Our team recently completed several days of advanced dental training, and we are excited to share some of what we learned with you! Our training focused on gum and periodontal disease and its negative effects on the body. Here are some surprising facts related to periodontal disease and how it’s related to your overall health:

• Did you know that approximately 50% of Americans aged 30 and over have periodontal disease?  For Americans who are 65 and older, this percentage increases to 70%.
• The bacteria that cause gum disease and periodontal disease spreads into the bloodstream through ulcerated gum tissue.
• Some of the signs of periodontal disease are now being considered a better predictor of heart disease than high LDL cholesterol.
• Did you know that DNA in your saliva can be tested to check your personal risk of severe response to inflammation causing diseases?  Patients that have this genetic variation face the same risk of heart attack and stroke as lifelong smokers.
• The bacterial species that cause gum and periodontal disease have been found in the joint fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the plaque blockages of arteries which cause stroke and heart attacks.

How to Prevent Periodontal & Gum Disease

These are just a few of the facts we learned in our recent team training with the crew at Inspired Hygiene. Fortunately, we didn’t just learn how serious these diseases can be—but also how to more effectively treat and prevent these conditions.  We utilize testing and technology to best treat each case.  Ultrasonic instrumentation, laser-assisted therapy, ozone gas, and essential oils are all utilized in our practice.

At our holistic dentistry practice, we truly believe that a healthy body starts with a healthy mouth.  Many of the early signs of a systemic illness can be visualized in the mouth—often before a patient even knows anything is occurring.  

Diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, hormone imbalances, pregnancy, and drug issues can all present themselves in the teeth, gums, and tongue. The most amazing information we took away from our recent training was the amount of research data that links oral health problems, like gum disease, to raised risk of serious systemic conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Everyone is guilty of ignoring the occasional blood in the sink after brushing or flossing—us included.  Put simply, though, healthy gums don’t bleed.  More importantly, we’re learning the problem is much more serious than just sore or bleeding gums.  The same inflammation causing bleeding gums is causing inflammation throughout the entire body, which means that the bacteria and inflammation in your mouth are directly playing a role in your risk for major systemic illness.

Ready to Take Control of Your Health?

Take control of your health to prevent or treat disease and inflammation that can have a seriously detrimental impact on your overall health. A thorough dental exam will discover if you have gum disease or not. Your hygienist and dentist will inform you of which treatments will be best suited for your individual case.

If you are ready to take control of your health—starting with your gums—Nashville Restorative Dentistry is here to help! Feel free to contact us today to make an appointment or to learn more about our Franklin, TN dental practice.

We are equipped to handle the majority of your dental needs

We understand the importance of having a dentist you can trust. And that means not being sent off to a different specialist every time you need a new procedure. At Nashville Restorative Dentistry, we are equipped to handle the majority of your dental needs from cosmetic to restorative, implants to extractions. When you come to us, you are getting a dental team for life.