Archive for the ‘Obesity’ Category

CRP or Cytokines

Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

CRP (C-reactive protein) is an indicator for general inflammation in the body. It is one of several cytokines and is often used interchangeably when talking about either. Cytokines are the invisible enemy; the higher the number, the higher the level of inflammation in the body. Periodontal disease creates biofilms which creates infection which creates higher levels of cytokines.

In the presence of infection, the blood cells (that are racing around looking for infections) release the cytokines and tell the body to manufacture more blood cells. Periodontal disease is chronic so there is a never ending call for the body to manufacture more blood cells and release more cytokines.

This merry-go-round is what is stressing out the body. Unfortunately, these cytokines inflame all the internal lumens of arteries (not just the gums and tissue around the teeth) and are responsible for a cascade effect for many systemic diseases, such as heart disease, cerebral vascular disease, diabetes, pancreatic cancer, respiratory diseases, oral and throat cancer, lung cancer, prostatitis, erectile dysfunction, children with low birth weight, chronic fatigue syndrome and most recently osteoporosis and breast cancer, These cytokines interact with the whole body’s system causing inflammatory immune response or stress.

Professional dental cleanings strip the biofilm in the mouth, similar to cutting down a forest. In literally hours, the biofilm is trying to reorganize.

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Left unchecked, the new biofilm (forest) is reorganized (re-grown) in seventy days. Microscopic destruction occurs within a week. Ten times the amount of damage to the body is done between the third to the sixth month after a cleaning versus the first to the third month after a cleaning.

That is why three month professional dental cleanings are so important. The cleanings gets rid of the biofilm, gets rid of the inflammatory process and gets rid of the cytokines, which is taxing the entire system. Professional cleanings will not do it on its own. Three dimensional home cleaning (around each tooth) is essential to maintaining low levels of inflammatory response.

Tags: bacteria, c reactive protein, cardiovascular, COPD, crp, cytokines, Diabetes, disease, heart, Heart Disease, infection, inflammation, pancreatic cancer, Periodontal Disease
Posted in Breast Cancer, Cancers, COPD, Diabetes, Endometriosis, Heart Disease, Immune System, Low Birth Weights, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Other Diseases, Periodontal Disease, Prostate Inflammation, Stroke | No Comments »

The Link Between Obesity and Periodontal Disease in Children

Monday, May 9th, 2011

Obesity and periodontal disease often appear to be tethered to one another. In children, that link requires parents and health care providers to monitor each variable in an effort to maintain the overall health of those they care for.

One explanation is the change in eating and drinking habits of children. More sugared sodas, power drinks and fruit juice substitutes make up our young adults beverages of choice.

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Ironically milk and “healthy”- 100% juices given to children in bottles and sippy cups also contributes to the problem.

The array of snack food available is overwhelming. The low fat variety, although at first glance may appear healthy, actually contains more sugar than the high fat variety. A lot less vitamin C and calcium are ingested per calories by children today. All of these factors add to the total number of empty calories consumed by children.

This change in diet along with less physical activity adds weight to children, particularly those predisposed to obesity. The average number of hours in front of a television set or computer grows each year. One explanation for the link between obesity and periodontal disease is through the pathway of insulin resistance. Those who are obese produce more cytokines, putting the body in the state of constantly fighting infection and producing insulin resistance.

Another, yet proven hypothesis for the link between obesity and periodontal disease is that the bacteria from gum disease may be interfering with fat metabolism. Unfortunately the symptoms of periodontal disease are often not noticeable until the disease is advanced. A dentist can diagnose the disease in the early stages, prior to parents realizing their children have it. Thus, it is important that children receive regular six-month oral checkups and cleanings.

Periodontal disease is controlled by a disciplined and meticulous oral cleaning regimen, both at the dental office and at home. Professional treatment may require below the gum line scraping, three-month checkups instead of the traditional six-month, and a prescription oral rinse.

Home treatment requires thorough plaque removal by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Because it is a laborious task to floss, most children (and adults) don’t. Many children are negligent about their tooth brushing and flossing.

As a parent it is important to find a way to enhance the experience, make it an expectation and a part of a twice daily routine. Remember studies now show that oral health is critical to total health.

Tags: bacteria, dental, Diabetes, disease, flossing, gums, insulin, pancreas, periodontal, teeth, tooth brushing
Posted in Diabetes, Obesity, Periodontal Disease | No Comments »