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

A shocking new study suggests that males with type 2 diabetes are twice more likely to suffer from tooth loss than those without the illness. The 20-year study was presented at the International Association of Dental Research conference held in Barcelona. It followed more than 38,000 males from 1986 to 2006 to examine connections between diabetes and tooth loss or gum disease. The study was carried out in Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. More

Source:  Dentistry.co.uk

People with a significant burden of periodontal bacteria are more than three times as likely to have hypertension as those with low levels of such bacteria, according to a large international study. Seven investigators from Columbia University, the University of Miami, the University of Minnesota and the French School of Public Health collected 4,533 subgingival plaque samples from 653 patients enrolled in the Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study. (May require free registration to view article.) More

Source:  Dr.Bicuspid.com

Honest Results in Journal of Negative Results Document Truth of Drug Trial

by Heidi Stevenson

16 June 2010

In pure science, an experiment is neither successful nor a failure. Even if the results are the opposite of what the researchers expected or hope for, information is gained. Sadly, in the era of Big Pharma, scientists are expected to produce predetermined results. Occasionally, though, they tell the truth anyway.

The Journal of Negative Results came into being recently to report on trials that didn’t have the intended results. This month, the journal has published a report of a study that demonstrated “intense bone loss” in rats with periodontal disease given venlavaxine, the generic term for Effexor.

Effexor is owned by Pfizer, but the patent expires this year. As often happens, the company is frantically trying to find a new use for it before the expiration, in the hope of gaining a new patent.

Periodontal disease, which is a common condition of gum inflammation that can lead to bone and tooth loss, was instigated in the study’s rats. They were given Effexor shortly before surgical treatment and for ten days after. The amount of bone loss at the site of periodontal induction averaged 1.61 mm (+/- 1.36 mm) without Effexor and 4.47 mm (+/- 1.98 mm) with Effexor. The drug caused close to three times more bone loss. Higher doses equated with greater bone loss.

The authors state:

Thus we show for the first time that SNRIs such as venlafaxine are likely to worsen the bone loss in periodontal disease.

Recent studies have shown a connection between periodontal disease and depression. The results of this study, though, must open the question of whether the use of antidepressants may be the real cause of increased periodontal disease. Certainly, anyone who already has periodontal disease—a large percentage of us—should think twice before considering taking Effexor or any other SNRI.

Treating serious gum disease in diabetics can help to lower their blood sugar levels, a new study has found.

Edinburgh University scientists have found reducing gum inflammation in people with diabetes can help minimise complications with the condition.

It is thought when bacteria infect the mouth causing inflammation the chemical changes reduce effectiveness of insulin and raise the levels of blood sugar.

Treatment to reduce inflammation may therefore help reduce blood sugar.

The findings are published as part of the international Cochrane Collaboration.

Dental institute

The team, including researchers from UCL Eastman Dental Institute, Peninsula Dental School and Ottawa University, said their findings highlighted the need for doctors and dentists to work together in the treatment of people with diabetes.

Dr Terry Simpson, honorary research fellow at Edinburgh University’s dental institute, who led the study, said: “This research confirms that there may be a link between serious gum disease and diabetes.

“It highlights the role dentists can play in managing the condition, given that gum disease is very treatable.

“By far the most important aspect of diabetes management is the use of insulin, drugs and diet to control blood sugar levels but maintaining good dental health is something patients and healthcare professionals should also recognise.

“Although the benefit in terms of insulin management is small, anything we can do to promote the wellbeing of people with diabetes should be welcomed.”

Gum disease ‘linked to heart problems’

Excellent oral hygiene could prevent heart attacks, by stopping dangerous bacteria entering the bloodstream, a British study shows.

THE SHEER number of bacteria which can live in an unhealthy mouth – more than 700 strains – increases the risk of heart disease, regardless of how fit a person is.

Evidence is now developing that links the oral bacteria of gum disease and chronic teeth infections to increased incidence of heart disease.

The germs create thousands of tiny blood clots, which can cause a narrowing of the arteries; a common cause of attacks.

More than 2.5 million people in Britain suffer from heart disease, and one British adult dies from the condition every three minutes.

The disease is characterised by the restriction of blood to the heart, which can cause an attack.

Studies have previously shown a link between having gum disease and an increased likelihood of suffering from heart disease or a stroke. However, they have struggled to explain why the conditions are linked until now.

Professor Howard Jenkinson, from the University of Bristol, who led the study, said: “The mouth is an easy entry for nasty bacteria. Once inside the blood stream the platelets, which help the blood to clot, latch onto the bacteria. This can cause a blood clot, which can detach and travel to the heart. This is more worrying if the blood clot actually forms on the heart’s ventricle.”

He added: “We now recognise that bacterial infections are an independent risk factor for heart diseases, and there are now suggested links with cancer as well. In other words it doesn’t matter how fit, slim or healthy you are, you are adding to your chances of getting heart disease by having bad teeth.” Gum disease is the most common reason behind tooth loss in adults, which shows how extremely common it is.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO PREVENT GUM DISEASE AND DENTAL PROBLEMS

For most people, sticking with common sense tips can head off problems. If you keep your mouth clean, it is very hard for the bacteria that cause periodontal disease to get started. You will also reap other benefits – fewer fillings, healthier gums, a brighter smile and fresh breath confidence.

We have always known that a little prevention goes a long way but we used to think of it in terms of avoiding cavities and things like that. Now it seems that by using your toothbrush and your floss / mini brushes, you might also be preventing much more serious health problems down the road.”

Source:  roundtownnews.co.uk