Gum Disease News and Research

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Gum disease or periodontal disease is an infection caused by bacteria under the gum tissue that begin to destroy the gums and bone. Teeth become loose, chewing becomes difficult, and teeth may have to be extracted. Gum disease may also be related to damage elsewhere in the body; recent studies point to associations between such oral infections and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and preterm, low-weight births. Research is underway to further examine these connections.

Researchers use healthy person's complete genome sequence to predict risk for dozens of diseases

For the first time, researchers have used a healthy person's complete genome sequence to predict his risk for dozens of diseases and how he will respond to several common medications. The risk analysis, from the Stanford University School of Medicine, also incorporates more-traditional information such as a patient's age and gender and other clinical measurements.

30 Apr 2010

Whole grains in diet translate to multiple health benefits: says research

Whole grains in diet can protect an individual from heart diseases say the CSIRO Food Futures National Research Flagship scientists. According to Dr David Topping, the chef research scientist at CSIRO consumption of whole grains in cereal and breads can reduce the risk of several diseases like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, some cancers. Legumes and grains could also prevent asthma, gum disease etc.

27 Apr 2010

Patients with most severe form of prostatitis show signs for periodontitis: Researchers

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center report initial results from a small sample that inflammation from gum disease and prostate problems just might be linked. They discuss their new evidence in the Journal of Periodontology, the official journal of the American Academy of Periodontology.

27 Apr 2010

Toothpaste with triclosan/copolymer kills harmful germs

The human mouth is home to an estimated 800 to 1,000 different kinds of bacteria. The warm and moist environment, along with hard tooth surfaces and soft tissues, prove to be optimal factors in boosting germ growth. Many of these bacteria are harmful and can form a film on teeth called "dental plaque," which causes cavities, gingivitis and eventually more severe kinds of gum disease.

15 Apr 2010

Research shows direct link between dental health and general health

Research has shown a direct link between the health of our mouths and our general health. Periodontal (gum) disease may increase adult risk of diseases such as heart, stroke, diabetes and respiratory diseases. Tooth and gum disease and is one of the most common dental problems of older adults.

7 Apr 2010

New study finds green tea extract may prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia

Long known to be beneficial in heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, a new study finds a specific green tea extract may delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia. A. Holliday & Company's "Teawell 50," is a 50 percent pure extraction of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) – a flavonoid which is the most potent of four major catechins in green tea.

15 Mar 2010

Early treatment and prevention of gum disease can positively impact many medical conditions

The eyes may be the window to the soul, but research is demonstrating that the mouth is the gateway to good health. In fact, a dental exam can reveal early symptoms of more than 100 diseases, as well as identify gum disease, which can have a negative effect on the body’s overall health.

20 Feb 2010

Untreated gum disease has potentially dangerous implications

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) estimates that approximately three out of four Americans suffer from some form of gum disease -- from mild cases of gingivitis, to the more severe form known as periodontitis. However, despite this prevalence, approximately only three percent seek treatment for their gum disease. With increasingly more research indicating that gum disease may be linked to several other diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer, maintaining healthy teeth and gums has become more important that ever.

19 Feb 2010

ODA encourages people with bad breath to see dentist

Do you suffer from bad breath? Are you constantly refreshing your mouth with mouthwash and mints to mask an odour problem? If any of this sounds familiar, the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) encourages you to see your dentist and get to the root of the problem.

12 Feb 2010

Oral hygiene: Insights

Oral health is often the window to your overall health. Evidence has supported the link between poor oral health and such conditions as stroke, premature birth and diabetes. Other conditions, such as HIV/AIDS and osteoporosis may show preliminary signs in your mouth, before other areas of the body are affected. Also, some of your daily activities or habits can affect your oral health. Therefore, it's wise to pay attention to your teeth and gums.

11 Feb 2010

New technology aims to restore lost bone and gum tissue following periodontal disease

Advances in tissue engineering are offering the promise of being able to restore lost bone and gum tissue following periodontal disease.

2 Feb 2010

Judy Gelinas recommends parents to follow three health care practices for children in 2010

To kick-off the New Year in a healthy way, Judy Gelinas, director of the St. Christopher's Foundation for Children's Community Oral Health Initiative, recommends that local parents have their children adopt the following three practices in 2010 as part of their New Year's Resolution

4 Jan 2010

ABCs for good health

While the common underlying theme of most New Year's resolutions is health-related, many tend to forget about the basics of maintaining good health through regular visits to the doctor. Even more so, we forgo the regular visits to the dentist.

29 Dec 2009

Bran flakes with raisins and added sugar promote plaque acid

Elevated dental plaque acid is a risk factor that contributes to cavities in children. But eating bran flakes with raisins containing no added sugar does not promote more acid in dental plaque than bran flakes alone, according to new research at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

19 Dec 2009

Oral health care critical for pregnant women and infants

Most pregnant women in America don't see their dentists for important oral health care nearly as often as recommended, which can cause ongoing health problems for both mother and her baby.

19 Dec 2009

Tips for healthy living for the year ahead

Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, carnivore or pescetarian, vegetables should be a central part of your diet. Often referred to as a "protective food," dark green foods provide essential vitamins and nutrients to your body that protect you from many of life's worst diseases.

17 Dec 2009

Decline in reducing youth smoking and increase in smokeless tobacco use

The 2009 Monitoring the Future Survey released today by the National Institute of Drug Abuse shows that the nation continues to make gradual progress in reducing youth smoking, but declines have slowed significantly compared to the dramatic gains early in the decade. In especially troubling news, the survey also finds that smokeless tobacco use has increased among 10th and 12th graders in recent years, a period during which tobacco companies have introduced a slew of new smokeless tobacco products and significantly increased marketing for smokeless tobacco.

15 Dec 2009

People with periodontal disease are at high risk for diabetes, survey finds

The study, led by Dr. Shiela Strauss, Associate Professor of Nursing and Co-Director of the Statistics and Data Management Core for NYU's Colleges of Dentistry and Nursing, examined data from 2,923 adult participants in the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who had not been diagnosed with diabetes.

15 Dec 2009

Researchers identify gene expression and biological pathways for healing gingivitis

Gingivitis, which may affect more than one-half of the U.S. adult population, is a condition commonly attributed to lapses in simple oral hygiene habits. However, a new study shows that development and reversal of gingivitis at the molecular level is apparently much more complicated than its causes might indicate.

8 Dec 2009

Metro Dentalcare sponsors Halloween candy buyback event

Halloween candy is a sweet treat for kids and a nightmare for parents, but this Halloween, kids can turn their goodies into cash and donations for charities. Thirteen Metro Dentalcare locations around the Twin Cities are sponsoring Halloween candy buybacks on Nov. 2.

2 Nov 2009