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The Systemic Connection There is a strong relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions. Periodontal diseases are now recognized as being site-specific, communicable, bacterial infections that occur episodically. They therefore require constant monitoring for both clinical and sub-clinical presence of disease associated bacteria. Periodontal disease may contribute to diabetes, heart disease, abnormal pregnancies, neurological conditions (cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s) a host of chronic diseases – and, some cancers. It appears that chronic infection, which can be sub-clinical, is the culprit. That means we cannot assume a patient with no bleeding gums or bone loss, is not at risk. We also cannot assume that floss and brushes will kill off the offending bacteria. We need to educate our patients in effective homecare and regular periodic maintenance office visits throughout the year. We need to use microscopic monitoring, cultures or more sophisticated means to identify these patients who are at risk. There is mounting evidence that bacteria and viruses play a role in many types of cancer: cervical, pancreatic, brain and lung cancers. A person over 50 with a periodontal malady is two to five times as likely to suffer coronary heart disease. A mother with periodontal disease is three to seven times as likely to experience pre-term birth. And pre-term babies are twenty times as likely not to survive the first year. Diabetes not only enhances periodontal disease and other systemic conditions but it may be caused by periodontal disease - a two-way connection. Chronic Infections There are three main chronic infections which dominate all others – periodontitis, chronic bronchitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (vaginosis). These conditions share similar bacteria. Chronic bronchitis is often due to aspiration of saliva contaminated from infected gums. Aspiration increases with age and aspiration pneumonia is a leading cause of death in nursing homes. The good news is we can play an important role in controlling our oral health and systemic health and prolong our longevity by regularly monitoring and maintaining our oral health. Source: IDHF Vol. 14 #3, June 2001 News & Notes A Non-Surgical treatment “Periodontal (gum) diseases are a serious national concern. They are more common than the common cold,” notes Daniel Zonan, DDS. “It’s nice to have a second chance at a beautiful smile, but dental health comes first. Once we establish periodontal health, which serves as a sound foundation, we can go further to enhance one’s cosmetic concerns via bonding bleaching, crowns, porcelain laminate veneers, and all of the latest available techniques.” Dr. Zonan offer these comprehensive services at the family owned and operated Wedgwood Professional Center, 116 North Central Avenue, Hartsdale, NY, (914) 948-8111. “Periodontal diseases, not decay, are responsible for the vast majority of adult teeth loss.” Dr. Zonan explains. “The tragedy is that all of this misery is preventable. Because these diseases progress very slowly and usually without pain, they often escape early detection. Traditional tests, such as x-rays and periodontal probing, can only reveal damage to the supporting bone after it occurs.” Researchers have discovered that periodontal diseases are caused by specific bacterial infections playing havoc on our immune systems. New diagnostic methods, such as viewing plaque samples under a phase contrast microscope to search for bacteria-related disease, or DNA probes to identify the offending bacteria, can disclose the risk of these diseases before significant damage can occur. “There are also new treatments that are both effective and comparably inexpensive,” Dr Zonan adds. “If an infection is discovered, we treat it conservatively, much like a physician would treat a local infection. First, the area is thoroughly cleaned. Then, it is irrigated with antimicrobial solutions, followed by new home-care methods to keep the gums from becoming reinfected.” Because Dr. Dan Zonan cares about his patients, he attends continuing education courses to keep abreast of new knowledge and techniques. What does all this mean to patients? “It means that in almost all cases, we can help you keep your natural teeth for the rest of your life,” Dr. Zonan says. “We’re not about being sensationalist or misleading to our patients. What we are about is offering an alternative to gum surgery. Periodontal diseases could be traced to poor dental health. Risk factors that may play a role in coronary heart ailments, strokes, respiratory and diabetic problems, premature birth defects etc, often can be traced to periodontal diseases. |
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Teeth for a Lifetime.
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