The Oral-Systemic Connection
Nearly half of American adults that are older than the age of 30 have periodontal disease, according to recent findings from The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study also found that the prevalence of periodontitis rises to 70.1% in adults older than age 65.
The nature of periodontal disease is that toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets, between the teeth and gums, which in turn become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.
New research indicates that, in fact, periodontal disease is a factor in many deadly systemic diseases, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Today’s clinicians are fortunate in being able to offer a wide variety of microbiological tests. Although these tests vary widely in their methods, sensitivity, specificity, speed, convenience and cost, they all provide invaluable insights into the disease process that were simply unavailable to patients only a few years ago.
"Poor oral health is a “silent X-factor” promoting the onset of life-threatening diseases which are responsible for the deaths of millions of Americans each year.”
United States Surgeon General’s report, Oral Health in America
Consequences of Chronic Gum Inflammation
“Inflammation is fire. When vascular walls around the heart catch fire, we have heart attacks and strokes. Think of the body as a house, and the mouth as the kitchen — when we have gum disease, we have a “fire” in our “kitchen” that may “burn down the house.”
Dr. Lloyd Rudy, Renowned Cardiovascular Surgeon
Did you know that gum disease can also contribute to chronic diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and even depression?
Gum disease is a proven silent menace to your health.
“As the gateway of the body, the mouth senses and responds to the external world and at the same time reflects what is happening deep inside the body. Too little time is devoted to oral health and disease topics in the education of non-dental health professionals. Yet all care providers can and should contribute to enhancing oral health. Health care providers should be ready, willing, and able to work in collaboration to provide optimal health care for their patients. Having informed health care professionals will ensure that the public using the health care system will benefit from interdisciplinary services and comprehensive care”.
United States Surgeon General: Oral Health in America.
Emerging scientific evidence confirms that chronic, low-grade infections in the mouth elevates systemic inflammation and has an impact on all body systems.
As a Founding Member of American Academy of Oral-Systemic Health, we’re dedicated to not only treat patients, but educate them of the relationship of oral – systemic health.
Our dentists and hygienists have received extensive advanced training in the art and science of testing for and treating oral bacterial inflammation.
Our office is equipped with the latest in technology to assure you sensible treatment that works… guaranteed!
You will enjoy the resulting benefits of improved oral and general health, healing, longevity and wellness.
Who is at risk?
Bacteria, found in the mouth, is normal and necessary. In fact, at any given time, there are thousands of bacteria circulating in our mouths, including the known bacteria that are specific to harmful diseases. The problem is when the levels of these harmful bacteria exceed the normal threshold. About 30% of people are genetically susceptible to oral bacterial infection. It is estimated that during their lifetime 80% of the U.S. population will develop gum disease and once it starts it does not usually reverse itself without specialized care. One of the myths about oral bacterial infection is that it occurs only with people who do not exercise proper oral hygiene habits. While good oral hygiene plays a significant role in reducing the likelihood of getting an oral bacterial infection, there are other factors that contribute toward developing the disease as well.
What are we testing for?
While being more qualitative (shades of blue) rather than quantitative, and being limited to the “Red” periodontal pathogens, this test allows us to receive an immediate indication of the levels of this bacteria present in your mouth. Based on the results further testing may be recommended.
CRP levels can be up to seven times higher in patients with periodontal disease. If you know there are high levels of CRP in your body, it’s imperative that you be evaluated and treated with advanced periodontal treatment, so the mouth does not lead to becoming a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Research and experience tells us that diabetic patients with infections have potentially life-threatening health-care complications.
Simplified, these three tests help us determine who is at risk for:
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Diabetes
• Other inflammatory diseases
We know what the problem is. By now, the research is obvious, but the missing component (the “secret sauce”) has always been how to put it into effect. We know how.
MyPerioPath detects and quantifies 13 specific disease-causing bacteria that are associated with periodontal disease. When the quantity of pathogens rises above the normal threshold, infection and illness are either already present or likely to occur.
Standard Medical Protocol
Using your individual test results and assessment, we will design a plan of treatment for you to eradicate the detected bacteria.
Through a combination of mechanical and laser treatments; various topical antibiotics; and The Perio Protect Method, an FDA-cleared medical device, that’s capable of delivering antimicrobial agents and solutions to the affected areas.
To evaluate the progress of the treatment, we monitor the amount of bacteria before, during, and after treatment.
Our treatment addresses the causes, monitors the healing process, and has been demonstrated to be effective in all stages of the disease. Keep in mind this proven treatment can only be completely successful with a patient’s total involvement and participation.
Get in Touch with us
Phone number:
916.436.8345
Citrus Heights Dental
6994 Sunrise Blvd.
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
The Smile Doctor
3000 L St., STE #104
Sacramento, CA 95816