Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection - Dr. Joel Brodsky

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:

* redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
* halitosis, or bad breath
* gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
* "pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
* loose teeth

Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:

* Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
* Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
* Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
* Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

1. See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
2. Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
3. Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
4. Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease. Invisalign™ can eliminate crowding without metal brackets and wires.

Dr. Brodsky Patient Reviews

Here at Brodsky Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on making your orthodontic experience enjoyable and efficient. Just hear what our patients are saying about our excellent service! Dr. Brodsky is always in the office and I never have to see different doctors. The office setting is beautiful and always clean. They have cutting edge technology and there are cookies and coffee. I do not feel like having braces is a punishment! I could go on and on!
-Zindy T.

Everyone is very friendly, gentle, and personable. I look forward to my orthodontist appointments to say hi to old friends. I can't wait until my next visit!
-Brandi B.

They are nice and friendly and they try their best to make it as painless as possible
-Marsea W.

They are very accommodating!
-Candace S.

Brodsky Orthodontics is so kid-oriented. They have x-boxes and a TV so we can watch movies. Also, the staff is really nice.
-Donna H.

They talk to you like a person, not a patient!
-Nadia S.

I was a patient of Dr. Brodsky’s when I was a teen and I really liked the atmosphere in his office and his service and rewards programs. My sister and I have brought our kids and families to him. He's great and his staff is also. He must treat them well, because they are always pleasant and helpful.
-Cynthia G.

I have known Dr. Brodsky for a very long time as all four of my children have come to his office for orthodontics. His office is very cheerful and Dr. Brodsky and his staff are wonderful.
-Cindy F.

A Nifty "Eggs"periment from Dr. Brodsky

As the winter months drag on you may be running out of ideas to keep your little ones occupied. Why not use a fun and simple science experiment to focus their attention for a while? This one includes a lesson about why it’s important to brush teeth to make plaque go away.

Gather the items you will need for this experiment:

* 1 hard-boiled egg with the shell on
* 12 ounces of Coke, Pepsi or other dark-colored cola
* 1 container large enough to hold the cola and egg
* 1 plastic bowl
* 1 toothbrush
* 1 drop of fluoride toothpaste
* Clean-up supplies

Explain to your child that plaque is a sticky layer of germs that collects on her teeth. If she doesn’t brush, plaque can cause serious problems for her teeth, for example holes in the teeth (cavities) or swollen gums (gingivitis). Tell her that you are going to do an experiment to see how plaque coats her teeth, and why brushing twice a day is important for healthy teeth and gums.

Conduct the experiment:

1. Make the comparison between the white color of the egg and the white color of your child's teeth.

2. Place the egg into the container and pour the cola over it, so that it completely covers the egg.

3. Let the egg sit in the cola for 24 hours.

4. Remove the egg from the cola. The egg will be stained and yellowish.
5. Explain to your child that the colored layer that has appeared on top of the eggshell is just like the layer of plaque that occurs on her teeth.

6. Place the egg in the plastic bowl and give your child the toothbrush with the drop of toothpaste on it.

7. Let her brush the "plaque" off of the egg. The yellowish film will disappear, exposing the white eggshell. Explain that the same thing happens when she brushes her teeth.

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up on You - Lakewood, CA Orthodontist

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling 562-732-4750. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!