Posts Tagged ‘periodontal disease’

Holistic Dentists: Watching Over Your Teeth & Your Health

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Holistic dentists are dedicated to saving teeth and providing beautiful smiles, but they also take into consideration how your oral health impacts your medical health.  While there are many factors they take into consideration, there are two areas of primary concern.

  1. Infection – oral infections like periodontal gum disease or tooth abscesses are not just about tooth loss and pain.  These infections get into your blood stream easily where they can travel to other areas of your body.  The inflammation associated with these dental problems can also contribute to many major diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.
  2. Toxic Dental Materials – silver fillings, also called amalgams, are about 50% mercury.  Mercury is one of the most dangerous toxins known to man and has to be handled as hazardous waste.  It does not belong in your mouth.  Some people may be more sensitive to it than others, but we know that it can be dangerous for everyone.  Holistic dentists know how to remove these fillings safely and can provide you with the most biocompatible dental materials available.

You deserve a dentist who cares about your whole health.

Evergreen Dental – Richard Chang DDS  (626) 285-0285  Alhambra, CA

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Posted in Dental Health News, Health, Mercury Amalgam Fillings, Oral Systemic Link, Periodontal Gum Disease, mercury | No Comments »

Gum Disease and RA – Rheumatoid Arthritis

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

Inflammation is a common denominator between these two conditions and may be why people with RA are 8 times more likely to have gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or gingivitis.

It is important for people with RA and other inflammatory or autoimmune conditions to see their dentist regularly.  It’s not just about teeth.  Gum disease is a bacterial infection that is also considered a causative factor for heart disease, diabetes, and other serious illnesses.  This cycle must be prevented to protect your health.   Treating gum disease has also been found to lessen RA symptoms.

People with RA may find it challenging to brush and floss their teeth due to damage to their finger joints.  Dentists and Hygienists can provide assistance and tools to help in this area.  RA patients may also benefit from more frequent professional teeth cleaning to prevent or manage gum disease and stay healthy.   Be sure to tell your dentist if you have RA so that you receive the care that you need.

Evergreen Dental Care  (626) 285-0285  Alhambra, CA

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Conditions and Diseases Linked to Inflammation and Periodontal Gum Disease

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

Research shows that inflammation contributes to many major, life threatening diseases.  Periodontal, or gum disease is one of the most common causes of chronic inflammation.  If you have gum disease or any of the following conditions, it is especially important for you to see your dentist regularly.

Allergies, Alzheimer’s, Arthritis, Cancer, Depression, Diabetes, Digestive disorders, Fibromyalgia, Heart disease, Heart valve problems, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Pancreatitis, Parkinson’s, Psoriasis, Stroke, and more….

Dr. Richard Chang can help you prevent and control periodontal gum disease.  For more information, call our Alhambra, CA office at: (626) 285-0285

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The Link Between Diabetes and Your Oral Health Goes Both Ways

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

Research shows that dental health issues, especially periodontal gum disease, can contribute to the onset and severity of diabetes.  Oral infections like gum disease affect blood glucose levels and your body’s ability to control them.  The inflammation they produce can contribute to many conditions including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.  And, infections strain your immune system.

Millions of people have periodontal disease and don’t know it.  There are often no obvious symptoms.  Seeing your dentist regularly is important for diagnosing and controlling this condition and other dental issues in order to protect your health.

If you have already been diagnosed as diabetic, you should see your dentist more often than the standard 6 month interval.  Your condition will make you more susceptible to infections like gum disease and tooth loss.  When diabetes affects your oral health, the condition of your mouth can then worsen your diabetes.  It‘s a dangerous cycle.

The links between diabetes and gum disease are clear.  Be proactive and see your dentist and hygienist regularly to give yourself the best chance for a healthy life.

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What is Periodontal Gum Disease?

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

Periodontal or gum disease is a serious condition that can affect both your dental and overall physical health.  There are often no symptoms, but when there are they may include bleeding gums, receding gums, or tooth sensitivity.

So what is periodontal disease?  Simply put, it is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support your teeth.  It usually develops in the areas between your teeth and gums that are called pockets.  These areas are more challenging to keep clean.  The infection begins by damaging your gums and then moves on to eat away the bone that supports your teeth.  When it is only affecting the gums it is called gingivitis.

Plaque, sometimes called biofilm, is the soft sticky substance that forms on your teeth between the times you brush and floss.  Bacteria live in this plaque.  After about 48 hours the plaque hardens and turns into tartar, which can only be removed with a professional teeth cleaning.  This tartar creates new nooks and crannies where the bacteria can hide and continue the process of infection and destroying your teeth.

It is rare for anyone to be able to clean their teeth perfectly every 48 hours and this is why it is important to see a dentist and dental hygienist regularly.  They can help you prevent and control gum disease and the serious medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes that it is linked to.

We would love to help you stay healthy by taking care of your oral health.  If you have any concerns about gum disease or other dental issues and live in the Alhambra area, give us a call: (626) 285-0285

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Posted in Dental Health News, Oral Systemic Link, Periodontal Gum Disease | 92 Comments »

Dental Infections are Dangerous for Your Health

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

It may seem like a stretch to think that an infection or inflammation in your mouth can contribute to medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes, but research is proving it true.  

Common infections in the mouth include periodontal gum disease, cavities, and the infections and abscesses that cause toothaches.  Each of these conditions causes inflammation and oxidative stress that can affect the rest of your body negatively.  Microscopic slides of dental plaque show multiple types of organisms swimming in your mouth, including bacteria.  The bacteria can get into your bloodstream easily through the thin tissue of your mouth and swallowing.   And, having infections or an imbalance of organisms in your mouth can drain your immune system. 

It is even more important than you thought to pay attention to your oral health.  You can prevent and eliminate dental infections and other oral health problems by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly.  Dentistry is about more than teeth.  It is about taking care of your medical health, too.

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Posted in Dental Health News, Oral Systemic Link | 58 Comments »