Keep your physician informed if you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease or if you are experiencing any issues with gum inflammation. Likewise, inform your dentist if your have been diagnosed with any form of cardiovascular disease or problems.

Individuals most at risk for cardiovascular disease include those over 65, African-Americans, Hispanics, and males. Though these factors cannot be changed there are some risk factors you can change through lifestyle management and/or medical treatment to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and stress.

How are periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease related? It has been suggested that the inflammatory proteins and bacteria associated with gum disease enter the blood stream and cause various effects on the cardiovascular system. A February 2005 study investigated 650 individuals and concluded that the presence of the same bacteria known to cause periodontitis was associated with an increase in blood vessel thickening.

To keep your gums health good oral hygiene is essential. This includes brushing twice a day with an antibacterial toothpaste, flossing regularly and visiting the dentist at least every 6 months. A healthy diet and regular exercise can improve your cardiovascular and your overall health.

The Heart and Mouth Connection

Cardiovascular disease is a class of disease that affects the heart and/or blood vessels. It is estimated that more than 80 million people in the U.S.A. (similar in Canada) have one or more form of cardiovascular disease. These forms include high blood pressure, coronary heart disease (acute heart attack and angina pectoris), stroke, and heart failure. Studies have shown that there is a link between cardiovascular disease and periodontal (gum) disease. Forms of gum disease such asgingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (bone loss), can be indicators for cardiovascular problems. This is why it is important for individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease to visit the dentist regularly, practice good oral hygiene, and keep their dentist informed of af oral and overall health issues.

Dr. Mike Recommends

Here fact about toothpaste that may be of some interest. Some common ingredients in toothpaste are:
· abrasives grind away left over food and plaque and help remove stain
· fluoride to help remineralize and make teeth more resistant to decay
· antibacterials such as xylitol and triclosan fight the bacteria of plaque and gum disease
· surfactants (detergents) and foaming agents carry away debris from the mouth and between teeth
· anti-tartar agents help prevent the formation of tartar
· Desensitizing agents help relieve tooth sensitivity
Abrasives are necessary to scrub away stain and bacteria and help teeth appear whiter. Toothpaste must be abrasive enough to do the job but not scrub away vital enamel. Wear on the teeth can be minimized by selecting the right toothpaste and by using proper brushing techniques and a soft-bristle brush. For help choosing a toothpaste speak to myself or one of our hygienists at your next appointment.

A Note From Dr. Mike

Most of the winter is behind us now and spring is just around the corner. I’m sure we will have a least a few more snow falls before the warm weather begins. For those of you looking for those last few ski weekends the snow will be a blessing. March break is always a great time for kids to be outdoors enjoys winter activities. Remember to be safe and wear helmets to protect from head and brain injuries. I hope you enjoy this issue of our news letter.

Please come out to our Invisalign day or Saturday March 26 from 10am to 1pm. The purpose of this day is twofold. Firstly for those of your ready to start treatment you will receive $600 off our total treatment fee. Secondly, for those of you looking for more information we will try to answer all of your questions.