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gum disease

Women’s Hormonal Changes Linked to Gum Disease

July 27, 2012 admin Archives, gum disease, Oral Health

Women's Hormonal Changes Linked to Gum Disease

A recent review of women’s health studies has shown a link between women’s health issues and gum disease. Hormonal changes that women naturally go through such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause have been shown to fluctuate women’s hormones so much so that they can change conditions in the mouth and allow bacteria to grow, enter the bloodstream, and intensify certain health issues such as bone loss, fetal death and pre-term birth.

The data from the study reviewed 61 journal articles with nearly 100 studies that helped the scientists determine that women’s hormonal changes do in fact have a relationship to gum disease and the other health issues named above. The message the researchers wanted to get across to women is that they need to be even more vigilant about maintaining good oral health to prevent or lessen the impact of these health-related issues.

Of particular interest in this research are women’s hormones during pregnancy. There is existing research that states that hormones can cause gum problems during pregnancy and women who are attempting to get pregnant or are pregnant need to be extra cautious about the state of their dental health. There was a time when women were discouraged from visiting the dentist while pregnant but this study shows evidence that a dental cleaning and examination before or during pregnancy is now recommended.

Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth and under the gums. Left untreated for extended periods of time, it can cause inflammation which can release harmful and toxic byproducts into the bloodstream. These toxins can result in tooth loss, bad breath, bloody gums, bone erosion in addition to the multitude of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and pregnancy problems.

No comments gum disease, womens health

Gum Disease Therapy Denver and News on Plaque and Blood Clots

April 13, 2012 admin Archives, General Health, gum disease, Oral Health

Blood Clots from Gum Disease

Scientists in Ireland have been tackling an oral bacteria that is related to causing the formation of blood clots and endocarditis, an inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves. The bacteria, streptococcus gordonii, is a normal inhabitant of the mouth and contributes to plaque that forms on the surface of teeth. When these bacteria enter into the blood stream through bleeding gums they can create health issues such as blood clots that lead to growth on the heart valves as well as inflammation of the blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart or brain.

The scientists are looking for ways to develop new drugs that combat the blood clots from forming and the ensuing infective endocarditis. Dr. Helen Peterson, who has presented the health issue and is working towards a solution, is quoted as saying “What our work clearly shows is how important it is to keep your mouth healthy through regular brushing and flossing, to keep these bacteria in check.”

Here at Cosmetic Dentistry of Colorado we are hoping the scientists make great strides and use this information to inform our patients of the benefits of good oral hygiene and prevention. Regular dental cleanings, good at-home hygiene, and a healthy diet are keys to the avoidance of dental related health problems.

In the event you are suffering from gum disease or dental health issues related to your gums we offer non-surgical gum disease treatments to remove plaque and tartar from the gum line and to remove bacterial toxins. The science behind gum disease continues to show its relation to other health problems as noted above in the Irish study. Blood clotting can be a very serious health issue and can threaten your life. If you suffer from gum disease you deserve relief.

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Bad Breath Causes Discussed by Denver’s Dr. Radz

December 2, 2011 admin Archives, Bad Breath, gum disease

Bad breath (halitosis) is one of the least attractive oral health problems and can lead to embarrassment as well as be a sign of additional health problems. In fact, a large part of the reason people have bad breath is because they also suffer from gum disease. Unfortunately you can’t cure bad breath with gum, mints or mouth wash alone, more aggressive treatments must be sought out to rid your mouth of foul scents.

Bad breath is caused when the waste produced by bacteria in the mouth comes in contact with the air. Bad breath from gum disease is caused when the bacterial plaque that forms around the teeth is left to grow and contribute to bad scents. Most often bad breath is seen in people who exhibit the following:

Poor dental hygiene practices such as inconsistent brushing and flossing
People who find dental hygiene difficult such as children, the elderly, and the disabled
People who smoke
People who take certain medications that inhibit saliva flow or produce dry mouth
People with certain medical conditions- Dr. Radz can help you determine if your condition is causing bad breath
Poor diet can contribute to bad breath with foods such as diet soda, onions, spices, garlic, and coffee
People who use oral appliances such as braces or dentures that can accumulate bacteria and are difficult to clean

Bad Breath Solutions

First and foremost proper dental hygiene will be the foundation to any bad breath problem. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing once a day, the use of an antiseptic mouthwash, and a tongue scraper. Combined these processes will work to effectively remove bacterial build-up and the associated scents.

If the above conservative treatments are ineffective at curing your bad breath then Dr. Radz can help by implementing a more professional breath kit that works to destroy odor producing compounds. To learn more about bad breath treatment or to schedule an appointment contact us today.

No comments bad breath, halitosis

Protect Your Teeth and Gums to Protect Your Overall Health

June 27, 2011 admin gum disease, Oral Health, Preventive Dentistry

While it has long been known that the types of food we put into our mouths have a direct effect upon the health of our bodies, few people really consider how maintaining a healthy smile can lead to a healthier body. The results of these studies indicate that individuals can take steps to an overall healthier lifestyle by developing proper oral hygiene and periodontal care. Regular check-ups and cleanings with a dentist can play a large part in maintaining overall good health. A healthy smile can be essential to sustaining a healthy body.

Good oral heath is not only clean teeth and a white smile. It can be the difference between life and death.

It is estimated that 37,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year; 8,000 will die from it. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than many other types, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, skin and cervical cancer.

Tobacco use is the primary risk factor, with smokers six times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers. Heavy smokers who smoke for a long time are most at risk. Seventy-five percent of individuals over age 50 diagnosed with oral cancer are smokers.

Cigarettes, cigars and pipes are not the only cause of oral cancer. Users of dip, snuff or chewing tobacco are 50 times more likely to develop cancer between the lip or cheek and the lower jaw. Although smokeless tobacco has decreased the rate of lung cancer, it has increased the number of those diagnosed with oral cancer, periodontal disease and infection that may be linked to heart disease.

Most oral cancer begins on the floor of the mouth or the tongue. Symptoms include a sore in the mouth that will not heal, white or red patches in the mouth, bleeding in the mouth and loose teeth.

Oral heath is linked to an individual’s overall general health. If bacteria in the mouth gets out of control, it can lead to infection, gum disease or tooth decay. Gum disease may allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and lead to endocarditis, heart disease or stroke.

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to stop using tobacco products in any form and to limit alcohol consumption. If necessary, seek professional help to make these lifestyle changes.

Good dental health includes a regular self-exam. At least once a month, examine the tongue, cheeks, gum and throat. If you see any changes in color or have any lesions that are not healing, consult a dentist.

Regular checkups are also an important part of good dental health because a dentist can detect the cancer before it has a chance to spread.

Check in with Dr. Radz, your Denver Dentist for regular checkups to help avoid oral cancers.

No comments denver dentist, Oral Health, stop smoking

Fight Gum Disease, Stay Healthy with Downtown Denver’s Dr. Radz

January 17, 2011 admin gum disease

perio-charting Gum disease is a ruthless offender. This bacterial infection of the gums attacks healthy tissue with the goal of destroying the bonds that hold teeth and gums together. It also impacts overall health, putting you at risk for serious whole-body complications, including heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, dementia, diabetes complications, and more.

At the Downtown Denver office of dentist, lecturer, and author Dr. Gary Radz, we’ll work with you to keep gum disease at bay. By focusing on prevention and providing non-invasive therapies to combat gum disease, Dr. Radz improves overall health and wellbeing. » Read more..