Dr Gatti's Blog a Lawrence Dentist Reflections

Brushing and flossing may help you have better overall health, not just in your mouth. Inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria above the gumline is called gingivitis. This is an early phase of gum disease and, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious and damaging stage of infection and inflammation. An association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases has been shown in recent studies. These diseases include stroke, diabetes, low birth weight and heart disease, Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women? Indeed, heart disease has been shown to be four times more prevalent in people who also have periodontitis! More research is needed and is underway to better understand the correlation and impact serious gum disease may have on these and other systemic conditions.

Removing oral bacteria and fighting gum inflammation associated with gingivitis and periodontitis is a simple step that people can incorporate into their daily routines to help keep their mouths healthy and to have a positive effect on their overall health. Please let us know if you would like more specific information on this association between your mouth and the rest of your body or if you would like us to help you with techniques to better remove the oral bacteria from your mouth.

Electric toothbrushes have come a long way since their initial appearance in the market, they are not just a gadget anymore. Using an electric toothbrush with the proper size of brush head will result in a more thorough brushing and better plaque removal compared to a manual toothbrush.

You have a variety of options to choose from; oscillating brushes, sonic brushes, rechargeable or battery powered, timers, sanitizers, full brush head or compact, timers, sanitizers, the list goes on….. With so many choices how do you know which one is best for you?

Which toothbrush you choose depends on your individual needs. Remember that the most important part of good oral health happens at home. What you do every day has a greater impact on your overall oral health than what we can do for you. It is essential to brush and floss properly every day. I can also tell you that all of us at the studio, as well as our family members, use powered toothbrushes. At your next hygiene visit we will be glad to discuss what type of powered toothbrush may work best for you.

Did you know that over 1,800 drugs, both prescription and over the counter, can cause your mouth to be dry? The list is long and includes:

• Antacids such as Prilosec and Prevacid
• Antianxiety medications such as Xanax and Valium
• Antidepressants such as Zoloft and Celexa
• Antihistamines such as Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec
• Anti-hypertensives such as Narvaxc
• Anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin and Naprosyn (Alleve)
• Cholesterol reducing drugs such as Lipitor
• Hormone replacement therapy (Premarin)

These are only a few of the medications causing dry mouth. Even diarrhea medication such as Immodium AD can cause dry mouth! It seems that nearly every prescription or over the counter medicine has dry mouth as a side effect.

There is good reason to be concerned about dry mouth. Some of the devastating effects associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and dry nasal passages. Left untreated, dry mouth can also damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive decay can occur.

So, when we ask you about your health, it is important that you tell us about all the medications you are taking, including those over the counter meds that don’t seem to be important. This will help us guide you in the prevention and/or treatment of the devastating effects of dry mouth. Please feel free to ask us for more information or help in treating any symptoms you might be experiencing.