Study published in the Journal of Periodontology suggests impaired oral hygiene may only be part of the connection.
CHICAGO—June 5, 2008—Over 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic, inflammatory disease of the joints. RA is a disabling condition, and can lead to long-term joint damage resulting in persistent pain and loss of function in affected areas. A recent study published in the June issue of the Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), uncovered yet another potential side effect of RA. Researchers in Berlin, Germany discovered that patients with RA have a higher incidence of periodontal disease compared to healthy controls.
For some patients, adverse RA symptoms may affect manual dexterity, which can make one’s daily routine quite difficult. One area that may be affected is oral hygiene which can ultimately lead to periodontal disease. However, these research findings indicate that poor oral hygiene alone did not account for the association between RA and gum disease, suggesting that other factors may play a role as well.
The study examined the oral health of 57 RA patients and 52 healthy controls. To determine oral hygiene status, each participant underwent a comprehensive oral examination including an assessment of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation, both indicators of oral hygiene. Probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss, two markers of periodontal disease, were also measured. Researchers used questionnaires to gauge the subjects’ risk factors for periodontal disease.
The study findings indicated that RA patients were nearly eight times more likely to have periodontal disease compared to the control subjects. These findings accounted for demographic and lifestyle characteristics such as age, gender, education and tobacco use. Researchers then examined the extent to which poor oral hygiene was connected to the increased occurrence of gum disease in RA patients. The results showed that while oral hygiene was markedly a factor, it did not fully explain the association between the two diseases, suggesting that there may be other parameters responsible for the increased prevalence of gum disease in RA sufferers.
“With results suggesting that rheumatoid arthritis is associated with periodontal disease, it is easy to assume that an RA sufferer is perhaps unable to properly care for his or her teeth and gums due to the debilitating nature of the disease,”However, this study implies that there are other potential factors involved. For instance, both RA and gum disease are systemic inflammatory disorders which may explain the connection between the two. Inflammation is already thought to link periodontal disease with other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We look forward to future research that may reveal the biological mechanisms that link these two important diseases.”
In an effort to best maintain oral health, RA patients are encouraged to brush and floss on a regular basis and see a dental professional twice a year. If gum disease develops, consulting a dentist is an effective way to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
Maintaining the complete health of RA patients should be a collaborative effort. “It is critical that dental professionals and medical professionals work together when treating a patient living with rheumatoid arthritis. This partnership will assure that both the oral and overall health of these patients is paramount.”
To learn more about gum disease, or to find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases, please call your dentist or call our office at (310)289-1818.
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( 3.2 / 238 )Sedation Dentistry
" A Reason to Dream "
Want to know a secret? It’s one most people don’t know. It’s simple. Dentistry does not have to be painful—or scary.
Think it sounds too good to be true? Read on.
It’s important to know that a visit to the dentist can be a positive experience, even when treatment is necessary. Millions of Americans, nearly 30%, are afraid of the dentist. They avoid dental care at all costs, even when they are in pain or discomfort. But it no longer has to be that way. Modern dentistry offers safe, effective, and comfortable treatments,to anxious and fearful patients. The treatment is called sedation dentistry.
You may have heard it called sedation dentistry, relaxation dentistry and even sleep dentistry (though many consider this later term to be inaccurate as it may refer to general anesthesia).
Most fears develop in childhood, so odds are you have carried your dread of the dentist for years. You avoid receiving care and as a result, your dental health deteriorates. When you are no longer able to stand the pain or discomfort and finally seek treatment, extensive restorative work is required. That means more time in the dental chair, more procedures, and more expense, which only furthers your trepidation. It is a nasty cycle and it must be broken.
Dental fear is a hidden phobia—the monster in the closet that no one wants to talk about. Like many people, you may be embarrassed to admit your fears and even more afraid to confront them. Often times not even your loved ones are aware of your apprehension. Worse yet, you may have never known that sedation dentistry was an option.
Not anymore! Sedation Dentistry is not painful - or scary
Sedation Dentistry provides a dental experience like no other. Hours seem like minutes and recovery is a dream.
The Wall Street Journal writes about Sedation Dentistry! Read the article by clicking the link.
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( 3.2 / 266 )To Explain what is "Give Back a Smile" and why I am a volunteer Dentist.
Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eric Nelson
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ®
5401 World Dairy Drive
Madison, WI 53718
PH: 608.222.8583
FAX: 608.222.9540
E-mail: pr@aacd.com
Web: www.aacd.com
Caring Give Back A Smile Volunteer Dental Professionals Donate Over $5 Million in Services to
Survivors of Domestic Violence
February 13, 2008 Madison, WI – Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate healthy relationships and this year the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation’s (AACDCF) Give Back A Smile (GBAS) program celebrates that and so much more. Generous AACDCF volunteer dental professionals have given their time and expertise pro bono to help restore the smiles and lives of survivors of domestic violence. To date, more than 600 GBAS cases have been completed for a total dollar value of over $5 million.
Sadly, more than five million people in the United States are affected by domestic violence each year. These startling statistics reflect why the AACDCF’s GBAS program was created. Its mission is to “ restore a life by restoring a smile” by providing free cosmetic dental care to survivors of domestic violence.
“After suffering abuse, it is difficult for survivors to find something to smile about, and it’s even harder when they don’t have a smile to show. AACD m embers who assist survivors of domestic violence by treating their dental injuries in-turn restoring their smiles, their self-esteem and their lives,” said AACD Foundation Director Erin Roberts. “This is the true spirit of Valentine’s Day.”
Finding Help Through Give Back A Smile
Domestic violence survivors who have suffered dental injuries from abuse from a former intimate partner or spouse can contact GBAS toll-free at: (800) 773-4227.
Survivors must make an appointment with a counselor, domestic violence advocate, social worker or therapist to complete the advocate section of the GBAS application.
GBAS conducts the initial review of the application, however, the dentist has the final say as to the eligibility of the applicant.
If eligible, the AACD connects the survivor with a local GBAS volunteer who provides treatment at no charge to the recipient.
Restoring Smiles – and Lives
In July 2001, the AACD was one of only eight organizations in the world to receive the Award of Excellence and the prestigious Associations Advance America Summit Award for its GBAS program. The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), of Washington, D.C, sponsors this yearly national competition to recognize the charitable organizations that make the most effort to advance American society.
Those interested in finding help through the Give Back A Smile program should call the National Hotline: (800) 773-4227 or send an e-mail to givebackasmile@aacd.com. To make a donation to the Give Back A Smile program contact the AACD Charitable Foundation, 5401 World Dairy Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53718-3900 or call (608) 222-8583.
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( 3.1 / 217 )Research continues to suggest the importance of periodontal health as related to cardiovascular health.
CHICAGO—January 08, 2008—Each year, cardiovascular disease kills more Americans than cancer. And while most people are aware that lifestyle choices such as eating right, getting enough exercise and quitting smoking can help prevent cardiovascular disease, they may not know that by just brushing and flossing their teeth each day, they might also be avoiding this potentially lethal condition.
An article published in the December issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), suggests that periodontal patients whose bodies show evidence of a reaction to the bacteria associated with periodontitis may have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Although there have been many studies associating gum disease with heart disease, what we have not known is exactly why this happens and under what circumstances. The findings of this new analysis of previously published studies suggest that the long-term effect of chronic periodontitis, such as extended bacterial exposure, may be what ultimately leads to cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Howard University identified 11 studies that had previously examined clinically-diagnosed periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. The team then analyzed the participants’ level of systemic bacterial exposure, specifically looking for the presence of the bacteria associated with periodontal disease, as well as measuring various biological indicators of bacterial exposure. They found that individuals with periodontal disease whose biomarkers showed increased bacterial exposure were more likely to develop coronary heart disease or atherogenesis (plaque formation in the arteries).
“While more research is needed to better understand the connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, this study suggests the importance of taking of your teeth and gums and how that can help you take care of your heart,” With the number of people with heart disease continuing to increase, it is important to understand that simple activities like brushing and flossing twice a day, and regular visits to your dental professional can help lower your risk of other health conditions.
To find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases, please call our office at (310)289-1818.
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