Dr. Piero's Blog

  • Keep Teeth Clean & Live Longer

    August 3rd, 2010

    This means that if you have diabetes, heart disease, potential for strokes, COPD, pancreatic disease, kidney disease you have poor circulation to these sites. The periodontal disease can push this problem into a more severe and even life threatening situation.

    The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) (http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/) states, “Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to possible health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth.” If you are interested in longevity, keep your teeth impeccably clean.

  • Link Between Periodontal Disease and COPD

    July 20th, 2010

    Some 16 million Americans suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. F. Scannapieco, D.M.D., lead researcher of a study published in January 2001 Journal of Periodontology, found that patients with periodontal disease have a 1.5 times greater risk of COPD. (http://www.joponline.org/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2001.72.1.50?prevSearch=allfield%3A%28copd+periodontal+disease%29&searchHistoryKey=)

  • Link Between Diabetes & Periodontal Disease

    July 6th, 2010

    Diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections, which is the likely reason they are more apt to have periodontal disease than those without diabetes. In fact, the AAP (The American Academy of Periodontology) considers periodontal disease the sixth complication of diabetes and states that controlling this gum disease may help you control your diabetes.

  • 1.5 – 2.0x Greater Risk of Fatal Heart Disease

    June 22nd, 2010

    The Research, Science and Therapy Committee of The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) 1998 reviewed numerous studies and found periodontal disease and gingivitis as potential contributing factors for infective endocarditis (damaged heart valves), cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis, ischemic heart disease, stroke), diabetes, respiratory disease, and behavioral and psychosocial status.

    Patients with periodontal disease have a 1.5 – 2.0 times greater risk of incurring a fatal cardiovascular disease. “Importantly, dental infections appear to increase the risk of coronary artery disease to a degree similar to the classical risk factors for cardiovascular disease including age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and elevated serum triglycerides.”

  • Periodontal Disease is a Chronic Infection

    June 8th, 2010

    The body recognizes the bacteria in the mouth as a chronic infection and uses its defense mechanism to fight it. The body calls upon itself to manufacture blood constituents, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells, to physically fight the infection.

    This process occurs with all infections. The problem is that as an infection becomes chronic, the body continues to manufacture these blood constituents, and release a pseudo hormone called c-reactive protein. It is this protein that inflames the internal walls of the arteries and compromises blood flow in areas that may have a predisposition.

    With periodontal disease creating this chronic infection, the heart becomes weakened and the body’s immune system is lowered.

  • Study on Diabetes & Periodontal Disease

    May 25th, 2010

    Just came across this…something I’ve been saying for a long time…glad it got press coverage http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100511192300.htm

    Basically, the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry show in their studies that treating periodontal disease in type 2 diabetics may lower their blood sugar level.  Again, this is evidence that whole health is directly affected by your oral health.

  • Periodontal Disease is Linked to Other Diseases Not in the Mouth

    May 11th, 2010

    Over the last ten years there has been a growing body of evidence linking periodontal disease and systemic diseases. Every day new research is making the link stronger. Periodontal infection is the advanced stages of gum disease that causes bone loss. The bone loss is irreversible. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and with early detection, treatment and proper oral hygiene can be reversed. Periodontal infection has been associated with other systemic disorders that would not on the surface appear related.

    Periodontal disease is a potential risk factor for:

    • infective endocarditis (damaged heart valves)
    • cardiovascular diseases (arteriosclerosis, coronary thrombosis ischemic heart disease, stroke)
    • diabetes
    • respiratory problems
    • pancreatic cancer
    • behavioral and psychosocial status

  • Sign 6: Sensitive Teeth

    March 18th, 2010

    Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, sour and cold air can also be a periodontal disease symptom. Gums that are receding due to the disease expose the root surfaces that are covered in tiny tubes leading to the nerve in the tooth. When the external stimulus (hot, cold, etc.) is introduced to the exposed portion of the tooth, pain is felt in the nerves.

    Although late stages of periodontal disease show signs, early stages do not. Visit your dentist before the signs appear.

  • Sign 5: Loose Teeth

    March 11th, 2010

    Teeth that are loose in the mouth from periodontal disease are caused by plaque deposits along and under the gum line around the bone of the tooth. The bone begins to deteriorate and the tooth looses its support into the jaw. Pockets form around the tooth further collecting bacteria, exacerbating the problem.

    Although late stages of periodontal disease show signs, early stages do not. Visit your dentist before the signs appear.

  • A Question From Molly

    March 9th, 2010

    I’ve just ordered the Dental Air Force system a few days ago and I have a few questions before it arrives.  Do you place the tip on your teeth directly, and do you run it over the whole surface of every tooth, or just where the teeth meet the gums?  How would you do the chewing surfaces?  Thanks a lot! Molly

    Hello Molly
    When using the system, imagine you are “painting” your teeth. You want to go around every tooth and along the gum line. It is most effective slightly away from the tooth and gum surface, because the air stream picks up the slurry that is already in your mouth and propels it toward your teeth. (In addition to the fresh slurry coming from the tip. At the end spray over the chewing surface of your teeth, your tongue, roof of mouth and cheeks. It is most critical that you do a thorough job between your teeth where most of the bacteria causing plaque resides and is the most difficult to remove.