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Featured Article: Bleeding Gums Can Kill More Than Your Smile.
By Dr. Scott Kiser

Contrary to what you have been told, bleeding gums are not normal and shouldn’t be ignored. Would you be concerned if your hands bleed every time you wash them? Your gums are no different.

Bleeding that occurs when you floss, brush, or eat is usually caused by a bacterial infection and represents one of the first symptoms of gum disease (Periodontal Disease). Researchers are finding links between periodontal infection and other diseases of the human body. Heart Disease, Diabetes, Respiratory Disease, Osteoporosis, Artificial Joints, and Pregnancy complications seem to be connected to your oral health. The current theory is that bacteria present in infected gums breaks loose, travels though your bloodstream, and attaches itself to your heart or other body parts. A resent study found that 85% of heart-attack patients have periodontal disease, making this connection higher than the relationship between high cholesterol and heart attacks.

What Should You Do?

Keep your mouth healthy! It is not “just a cleaning” anymore. See your dentist or hygienist at least twice a year for periodic maintenance and screening. Periodontal disease is often painless until it reaches more advanced stages, however there is a simple test that your dental team can use to uncover this problem even in its beginning stages. Like most diseases of the body early detection is essential. Also, remember to brush and floss. You will need to be an active participant in prevention. Gum disease is a serious infection that should always be taken seriously.

Take a Self-Evaluation Quiz

If you answer yes to any of the following questions you may have periodontal disease.

Other Factors

Over 80% of adults have gum disease. Smoking, excessive alcohol, diet, and poor oral hygiene can contribute to the onset and progression of the disease, but genetics seem to play a significant role. If there is a history of gum disease or premature tooth loss with your parents or siblings your chance of having this disease is extremely high.

Treatments

A better understanding of this disease has created new treatment alternatives.
Antibiotics, deep cleanings, laser treatments, mouth rinses, and homecare, used
individually or in combination, are reducing the need for more aggressive options like
Surgery.

About the Author:

Dr. Scott Kiser has been practicing in Utah for the past 20 years. He maintains an active practice in Holladay, Utah with an emphasis in cosmetic, esthetic, and family dentistry. Dr. Kiser is a noted author, speaker, and educator in the areas of customer service and dental health. If you would like to know more please visit his web site at WWW.greatsmilesutah.com or contact him at 277-1010

Newsletter Archive

So Where's The Silver Lining?
by Scott Kiser, DDS

Baby boomers beware! What you have been told all these years about silver fillings may not be all they are cracked up to be. Truth is, it may be time to retire those old silver fillings, also known as amalgams. (Read more...)

Fillings Get Smaller...and Smaller
by Judith Sloan

We all remember going to the dentist, opening wide, and listening with held breath while he examined our teeth for decay. "Please, no cavities," we prayed. (Read more...)

Dental Coverage Now Saves Big Money Later
by Drew Harris

Simply put, if you don't go to the dentist regularly now, you will later, and it will cost you thousands of dollars more. (Read more...)

Your Dentist Might Stop Your Next Heart Attack
by Ken Kowalsky

As the Webmaster for a site dedicated to helping people save money when they go to the dentist, I find myself having to consistently fight two different and distinct battles; one against the average American's reluctance to pay the high cost of modern dental care and the other is the same American's belief that seeing a dentist regularly just isn't that important. (Read more...)

Cosmetic Dentistry and Teeth Whitening
by Stuart Simpson

Maybe you are ready to get rid of your old silver fillings. Maybe you don't like your discolored teeth. Or your smile needs adjusting. (Read more...)

How Bad Breath Affects Your Self-Esteem
by Ted Kushner

As a long time sufferer of bad breath (halitosis) I can still remember the day my girlfriend told me I had puppy breath. As affectionate as that sounds I knew what she really meant was that I had bad breath. Being somewhat shy in the first place, this only compounded my lack of confidence and made me totally aware of my breath problem from that day on. (Read more...)

Resisting Chronic Sinus Infection
by Paul Hood

Sinus infections that have graduated to the chronic stage deserve the honor of being treated with the right type of antibiotic. (Read more...)

Your Dentist the Artist? You Better Believe It!
by Judith Sloan

Dentists designing "smile makeovers" are in demand far more than their technical skill in placing crowns, veneers, and implants. Today's sophisticated consumers are aiming for natural-looking teeth. They want a dentist with good taste as well as good hands. (Read more...)

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