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

Gum Disease Major Health Concern

The prevalence of periodontal disease in the United States may be significantly higher than originally estimated. Research published in the Journal of Dental Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggests that the prevalence of periodontal disease may have been underestimated by as much as 50 percent. The implication is that more American adults may suffer from moderate to severe gum disease than previously thought.


In a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) pilot study, funded by the CDC's Division of Oral Health, a full-mouth, comprehensive periodontal examination was conducted on over 450 adults over the age of 35. Periodontal disease was classified according to definitions determined by the CDC in collaboration with the AAP. The prevalence rates were then compared against the results of previous NHANES studies which used a partial-mouth periodontal examination. Historically, NHANES has served as the main source for determining prevalence of periodontal disease in US adults. The pilot study finds that the original partial-mouth study methodology may have underestimated true disease prevalence by up to 50 percent.
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, and may also interfere with other systems of the body. Several research studies have associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
"This study shows that periodontal disease is a bigger problem than we all thought. It is a call to action for anyone who cares about his or her oral health." said Samuel Low, DDS, MS, associate dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. "Given what we know about the relationship between gum disease and other diseases, taking care of your oral health isn't just about a pretty smile. It has bigger implications for overall health, and is therefore a more significant public health problem."
Dr. Low explained that the increased prevalence of periodontal disease makes it essential to maintain healthy teeth and gums. "Not only should you take good care of your periodontal health with daily tooth brushing and flossing, you should expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year," he advised. A dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease, will conduct the comprehensive exam to assess your periodontal disease status.

According to Paul Eke, MPH, PhD, epidemiologist at the CDC and lead author of the study, the findings have significant public health implications. "The study suggests we have likely underestimated the prevalence of periodontal disease in the adult US population," he said. "We are currently utilizing a full-mouth periodontal examination in the 2009/10 NHANES to better understand the full extent and characteristics of periodontal disease in our adult population." Dr. Eke added, "Research suggests a connection between periodontal health and systemic health. In light of these findings, understanding the relationships between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases in the adult U.S population is more crucial than ever."


Source:

American Academy of Periodontology
Find out more about gum disease and treatment at 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 .

LANAP Laser Gum Therapy One Year Results

December 2008- Note the amount of bone loss
between the teeth.  Approximately only 2mm of

bone supporting the tooth.

January 2010.  Patient presents with significant
reduction in pocket depths and evidentce of
approximately 3-4 mm new bone formation.

This particular patient came to our office originally in December 2007.  This was before I had been providing the LANAP laser gum therapy.  The patient's periodontal condition, particularly the bottom front teeth, were in poor to hopeless condition.  My original plan was to extract the four bottom incisors and replace them with a bridge.  The depth of the periodontal pockets ranged from 8-12mm deep (normal is 3mm)!  The teeth were mobile.  Fortunately I began performing the LANAP procedure in September of 2008.  This patient jumped at the opportunity to treat his periodontal condition using the Periolase MVP-7 laser and the LANAP laser gum therapy procedure.  The LANAP procedure was performed in December of 2008.  Since we do not want to damage the new gum attachment, we do not measure the gums for at least nine months.  In January 2010, we measured the bottom front teeth,  we were ecstatic with the results.  Where there was a 12mm periodontal pocket now measured a 4mm,  where there was an 8mm pocket now there was a 3mm.  We also took an X-ray of the area to compare.  This blew me away!  We see evidence of new bone formation (approximately 3-4mm new bone) growing.  Using the LANAP laser gum therapy is the only way I know about that can produce these types of results. 

Dr. James Miller is a Arizona licensed general
dentist. His practice is located in Scottsdale Arizona.
For more information concerning LANAP
click on the following link http://www.drjamesmiller.com/lanap.html

There is a difference in the Laser that is used

L.A.N.A.P. ( laser assisted new attachment procedure ) is used ONLY with one specific laser, the Periolase MVP-7. Most people think a laser is a laser. This is not the case. The difference between lasers is the certain wavelength it emits, this is why LASIK is not done with a hair removal laser. Lasers at different wavelengths are absorbed by different tissues/materials. The Periolase MVP-7 used in L.A.N.A.P. is a Nd:YAG laser which emits at 1064 nm. Other lasers used in the Medical/Dental field are CO2, YAG, Argon, Er:YAG, Ho:YAG, Diode, ErCr:YSSG, Nd:YAP, HeNe. All of these lasers are absorbed by different tissues and have different effects and treatment modalities.

The Periolase MVP-7 used in LANAP was developed specifically for the use in periodontal or gum disease. The laser is absorbed by darker pigmented tissues, which includes the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, and also the lining of the periodontal pocket, called epithelium. By removing these tissues from the periodontal pockets it leaves behing healthy connective tissue which can reattach to the tooth. Other lasers used in the dental field do not selectively remove these tissues without altering the connective tissue (which is required for regeneration). For example, the Biolase Waterlase, which is ErCr:YSSG laser, is absorbed highly by water, so any tissue that contains water would be detroyed. Diode lasers, which emit at 980nm, are essentially just a "hot tip" which removes tissue by heating. The diode would kill the bacteria but also destroy the healthy connective tissue we want when doing LANAP.

My point of this post is that if considering Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP) be sure that laser that is being used is the Periolase MVP-7. It is the only laser used in LANAP, which is an FDA cleared procedure.

LANAP Animation