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In January 2006, Dr. Malkemus began writing dental health articles for The Community
Voice newspaper. He wanted to give back to the community and share his passion for
health, as well as his observations of the remarkable planet around us. Current
and past articles are provided here. To view his articles as they appear, see the
Health, Beauty, and Fitness Section at www.thecommunityvoice.com.
Other Resources
Don't Let The Economy Delay Dental Treatment
DON’T LET THE ECONOMY DELAY DENTAL TREATMENT
During this scary economic period there is a tendency to put off medical needs. But there is nothing more important than good health. So it is important to continue medical treatment and healthy living. Stay positive, exercise, relieve stress, use alcohol in moderation, eat wisely and of course don’t smoke.
Dental health can be compromised as well if dental treatment is delayed. Regular dental exams and cleanings may be put off due to cost concerns. But if you put it off now, it will cost you much more later. A small cavity caught now, can be filled. If you wait till it hurts, treatment will probably involve a root canal and a crown. Gums that are not maintained will need scaling and root planning and possible gum surgery. Or worst yet you could need an extraction. Gum disease is the number one reason that adults lose their teeth.
Another important health concern is the correlation between infections in the mouth and several deadly diseases. Gum infection called periodontal disease affects the entire body. Bacteria that build up between the teeth and gums can enter into the bloodstream whenever your gums bleed. These bacteria can travel throughout the body and cause serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, strokes, ulcers and pre-term births.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women. It affects over 60 million people and kills nearly one million people every year.
People with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without gum disease. Bacteria in the mouth can enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the blood vessels, contributing to clot formation and narrowing of the coronary [heart] arteries. The bacterial plaque in the mouth is found to be similar to the plaque found in the arteries. Narrowing of the arteries and blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This can lead to a heart attack!
Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Bacteria in the blood stream from bleeding gums can attach and grow on the heart valves causing a dangerous disease called infective endocarditis.
Stroke
Studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. This is also related to the narrowing of the arteries through bacterial plaque. People diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia, a sever decrease in blood flow to the brain that can lead to a stroke, are found much more likely to have gum disease. A study of fatty deposits lodged in the carotid arteries of stroke sufferers showed that up to 50% of the bacteria that cause the fatty deposits came from their infected gums.
Diabetes
Diabetes affects nearly 16 million people and causes nearly 200,000 deaths each year. Diabetics are found to be 3-4 times more likely to have periodontal disease, due to their reduced immune and healing response. It is extremely important for diabetics to have excellent oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings.
Recent studies have shown that the elimination of gum disease can directly improve a person’s control over diabetes. A study of Pima Indians in Arizona showed that reducing periodontal infection helps control diabetic sugar levels. The Pima Indian’s population had a high number of diabetics and an increased proportion of members with periodontal disease. After intense treatment to reduce their gum disease, the study found vast improvement in their diabetes, with a reduction in the amount of insulin needed. In some cases, insulin use could be completely stopped.
Stomach Ulcers
Periodontal disease has been correlated with an increase in stomach ulcers. The bacteria that collect in your mouth when gum disease is present are the same bacteria that cause gastric ulcers. If the bacterial count in the mouth is high, the bacteria can travel from the mouth to the stomach and cause an ulcer.
Pre-Term Births
Periodontal disease is also linked to low birth weight, premature babies, who come into the world already facing a life-and-death struggle.
For a long time we've known that risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and drug use contributed to mothers having babies that are born prematurely and underweight. Now evidence shows that pregnant women who have periodontal disease are seven to eight times more likely to give birth prematurely to low birth weight babies. All infections are cause for concern among pregnant women because they pose a risk to the health of the baby. Women considering pregnancy should have a dental and gum evaluation from their dentist and hygienist.
Contagious Disease
Periodontal disease is contagious. It spreads through saliva contact, particularly through kissing. Newborns pick up their bacterial flora through their first suckling interactions with their mothers, so periodontal disease can be passed from mother to child.
A female patient in my practice for many years had good brushing and flossing habits and made regular, 3-month cleaning appointments. Even so, her gums continued to swell and bleed. Her husband had advanced periodontal disease, with much plaque, bleeding, swelling, bone loss, bad breath, and even pus. He refused to have regular cleanings and did a poor job of brushing, only a few times a week and he never flossed. Later they separated and eventually divorced. In a short time, her gum health improved dramatically, with little or no bleeding or swelling. Her ex-husband had been continually infecting her with periodontal disease over all their years together.
Good Health
Make health a priority in your life. Prevention is the best medicine. Periodontal disease and tooth decay can be prevented with good oral health habits, such as, brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental visits and cleanings. So, please don’t wait till it hurts!
Enjoy Life and Keep Smiling!
George Malkemus has had a Family and Cosmetic Dental Practice in Rohnert Park for over 23 years at 2 Padre Parkway, Suite 200. Call 585-8595, or email info@ malkemusdds.com. Visit Dr. Malkemus’ Web site at http://www.malkemusdds.com
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