Care Givers are at Risk for Periodontal Disease!

                  

                   

               Robert D. Follweiler D.D.S., P.A.

         Periodontology and Laser Technology

                901 East Ocean Boulevard

        Stuart, Florida 34994

772-283-1400

               Please visit our Web Site @ Follweilerperio.com

 Care givers are at risk for

 periodontal disease!

Many patients in our office have fallen into the roll of caregiver for family members with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other debilitating ailments.  Patients who once regularly flossed and brushed their teeth have found the time they use to have for themselves has been greatly reduced. Caregivers are under increased stress on several levels. They have less time for nutritious meals, exercise and thorough oral hygiene. In a study from the Journal of Periodontology, caregivers are often under great psychological or physical stress and should not overlook their oral health. According to Fernando N. Hugo, DDS “These findings support the health impact of psychological risk factors from chronic stress, which may lead to malfunction of some biological functions.”

Findings published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, are the latest from a quarter-century- long body of research aimed at unraveling the link between increased stress and weakened immunity. This prolonged stress on the immune system may also promote a “chronic inflammation” that has been suggested as one key biological mechanism that may fuel  age related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and certain types of cancers.

Chronic inflammation may also contribute to periodontal disease.  A study of adults aged 50 years or older revealed that being a caregiver to relatives with dementia, or other stress related syndromes can result in elevated levels of plaque and gingival bleeding for the caregivers.  Periodontal disease can take hold when a persons’ immune system breaks down. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process that destroys the gum and bone surrounding the teeth.

The best course of action for caregivers is to be aware of the stress involved in long term care of a family member. Try not to become lax with your homecare and keep regularly scheduled appointments with your  and periodontist.  There is a link between stress and immune system weakness. Take care of yourself so that you will have ability to take care of others.

Please call the office with any questions or concerns.



Are Your Medications Making Your Mouth Sick?

                       Are Your Medications Making Your Mouth Sick?

What medications did you take this morning? Did you know they might be creating problems in your mouth? Your medicine cabinet may hold the answer to some of your oral health problems. Drugs that improve the health of one part of your body may have a detrimental affect on your mouth. Being aware and informed may prevent needless discomfort and expense down the road.

For example, over 400 medications produce a condition called xerostomia, or dry mouth that can be damaging to gum tissues. Other drugs may cause gingival enlargement, which means the gums become swollen and begin to grow over the teeth. Swollen gums can be painful, unsightly, and interfere with speech, eating and everyday brushing and flossing.

Medications with sugar as the main ingredient, like cough syrups and cough drops, may increase plaque as well as the tendency for plaque to adhere to your teeth .  Parents may notice that children’s medications and chewable medications in general, are made more palatable by the additions of more sugar. This sugar may be listed in the ingredients as sucrose, glucose or fructose. These sugars may significantly increase plaque production and increase the risk of cavities as well as periodontal disease. When shopping for lozenges, chewable tablets and syrups look for those that are sugar-free. Never put children to bed after having administered these medications without having them at least rinse their mouth with water. The same precaution is true for adults.

Drugs that induce dry mouth include those for high blood pressure, spastic bladder syndrome, pain relief, anti anxiety and allergy medications. People with dry mouth have a tendency to accumulate more plaque and experience changes in their gum tissue that can make them more susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay. Drugs that may cause gingival enlargement and overgrowth include calcium channel blockers, medication used for seizure control and anti organ rejection drugs. Over grown gums make it easier for bacteria to accumulate and attack supporting structures of the teeth, which can lead to severe periodontal problems.  When taking these medications diligent homecare and frequent visits to the dentist are very important because gingivitis may act as a predisposing factor to gingival over growth.  A recent study in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that frequent dental visits following initial periodontal treatment may significantly reduce gingival overgrowth in patients taking blood pressure medication .  The study found that gingival overgrowth recurrence was eliminated in more than half of the patients with a combination of initial periodontal therapy followed by more frequent dental visits (every three months).

Just as you should inform your physician of the medications you are presently taking, be just as careful to inform your dental professional. Make sure to include over the counter and herbal supplements as well. Your dental professional can talk to you about what effects these products may be having on your oral health. He may  consult with your physician about possible alternatives and answer questions or concerns you may have.  With this information, you, your physician and your dental professional can all work together to minimize the negative effects of any medications you may be taking and prevent discomfort and unnecessary treatment in the future.

Please call our office for more information.

Gum Recession

Robert D Follweiler D.D.S., PA

Periodontal Disease and Laser Technology

901 East Ocean Boulevard

Stuart, Florida 34994   772-283-1400

            Gum Recession Really is That Important!  

Did you know that many patients think that gum recession is a just natural part of aging?

Do you think that gum recession just makes your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold?

Receding gum tissue always means more than just more exposed tooth surface. It can be a sign of a greater problem, periodontal disease that can result in tooth loss and a low-grade bacterial infection in your body. Because we all have immune systems that function at different levels this chronic infection can be a greater health risk than you may realize.

Warning signs such as bleeding, tender and swollen gums, persistent bad breath, as well as pus between your teeth and gums is the main indications of periodontal disease to most people. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in the plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become irritated and inflamed.  Periodontal disease causes the gums to separate from the teeth and creates an avenue for bacteria to enter.   Often times patients are not aware that gum recession may be a sign of periodontal disease that goes untreated because it is perceived as harmless.

Gum recession occurs for reasons such as smoking, improper tooth brushing, tooth position, oral dermatitis, improper dental restorations, genetics and periodontal disease. Gum recession almost always involves more than loss of gum tissue. The most significant part of gum recession is that it involves the loss of the bone supporting the teeth. Without adequate bone support your teeth may become loose and have to be extracted.

So when you look in the mirror and notice any type of gum recession stop and think about it. Gum recession causes more than just    sensitive teeth and a cosmetic result that may be displeasing.   Gum recession does not just occur in older adults it occurs in some younger people as well. Look for the warning signs of periodontal disease and report them to your periodontist or dentist. Gum recession is important and worthy of your attention.

For more information please call our office.