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.

Is an electric toothbrush really that much better than a regular brush?

The sooner you throw out that standard toothbrush the better! The benefits of replacing a standard toothbrush with a quality electric model are substantial for both adults and children. Electric toothbrushes generally make 20,000 to 40,000 brushstrokes per minute. The human hand just can’t compete with that!

The electric brushes do cost more, but they can be more effective in keeping teeth clean too, saving time and cost by preventing the need for future dental work. They are also especially helpful for those who aren’t able to clean their teeth thoroughly with a standard brush due to physical or mental disabilities.

Electric brushes come with many different features and it can be confusing trying to decide which brush to purchase. The next time you are in, be sure to ask us if you would like help in choosing which brush is best for you and how to use it correctly.

Many of you have invested a significant amount of time and energy for a fantastic smile. Maybe you have veneers, porcelain crowns or have whitened your teeth. The best way to maintain oral health is with daily care; yes, flossing as well as brushing. Bottom line, using an electric toothbrush will be more effective.

To sum it up, one of my clients told me that brushing now with a standard brush is like taking half a shower. It just isn’t the same! Happy Brushing! But don’t forget flossing!

Is It Really Important That I Floss?

Believe it or not, flossing is more than just one more thing to add to your daily ritual. The American Academy of Periodontology (the main organization for gum tissue specialists)  reports that up to 75% of all Americans over the age of 35 are believed to have some form of gum disease (also known as “periodontal disease” or “periodontitis.”)  Gum disease is an inflammatory response by the body to bacteria in your mouth. Not only does this affect your teeth and supporting structures, but it can affect your overall health as well. 

Diabetic complications, cardiovascular disease, and preterm and low birth weight babies are all the result of inflammatory mechanisms in your body. It is thought that if you have severe enough periodontal disease for long enough, it can trigger these other inflammations.  Bottom line, gum disease can affect your overall health.  It has been shown that expectant mothers who experience significant gum disease are at a much greater risk of having a premature baby. Diabetics who have chronic periodontitis have far more difficulty controlling their diabetes than those who do not have gum tissue problems. There has been a strong association between having periodontal disease and a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease in the form of a stroke or heart attack. 
So, why am I sharing this with you? Most of you know that at the Lawrence Dental Studio we are into much more than just saving teeth. We enjoy enhancing our client’s smiles and preserving personal integrity. The older I get, the more I am concerned about my health and the overall health of those that I serve. This is why we have added the treatment of sleep disordered breathing to our services. However, one of the most important services we provide is to help you prevent periodontal disease. I know it is hard to believe that

we really don’t enjoy nagging about flossing – it is truly a life and health issue.

A bit of humor :

Client: should I floss all my teeth

Dentist: No, only the ones you want to keep

How to floss tutorial