Dr Gatti's Blog a Lawrence Dentist Reflections

Lately there has been much written about the connection between systemic health and dental health. In fact, Missouri is starting a campaign, “Your Mouth Is Talking: Are You Listening?” Knowing that, I felt it necessary to bring it up before you hear it across the river.

Almost every day some article comes across my desk about the connection between periodontal disease and cardiac disease, stroke, low birth weight babies and diabetes, to name just a few. This week I have read no less than four articles on the connection between periodontal disease and diabetes. It is not clear why, but periodontal disease occurs more often and is more severe in people with diabetes. This is especially true for those whose glucose levels are not well controlled. There is evidence that suggests that treating periodontal disease might help improve blood sugar control.

Bottom line, maintaining good oral health at home is critical to achieving a healthy mouth and a healthy body. Brush your teeth and clean between your teeth with dental floss or an interdental cleaner once a day and you will be doing a great deal to benefit your overall health.

What Is The Number One Cause Of Automobile Accidents On American Roads Each Year?

Answer: Tired driving. Sleep apnea is a huge contributing factor.

Sleep apnea deprives people of the rejuvenating sleep they need. Fragmented sleep filled with arousals, high blood pressure and increasing heart rate does not provide for the sleep your body requires. People suffering from sleep apnea are seven to twelve times more likely to be involved in an auto accident because of their excessive sleepiness. Did you know that sleeping only 4 hours results in equivalent reaction times to those of someone with a blood alcohol level of .08%?!

I fear that I am sounding like a broken record, however the amount of undiagnosed sleep apnea is simply scary, it is one of the most under©diagnosed life threatening disorders in our society today. Believe me, driving down the highway, knowing the statistics, takes much of the relaxation out of a trip.

So, for your health and the well being of everyone around us, take this seriously. If you snore and your bed partner has witnessed you gasp for air, talk to us or your physician. If you snore and disrupt those around you, realize that it may be a sign of a serious illness that can compromise your life. For more detailed information on the medical complications that occur with sleep apnea please see Snoring and Sleep Disorders under Client Services on my main website.

Simple snoring can have a similar effect on your bed partner. Whenever I treat someone who snores, I feel like I am doing a 2 for 1 deal. The effect on the bed partner can often times be more dramatic than on the snorer. It becomes much more than being able to sleep in the same bed © although that is not a bad result either.

Medications you take for osteoporosis can have an impact on your dental health

Recent news reports have alarmed and confused dentists, as well as people who take bisphosphonates (bis-fos-fo-nates). That is because a condition known as osteonecrosis (os-tee-oh-ne-kro-sis) of the jaw (also know as OJN) has been reported in some patients who have taken these medications. Bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw, or BON, is a rare but serious condition that can cause severe damage to the jawbones.

Since there is so much confusion on the subject I wanted to give you a brief overview of the current recommendations and suggestions of what to consider.

First, this is a real event. However, the overwhelming majority of people (94%) diagnosed with BON are cancer patients who are receiving or did receive repeated high doses of bisphosphonates through intravenous (IV) infusion. The other 6% of people with BON were taking oral bisphosphonates for treatment of their osteoporosis.

Given this information there are practical matters to consider. First, osteoporosis and broken bones are serious. The statistics around hip fractures and mortality in people over 50 are somewhat frightening. Studies indicate that in many people, bisphosphonate medication can help reduce the chance of broken bones by increasing bone density. Some reports indicate that these medications may reduce the chance of hip fracture by 50% in people with osteoporosis.

So, like everything in life, there are risks and rewards. In the instance of osteoporosis, the benefits of these medications greatly outweigh the low risk of developing BON. Bottom line, if you are taking bisphosphonate medication, don’t go off your meds unless you have had a serious conversation with your physician. Practically speaking, if systemic conditions permit, initiation of bisphosphonate therapy should be delayed until dental health is optimized. It is imperative that the decision is made in conjunction with your treating physician and oncologist.

Once again, regular dental visits and excellent oral hygiene practices may be the best way to reduce your risk.