Archive for category Gum Disease and Your Body
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Oct 26
I Wouldn’t Go Anywhere Else
Aug 19
The Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology have had a joint presentation. Gum disease is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Bacteria from gum disease has been found in the plaques that cause atherosclerosis. It also turns out that when the bacteria from gum disease get in the blood stream (which they do continuously in patients with active gum disease) the blood vessels swell. So by possibly stimulating plaque formation in the arteries and making the arteries swell so that the lumen becomes more narrow, patients with gum disease have a higher risk for heart attack and stroke.
Good news though. Two studies have shown that by treating gum disease, a patients risk for heart attack and stroke go down. In the studies, they measured C reactive protein – a measure for swelling of the blood vessels. When patients with gum disease and an elevated C reactive protein were treated for their gum disease – the C reactive protein levels dropped!!!
We use lasers to treat gum disease with a minimally invasive approach. Then we use different lasers for low level laser therapy – a technique that reduces swelling and inflammation and accelerates wound healing.
Gum Disease and Your Heart
Oct 22
You have probably seen on tv or your favorite magazine that gum disease is linked to other diseases. What researchers have found so far is that bacteria from gum disease can be involved with plaque formation in your blood vessels. We also know that gum disease increases the inflammation of your blood vessels. Both of these gum disease effects can lead to increased risks for heart attacks and stroke.
A study just published in the Journal of Periodontology has found that by treating gum disease, your C reactive protein levels drop. C reactive protein (CRP) is a measure of how inflamed your blood vessels are. The higher the CRP level, the higher your risk for heart attack and stroke. We use lasers to treat your gum disease in a minimally invasive way. Now you know treating your gum disease can lower your risk for heart problems.