Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits

YEAR END INSURANCE REMINDER

Request an appointment online or call our office to schedule an appointment before the end of the year to take advantage of your insurance benefits or flex plan benefits. Don’t let your hard earned money go down the drain by not using your insurance before the end of the year! Call us at 704-263-8845 to schedule your appointment today.

Quit Smoking Benefits

Quitting Improves Your Health

No matter when you quit smoking, the increased risk of death from smoking goes down shortly after you stop.  The risk continues to decrease for at least 1- - 15 years.  Smokers who quit before age 50 have half the risk of dying within the next 15 years compared to those who continue to smoke. 

Think about the benefits of being smoke-free:

• You will reduce the risk of mouth, throat, lung and possibly other cancers.
• You will have healthier teeth and gums.
• You will improve your overall health.
• You will taste and enjoy food again.
• You will not have "smoker's breath"
• You will save money

Mouth cancer is one type of cancer that can be cause by smoking.
Resources to Quit Smoking

• www.smokefree.gov - this website provide a Step-By-Step Quit Guide and other tools to help you quit.

National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quitlines
1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669)
1-800-332-8615 (TTY)
Callers can speak with a counselor in your state, as well as receive information and referrals to other helpful sources.

Mouth - Body Connection : Periodontal Disease

Research studies have shown that there is a strong association between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications and respiratory disease.

Periodontal disease is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gum tissue, periodontal infection below the gum line and a presence of disease-causing bacteria in the oral region.  Halting the progression of periodontal disease and maintaining excellent standards of oral hygiene will not only reduce the risk of gum disease and bone loss, but also reduce the chances of developing other serious illnesses.

Common cofactors associated with periodontal disease:

Diabetes

A research study has shown that individuals with pre-existing diabetic conditions are more likely to either have, or be more susceptible to periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease can increase blood sugar levels which makes controlling the amount of glucose in the blood difficult.  This factor alone can increase the risk of serious diabetic complications.  Conversely, diabetes thickens blood vessels and therefore makes it harder for the mouth to rid itself of excess sugar.  Excess sugar in the mouth creates a breeding ground for the types of oral bacteria that cause gum disease.

Heart Disease

There are several theories which explain the link between heart disease and periodontitis.  One such theory is that the oral bacteria strains which exacerbate periodontal disease attach themselves to the coronary arteries when they enter the bloodstream.  This in turn contributes to both blood clot formation and the narrowing of the coronary arteries, possibly leading to a heart attack.

A second possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease causes a significant plaque build up.  This can swell the arteries and worsen pre-existing heart conditions.  An article published by the American Academy of Periodontology suggests that patients whose bodies react to periodontal bacteria have an increased risk of developing heart disease.

Pregnancy Complications

Women in general are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease because of hormone fluctuations that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.  Research suggests that pregnant women suffering from periodontal disease are more at risk of preeclampsia and delivering underweight, premature babies.

Periodontitis increases levels of prostaglandin, which is one of the labor-inducing chemicals.  Elevated levels prostaglandin may trigger premature labor, and increase the chances of delivering an underweight baby.  Periodontal disease also elevates C-reactive proteins (which have previously been linked to heart disease).  Heightened levels of these proteins can amplify the inflammatory response of the body and increase the chances of preeclampsia and low birth weight babies.

Respiratory Disease

Oral bacterium linked with gum disease has been shown to possibly cause or worsen conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  Oral bacteria can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract during the course of normal inhalation and colonize; causing bacterial infections.  Studies have shown that the repeated infections which characterize COPD may be linked with periodontitis.

In addition to the bacterial risk, inflammation in gum tissue can lead to severe inflammation in the lining of the lungs, which aggravates pneumonia.  Individuals who suffer from chronic or persistent respiratory issues generally have low immunity.  This means that bacteria can readily colonize beneath the gum line unchallenged by body’s immune system.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease and the mouth-body connection, please ask us. We care about your overall health and your smile!   Visit us at  Ronald M. Cox, DDS or call us today 704-263-8845

Our Wonderful Staff at Dr. Ronald M. Cox

We are a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long lasting smiles!  ( Meet Our Team )

    

 

Why Visit the Dentist?

Back To School Dental Care For Stanley NC

Stanley, NC Family Dentistry 1-704-263-8845

School is almost in session in Stanley NC!  Now is the time to make your child's dental appointment for the new school year.  Start your family dental history of keeping good oral hygiene habits.  Show your children how important dental care is and you've taught them a valuable lifelong gift.  The gift of good health, starts with proper dental care.   Call us today for your child's dental check up.   View dental tips and resources at our dental website.