Health Mouth = Healthy Body

Healthy Mouth = Healthy Body

Researchers are still studying how bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease play a role in “systemic” problems, meaning it affects the body as a whole. The mouth is a considered a window of the body by showing signs in nutritional deficiencies and general infection. Diabetes, AIDS, Sjogren’s syndrome become apparent because of mouth lesions and other oral problems. Maintaining healthy gums is important for people who are susceptible to bacterial pneumonia including the elderly, people prone to respiratory infections and weak immune systems.

The mouth is filled with countless bacteria linked to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that can destroy bone and tissues that support the teeth. Cardiovascular disease, strokes, diabetes, pre-term deliveries in pregnant women and low birth weight are all potential links with periodontal gum. Preventing periodontal disease is an important step in maintaining your overall health.

We all live in a health-conscious society and all ages recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Cleaning thoroughly by brushing and flossing at least twice a day is important part of in preventing gum disease. Scheduling regular dental visits, eating a balanced diet, limiting unhealthy foods and snacks will also reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease and dental cavities.

Our Marietta Dentists, Kirk Kimmerling DDS, Suzanna Aguilera DMD, and Garrick McGrath DMD invite you to our office to learn more about to keep your mouth and body healthy. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment if you are already showing signs of periodontal disease which include: bleeding gums during brushing and flossing, red or swollen gums, receding gums, and loose teeth.

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It!

When it comes to dentistry, there's a legion of people with the philosophy; If it ain't broke, don't fix

it!  Although this sounds good on the surface, dental disease like many other diseases of the body doesn't necessarily hurt until it's too late for a minor repair. 

Disease involving the mouth, such as dental decay and periodontal gum disease usually does not cause discomfort in the early stages of easy repair.  A cavity can progress invading the inner most portion of the tooth causing the need for a root canal.  When the bacteria invades the nerve from decay, the more extensive and costly root canal becomes necessary to restore the tooth.

Gum disease is much the same as decay.  When it is left to progress, scaling and root planning, gum surgery and extractions can be the only treatment to get the mouth healthy. 

Regular dental cleanings at the dentist gives opportunity for early detection, less expensive restorations and a healthier you. 

If it ain't broke, FIX it!

The dentists at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates . +Kirk Kimmerling DDS,  +Suzanna Aguilera DDS and Garrick McGrath DMD are happy to welcome new patients to the dental office. If your dentist suggests necessary #dental work is necessary, and you disagree, do not ignore the situation.  Get a second opinion about the tooth, toothache, dental emergency, dental decay, periodontal disease, crowns bridges, a root canal, denture or implant.
Ignoring necessary dentistry is a mistake. 

 

Tooth Tattoo

A new "Tooth Tattoo" developed by Princeton nano-scientist Michael McAlphine and Tufts bio-engineersNature Communications.  The new technology is a ultra-thin oral sensor that measures bacteria levels in the mouth.  It is a small device temporarily attached to a tooth, and may one day help dentists with oral conditions and overall health.

Fiorenzo Omenetto, David Kaplan and Hu Tao was published in the journal

The senor has three layers; gold foil electrodes, a layer a graphene and a layer of peptides.  The peptide is the chemical structure that is able to indicate bacteria.  The sensor is soft and pliable enough to wrap around the irregular contours of tooth structures.  A silk backing dissolves within 15 to 20 minutes leaving the sensor.  It's a advantageous way to monitor the bacteria.

The senor has a built-in antenna for power, allowing the  team to ping it with radio waves to send back information if bacteria is present.  The idea is for dentists to develop customized treatment plans for patients with chronic gum disease.  Patients with a high number of cavities could be given a fluoride varnish  or rinses.
As for overall health, the tattoo may have a future to monitor biological markers for diseases such as AIDS or stomach ulcers before it becomes serious.

Marietta Cosmetic dentists are also Marietta Emergency dentists welcoming new patients to the dental office.  +Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Suzanna Aguilera can help with dental fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, toothaches, broken teeth, periodontal disease, gum disease and any dental emergency you may have.  Please accept a new patient coupon to help cover insurance deductibles and co-pays.

Thousand Year Old Mouth Bacteria Found

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma and an international team discovered a 1,000 year old mouth

1000 year old Mouth Bacteria Found That Causes Gum Disease in Tartar

bacteria preserved in dental plaque.  The find  proved  inflammatory disease causing bacteria existed in a Medieval population from 1,000 years ago.  It is the same bacteria found in 13 percent of the population today.

Christina Warinner, a researcher in the Molecular Anthropologies Laboratory, OU College of Arts and Sciences and an international team of experts extracted DNA to analyze proteins on a molecular scale.  They were able to reconstruct the infection and the immune process.  The find gives insight and valuable information between people and their disease causing microbiome.

The research was initially considered high risk, as no one knew if something harmful was preserved in the calculus.

The dental plaque was harmful to the health of people 1,000 years ago, just as it causes periodontal disease; gum disease today.

Red Gums, Purple Gums, Bleeding Gums and Gum Disease

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It is an inflammation and infection of the gingiva (gums) says a dentist in Marietta, GA.  Many times early gum disease can be reversed by a simple procedure called scaling and root planing performed by your dental office.  Others may need a more extensive gum tissue surgery to halt the disease.  Periodontal disease is usually the result of inadequate hygiene, so it can happen to people of all ages.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film that forms naturally in the mouth.  The plaque contains bacteria that produce toxins that inflame and damage the tissue and supporting bone structure of teeth. Gum tissue that is bright red, purplish-red or bleeds is usually a sign of gingivitis or more advanced disease.  If left untreated, it will advance and teeth will be lost.

Periodontal disease usually can be prevented with good oral hygiene.  Brushing, flossing and professional cleaning appointments are the best defense.  Many people do not realize they have gum disease, since discomfort is not present in the beginning.  At a regular professional cleaning, your dentist can recognize the signs and help patients reverse it, if it has not progressed too far.  If left alone, the health of the gum tissue will deteriorate and supporting bone structure will begin dissolve.  Tissue will recede and begin to pull away from the bacteria ridden teeth.  Pockets will form, continue to deepen, and teeth will eventually need extracted.

Let's examine some interesting facts concerning gum disease;

   
• Gum disease can make getting pregnant and carrying a full-term pregnancy more difficult.
   
• Hormonal changes, such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause make it easier to develop gingivitis.
   
• Certain illnesses such as HIV can put people at a higher risk for gum disease.
   
• Smoking promotes gum disease by making it more difficult for tissue to repair itself.
   
• Family's with a history of periodontal disease need to be aware it can contribute to developing gum disease.

What symptoms indicate possible gum disease?

   
• Red, purplish-red gums
   
• Bad breath
   
• Swollen gums
   
• Bleeding gums
   
• Shifting Teeth
   
• Receding gums
   
• Pocketing around teeth
   
• Change of your bite
   
• Plaque or tartar buildup around teeth

At your professional cleaning, the bacteria, plaque and tartar will be removed from your teeth allowing the dentist to access the health of your mouth.  He can check for pocketing and measure around each tooth.  A deeper pocket is an indication of more serious gum disease.

The best method to maintain a healthy mouth is to do the following.

   
• Purchase a Sonicare Toothbrush and brush at least twice a day for two minutes.
   
• Floss daily, and learn to do it properly
   
• Eat a well-balanced diet
   
• Avoid grinding of your teeth
   
• Avoid smoking
   
• See a dentist at least twice a year to have your teeth cleaned

Studies confirm the close relationship between oral health and some disease.  The close relationship is the best reason oral hygiene should be high on the daily priority list. Keep your mouth healthy , and your efforts will mean a healthier you, says Marietta Dentist.

How Healthy Are Your Gums and Teeth?

Gum disease also called periodontal disease can go undetected until it is diagnosed by a dentist.  Getting your mouth healthy is not only good for your teeth and gums, but important to overall health.  Periodontal disease eventually leads to tooth loss, and can wreak havoc on the body.  Heart disease, strokes, pulmonary disease, all have been linked to the mouth.  Regular check-ups at the dentist give opportunity to get a mouth back on a healthy track.

Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Let's take a look at periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is  plaque induced inflammatory response affecting the supporting structure of teeth. Plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth and gums is full of bacteria  that irritates the gums.  As the plaque formation grows, it causes gums to pull away from the teeth and form spaces and pockets around the teeth. Plaque can harden into tartar, a more difficult substance that only a dentist can remove.  If left untreated, periodontal disease progresses until permanent damage and tooth loss has occurred.  Removing plaque daily by brushing and flossing can avoid the disease entirely.

Let's take a look at some of the warning signs for periodontal disease.

Bleeding gums present during brushing or flossing
Bad breath, even after brushing
Tender gums that have become engorged with blood
Pus between or around teeth
Teeth have shifted from their normal position
Partial denture does not fit any more
Bite has changed when teeth are put together

Let's talk about the stages of periodontal disease.

Gingivititis is the first stage of periodontal disease.  At this stage the gums have become irritated by bacteria infested plaque.  With proper treatment and home-care, the disease can be reversed.  Periodontitis is the loss of tissue and bone structure around a tooth.  It is a more serious stage, where some irreversible damage has occurred.  At the advanced periodontitis stage, the damage is severe to the supporting ligaments of teeth, and tooth loss has usually occurred.

The Marietta dentist, Kirk Kimmerling DDS is happy to welcome new patients concerned with gum issues to the dental practice.  It would be his pleasure to consult with you concerning options available for a healthy mouth and a professional teeth cleaning.

Gum Disease Needs a Dentist Now!

If you have ever been told or suspect you have gum disease, get to a dentist.  Gum disease not only is detrimental to your mouth, it affects your overall health.  The Marietta cosmetic dentists at Kirk Kimmerling DDS want to help set your mouth on a healthier journey.

http://www.drkirkkimmerling.com/gum-disease-and-your-dentist/