February is American Heart Month, so we thought now would be a good time to go over how your dental health could affect your heart health.  More and more research is pointing to a connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.  While the jury is still out regarding what exactly is the cause behind the connection, several possibilities have risen to the surface. 

As we already know, periodontal disease is mostly caused by bacteria.  In one study, researchers tested for the presence of eight varieties of oral bacteria.  They found the risk of heart attack was related significantly to three of those types: B. forsythus, P. gingivalis and C. recta.  Depending on the concentration of any of those three bacteria types, the increased risk of heart attack ranged from 200-300%, when compared to people with no evidence of the bacteria.

Another study looked at a different angle.  Researchers found periodontal disease increases blood levels of fibrinogen, a clotting factor, and C-reactive protein (CRP), a well known inflammatory.  They also found increased cholesterol levels in patients with periodontal disease.  The inflammatory property of CRP has been shown to increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.  Another study found patients with the highest levels of CRP were three times more likely to eventually suffer a heart attack, and two times more likely to suffer a stroke.  The bacteria flourishing in gum pockets of patients with periodontal disease circulates through the bloodstream and appears to trigger the liver to create CRP.  And patients with more severe periodontal disease tended to have higher levels of CRP.

A study published in Circulation reported a connection between thicker carotid arteries and higher levels of the bacteria that causes periodontal disease.  As we all know, a thickening of the arteries is often a precursor to heart attack or stroke.  Another study published in the Journal of Periodontology found periodontal disease appears to worsen the severity of coronary artery disease.

So no matter what’s behind the connection, it’s a good idea to avoid periodontal disease.  If you already have periodontal disease, it’s vita you get it under control and that begins with regular visits to our office.

We all want the best for our children and at the top of that list is good health.  There are several areas concerning your child’s health where we can be of help to your family. 

Primary baby teeth begin to appear between 6-10 months of age and can develop cavities even at that early age.  You need to clean the teeth daily by wiping them with gauze or a damp washcloth.  As your child gets older you can begin to use a soft bristle toothbrush.

It is recommended that children’s first visit to the dentist be scheduled around their third birthday, unless you have a concern or your child is complaining of discomfort.  When you bring your kids to see us regularly, you are instilling in them the importance of regular dental care.  We are able to make sure they understand how to properly care for their teeth at home, and they learn that their regular checkups can keep their teeth in tip-top shape.

Sealants are an excellent way to protect teeth from cavities.  These are a thin layer of a clear, smooth substance that is painted on the back teeth to fill the gaps where cavities begin to form.  Sealants are a great tool for helping your kids maintain a “no cavity” smile. 

Make sure little problems don’t become big ones.  When we see children regularly, we can monitor their dental development.  Growing bodies undergo many changes affecting your child’s overall health.  When you take preventative measures, like getting our child’s teeth cleaned regularly, it can prevent disease and decay that could otherwise go unnoticed.  Healthy teeth play an important part in your child’s overall wellbeing.