gum disease

This Is What Will Happen To Your Teeth If You Give Up Sugar 

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When you smile, do you show people that you’re healthy or that you have health problems? If you’re eating too much sugar, you’re damaging your teeth. Your smile will reveal cavities and gum disease, which will dent your confidence and can lead to other health problems. Decreasing how much sugar you eat is important to staying healthy while preserving a beautiful smile. By cutting out sugar, you will boost your oral health, which will have positive effects on the rest of your body. Cutting Out Sugar Prevents Oral Bacteria There are two main types of bacteria that are found in the mouth. These are Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbrinus. These bacteria like to eat the sugar you eat, which forms dental plaque on your teeth. This is basically a transparent but sticky coating that forms on the surface of your teeth. … Read more

Estrogen therapy can help reduce gum disease

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Estrogen therapy has been credited with helping women manage a wide range of menopause-related issues, such as hot flashes, improving heart health, and maintaining sexual satisfaction. New research suggests that estrogen therapy used to treat osteoporosis can lead to healthier teeth and gums. During menopause estrogen levels reduce and women become more vulnerable to health issues such as loss of bone mineral density which can lead to osteoporosis. During menopause changes in oral health also are common as teeth and gums become more susceptible to disease, leading to inflammation, bleeding, pain, and potentially lost teeth. In the research, 492 postmenopausal Brazilian women aged 50 to 87 years, 113 in osteoporosis treatment and 379 not treated, were evaluated to determine whether osteoporosis treatment could help increase the bone mineral density in their jaws and improve oral health. The study found that … Read more

Diabetes and dentistry: Two issues which go hand-in-hand

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If you happen to hear a conversation about diabetes – you could be forgiven for not realizing it can have a direct impact on your mouth. Numerous studies have shown that there is a direct link between diabetes and your teeth. This correlation was mentioned in an article by a Dorset dentist which led to further exploration. Here, it was outlined how there are two problems which can occur as a result of diabetes. The topic has been investigated in more detail to put together the following guide. This takes a look at both of the problems which were highlighted in the initial article, before embarking on some top tips to make sure you don’t become part of the unlucky group who is affected. Problem #1 – Periodontal disease Few people will have heard of the condition known as periodontal disease, but … Read more

Additional link between cardiovascular and periodontal disease

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A new study has shown a relationship between chronic periodontitis (gum disease) and lacunar infarct which both impact the eldery. Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the gums while lacunar infarct is a type of cerebral small vessel disease that has the possibility of leading to a stroke. Researchers hypothesize that periodontitis leads to systemic inflammation and the health of the blood vessels can be affected. Furthermore, chronic periodontitis and lacunar infarct may share some common vascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. The researchers observed that people diagnosed with periodontal disease had roughly a 4-fold increased risk of developing lacunar stroke compared to those without periodontitis. The researchers feel further interventional studies should be performed to assess the potential benefit of periodontal therapy in patients with lacunar stroke and periodontitis. Periodontal treatment may also decrease systemic inflammation and may reduce the risk of … Read more

Blueberry extract could help treat periodontitis

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In an article by Amel Ben Lagha and et al titled “Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifoliumAit.) Polyphenols TargetFusobacterium nucleatumand the Host Inflammatory Response: Potential Innovative Molecules for Treating Periodontal Diseases,” a discussion is made that blueberry extract could be used for treating gum disease (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2015; 63 (31)). Gum disease occurs when bacteria form biofilms or plaques on teeth and the gums become inflamed. In ore severe cases this condition is called periodontitis and requires antibiotic use. By potentially using blueberry extract instead of antibiotics periodontitis could be treated. When gum disease occurs the gums get red and swollen an can bleed easily. If the condition is not treated periodontitis can occur. In order to treat periodontitis dentists scrape off tartar and use antiobitics. Researchers have been exploring other natural ways to treat gum disease. As … Read more