periodontal disease

Wisdom teeth and periodontal disease association in US adults

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An interesting article titled “Wisdom teeth, periodontal disease, and C-reactive protein in US adults” appears in Public Health written by Y. Zhang and et al. (vol. 187, pp. 97-102, 2020). The study sought to evaluate the associations among the presence of wisdom teeth, periodontal disease, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in the US adult population. Periodontal disease is a chronic gum disease which has been linked to many systemic diseases. An elevated level of CRP indicates systemic inflammation as it is a sensitive non-specific biomarker and has been linked to risk for cardiovascular disease. The end goal of the study was to generate population-based evidence to inform heart disease prevention and dental care. In the study the authors performed a secondary data analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2010 data from the national cross-sectional survey conducted … Read more

More Oral Pathogens and Less Bacterial Diversity in the Mouth Could Precede Stomach Cancer

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Researchers at the New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) and New York University School of Medicine have found that elevated pathogen colonization and a lack of bacterial diversity in the mouth were identified in people with precancerous lesions that could precede stomach cancer. This work provides evidence that the increase in pathogens associated with periodontal disease (gum disease) could contribute to the development of precancerous lesions of stomach cancer. The specific finding of the study is that poor oral health is associated with an increased risk of precancerous lesions of stomach cancer. The potential of developing periodontal disease is one of the main risks of keeping wisdom teeth as discussed over at http://www.teethremoval.com/risks_of_keeping_wisdom_teeth.html. The American Cancer Society estimates that 26,370 new cases of stomach or gastric cancer were diagnosed in 2016, and this lead to 10,703 deaths.  Evidence suggests that chronic … Read more

4 ways your teeth change as you age

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While one should not generalize, it could be said that one of the most obvious ways in which the elderly are affected by the aging process is through their mouth. While wrinkles and similar skin complaints often grab the headlines, the teeth, gums and everything around this area is also affected. This isn’t any coincidence – the aging process does impact these areas more than others. Like it or not, the human body hasn’t evolved to that of a dinosaur, who were historically able to regrow teeth whenever they required. Bearing this in mind, today’s article will take a look at four of the biggest ways your teeth change as you enter your latter years. Your mouth becomes drier We’re not going to get into the in’s and out’s of why your mouth is dry, there are all sorts of … Read more

Photoacoustic Imaging for Periodontal Probing Depth

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Engineering research at the University of California San Diego has led to a technique that could update how teeth and gums are imaged. Researchers combined squid ink with light and ultrasound to create a new dental imaging method to examine a patient’s gums in a more comprehensive and accurate way than existing methods and also non-invasive way. The image can show the entire pocket depth around teeth consistent and accurately without prodding the gums of the patient. The conventional method for dentists to assess gum health is to use an instrument called a periodontal probe which is a thin, hook-like metal tool that is marked like a tiny measuring stick and inserted in between the teeth and gums to see if the gums have shrunk back from the teeth, creating pockets. This method of measuring pocket depth is considered a … Read more

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