Fatty Fish and Nuts May Prevent Gum Disease

Fatty Fish, Nuts May Prevent Gum Disease


Study Shows Diet High in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids May Reduce Risk for Periodontitis

By Jennifer Warner

WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Laura J. Martin, MDOct. 26, 2010 -- A new study suggests eating foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as salmon and nuts, may help prevent gum disease or periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a common type of gum disease in which the gum tissue separates from the teeth and allows bacteria to build up. If untreated, the condition can lead to bone and tooth loss.

Researchers found that people whose diets were rich in PUFAs were as much as 30% less likely to have gum disease than those who ate little or none of this type of fat.

“We found that n-3 fatty acid intake, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are inversely associated with periodontitis in the U.S. population,” says researcher Asghar Z. Naqvi, MPH, MNS, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, in a news release.

"A dietary therapy, if effective, might be a less expensive and safer method for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis," says Naqvi. “To date, the treatment of periodontitis has primarily involved mechanical cleaning and local antibiotic application."

Researchers say polyunsaturated fats have already been shown to have beneficial effects on other types of inflammatory conditions, such as heart disease, and they may also play a role in fighting the inflammation that causes gum disease.
"Given the evidence indicating a role for n-3 fatty acids in other chronic inflammatory conditions, it is possible that treating periodontitis with n-3 fatty acids could have the added benefit of preventing other chronic diseases associated with inflammation, including stroke as well,” says Naqvi.
Slideshow: Top Problems in Your Mouth
PUFAs and Your Gums
In the study, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers compared fatty acid intake and risk of gum disease in 9,182 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2004.
The results showed those who ate moderate to high amounts of the fatty acid DHA through diet or fish oil supplements were up to 30% less likely to have gum disease than those who ate lower amounts. Those whose diets were rich in the EPA had up to a 23% lower risk of periodontitis.
Researchers found that even modest levels of these PUFAs (equivalent to less than 40 milligrams per day for DHA and 10 milligrams per day for EPA) were enough to significantly reduce the risk of gum disease.
Foods that are naturally high in polyunsaturated fatty acids like DHA and EPA include fatty fish, nuts, margarine, and peanut butter.

For more information on gum disease and it treatment please visit www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html

Want To Be Sexier....Improve your Oral Hygiene

If you're thinking about being romantic tonight, you might want to make sure your oral hygiene is in check. Based on a new survey, oral hygiene is significantly preferred over the traditional romantic overtures to set the mood, such as dimming the lights, lighting candles, wearing perfume or playing romantic music.




"The results of this study reinforced some of what we already knew - that most consumers simply don't like to floss with string - but we were surprised at how important oral hygiene was in order to be attractive to your significant other"



The national survey, which was fielded by Kelton Research, examined Americans' views on oral healthcare and revealed that a clean mouth was most important in maintaining a healthy relationship. Close to six in ten, or 59 percent, would be most disturbed by their partner not brushing or flossing his or her teeth for a week, as compared to only 24 percent who would be most perturbed if their significant other passed on wearing deodorant. Far fewer were bothered by their partner skipping shaving, hair combing or trimming toe nails for a week, at nine percent, six percent and two percent, respectively.



The Waterpik® Sexy Smile Survey also found that while they are quick to judge the flossing habits of their significant others, the majority of Americans actually have a lot of ups and downs in their own relationship with floss. Key findings on flossing and oral healthcare include:



- Only When I'm Desperate. Americans are most likely to floss just before visiting the dentist (51 percent), and when they have food stuck in between their teeth or have bad breath (64 percent), which could mean their mouths are not as fresh as they should be most other times!



- Below Grade. Nearly six in ten (58 percent) Americans say they deserve a C or lower for the efforts they make to floss their teeth on a daily basis. In fact, about one in five (18 percent) give themselves a failing grade.



- Unpleasant Act. Among people who floss their teeth, close to six in ten (57 percent) say that floss makes their gums bleed, it gets stuck between their teeth, (52 percent), and it caused little bits of food to fly onto the mirror (42 percent). Yuck!



- We Want an Alternative. In fact, Americans would pay an average of $53 for an alternative to regular string floss (which you can usually get for free from your dentist) if it meant that the process was faster, easier and more effective.



"The results of this study reinforced some of what we already knew - that most consumers simply don't like to floss with string - but we were surprised at how important oral hygiene was in order to be attractive to your significant other," said Jay McCulloch, Vice President of Marketing for Water Pik Oral Health Products. "The Waterpik® Water Flosser is a great option for those who are struggling with traditional floss. It's easy to use, it's clinically proven to be significantly more effective than string floss, and it takes only one minute per day."



The Waterpik® Water Flosser utilizes pulsating water to clean deep between teeth and below the gumline to remove plaque and debris where traditional brushing and flossing can't reach.



About The Water Survey



The Waterpik® Sexy Smile Survey was conducted by Kelton Research between September 10 and September 16, 2010 among 1,001 U.S. adults using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population ages 18 and over. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.



Source:

Kelton Research

Water Pik, Inc.

For more information about periodontal disease please visit www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html

Six Signs of Periodontal Disease

Six Signs of Periodontal Disease


July 28th, 2010, By Dental Health Magazine Staff
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Many people are completely unaware that they even have periodontal disease. Prior to the occurrence of a pain and a major symptom, this problem may have already begun.

For people who don’t get a dental checkup every six months, they may be well on their way to losing their teeth and to contributing to other significant health problems.

Prior to this problem becoming severe, there are six easy ways to tell if it is a problem for you.
The Six Signs of Periodontal Disease:
1. Halitosis that refuses to go away.

2. Swollen or red gums.

3. Bleeding or tender.

4. Chewing that is painful

5. Loose teeth

6. Sensitive teeth

The first sign of periodontal disease is bad breath that won’t go away. If you have chronic bad breath, make sure to rule out a systemic disease, like diabetes.

There are other causes of bad breath that not be the result of periodontal disease such as medication and diet. There are also some sources of bad breath that can come from the stomach, sinus, and lungs.

These factors should also be considered. But, because the majority of the population suffers from periodontal disease, that is the most likely that bad breath.

Red or purple gums that are swollen are another sign of periodontal disease, especially the gums around the teeth. The surface of healthy gums show stippling and are pink.

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Gums that bleed easily and are tender to the touch is another sign of periodontal disease. The gums shouldn’t bleed when flossing or brushing. Gums that bleed are an indication that infection is setting in.

Another sign of periodontal disease is chewing that is painful. A sharp pain that is located in only one tooth may be the need for a root canal, a cracked tooth, or a cavity. Non localized or overall pain is usually the result of periodontal disease.

Loose teeth in the mouth from periodontal disease are the result of deposits of plaque under and along the gum line around the bone of the teeth.

The bone will begin to deteriorate and the tooth loses its support in the jaw. The, pockets will form around the tooth and collect further bacteria and thus exacerbate the problem.

Teeth that are sensitive to cold air, sour, sweet, cold, and hot can also be a sign of periodontal disease. Gums that recede as a result of the disease expose the surfaces of the root which are covered with tiny tubes that lead into the nerve in the tooth.

When the external stimulus is introduced to the exposed portion of the tooth, the nerves feel the pain.

While the late stages of periodontal disease have these signs, the early stages don’t. You should make an appointment with your dentist before these signs appear.

For more information concerning periodontal disease and its treatment www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html

Gum Disease = Poor Health

Periodontal disease and poor health outcomes


Peter N Galgut, clinical periodontist

Clinicians must recognise the risks and refer patients for periodontal care
Periodontal diseases are localised gingival infections that affect most adults at some time in their lives. They are broadly divided into two groups. Gingivitis is related to dental plaque and manifests as superficial redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Periodontitis occurs when the infection spreads into the deeper tissues surrounding the roots of the teeth, and it causes breakdown of the gingival tissues and alveolar bone resorption.
Evidence shows that periodontal diseases can have systemic effects.1 2 3 Oral infection can result in the formation of sites that favour colonisation by blood borne microbes—a locus minoris resistentiae. A well known example of this phenomenon is heart valves that are damaged by rheumatic fever, which are more susceptible to bacterial infection from blood borne bacteria.

Dr. James Miller is a Scottsdale dentist utilizing LANAP laser gum therapy using Periolase MVP-7 laser.  For more information on gum disease visit www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html

Smoking and Sleep Affect Oral Health

Smoking and Sleep Affect Oral Health


Study: Smoking and Lack of Sleep Are Among Factors in Periodontal Disease

By Jennifer Warner

WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD May 18, 2007 -- Smoking may be public enemy No. 1 when it comes to the health of your teeth and gums.
A new study shows smoking was the leading lifestyle factor affecting the progression of periodontal disease. Second to smoking in terms of worsening periodontal disease was not getting enough sleep.
"This study points out to patients that there are lifestyle factors other than brushing and flossing that may affect their oral health. Simple lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep, may help patients improve or protect their oral health," says Preston D. Miller Jr., DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, in a news release. "It is also important to keep these in mind as the body of evidence linking oral disease with systemic diseases continues to grow because ultimately these lifestyle factors might impact a patient's overall health."
Smoking Affects Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, which affects the teeth and gums and can ultimately lead to loss of teeth, is thought to be caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth. But recent research has suggested that other factors may also play an important role.
In the study, Muneo Tanaka, DDS, and colleagues at Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, followed a group of 219 factory workers from 1999 to 2003 to examine the relationship between periodontal disease and different lifestyle factors.
Researchers analyzed the impact of a variety of lifestyle factors on the progression of periodontal disease among the workers, including physical exercise, alcohol use, tobacco use, hours of sleep, nutritional balance of the diet, mental stress, hours worked, and eating breakfast.

Out of all the lifestyle factors examined, researchers found the No. 1 one factor affecting the progression of periodontal disease was smoking.
The results, published in the Journal of Periodontology, also showed that more than 41% of those who experienced a worsening of their periodontal disease were current smokers.
Lack of sleep was the second most important lifestyle factor affecting periodontal disease with those who received seven to eight hours of sleep per night showing less periodontal disease progression than those who received six or fewer hours of sleep per night. High stress levels and daily alcohol consumption also had an impact on periodontal disease progression.

For more information on the treatment of gum disease visit www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html

WebMD LANAP Laser Video

Check out this Web MD video concerning LANAP laser treatment.
http://www.webmd.com/video/new-treatment-gum-disease

For more information on LANAP go to www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html

Smoking and Gum Disease

Smoking and Sleep Affect Oral Health


Study: Smoking and Lack of Sleep Are Among Factors in Periodontal Disease

By Jennifer Warner

WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD May 18, 2007 -- Smoking may be public enemy No. 1 when it comes to the health of your teeth and gums.
A new study shows smoking was the leading lifestyle factor affecting the progression of periodontal disease. Second to smoking in terms of worsening periodontal disease was not getting enough sleep.

"This study points out to patients that there are lifestyle factors other than brushing and flossing that may affect their oral health. Simple lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep, may help patients improve or protect their oral health," says Preston D. Miller Jr., DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, in a news release. "It is also important to keep these in mind as the body of evidence linking oral disease with systemic diseases continues to grow because ultimately these lifestyle factors might impact a patient's overall health."

Smoking Affects Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, which affects the teeth and gums and can ultimately lead to loss of teeth, is thought to be caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the mouth. But recent research has suggested that other factors may also play an important role.

In the study, Muneo Tanaka, DDS, and colleagues at Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, followed a group of 219 factory workers from 1999 to 2003 to examine the relationship between periodontal disease and different lifestyle factors.

Researchers analyzed the impact of a variety of lifestyle factors on the progression of periodontal disease among the workers, including physical exercise, alcohol use, tobacco use, hours of sleep, nutritional balance of the diet, mental stress, hours worked, and eating breakfast.

Out of all the lifestyle factors examined, researchers found the No. 1 one factor affecting the progression of periodontal disease was smoking.

The results, published in the Journal of Periodontology, also showed that more than 41% of those who experienced a worsening of their periodontal disease were current smokers.

Lack of sleep was the second most important lifestyle factor affecting periodontal disease with those who received seven to eight hours of sleep per night showing less periodontal disease progression than those who received six or fewer hours of sleep per night. High stress levels and daily alcohol consumption also had an impact on periodontal disease progression.


To find out more about gum disease and its treatments go to www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html

Healthy Gums May Help Prevent Pancreatic Cancer

Healthy Gums May Prevent Pancreatic Cancerfrom FitSugar by FitSugar


All cancer is bad news, but what makes pancreatic cancer so awful is that only 5% of people diagnosed with it will live another 5 years.
There are no recommended screening tests, early warning signs or symptoms to alert a person or their doctor that they have pancreatic cancer.
Some risk factors that could make you more susceptible to pancreatic cancer include cigarette smoking and possibly diabetes and obesity.
Oddly enough, periodontal disease (gum inflammation) and tooth loss may also be associated in some way with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
The connection it seems is that over time, the bacterial infection that causes gum disease can also cause loss of the bone that anchors the teeth. The inflammation from the infection may set the stage for other serious diseases, like pancreatic cancer.
There has also been recent interest in a possible link between gum disease and coronary artery disease, based on the theory that gum disease may lead to increased levels of inflammation throughout our bodies.

Fit's Tips: So take care of your teeth and gums people. Get regular dental cleanings twice a year, and whatever you do - don't forget to floss.

If you would like to learn more about gum disease and gum disease treatment go to www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html

LANAP Laser Gum Therapy vs. Conventional Gum Surgery

It can be a difficult decision for people who have diagnosed with gum or periodontal disease.  Firstly, patients are often surprised at their diagnosis.  Periodontal disease is a very common, yet, sadly, is widely underdiagnosed ( another topic altogether).  It is estimated that over 100 million people in the U.S. have some form of periodontal disease.  When it comes to treating gum disease there are essentially two options - traditional gum surgery or LANAP laser gum therapy.  Unfortunately, LANAP laser gum therapy option is often not presented to patient because of lack of knowledge of the LANAP procedure.  My goal is to compare LANAP with traditional gum surgery so people can make an informed decision of the treatment choices.

Comparison of Procedures

With traditonal gum surgery, a scalpel is used to "flap" the gums back in order to expose the roots of the teeth and the jawbone.  This allows the dentist to clean all the tartar from the roots and view the bone that supports the teeth.  If there are any bony defects, the bone is reshaped or bone graft material is placed.  The gums are then sutured back in place.  The gums may also be excised (cut) in order to achieve a periodontal pocket that is 3mm deep to allow the patient to clean effectively.  For example, if you had a 6mm pocket reading, then 3mm of gum tissue would have to be removed to create a 3mm pocket.

In LANAP laser gum therapy,  there are no scalpels or sutures.  The gums are not "flapped" back of the teeth and the bone.  Instead, the laser fiber is placed between the teeth and gums into the periodontal pocket.  The LANAP laser then selectively ablates (removes) the scar tissue lining the gums in the pocket and kills the bacteria as well.  The roots are then cleaned using an ultrasonic devise.  Then the LANAP laser is used again to seal around the cuff of the tooth.  This creates an environment that allows your own body to heal and actually regenerate the attachment of the gum to the tooth. 

Essentially, the difference is LANAP laser gum therapy promotes regeneration to reduce the periodontal pocket depths while Traditional gum surgery amputates the gums to attain a healthy periodontal pocket depth.

Post Operative Differences

Since LANAP laser gum therapy is less invasive than traditional gum surgery the downtime is dramatically reduced.  It is typical for a LANAP patient to have downtime in the 24 -48 hr range.  Compared to 2-4 weeks with traditional surgery.  With LANAP there is less pain and less chance of infection.

Treatment Outcome Differences

While both LANAP and Traditional gum treatments will produce healthier gums, there are some major differences.  Since Traditonal surgery removes gum tissue to produce shallower periodontal pockets, this exposes the roots of the teeth to the oral environment.  Aesthetically, the teeth look longer as more of the teeth are exposed.  By exposing the roots of the teeth, this often produces teeth that are sensitive to cold and hot temperatures.  Also, the roots of the teeth are not as strong as the enamel of teeth.  By exposing the roots it increases the risk of getting cavities on these root surfaces.

 LANAP laser gum therapy does not remove gum tissue,  it promotes regeneration of the gums attachment to the tooth. With LANAP we see very little gum recession.  This means the roots do not get exposed, so the sensitivity and cavity risks are minimized, and aesthetics are maintained because we see very little gum recession with LANAP.

Time and Cost Differences

The time frame for LANAP consists of 2 two hour appointments scheduled one week apart.  Traditional gum surgery usually take longer, with a longer time frame between surgeries.  The cost is for each procedure is typically about the same.

If you would like to read more on LANAP laser gum therapy please click on the following link www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html .

What is L.A.N.A.P.?

Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure ( L.A.N.A.P. ) is an amazing breakthrough in gum ( periodontal ) treatment. If you have been told you need periodontal surgery, involving a scalpel and sutures, L.A.N.A.P. is a laser alternative you need to learn about. Did you know that 50% of Americans has periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease starts off as plaque, an opaque film that is constantly forming in our mouths. The plaque eventually hardens, forming tartar or calculus. These calculus deposits harbor bacteria which infects the gums. In early stages, this is called Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well. Without treatment, Gingivitis progresses to Periodontitis, a much more serious form of gum disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatement, the infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, eventually, resulting in tooth loss.

To repair the damage caused by gum disease is to get rid of the infection and close the periodontal pockets. Until now, this meant surgery and sutures. But today, LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY OR LANAP, a patient friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over traditional gum surgery.

Dr. James Miller will schedule you a complimentary consultation to explain how the laser works and give you a demonstration. If you a candidate ( you have gum disease) for LANAP the first treatment involves a local anesthetic to eliminate any possible discomfort. A general anesthetic is not necessary as LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY OR LANAP is much less traumatic. A tiny laser (about the thickness of three hairs) is inserted between the tooth and gum, and the infection is cleared away. The procedure is fast, it takes just two 2-hour sessions. One half of the mouth is treated at a time...most patients feel good enough to back to work afterwards.

Dr. James B. Miller is a Licensed Arizona General Dentist praciticing in Scottsdale Arizona. He can be reached at james@drjamesmiller.com or at www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html

Periodontal Pockets

Periodontal pockets are a key determination of gum health. In normal health, pockets are 3mm or less. When these periodontal measurements exceed 3mm it can be determined that periodontal disease may be present.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The signs and symptoms of gum disease are quite often silent. What does this mean? You will not know about the disease until it has reached an advanced stage of the disease. Warning sign of gum ( periodontal ) disease include the following:

• Red, swollen gums that may be tender/painful
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
• Gums that are receding. This results in teeth that look longer than before.
• Loose teeth
• Drifting/moving teeth
• Pus
• Sores
• Bad breath

http://www.drjamesmiller.com