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Why Periodontal Disease Causing Bacteria Must Be Caught Early

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Periodontal Disease - Oral bacteria - Flossing Bacteria, known as Porphyromonas gingivalis, that causes periodontal gum disease alters the body’s immune system, which shuts down the normal functions in place that would otherwise kill the bacteria, according to new research from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Alabama in Birhingham.

“Since greater than 50 percent of the U.S. population over 50 years-of-age develop adult periodontal disease, we hope that the results of our study will ultimately help in the development of novel treatments that could prevent or ameliorate the chronic infection caused by the pathogen P. gingivalis,'” said Jannet Katz, D.D.S., Ph.D., a researcher involved in the study.

Gum diseases, like periodontal disease, and the infections that cause them are often immensely troublesome to treat. Now, this new study, and other similar research, reveals just how problematic these bacteria are because they extend beyond the body’s built-in defenses, and actually manhandle our body’s immune system so they can survive, comments John Wherry, Ph.D., who is Deputy Editor of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, where the study is published.

The study findings highlight the importance early prevention of periodontal disease or swift intervention to eradicate the bacteria through customized treatment procedures or invention of a effective periodontal disease bacteria vaccine.

One out of every two adults in America over the age of 30 have periodontal disease, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For more information, continue reading the full article.

Photo by: Fío dental / Certo Xornal / CC BY 2.0

Can Periodontal Disease Be Stopped in its Tracks?

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Can Periodontal Disease Be Stopped in its Tracks? Periodontal disease is not a phrase that is as well known as gum disease, but it is a very common form of the problem, which occurs when the bacterial balance falls out of equilibrium. That is to say that when bad bacteria outweigh good bacteria in the mouth for an extended period of time, periodontal disease is allowed to spread. It causes inflammation, discomfort, and can even result in bone deterioration. If it is allowed to progress, it can even impact overall systemic health.

As scary as this dental problem is, there may be renewed hope of its prevention. A recent study utilizing lab mice allowed researchers to both thwart the disease all together and to stop its progression after diagnosis. The researchers were a team from the Department of Microbiology in Penn’s School of Dental Medicine, and they found it possible to block a molecular receptor that was a known target of the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.

The receptor, referred to as C5aR, was attacked by harmful bacteria, thereby stopping the immune response typical in a human body and increasing gum inflammation. Another set of receptors, referred to as TLRs, complement the C5aR response. In order to demonstrate the part that these receptors play in the formation of gum disease, the researchers injected molecules (known to activate C5aR and the TLRs) into the gums. It was noted that inflammation increased substantially, but when the researchers used a synthesized molecule, called C5aRA, they were able to stop 80% of the inflammation seen in typical periodontal disease and even in those mice already affected, they could reduce the swelling by 70%.

To better understand what this means to the dental community, continue reading the full article.

Photo by: Dr. Alan Carr points out the broken root or bad root canal of a right rear molar (tooth), dental tool, orthodontist’s office, full jaw Xray, Factoria, Washington, USA / Wonderlane / CC BY 2.0

Does Gum Disease Cause Heart Disease and Strokes?

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For some time now it has been thought that the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, had the potential to seep through the blood stream and lead to an increased potential for heart disease or stroke.

However, that belief has no basis at this point in time.

A team of experts in cardiology and dental health came together to determine whether gum disease prevention could reduce one’s chances of developing heart disease or suffering a stroke later in life.

While the link between periodontal disease and heart disease is definitely evident, these studies found no apparent reason to believe that the gum disease caused the other condition. There is no data demonstrating that gum disease leads to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the blood vessels).

The members of the research team were quick to point out that there is a link, but that there are also many triggers common between the two conditions as well.

For instance, smokers are far more likely to suffer the problems with oral health and everyone knows that smoking can lead to many forms of heart disease, as well as stroke. Similarly, both conditions are linked to diabetes and are more often seen in people of a certain age.

Some also believe that the people more likely to take great care of their teeth and gums are the same that would be taking measures to defend against heart-related conditions.

While the data is non-conclusive at the moment, the team has not completely given up on the notion that one might be a cause for the other, but admit that a large, long-term study would be required to prove it.

To continue reading about the potential link and current data, visit the full article.

4 Things You Should Know About Poor Dental Care and Overall Health

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Did you know that poor dental care can lead to more serious health problems and medical conditions?

A Harris Interactive poll of 1,000 people over age 35 found that 60 percent of adults knew little, if anything, about gum disease, the symptoms, available treatments and consequences.

Even worse than not knowing how much dental care and oral health can impact your overall health is the fact that gum disease (both gingivitis and periodontal disease) can lead to serious medical problems that would max out both your health and dental insurance.

In recent years, studies by researchers at medical and dental organizations have brought more awareness about poor dental care and its relationship to your health and well-being. Here are 4 things you should know:

1. Heart Disease – According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the number one cause of death in America. In 2011, the American Heart Association published two studies which revealed that dental patients who had an annual, professional teeth cleaning had a decrease in the incidence of heart attacks and stroke.

2. Preterm Birth – Premature birth (babies born before 37 weeks) is the leading cause of infant death and a major cause of lifelong disability. According to research, women suffering from periodontal disease are three to five times more likely to have a preterm birth.

3. Diabetes – Because diabetics face an inadequate amount of controlled blood sugars, they have a much higher risk of oral health problems, such as dry mouth, gum inflammation and poor healing of oral tissues. In addition, smokers with Diabetes are more likely than non-smokers to develop Periodontal Disease.

4. Breast Cancer – In 2011, the British Dental Health Foundation released a first-of-its-kind report which studied the potential link of breast cancer and oral health. The study revealed that women with gum disease are 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer.

For more information about the health risk factors associated with poor dental care, you can click the image to view the “Dental Care and Your Health” infographic from DentalPlans.com.

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