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Periodontal Disease is the number one reason that people lose their teeth, and tooth loss has negative effects on quality of life. According to one study's estimate, 47.2% of US adults have some level of periodontitis. Additionally, the study found that among adults aged 65 and older, the rate of prevalence increased to 70.1%. These statistics are unacceptable to dental professionals who struggle to motivate patients to take care of their oral health.
A peer-reviewed study has indicated that periodontal disease is causing a lot more damage to people's overall health than previously realized. The study showed that certain types of bacteria that are known causes of periodontal disease have also been proved to be major causes of cardiovascular disease which is the leading killer of men and women, globally. The conclusion has potentially life-saving implications, stating that dentistry has a key role in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
Dr. Marc Penn, MD, PHD a former director of the cardia ICU at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio states that, "Periodontal disease is now considered a medical disease with a dental solution".
According to a report by ScienceDaily, research has shown that periodontal therapy with antimicrobial protocols can be beneficial in slowing the progression of CVD. Dentistry's impact on heart health appears to be a significant as the management of traditional cardiovascular risk markers such as cholesterol and body mass index.
Our office discloses the biofilm on our patients teeth. When disclosed the biofilm can be seen and is removed using our newest technology in the office the Air Master Flow.
The biofilm that accumulates on the teeth can be cultured and a bacterial DNA test
can easily be performed to pin down the etiologic agents involved in each case. Several Diagnostic tests are commercially available, and point-of-care test are currently under development. Therapeutic success is achieved when the initial therapy or subsequent therapies result in full eradication of the etilogic agent(s) or their reduction to levels below established threshold of risk.
The concept that periodontal disease possesses a causal status in its relationship with CVD
is now gaining acceptance. Dentist have a responsibility to motivate their patients to take care of their periodontal issues.