ROGERSVILLE, MO — With recent scientific evidence indicating a link between periodontal (gum) disease and systemic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and premature births, the role of the dentist in the prevention of both dental disease and systemic diseases has become crucial.
Research has found that the bacteria associated with periodontal (gum) disease may be one of the key contributors behind the systemic diseases mentioned above. Because of this discovery, researchers are now trying to determine how gum disease and the bacterium from gum disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions.
Discovering the links between periodontal disease and systemic diseases could hold the key to preventing these life-threatening afflictions comments Dr. Tracy Davis of Barnett-Davis Dental Group, a Rogersville dental practice. There are several theories that indicate just how gum disease is linked to overall health.
“Most research suggests that bacteria associated with gum disease travels throughout the body using the body’s veins and arteries like a highway to other parts of the body,” explains Dr. Davis. “Once this bacteria enters the circulatory system, any number of ill repercussions can occur.”
Research
A consensus paper on the relationship between heart disease and gum disease was recently published concurrently in two leading health science publications, the American Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology. Developed jointly by cardiologists (physicians specialized in treating diseases of the heart) and periodontists (dentists with advanced training in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease), the paper contains clinical recommendations for both medical and dental professionals to use in managing patients living with or who are at risk for either disease.
As a result of the paper, cardiologists are now examining patients’ mouths, and dentists are asking questions about heart health and family history of heart disease.
“The whole practice of dentistry, as well as other health-related fields, are shifting from the philosophy of ‘fixing something wrong’ to ‘prevention’ of disease,” said Dr. Davis. “At Barnett-Davis our goal is to educate our patients in preventive and interceptive dentistry before major health problems or tooth loss occurs. We strive to help our patients live longer, healthier lives through improvements in their oral health.”
Inflammation
Just like bacteria in the air or on objects, bacteria in the mouth can exit the mouth and infiltrate the body, causing any number of effects including inflammation and infection to other areas of the body. Furthermore, scientists now understand that inflammation causes or complicates many diseases, including pancreatic cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis. For example, inflammation can damage tissues in the brain which can increase a patient’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
In the case of arthritis, many scientists believe that inflammation is responsible for the development of rheumatoid arthritis in some of the estimated 2.1 million people suffering from the condition. Today, the level of inflammation in your body can be evaluated with a C-reactive protein test from a blood sample commented Dr. Davis.
“People often brush off a simple condition like inflammation as a non-threatening ailment,” said the Rogersville dentist. “But prevention is all about timing. The body is finely tuned, and when something like inflammation pops up, it is best to listen to your body and have it checked out.”
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of men and women in the United States. Since this disease contributes to 2,400 deaths each day, heart disease is a major public health issue. Researchers continually work to discover the causes and cures for heart disease and have found promising leads in prevention through periodontal treatment.
“There is no guarantee that preventing gum disease prevents heart disease,” said Dr. Marc Barnett of the Barnett-Davis Dental Group. “But research has shown a link between the two diseases. In the cases where patients have a high risk for heart disease, it is advised by doctors and dentists to have regular periodontal exams and treatment.”
Diabetes
Diabetes, another life-threatening illness, has also been linked to gum disease. Gum disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. Though more research is needed, what we do know is that severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, putting diabetics at increased risk for complications.
“For years we’ve known that people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes,” said Rogersville cosmetic dentist Dr. Tracy Davis. “But recently, research has emerged suggesting that the relationship goes both ways.”
Barnett-Davis Dental Group encourages all people with diabetes to have regular dental examinations. “If you are among the 16 million Americans who live with diabetes or are at risk for diabetes, we encourage you to make an appointment to evaluate your dental health,” said Rogersville dentistry expert Dr. Kelly Barnett of the Barnett-Davis Dental Group.
Periodontal Exams
Periodontal exams are fast, accurate, and painless commented Dr. Kelly Barnett. During the exam, dentists review medical history to determine if the patient is at high risk of periodontal disease. Then the dentist will look for bleeding or inflamed gums in a physical examination. These are symptoms of gingivitis, a lesser form of periodontal disease.
Also, dentists will check for pockets around the gums in a periodontal screening and recording (PSR) test. During this procedure, dentists will probe various areas to test tooth movement and the stability of the connective tissue of the gums. If needed, X-rays of the mouth will be taken to assess bone loss.
“The Barnett-Davis Dental Group welcomes new patients and encourages all people to have regular dental examinations and treatment for periodontal disease to ultimately maintain their teeth for their lifetime and improve overall health,” said Dr. Davis at her Rogersville mini dental implants dentistry.
Learn More
To learn more about periodontal disease and its effects on the body, visit: http://www.barnettdavisdental.com/ to read up on the Rogersville, MO dental practice’s information and treatment of the disease. Also, you can schedule a consultation by calling (417) 581-3600.
About the Doctors at Barnett-Davis Dental Group
Drs. Marc and Kelly Barnett have practiced dentistry in Ozark since 1984. Kelly graduated Phi Beta Kappa from The University of Kansas and Marc graduated Magna Cum Laude from William Jewell College. They both graduated “with distinction” (in the top 10 percent) from the University of Missouri Dental School in Kansas City.
After graduating, Kelly taught as a professor of clinical dentistry in Kansas City and Marc took extra training in a General Practice Residency at the V.A. Hospital in Kansas City.
Kelly served as the first female president of the Greater Springfield Dental Society and has been a delegate to the Missouri Dental Association. She is vice president of the Board of the OTC hygiene and dental assisting school. Marc serves on the Children’s Smile Center board in Ozark to treat under-privileged children.
Family ties and small town values brought Marc and Kelly to the Ozarks in 1984. Marc practiced dentistry in Nixa and Kelly maintained a solo practice in Ozark for 17 years. In the fall of 2001, they combined their efforts and expertise into one modern, high-tech dental office in Ozark.
Marc and Kelly live in Ozark with their children, Tish and Burke.
Originally from Conway, Missouri, Dr. Tracy Davis moved to the Springfield area in 2004 to be closer to family. She graduated “with distinction” from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry in Kansas City. Tracy has received national recognition as a dental researcher.
Tracy and her husband, Matthew, have been married since 1997. They live in Ozark with their four children: Ethan; twins Elijah and Isabella; and Owen.
Tracy loves working with children and knows how to make them feel comfortable at the Ozark dental office.
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