Being Overweight Linked to Higher Risk of Gum Disease

Credit: healthday.com

Obesity is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer, and now, it also may be a risk factor for gum disease.

The Possible Relationship Lies In The Diseases' Underlying Inflammatory Processes

"We know that being overweight can affect many aspects of a person's health," says Charlene Krejci, lead author of the article. "Now researchers suspect a link exists between obesity and gum disease. Obese individuals' bodies relentlessly produce cytokines, proteins with inflammatory properties. These cytokines may directly injure the gum tissues or reduce blood flow to the gum tissues, thus promoting the development of gum disease."

Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory infection that impacts the surrounding and supporting structures of the teeth. Gum disease itself produces its own set of cytokines, which further increases the level of these inflammatory proteins in the body's bloodstream, helping to set off a chain reaction of other inflammatory diseases throughout the body.

Research on the relationship between obesity and gum disease is still ongoing.

"Whether one condition is a risk factor for another or whether one disease directly causes another has yet to be discovered," says Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) spokesperson Samer G. Shamoon. 

"What we do know is that it's important to visit a dentist at least twice a year so he or she can evaluate your risks for developing gum disease and offer preventive strategies."

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The above story is based on the February 6, 2013 news release by Academy of General Dentistry.

The work has been published in the January/February 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy:

Krejci CB, Bissada NF. Obesity and periodontitis: a link. Gen Dent. 2013 Jan;61(1):60-3.

More Information

With proper care, your teeth and gums can stay healthy throughout your life.

The best way to minimize the risk of developing gum disease is to remove plaque through daily brushing, flossing, rinsing, and professional cleanings.

WebMD has more details on how to care for your teeth and gum. Click HERE for details. 

PS

Parveen Dahiya, Reet Kamal, and Rajan Gupta had earlier reviewed the interrelationship of obesity, periodontitis and chronic inflammation:

Dahiya P, Kamal R, Gupta R. Obesity, periodontal and general health: Relationship and management. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Jan;16(1):88-93.

Click HERE to read the Full Text

Plaque Inhibitory Effect of a Cetyl-Pyridinium Chloride Mouth-Rinse

A recent study by the Faculty of Odontology, University Complutense, Madrid, Spain has shown that a mouth-rinse containing 0.05% cetylpyridium chloride (CPC) is capable of inhibiting plaque formation.

Participants did not brush their teeth during the 4 days of the study. Instead, they rinse their mouth with a negative control (similar to the test product, without active ingredients), a positive control (with 0.12% chlorhexidine and CPC) or the test product (with 0.05% CPC).

The plaque inhibitory effect of the  0.05% CPC mouth-rinse was confirmed in terms of plaque index, gingival inflammation and microbiological variables.

Source:

García V, Rioboo M, Serrano J, O'Connor A, Herrera D, Sanz M. Plaque inhibitory effect of a 0.05% cetyl-pyridinium chloride mouth-rinse in a 4-day non-brushing model. Int J Dent Hyg. 2011 Nov;9(4):266-73. doi: 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2010.00490.x. Epub 2010 Nov 5.

What is Plaque?

Let the ADA explain what is plaque

Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Following a meal or snack, the bacteria release acids that attack tooth enamel. Repeated attacks can cause the enamel to break down, eventually resulting in cavities. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Brushing and cleaning between teeth become more difficult when tartar collects above the gum line. The gum tissue can become swollen or may bleed. This is called gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease.

Preventing Decay:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.

Did the American Dental Association (ADA) say semen cuts plaque and tartar by 77%?  

The ADA never said such thing! If you don’t believe us, click HERE at your own risk.

Lose the Fat and Improve the Gums

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Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers found the human body is better at fighting gum disease when fat cells, which trigger inflammation, disappear.

Findings come from a pilot study of 31 obese people with gum disease. Half of the group with an average body mass index (BMI) of 39 had gastric bypass surgery and had fat cells from the abdomen removed. That half fared better than a control group of obese people with a BMI of 35 who also were treated for gum disease but did not have the gastric bypass surgery or fat removed.

What intrigued the researchers is that the majority of those who underwent surgery had a drop in their glucose levels after the procedure, a result that bodes well for overweight people predisposed to diabetes and insulin-related problems.

All study participants underwent nonsurgical periodontal treatments of scaling/root planing and oral hygiene instructions for home care. While both groups showed improvement, the surgery group did even better on the measures for periodontal attachment, bleeding, probing depths and plaque levels.

Inflammation that continues to brew in the body can have harmful effects over time, and inflammation from gum disease can erode bone and cause tooth loss. It can also cause breaks in the gums where harmful oral bacteria can enter the blood stream. Such bacteria have been linked to preterm birth, fetal death, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, said Nabil Bissada, chair of the department of periodontics at Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine.

Bissada is the lead author of the study, “Response to periodontal therapy in subjects who had weight loss following bariatric surgery and obese counterparts: a pilot study,” published in the Journal of Periodontology.

This study raises two hypotheses about why the surgery group improved.

The first theory is that excessive fat cells (adipocytes) secrete more cytokines (such as TNF and IL-6), which make insulin more resistant to doing its function.
As a result, more accumulation of sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia) occurs. Losing weight, therefore, makes insulin less resistant and improves the diabetic status. This in turn helps in the response to periodontal treatment.

The other theory relates to the presence of the leptin hormone that regulates appetite. Leptin plays a role in regulating metabolism and has been linked to inflammation by increasing the production of cytokines and the –C-reactive protein, which is also linked to inflammation. Bissada said leptin production was reduced after bariatric surgery and may be one explanation for the better outcomes in the periodontal treatment.

As the researchers look to the further their research, their next step will be to conduct a longitudinal study to support their preliminary findings.

Contributing to the study were Dima Lakkis, Sena Narendran and Leena Palomo, Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine; Alan Saber and Leena Khaitan, University Hospital Case Medical Center; and Mohammad Al-Zahrani, King Abdulaziz University.

<<< * >>>

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by The Zestfulness Team) from materials in the by Case Western Reserve University news release of November 9, 2011

The article has been published ahead of print: Dima Lakkis, Nabil F. Bissada, Alan Saber, Leena Khaitan, Leena Palomo, Sena Narendran, Mohammad S. Al-Zahrani. Response to Periodontal Therapy in Subjects Who Had Weight Loss Following Bariatric Surgery and Obese Counterparts: A Pilot Study. J Periodontol. 2011; 1 DOI: 10.1902/jop.2011.110230

Dental Treatment May Lower Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes

Picture credit: http://www.mtperio.com

Treating serious gum disease can help diabetics to control their condition by lowering their blood sugar levels, a study has shown.

By far the most important aspect of diabetes management is the use of insulin, drugs, exercise and diet to control blood sugar levels – but maintaining good dental health is something patients and healthcare professionals should also recognise.

Researchers have found that reducing inflammation of the gums in people with diabetes can help lower the risk of serious complications associated with the condition, such as eye problems and heart disease.

It is thought that when bacteria infect the mouth and cause inflammation, the resulting chemical changes reduce the effectiveness of insulin and raise the levels of blood sugar.

Dental treatment to reduce this inflammation may therefore help to reduce blood sugar levels.

The team – including researchers from the University of Edinburgh, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, Peninsula Dental School and the University of Ottawa – say their findings highlight the need for doctors and dentists to work together in the treatment of people with diabetes.

The research team – including researchers from the University of Edinburgh, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, Peninsula Dental School and the University of Ottawa – analysed 690 papers and included seven randomised controlled trials of people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who had also been diagnosed with periodontal disease.

They recommend that an oral health assessment should become part of the routine diabetes management.

Source

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 May 12;(5):CD004714. Treatment of periodontal disease for glycaemic control in people with diabetes. Simpson TC, Needleman I, Wild SH, Moles DR, Mills EJ. CLICK HERE for the full report.

Our recent posts on gum disease

Zestzfulness: Periodontal Disease and Prostatitis May 03, 2010 - Periodontitis or gum disease is caused by plaque accumulation on the teeth and around the gums. This plaque build-up will eventually harden, in as little as two to three days time, and remain on the teeth and around ...

Zestzfulness: Periodontitis - Do You Know It If You Have It? May 22, 2011 - Periodontitis produces high inflammation levels and has been linked to Heart Disease, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Prostatitis. Periodontitis or gum disease is caused by plaque accumulation on the teeth and around ...

Brushing Teeth Less Than Twice a Day Nearly Triples Heart Disease Risk Jun 02, 2010 - In the last twenty years there has been increased interest in links between heart problems and gum disease. While it has been established that inflammation in the body (including mouth and gums) plays an important role in the build up ...

The Zestzfulness Team suggests that we, diabetic or not, should visit the dentist at least once a year.

Periodontitis - Do You Know It If You Have It?

Picture credit: www.colgateprofessional.com

Warning Signs of Periodontitis :

• Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
• Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
• Loose or separating teeth
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Sores in your mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

Periodontitis produces high inflammation levels and has been linked to Heart Disease, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Prostatitis.

Periodontitis or gum disease is caused by plaque accumulation on the teeth and around the gums. This plaque build-up will eventually harden, in as little as two to three days time, and remain on the teeth and around one’s gum line.

Periodontitis is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. This is when bacteria in the plaque causes the gums to become inflamed, to swell, to become sore or tender, and when gingivitis sets in, one’s teeth can bleed when touched or brushed.

The American Academy of Periodontology's risk assessment test will help you see if you are at risk for having or developing periodonttits (gum disease). Millions of people don't know they have this serious infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated.

Proper and Consistent Oral Hygiene

Prevention of gingivitis and periodontitis is based primarily on plaque and calculus control around the teeth.

Correct tooth brushing, mouth cleansing, and flossing should be everyone's defense against periodontal disease.

The use of dental floss, either waxed or unwaxed, is critical in cleaning between the teeth where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach.

There is no scientific evidence to support the superiority of any of the techniques (or styles) of toothbrushing. However, some toothbrushing techniques (for example, horizontal scrubbing can result in abrasion or systemic bacteraemia) and too frequent brushing leads to gingival recession).

The most common form of professional preventive care for gingivitis and periodontitis is scaling and polishing of teeth in a dental office. See your dentist at least once a year.

CLICK HERE for more information on the prevention of periodontal disease.

While plaque is the primary cause of periodontal disease, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) says that other factors are thought to increase the risk, severity and speed of gum disease development. These can include:

• Tobacco use — one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis. People who smoke are seven times more likely to get periodontitis than nonsmokers, and smoking can lower the chances of success of some treatments.
• Hormonal changes — may make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Stress — may make it difficult for the body's immune system to fight off infection.
• Medications — can affect oral health because they lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums. Some drugs, such as the anticonvulsant medication diphenylhydantoin and the anti-angina drug nifedipine, can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
• Poor nutrition — may make it difficult for the immune system to fight off infection, especially if the diet is low in important nutrients. Additionally, the bacteria that cause periodontal disease thrive in acidic environments. Eating sugars and other foods that increase the acidity in the mouth increases bacterial counts.
• Illnesses — may affect the condition of your gums. This includes diseases such as cancer or AIDS that interfere with the immune system.
• Clenching and grinding teeth — may put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these tissues are destroyed.

CLICK HERE for All 11 Periodontitis Treatment Clinics in Malaysia

Use of Alcohol-Free Antibacterial Mouth-Rinse Is Associated With Decrease in Preterm Birth

In a study to be presented today at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s (SMFM) annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting™, in San Francisco, researchers will present findings that show that use of non alcohol antibacterial mouth-rinse containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) decreases the incidence of preterm birth (PTB).

“This research demonstrated that reducing the severity of periodontal disease has a direct correlation with preterm birth,” said Marjorie Jeffcoat, D.M.D., one of the study’s authors. “Preterm birth is the major cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide and still difficult to predict and prevent. So, when we found that something as simple as mouthwash could change the outcomes, we were very excited.”

The study was funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and The Procter & Gamble Company. It was a controlled blind clinical study of pregnant women at 6-20 weeks gestation with periodontal disease who refused dental care and did not have obstetric infections. Treatment was assigned to blocks of four subjects based on four strata: prior preterm birth (yes or no), and smoking (yes or no). Each block assigned three controls and one rinse subject. Of 204 subjects, 155 served as untreated controls (exposure group), and 49 (non-exposure group) received an antimicrobial CPC non alcohol mouth-rinse (Crest Pro-Health, Procter and Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio). The primary outcome was spontaneous PTB less than 35 weeks. Dental exams were performed at baseline and prior to delivery. Gestational age and weight at birth was recorded by abstractors. Groups were compared using statistical test Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Dichotomous variables were compared using the chi-square test; logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios.

There was no significant difference at baseline in smoking, prior preterm birth or alcohol consumption between groups. Maternal age was higher in the rinse group than in the control group. No adverse events were observed. The incidence of PTB less than 35 weeks was significantly lower in the subjects using the rinse compared to the controls. Gestational age and birth weight (adjusted for maternal age) were significantly higher in the rinse group.

Source: Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s (SMFM) annual meeting press release of February 11, 2011 540-687-3360 (o) /202-374-9259 (c)

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (est. 1977) is a non-profit membership group for obstetricians/gynecologists who have additional formal education and training in maternal-fetal medicine. The society is devoted to reducing high-risk pregnancy complications by providing continuing education to its 2,000 members on the latest pregnancy assessment and treatment methods. It also serves as an advocate for improving public policy, and expanding research funding and opportunities for maternal-fetal medicine. The group hosts an annual scientific meeting in which new ideas and research in the area of maternal-fetal medicine are unveiled and discussed. For more information, visit www.smfm.org.

Alcohol-free cetylpyridinium-containing mouthwashes available at our pharmacies.

Bagaimana Menjaga Gigi Palsu Anda

Apa gunanya berjumpa doktor gigi setiap tahun jika anda sudah tidak ada gigi lagi?- Untuk menjaga agar anda tersenyum dan tetap sihat. Malangnya, terlalu banyak yang menganggap tiada gunanya untuk berjumpa doktor gigi setelah mereka mula memakai gigi palsu, sebanyak 70 peratus dari mereka tidak pernah kembali ke doktor gigi dalam tempoh lima tahun. Ini merupakan kesilapan. Bahkan pemakai gigi palsu harus menemui doktor gigi mereka sekali setahun.

Gigi palsu perlu pemeriksaan. Mereka boleh menyebabkan radang gusi, merangsang luka dan tumor di mulut. Pemakaian gigi palsu yang salah boleh merosakkan sendi rahang dan mempercepat kehilangan penyokong tulang. Apa yang pemakai gigi palsu selalu abaikan adalah fakta bahawa bentuk mulut berubah, meskipun perlahan. Tulang yang menyokong mulut susut sekitar dua milimeter setiap lima hingga lapan tahun. Dan ini mempengaruhi penampilan pesakit, menyebabkan kedutan yang dalam di sekitar mulut, atau bibir kelihatan kurus, atau dagu menonjol, atau dikatakan rahang bawah berkantung. Akibatnya, gigi palsu perlu diganti segera.

Sewaktu pemeriksaan secara teratur, pengguna gigi palsu boleh membantu mengurangkan hakisan tulang dan menjaga kesihatan mulut dengan mengunyah secara lurus ke atas dan ke bawah dengan jumlah yang sama di kedua sisi rahang. Mengunyah sebelah sisi atau mengunakan salah satu sisi mulut boleh membuat gigi palsu tergelincir dan mengakibatkan pemakaian berlebihan.

Para pengguna gigi palsu juga perlu memberus gusi di bawah gigi palsu untuk merangsang peredaran darah dan menjaga gusi agar tetap sehat. Kemudian, juga, gigi palsu harus ditanggalkan untuk beberapa jam setiap hari. Dan jika gigi palsu rosak atau longgar, pengguna tidak seharusnya mencuba untuk memperbaikinya sendiri melainkan harus berjumpa doktor gigi. Cari doktor gigi yang mengkhususkan diri dalam keperluan pesakit senior.

Robin Westen menulis tentang kesihatan untuk majalah nasional.

Dia adalah pengarang “Ten Days to Detox: How to Look and Feel a Decade Younger.”

How To Care For Your Dentures

What’s the point of visiting the dentist every year if you’ve already lost them? To keep smiling and stay healthy. Unfortunately, too many people figure there’s no point to seeing a dentist once they started to wear dentures; as many as 70 percent of them haven’t been back to the dentist in five years. But it’s a mistake. Even denture-wearers should see their dentist once a year.

Dentures need inspection. They could be irritating the gum, inducing sores and tumors in the mouth. Poorly fitting dentures can damage the jaw joint and speed the loss of supporting bone. What denture wearers too often overlook is the fact that the shape of the mouth changes, albeit slowly. The supporting bone recedes about two millimeters every five to eight years. And that is bound to affect a patient’s appearance, causing deep wrinkles around the mouth, or a thin-lipped look, or a jutting chin, or pronounced lower jaw pouches. As a result, most dentures need to be replaced in time.

Between regular checkups, a denture wearer can help cut down on bone loss and keep the mouth healthy by consciously chewing straight up and down with equal weight on both sides of the jaw. Sideways chewing or favoring one side of the mouth can make dentures slip and lead to excessive wear.

The denture wearer also needs to brush the soft tissues beneath the denture to stimulate blood circulation and keep the gum healthy. Then, too, the denture should be removed for several hours every day. And when a denture breaks or comes loose, the wearer shouldn’t try to fix it but rather should see a dentist. Look for a dentist who specializes in the needs of senior patients.

Robin Westen writes about health for national magazines.

She is the author of “Ten Days to Detox: How to Look and Feel a Decade Younger.”

Kesihatan Gigi dan Gigi Sensitif

Sensitiviti gigi adalah ketidakselesaan gigi melibatkan satu atau lebih gigi yang dipicu oleh makanan yang panas, sejuk, manis, atau makanan dan minuman masam, atau bahkan dengan menghirup udara sejuk. Rasa sakit boleh tajam, tiba-tiba, dan menembak jauh ke hujung saraf gigi anda.

Apa Punca Gigi Sensitif?

Gigi sensitif terjadi ketika lapisan yang mendasari gigi anda - dentin - menjadi terbuka sebagai akibat dari surutnya rangkaian gusi (selimut pelindung yang menutupi akar gigi). Akar, yang tidak ada enamel keras, mengandungi ribuan tubula kecil yang mengarah ke pusat saraf gigi (pulpa). Tubula dentin ini (atau saluran) membenarkan stimulus - contohnya, makanan panas, sejuk, atau manis - untuk mencapai urat saraf di dalam gigi anda, yang mengakibatkan rasa sakit yang anda rasakan.

Ada banyak faktor yang boleh menyebabkan gigi sensitif, termasuk:

* Memberus gigi terlalu kuat. Seiring waktu, memberus terlalu kuat atau menggunakan berus gigi berbulu keras boleh menghakis lapisan bawah enamel dan menyebabkan dentin terdedah. Hal ini juga boleh menyebabkan lekuk pada gusi (rangkaian gusi tertarik dari gigi).

* Kerosakan gigi berhampiran garis gusi.

* Lekuk pada gusi. Disebabkan gusi menjauh dari gigi seperti pada penyakit periodontal, permukaan akar menjadi terbuka.

* Penyakit gusi (gingivitis). Radang dan tisu gusi yang bengkak boleh menyebabkan sensitiviti akibat kehilangan ligamen penyokong, yang memaparkan permukaan akar yang mengarah langsung ke saraf gigi.

* Gigi retak. Gigi pecah atau rosak boleh menjadi tempat pembiakan bakteria dari plak dan masuk ke pulpa sehingga menyebabkan keradangan.

* Melaga-lagakan gigi. Melaga-lagakan gigi atau mengetap gigi mungkin menipiskan lapisan enamel dan mendedahkan dentin yang mendasarinya.

* Produk pemutihan gigi atau pasta gigi dengan baking soda dan peroksida. Produk-produk ini merupakan penyumbang utama untuk gigi sensitif.

* Usia anda. Sensitiviti gigi tertinggi pada usia antara 25 dan 30 tahun.

* Pembentukan plak. Kehadiran plak pada permukaan akar boleh menyebabkan sensitiviti.

* Menggunakan ubat kumur. Penggunaan jangka panjang beberapa pencuci mulut. Sesetengah ubat kumur dipasaran mengandungi asid yang boleh memburukkan lagi sensitiviti gigi jika terkena pada dentin (lapisan tengah gigi). Kandungan asid lebih banyak merosakkan lapisan dentin gigi. Jika anda mempunyai sensitiviti dentin, tanya doktor gigi anda mengenai penggunaan larutan fluorida neutral.

* Makanan masam. Pengambilan secara rutin makanan dengan kandungan asid yang tinggi, seperti buah jeruk, tomato, acar, dan teh, boleh menyebabkan enamel terhakis.

* Prosedur pemeriksaan gigi yang rutin. Sensitiviti boleh berlaku disebabkan membersihkan gigi, 'root planing', penempatan mahkota, dan pemulihan gigi. Sensitiviti yang disebabkan oleh prosedur gigi bersifat sementara, biasanya akan hilang dalam empat hingga enam minggu.

Apa yang Harus Dilakukan untuk Mengurangkan Gigi Sensitif?

Beberapa langkah yang boleh diambil untuk mengelakkan sensitiviti gigi meliputi:

* Menjaga kesihatan mulut dengan baik. Berus gigi dengan betul dan lakukan teknik floss untuk benar-benar membersihkan semua bahagian gigi dan mulut.

* Gunakan berus gigi berbulu lembut. Hal ini dapat mengurangkan permukaan gigi dari melecet dan mengurangkan kerengsaan gusi anda. Berus dengan lembut dan berhati-hati di sekitar garis gusi sehingga anda tidak menghakis tisu gusi anda.

* Gunakan ubat gigi tidak sensitif. Ada beberapa jenama ubat gigi di pasaran untuk gigi sensitif. Dengan penggunaan secara teratur anda akan melihat penurunan sensitiviti. Anda mungkin perlu mencuba beberapa jenama yang lain untuk mencari produk yang terbaik bagi anda. Tip lain. Sapu lapisan tipis ubat gigi pada akar gigi yang terdedah dengan jari anda atau Q-tip sebelum anda pergi tidur. Jangan gunakan ubat gigi kawalan tartar, melainkan menggunakan ubat gigi berfluorida.

* Perhatikan apa yang anda makan. Kekerapan mengambil makanan yang sangat masam boleh secara berperingkat melarutkan enamel gigi dan menyebabkan dentin terdedah. Ia juga boleh memburukkan lagi sensitiviti dan memulakan reaksi nyilu.

* Gunakan produk ubat gigi berfluorida. Penggunaan harian ubat kumur mengandungi fluorida dapat menurunkan sensitiviti. Tanyakan doktor gigi anda mengenai produk yang ada di pasaran untuk digunakan di rumah.

* Elakkan mengetap gigi. Jika anda mengetap atau mengisar gigi, gunakan pendakap mulut pada malam hari.

* Jumpa doktor gigi anda secara rutin. Dapatkan cara membersihkan gigi secara profesional, aturan kebersihan mulut, dan rawatan fluorida setiap enam bulan (atau lebih cepat bergantung pada keadaan gigi anda).

Jika anda masih mengalami ketidakselesaan, bincang dengan doktor gigi anda. Mungkin ada beberapa prosedur gigi yang boleh membantu mengurangkan sensitiviti, termasuk penggunaan:

* Tampalan putih(ikatan) untuk menutup permukaan akar yang terbuka
* Fluorida bervarnis digunakan pada permukaan akar yang terbuka
* Penutup dentin digunakan pada permukaan akar yang terbuka

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Dental Health and Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is tooth discomfort in one or more teeth that is triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Sensitive teeth occur when the underlying layer of your teeth -- the dentin -- becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue (the protective blanket that covers the tooth roots). The roots, which are not covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny tubules leading to the tooth's nerve center (the pulp). These dentinal tubules (or channels) allow the stimuli -- for example, the hot, cold, or sweet food -- to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel.

There are many factors that may lead to sensitive teeth, including:

• Brushing too hard. Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause recession of the gums (the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth).
• Tooth decay near the gum line.
• Recession of the gums. As gums move away from a tooth due to conditions such as periodontal disease, the root surface becomes exposed.
• Gum disease (gingivitis) . Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.
• Cracked teeth. Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing Inflammation.
• Teeth grinding . Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.
• Tooth whitening products or toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide. These products are major contributors to sensitive teeth.
• Your age. Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30.
• Plaque build-up. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.
• • Mouthwash use. Long-term use of some mouthwashes. Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen tooth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin (the middle layer of the tooth). The acids further damage the dentin layer of the tooth. If you have dentin sensitivity, ask your dentist about the use of a neutral fluoride solution.
• Acidic foods. Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can cause enamel erosion.
• Recent routine dental procedures. Sensitivity can occur following teeth cleaning, root planing, crown placement, and tooth restoration. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary, usually disappearing in four to six weeks.

What Can I Do to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?

Some steps you can take to prevent tooth sensitivity include:

• Maintain good oral hygiene. Continue to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.
• Use a soft bristled toothbrush. This will result in less toothbrush abrasion to the tooth surface and less irritation to your gums. Brush gently and carefully around the gum line so you do not remove more gum tissue.
• Use desensitizing toothpaste. There are several brands of toothpaste available for sensitive teeth. With regular use you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. You may need to try several different brands to find the product that works best for you. Another tip. spread a thin layer of the toothpaste on the exposed tooth roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed. Do not use a tartar control toothpaste; rather, use a fluoridated toothpaste.
• Watch what you eat. Frequent consumption of highly acid foods can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure. They may also aggravate the sensitivity and start the pain reaction.
• Use fluoridated dental products. Daily use of a fluoridated mouth rinse can decrease sensitivity. Ask your dentist about available products for home use.
• Avoid teeth grinding. If you grind or clench your teeth, use a mouth guard at night.
• See your dentist at regular intervals. Get professional tooth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride treatments every six months (or sooner depending on your condition).

If you still have discomfort, talk to your dentist. There may be some dental procedures that may help reduce sensitivity, including the use of:

• White fillings (bonding) to cover exposed root surfaces
• Fluoride varnishes applied to the exposed root surface
• Dentin sealers applied to the exposed root surface

Text Source: WebMD
Video Source: Howcast Media Picture Source

Brushing Teeth Less Than Twice a Day Nearly Triples Heart Disease Risk

Data from over 11,000 adults in Scotland showed that close to 30% brush their teeth only once or less than once a day.

Researchers, led by Professor Richard Watt from University College London, found that participants who reported less frequent toothbrushing had a 70% extra risk of heart disease compared to individuals who brushed their teeth twice a day; they also tested positive for inflammatory markers such as the C-reactive protein and fibrinogen.

In the last twenty years there has been increased interest in links between heart problems and gum disease. While it has been established that inflammation in the body (including mouth and gums) plays an important role in the build up of clogged arteries, this is the first study to investigate whether the number of times individuals brush their teeth has any bearing on the risk of developing heart disease, says the research.

The research team analysed data about lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, physical activity and oral health routines. Individuals were asked how often they visited the dentist (at least once every six months, every one to two years, or rarely/never) and how often they brushed their teeth (twice a day, once a day or less than once a day).

On a separate visit nurses collected information on medical history and family history of heart disease, blood pressure and blood samples from consenting adults. The samples enabled the researchers to determine levels of inflammation that were present in the body. The data gathered from the interviews were linked to hospital admissions and deaths in Scotland until December 2007.

Here’s more.

Bad breath and bleeding gums can also occur in people who routinely brush their teeth and gums.

Gingival bleeding and halitosis is often the first sign of poor oral hygiene that may eventually lead to further periodontal problems," said Dr Walter A. Bretz, of the New York University College of Dentistry and the mentor of the 2006 assessment of treatment responses to dental flossing in twins.

This group found that tongue and tooth brushing in combination with dental flossing significantly decreased gingival bleeding by 38 percent after a two-week oral hygiene program. Halitosis, or bad breath, was also reduced. In the group that did not floss as part of their daily routine, gingival bleeding sites increased by almost four percent.

So the final take home message is to not just brush and floss your teeth but to also brush your tongue at least twice a day to minimize your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Journal Reference:

de Oliveira C, Watt R, Hamer M. Toothbrushing, inflammation, and risk of cardiovascular disease: results from Scottish Health Survey. BMJ. 2010 May 27;340:c2451.

Biesbrock A, Corby PM, Bartizek R, Corby AL, Coelho M, Costa S, Bretz WA, Bretz WA. Assessment of treatment responses to dental flossing in twins. J Periodontol. 2006 Aug;77(8):1386-91.

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Periodontal Disease and Prostatitis

The Dangers of Belly Fat – the link between inflammation around the cells of visceral fat deposits, and the artery-hardening process of atherosclerosis

No, Not Hair Pulling

Periodontal Disease and Prostatitis

Periodontitis produces high inflammation levels and has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Periodontitis or gum disease is caused by plaque accumulation on the teeth and around the gums. This plaque build-up will eventually harden, in as little as two to three days time, and remain on the teeth and around one’s gum line. The plaque consists of bacteria that cause the gums to become inflamed, to swell, to become sore or tender, and when gingivitis sets in, one’s teeth can bleed when touched or brushed.

Periodontitis is an extreme form of gum disease that can harm gingival tissues, that can injure or harm bone, and that can loosen teeth and cause them to fall out over time.

Prostatitis is a disease that affects one’s prostate gland and that can result in pain during urination, significant groin discomfort, abdominal pain, lower back pain, discomfort in the perineum, and penile and testicular pain as well. Prostatitis is also associated with the onset of a high fever, gastrointestinal difficulties, and chills in some cases too.

The general causes cited for the onset of prostatitis include immune system difficulties, disorders of the nervous system, emotional stress, injury to the prostate, and infection.

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center report initial results from a small sample that inflammation from gum disease and prostate problems just might be linked.

Thirty-five men with mild to severe prostatitis, who had undergone needle biopsies and were found to have inflammation and in some patients, malignancies were selected for the study.

The researchers compared two markers: the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) used to measure inflammation levels in prostate disease, and clinical attachment level (CAL) of the gums and teeth, which can be an indicator for periodontitis.

A PSA elevation of 4.0 ng/ml in the blood can be a sign of inflammation or malignancy. Patients with healthy prostate glands have lower than 4.0ng/ml levels. A CAL number greater than 2.7 mm indicates periodontitis.

The participants were divided into two groups: those with high PSA levels for moderate or severe prostatitis or a malignancy and those with PSA levels below 4 ng/ml. All had not had dental work done for at least three months and were given an examination to measure the gum health.

The results showed that subjects having co-morbidity of CAL ≥2.7 mm and moderate/severe prostatitis have higher PSA levels than those with either condition alone.

In essence, when a man has periodontal disease he can worsen a condition like prostatitis and that gum disease contributes to the severity of prostatitis.

Gum disease is absolutely preventable if a person partakes of excellent oral hygiene practices. If gum disease occurs, the condition can be treated too, and the sooner such a condition is treated the better.

Getting quality care for gum disease cannot only vastly improve one’s oral health, but it can reduce the likelihood that one will develop complications with heart conditions or, as it is the case with men, it can minimize the severity of prostatitis and/or help prevent its onset.

Reference:

Joshi et al. Association Between Periodontal Disease and Prostate Specific Antigen Levels in Chronic Prostatitis Patients. Journal of Periodontology, 2010; 100409084221025 DOI:

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No, Not Hair Pulling

Oil pulling or oil swishing, in alternative medicine is a procedure that involves swishing oil in the mouth for oral and systemic health benefits.

It is mentioned in the Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita, where it is called Kavala Gandoosha/Kavala Graha.

For oil pulling therapy, a tablespoon (or teaspoon for children between 5-15 years of age) of any edible oil is given in the mouth and is sipped, sucked, and pulled between the teeth for 10 to 15 minutes. The viscous oil turns thin and milky white. The oil should not be swallowed as it contains bacteria and toxins. Oil pulling therapy should be followed by brushing the teeth and is preferably done on an empty stomach in the morning.

The claims of the health benefits of oil pulling, ranging from headache and migraine to diabetes and asthma, are anecdotal until Asokan S and colleagues conducted a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study 20 age-matched adolescent boys with plaque-induced gingivitis¹. The results of this study published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research confirmed the positive effects of oil pulling plaque-induced gingivitis.
Gingivitis is due to the long-term effects of plaque deposits. Plaque is a sticky material made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that develops on the exposed parts of the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth decay. If you do not remove plaque, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame the gums. Bacteria and the toxins they produce cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender.

Bacteria get into the bloodstream hundreds of times a year, not only from tooth brushing, but also from other routine daily activities like chewing food. But ulcerated gingival (gum) tissue surrounding the teeth provide an entry to the bloodstream for up to 700 different types of bacteria found in our mouths.

When bacteria get into the bloodstream they encounter tiny fragments called platelets that clot blood when you get a cut. By sticking to the platelets bacteria cause them to clot inside the blood vessel, partially blocking it. This prevents the blood flow back to the heart and we run the risk of suffering a heart attack².

Scientists have known for some time that a protein associated with inflammation (called CRP) is elevated in people who are at risk for heart disease. But where's the inflammation coming from? A new research study by Italian and U.K. scientists shows that infected gums may be one place³. It doesn't matter how fit, slim or healthy you are, you're adding to your chances of getting heart disease by having bad teeth.

See your dentist today, Floss regularly, increase your intake of vege and fruits, and start pulling today.

1. Asokan S, Emmadi P, Chamundeswari R. Effect of oil pulling on plaque induced gingivitis: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. Indian J Dent Res 2009;20:47-51

2. Adapted from materials provided by Society for General Microbiology11 September 2008

3. Piconi et al. Treatment of periodontal disease results in improvements in endothelial dysfunction and reduction of the carotid intima-media thickness. The FASEB Journal, 2009 23: 1196-1204

4. http://mylifepositive.com/wpmu/militantcactus/files/2009/09/hair-pulling-300x225.jpg