RA. Researchers in Berlin, Germany discovered that patients with RA have a higher incidence of periodontal disease compared to healthy controls. Study Abstract *
For some patients, adverse RA symptoms may affect manual dexterity, which can make one’s daily routine quite difficult. One area that may be affected is oral hygiene which can ultimately lead to periodontal disease. However, these research findings indicate that poor oral hygiene alone did not account for the association between RA and gum disease, suggesting that other factors may play a role as well.
The study examined the oral health of 57 RA patients and 52 healthy controls. To determine oral hygiene status, each participant underwent a comprehensive oral examination including an assessment of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation, both indicators of oral hygiene. Probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss, two markers of periodontal disease, were also measured. Researchers used questionnaires to gauge the subjects’ risk factors for periodontal disease.
The study findings indicated that RA patients were nearly eight times more likely to have periodontal disease compared to the control subjects. These findings accounted for demographic and lifestyle characteristics such as age, gender, education and tobacco use. Researchers then examined the extent to which poor oral hygiene was connected to the increased occurrence of gum disease in RA patients. The results showed that while oral hygiene was markedly a factor, it did not fully explain the association between the two diseases, suggesting that there may be other parameters responsible for the increased prevalence of gum disease in RA sufferers.
“With results suggesting that rheumatoid arthritis is associated with periodontal disease, it is easy to assume that an RA sufferer is perhaps unable to properly care for his or her teeth and gums due to the debilitating nature of the disease,” says Dr. Kenneth Kornman, editor of the Journal of the Periodontology. “However, this study implies that there are other potential factors involved. For instance, both RA and gum disease are systemic inflammatory disorders which may explain the connection between the two. Inflammation is already thought to link periodontal disease with other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We look forward to future research that may reveal the biological mechanisms that link these two important diseases.”
In an effort to best maintain oral health, RA patients are encouraged to brush and floss on a regular basis and see a dental professional twice a year. If gum disease develops, consulting a periodontist is an effective way to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
According to Dr. Susan Karabin, President of the AAP, maintaining the complete health of RA patients should be a collaborative effort. “It is critical that dental professionals and medical professionals work together when treating a patient living with rheumatoid arthritis. This partnership will assure that both the oral and overall health of these patients is paramount."
Or learn all about Dr. Scharf at www.drscharf.com .
To learn about dental implants on Long Island go to www.dentalimplantssuffolkcounty.com
Researchers Uncover Higher Prevalence of Periodontal Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Study published in the Journal of Periodontology suggests impaired oral hygiene may only be part of the connection.
CHICAGO—June 5, 2008—Over 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic, inflammatory disease of the joints. RA is a disabling condition, and can lead to long-term joint damage resulting in persistent pain and loss of function in affected areas. A recent study published in the June issue of the Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), uncovered yet another potential side effect of RA. Researchers in Berlin, Germany discovered that patients with RA have a higher incidence of periodontal disease compared to healthy controls. Study Abstract *
For some patients, adverse RA symptoms may affect manual dexterity, which can make one’s daily routine quite difficult. One area that may be affected is oral hygiene which can ultimately lead to periodontal disease. However, these research findings indicate that poor oral hygiene alone did not account for the association between RA and gum disease, suggesting that other factors may play a role as well.
The study examined the oral health of 57 RA patients and 52 healthy controls. To determine oral hygiene status, each participant underwent a comprehensive oral examination including an assessment of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation, both indicators of oral hygiene. Probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss, two markers of periodontal disease, were also measured. Researchers used questionnaires to gauge the subjects’ risk factors for periodontal disease.
The study findings indicated that RA patients were nearly eight times more likely to have periodontal disease compared to the control subjects. These findings accounted for demographic and lifestyle characteristics such as age, gender, education and tobacco use. Researchers then examined the extent to which poor oral hygiene was connected to the increased occurrence of gum disease in RA patients. The results showed that while oral hygiene was markedly a factor, it did not fully explain the association between the two diseases, suggesting that there may be other parameters responsible for the increased prevalence of gum disease in RA sufferers.
“With results suggesting that rheumatoid arthritis is associated with periodontal disease, it is easy to assume that an RA sufferer is perhaps unable to properly care for his or her teeth and gums due to the debilitating nature of the disease,” says Dr. Kenneth Kornman, editor of the Journal of the Periodontology. “However, this study implies that there are other potential factors involved. For instance, both RA and gum disease are systemic inflammatory disorders which may explain the connection between the two. Inflammation is already thought to link periodontal disease with other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We look forward to future research that may reveal the biological mechanisms that link these two important diseases.”
In an effort to best maintain oral health, RA patients are encouraged to brush and floss on a regular basis and see a dental professional twice a year. If gum disease develops, consulting a periodontist is an effective way to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
According to Dr. Susan Karabin, President of the AAP, maintaining the complete health of RA patients should be a collaborative effort. “It is critical that dental professionals and medical professionals work together when treating a patient living with rheumatoid arthritis. This partnership will assure that both the oral and overall health of these patients is paramount."
Inflammation and Gum Disease
CHICAGO—November 24, 2008—Brush after every meal. Floss daily. See your dental professional regularly. These instructions make sense coming from your dentist to help you sustain your oral health. But now not only dentists, but also many physicians are stressing the importance of maintaining oral health in an effort to keep the rest of the body healthy. Research has long suggested an association between gum disease and other health
Inflammation is the body’s instinctive reaction to fight off infection, guard against injury or shield against irritation. Inflammation is often characterized by swelling, redness, heat and pain around the affected area. While inflammation initially intends to heal the body, over time, chronic inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the infected tissues, and therefore more severe health complications.
According to Dr. Susan Karabin, Past President of the American Academy of
Periodontists, the dentists specially trained in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, hypothesize that this inflammatory response to bacteria in the mouth may be the cause behind the
“More research is needed to pinpoint the precise biological mechanisms responsible for the relationship between gum disease and other disease states,” says
To avoid gum disease, Dr. Karabin recommends comprehensive daily oral care, including regular brushing and flossing, and routine visits to the dentist. If gum disease develops, a consultation with a dental professional, such as a periodontist, can lead to effective treatment. Patients diagnosed with gum disease should also disclose all health conditions to his or her dental professional, and be sure to update other health care professionals on his or her periodontal health.
A recent supplement to the Journal of Periodontology highlighted current discussions between dental professionals and health care professionals on the role of oral inflammation in the progression of other disease states. As research continues to emerge that supports the mouth-body connection, the more vital it becomes that both dentists and physicians work together to ensure the most comprehensive wellbeing for their patients.
For more information on the role of inflammation in oral health, tips on
A copy of the JOP supplement Inflammation and Periodontal Diseases: A Reappraisal is available to the media by contacting the AAP’s Public Affairs Department at
About the AAP
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)