News from Family Dental Innovations

We are thrilled to introduce you to the first edition of our Family Dental Innovations Newsletter!

You know, there are always so many new dental procedures and technologies emerging that can help improve the health and appearance of your smile. But unless you’re a dentist, how are you supposed to know about them all? That’s the purpose of this newsletter. We want to keep you as up-to-date and educated as possible so you can make the most informed decisions for your dental care. If there’s any particular article in this newsletter that you’d like to learn more about, we welcome your call.

Healthy Gums = Healthy Heart

We all know that regular visits to your dentist for a check-up and cleaning can keep your teeth and gums healthy. But periodontal (gum) care can do more prevent tooth loss.

But you may be surprised to learn that this basic care may also save your life. Yes, your life.

Dentists have long suspected a link between periodontal disease and serious health issues. They have recently been proven correct.

Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Periodontology report that the inflammatory effects from periodontal disease can cause bacterial byproducts to enter the bloodstream and trigger the liver to make proteins such as C-reactive protein.

This protein is one of the main markers in all kinds of systemic inflammation that can increase the risk of blood clots and, according to a new study from Harvard, pancreatic cancer. The Harvard study shows that men with gum disease were 63 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer when compared to those with no periodontal problems.

Studies have shown that periodontal disease can also lead to an increased risk for:

· Heart Disease
· Stroke
· Rheumatoid Arthritis
· Complications in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes
· Premature Birth
· Low Birth-Weight Babies
· and more

Unfortunately, you can have periodontal disease and not even know it. Symptoms include swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, loose teeth, receding gum line and halitosis, but sometimes there aren’t any symptoms at all.

The disease is prevalent; more than 85 percent of people in the United States have some level of periodontal disease.

But there is good news. Periodontal disease is treatable, and in many cases, when caught early, it’s reversible. With modern technology and advanced periodontal therapy, including dental lasers, ultrasonic scalers and antibiotics, treatment is more gentle, comfortable and effective than ever before.

It’s easy to keep periodontal disease at bay; simply visit Family Dental Innovations for your regular check-ups and cleanings. Brush and floss daily at home and use an oral irrigator.

Don’t risk your smile. Or your health. Come see us soon!