Today, brushing and flossing those pearly whites has never been more important. Why? Although more data is needed to support these findings, research suggests that there is an association between gum disease and COPD.

Scientists at the University of New York in Buffalo analyzed both the oral and lung health of nearly 14,000 participants from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They discovered that patients who had a history of COPD had more periodontal attachment loss (loose pockets surrounding the tooth) than did patients who did not have COPD. More specifically, they found that patients who had a mean attachment loss of 3 millimeters or greater were at a higher risk of developing COPD than were patients whose mean attachment loss was less than 3 millimeters.

Dr. Frank Scannapieco, D.M.D., Ph.D., suggests that there is a possibility that bacteria from the gums can travel to the lungs and contribute to lung infection.  He also suggests that there is a possibility that the inflammation in gum disease can somehow contribute to the inflammation in lung disease, which may affect the airways by limiting air passage to and from the lungs.

What can people do to reduce their risk? Here are some helpful tips:

• Quit smoking
• Reduce dietary sugars
• Eat a healthy diet
  
• Brush and floss daily
• See your dentist regularly

Source:  About.com

We wiggle the baby tooth that’s about to fall out. When it does, the “tooth fairy” slips some cash under our pillow. That permanent tooth arrives, only to be forgotten and virtually ignored.

Dr. Henry Chiang, a Newport Beach, Calif., dentist who has launched a 2010 Oral Health Campaign for Seniors, wants to reverse that attitude.

His efforts to make seniors more aware of gum disease and denture care comes at the same time that New York University dental researchers have found the first long-term evidence that periodontal (gum) disease could increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease in healthy individuals as well as those already impaired.

The NYU study offers fresh evidence gum inflammation might contribute to brain inflammation, neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s.

Dr. Chiang adds dry mouth conditions can exacerbate the problem. “For patients who suffer from dry mouth, contaminated dentures pose potential health risks. Dentures .. can harbor a huge number of harmful bacteria.

“In addition, the likelihood of dry mouth increases with the number of medications a person takes.”

Question: Will regular brushing solve this problem?

Answer: Some seniors lose dexterity, and that’s a challenge to having a clean mouth. And, let’s face it, most people don’t brush a full two minutes as recommended.

Question: What about using an electric toothbrush?

Answer: This is definitely a good option. But the electric brush can actually cause more harm to gums if the person brushes too hard.

Question: Do you believe proper denture care can solve periodontal problems?

Answer: Some people a lot of people sleep with their dentures in place. Dentures are plastic so they are porous. They should be brushed with a little warm soap and water, not toothpaste and not hot water. And no one…should sleep with them in place.

Question: Do a lot of seniors have dentures?

Answer: There are definitely more seniors with teeth into older age than before. But medications can dry out the mouth and this reduces the salivary flow and increases acidity in the mouth.

If the bacteria gets spent inside, it’s ingested inside your body. We find a lot of it the same as plaque in arteries. And it’s twice as likely to lead to cardiovascular problems if it exists.

Question: Are we aware of these problems?

Answer: Often not, because so many seniors don’t go to see a dentist. They may lack dental insurance. Meanwhile, they swallow the plaque constantly.

Source:  Poughkeepsie Journal

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggest more American adults may have gum disease; previous estimates underestimate periodontal disease in the US population

CHICAGO, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The prevalence of periodontal disease in the United States may be significantly higher than originally estimated. Research published in the Journal of Dental Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggests that the prevalence of periodontal disease may have been underestimated by as much as 50 percent. The implication is that more American adults may suffer from moderate to severe gum disease than previously thought.

In a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) pilot study, funded by the CDC’s Division of Oral Health, a full-mouth, comprehensive periodontal examination was conducted on over 450 adults over the age of 35. Periodontal disease was classified according to definitions determined by the CDC in collaboration with the AAP. The prevalence rates were then compared against the results of previous NHANES studies which used a partial-mouth periodontal examination. Historically, NHANES has served as the main source for determining prevalence of periodontal disease in US adults. The pilot study finds that the original partial-mouth study methodology may have underestimated true disease prevalence by up to 50 percent.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, and may also interfere with other systems of the body. Several research studies have associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

“This study shows that periodontal disease is a bigger problem than we all thought.  It is a call to action for anyone who cares about his or her oral health.” said Samuel Low, DDS, MS, associate dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “Given what we know about the relationship between gum disease and other diseases, taking care of your oral health isn’t just about a pretty smile. It has bigger implications for overall health, and is therefore a more significant public health problem.”

Dr. Low explained that the increased prevalence of periodontal disease makes it essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums. “Not only should you take good care of your periodontal health with daily tooth brushing and flossing, you should expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year,” he advised. A dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease, will conduct the comprehensive exam to assess your periodontal disease status.

According to Paul Eke, MPH, PhD, epidemiologist at the CDC and lead author of the study, the findings have significant public health implications. “The study suggests we have likely underestimated the prevalence of periodontal disease in the adult US population,” he said. “We are currently utilizing a full-mouth periodontal examination in the 2009/10 NHANES to better understand the full extent and characteristics of periodontal disease in our adult population.” Dr. Eke added, “Research suggests a connection between periodontal health and systemic health. In light of these findings, understanding the relationships between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases in the adult U.S. population is more crucial than ever.”

To assess your risk for periodontal disease and learn more, visit perio.org.

About the American Academy of Periodontology

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists – specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,000 members world-wide.

SOURCE American Academy of Periodontology

Scientists say they have established one reason why gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease.

The link between gum and heart problems has long been recognised but it is unclear if poor oral health is simply a marker of a person’s general wellbeing.

UK and Irish experts now say bacteria enter the bloodstream via sore gums and deposit a clot-forming protein.

The findings are being presented at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology.

Earlier this year a Scottish study of more than 11,000 people found people who did not brush their teeth twice a day were at increased risk of heart disease.

It backed up previous findings suggesting a link, but researchers stressed the nature of the relationship still needed further analysis.

Protective platelets

Scientists from the University of Bristol working with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland now suggest it is the Streptococcus bacteria – responsible for causing tooth plaque and gum disease – which may be to blame.

Their work shows this bacteria, once let loose in the bloodstream, makes a protein known as PadA which forces platelets in the blood to stick together and clot.

“When the platelets clump together they completely encase the bacteria.

“This provides a protective cover not only from the immune system, but also from antibiotics that might be used to treat infection,” said Professor Howard Jenkinson, who led the research.

“Unfortunately, as well as helping out the bacteria, platelet clumping can cause small blood clots, growths on the heart valves, or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain.”

While maintaining good dental hygiene could minimise the risk, the team is also investigating how the platelet-activating function of the protein PadA can be blocked.

Professor Damian Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, said: “Research such as this makes a welcome contribution to further understanding the nature of the relationship between gum disease and heart disease.

“It also underlines the high importance of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, restricting your intake of sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly in order to maintain good oral health.”

The British Heart Foundation said that were other factors besides oral health which had a greater impact on heart health.

But their senior cardiac nurse Cathy Ross added that combining good oral health care “with a healthy diet, not smoking and taking part in plenty of physical activity will go a long way in helping you reduce your overall risk of heart disease”.

Source:  BBC News

Boggess KA et al. – Maternal periodontal disease is found in up to 40% of pregnant women and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Vitamin D deficiency may play a role in periodontal disease and tooth loss, and insufficient vitamin D status is common among pregnant women. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal vitamin D status and periodontal disease. Vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 75 nmol/L) is associated with maternal periodontal disease during pregnancy. Vitamin D supplementation represents a potential therapeutic strategy to improve maternal oral health.

Source:  MD Linx