Flabby Gums are Worse than Flabby Abs
Since I recently wrote about the connection between gum disease and oral cancer, I thought I'd write a little about the assessment of gum health during routine hygiene appointments. Part of a regular dental visit includes the dentist reading off a set of numbers while pointing at your teeth.
That assessment is a quick check of gum health and ranges from 1 mm to 9 mm. Teeth with a reading between 1 and 3 mm is healthy, 4 mm are a warning, and anything over 5 mm is clinically significant. The millimeter reading refers to the space, called pocket, between the gum and the tooth/root. The larger the pocket, the more dental attention the mouth may need as the pocket is likely to catch food particles that can lead to inflammation and infection.
If the dentist finds teeth with a reading above 4 mm, they will normally recommend a deeper cleaning to help alleviate the possible infection in hopes of leading to healing. Additionally, it may be recommended that the patient come in for regular check-ups and cleanings every three months until the gum pockets have improved.
Gum disease and tooth decay cause up to 90% of tooth loss, according to the American Dental Association. Although it is common, it is easily preventable by regular brushing and flossing as well as regular dental exams. A few minutes of brushing and flossing a day can save hours of time needed for more intense dental treatment as well as the expenses associated with gum disease and tooth loss.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150126124443.htm
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Monday, February 9, 2015
Monday, February 2, 2015
News You Can Use
Bacteria-Causing Gum Disease May Lead to Oral Cancer Growth
A new study conducted by Case Western Reserve University illustrates a connection between the bacteria that causes gum disease and Kaposi sarcoma-related lesions and tumors. The researchers investigated how the fatty acids produced as a byproduct of the gum disease-causing bacteria lead to the growth of cancerous lesions.
The goal of the study was to identify who tends to develop this cancer from those that don't develop it. The participants with better overall oral health tended to have less of the fatty acid byproducts. Additionally, the researchers concluded that the byproducts impacted the replication of the Kaposi sarcoma lesions. The body is prevented from stopping the growth of the Kaposi sarcoma cells when there are higher amounts of fatty acids.
This research illustrates another connection between gum disease and overall health issues. Those that have already been established include the link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments. Good oral health habits are recommended for both overall and oral health. The full research study can be found in the Journal of Virology.
Source: http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/9944-bacteria-causing-gum-disease-may-lead-to-oral-cancer-growth
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
A new study conducted by Case Western Reserve University illustrates a connection between the bacteria that causes gum disease and Kaposi sarcoma-related lesions and tumors. The researchers investigated how the fatty acids produced as a byproduct of the gum disease-causing bacteria lead to the growth of cancerous lesions.
The goal of the study was to identify who tends to develop this cancer from those that don't develop it. The participants with better overall oral health tended to have less of the fatty acid byproducts. Additionally, the researchers concluded that the byproducts impacted the replication of the Kaposi sarcoma lesions. The body is prevented from stopping the growth of the Kaposi sarcoma cells when there are higher amounts of fatty acids.
This research illustrates another connection between gum disease and overall health issues. Those that have already been established include the link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments. Good oral health habits are recommended for both overall and oral health. The full research study can be found in the Journal of Virology.
Source: http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/9944-bacteria-causing-gum-disease-may-lead-to-oral-cancer-growth
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
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