Alexandria VA Periodontist | Dentistry is the Answer 

Posted on by IdentityDental

It has long been understood that patients with periodontal disease have a much higher risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, premature delivery or miscarriage, and respiratory issues. While it was recognized that proper oral healthcare helped minimize the risk of these health problems, little research had been conducted that showed a direct correlation between periodontal care and improved health for patients already suffering from these issues. However, a recent study presented to the American Heart Association (AHA) has, for the first time, shown that intensive periodontal care alone is enough to lower blood pressure levels. 

Presented at the 2017 annual AHA meeting in Anaheim, CA, a new study has shown that periodontal care can be an effective way to reduce blood pressure, inhibit inflammation, and lower the risk of cardiovascular events. The study was conducted by a team of researchers led by Jun Tao, MD, PhD from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China. A sample of 107 Chinese men with mild to severe periodontitis were given two levels of periodontal care over a six-month period. The researchers found that those who received more intensive care saw a noticeable reduction in blood pressure levels compared to those who received more basic care. 

 

While many understand the importance of professional oral care for maintaining optimal oral health, few recognize the risks that poor oral health can pose to your overall well-being. There are a number of serious and potential life-threatening conditions that have been tied to untreated periodontal disease.  We now have conclusive evidence that periodontal care can not only reduce the risk of heart issues, but can lower blood pressure and promote a healthier heart as well. 

 

Whether you currently have periodontal disease or heart issues or are concerned about developing them in the future, it’s never too soon to seek periodontal diagnosis and care. The CDC estimates that nearly half of US adults have mild to severe gum disease, and therefore are putting themselves at risk of developing serious health problems. Don’t become a statistic, contact our dental team today to schedule an appointment and learn more about the life-saving benefits of periodontal care. 

Dr. Karl Smith

2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128,
Alexandria VA 22302
Phone: (703) 894-4867

61 Post Office Rd. Suite 1-B,
Waldorf, MD 20602
Phone: (301) 638-4867

Alexandria VA Periodontist | Signs It’s Time to Visit a Periodontist 

Posted on by IdentityDental

Gum disease is an alarmingly common problem among US adults. With over 3 million new cases diagnosed each year, it’s one of the most prevalent oral health issues faced today. Detection and treatment is important, as untreated gum disease can lead to serious health issues including heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and more. The extent of damage caused by the disease is directly correlated to how long it remains untreated. 

If your mouth is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it could be a warning sign of early stages of periodontal disease. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our doctor. 

 

1. An Increase in Related Health Issues

Periodontal disease is shown to be directly correlated to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and more. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, it could be tied to untreated periodontal issues. 

 

2.Frequent Bleeding

If you experience regular, unexplained bleeding of the gums while brushing, flossing, or eating, it could be a sign of periodontal infection. 

 

3. Gum Recession

As the bacteria that causes periodontal disease infects your gums, it can cause them to recede. Eventually, the bacteria can reach your jawbone and lead to greater infection and loss of teeth. 

 

4. Chronic Bad Breath

If you experience chronic bad breath despite your best efforts to relieve it, it may be caused by untreated infection or gum disease. 

 

5. Swollen or Sensitive Gums

If your gums are frequently swollen, irritated, or sensitive without explanation, it could be a sign of a building infection under the surface. 

 

  1. You’ve Never Visited a Periodontist

The CDC estimates that nearly half of adults over the age of 30 suffer from some degree of gum disease, yet few recognize the benefits of visiting a periodontist. An oral healthcare routine that includes twice daily brushing, regular flossing, twice yearly dental cleanings, and regular periodontal exams are your best line of defense against developing periodontal disease. 

 

If any of these signs sound familiar, you could be at risk for developing periodontal disease, or may already be affected without knowing it. Contact our office today to schedule an examination with our doctor. If signs of periodontal disease are present, we’ll recommend a treatment plan focused on protecting your oral and overall health. 

Alexandria VA Periodontist | Vaping’s Effect on Oral Health 

Posted on by IdentityDental

While it’s often portrayed as a safe alternative to smoking, the risks associated with vaping are not yet clear. Recent studies have indicated that e-cigarette vapors could have a damaging effect on your mouth. Here’s what you need to know. 

E-Juice Ingredients  

Electronic cigarettes are not regulated like other tobacco products, meaning there is little oversight of their ingredients. E-juice can include any number of harmful substances, including nicotine, glycerin, chemical flavoring, propylene glycol, and more. While some of these ingredients have been proven safe in other uses, such as artificial flavoring in foods, the effects they can have when heated and inhaled have not been fully researched. 

 

Vaping and Oral Health 

A recent study from UCLA found that vapors from an e-cigarette can kill the cells in your oral cavity, the area of your mouth beyond your teeth and gums. After placing oral cells in an environment where electronic cigarette smoke was produced for 24 hours, researchers found that 85% of the exposed cells had died. These oral cavity cells function as an important part of your body’s natural defense system. As they die or become less effective, your mouth becomes more vulnerable to oral diseases.  

 

Another study run by the University of Rochester Medical Center concluded that e-cigarettes can be just as bad for your gums as traditional tobacco products. Nicotine, which both types of cigarettes contain, is a known factor in contributing to gum disease. 

 

Steps You Can Take  

Since e-cigarettes have been shown to cause many of the same oral health problems as regular cigarettes, it’s best to avoid smoking either. Both have been shown to negatively impact the cells of your oral cavity that your body uses to defend itself against dangerous bacteria and other substances. Without your mouth’s natural defense system, you open yourself up to oral disease.  

 

Make sure you are regularly visiting our office, especially if you are a smoker of either traditional or electronic cigarettes. Our experienced dental team will perform a complete oral examination during your visit to check for signs of oral disease. Being proactive is your best defense against oral disease.  

 

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact us. 

 

Dr. Karl Smith

2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128,
Alexandria VA 22302
Phone: (703) 894-4867

601 Post Office Rd. Suite 1-B,
Waldorf, MD 20602
Phone: (301) 638-4867

Alexandria VA Periodontist | Gum Health Alert: Periodontal Pockets

Posted on by IdentityDental

If you have red, swollen gums, receding gums or experience bleeding while brushing, you could be at risk for gum disease.  

 

What is a Periodontal Pocket? 

Periodontal pockets form along the gum line and are one of the major signs of gum disease. A healthy tooth will have gums that fit snug and are a light pink color with pockets no more than 3 millimeters in depth. If a tooth is suffering from gum disease, the gum begins to recede from the tooth and form a pocket. These periodontal pockets act as a place for more plaque and bacteria to collect, furthering the progression of the disease. If not treated, periodontal pockets can lead to further infection and could lead to tooth loss.  

Periodontal Pocket Treatment 

Treatment often begins with a periodontal cleaning which allows for thorough removal of infection and bacteria below the gum line. This keeps the disease from progressing.  

 

Periodontal Pocket Prevention 

 

Practicing optimal oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease and periodontal pockets. Using a soft bristled brush to gently clean along the gum line twice a day and flossing once a day, along with keeping regular professional dental care will help to prevent this disease.  

 

Contact us today to schedule your next professional exam and cleaning. 

Waldorf, MD Location

601 Post Office Rd., Suite 1-B
Waldorf, MD 20602

(301) 638-4867

Alexandria, VA Location

2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

(703) 894-4867