Gum Disease and Cirrhosis

Patients suffering from gum disease can find quality care at Dr. Eric Meyer’s Fullerton dental practice. Although many people think of bleeding gums as normal, that is only because gum inflammation is so common. One group that is at greater risk for gum disease is people with cirrhosis. However, new research has shown that periodontal therapy can help mitigate the symptoms of cirrhosis patients in unexpected ways.

Cirrhosis is a disease in which chronic inflammation of the liver causes it to scar over, reducing its effectiveness at filtering harmful chemicals from the bloodstream. People with cirrhosis commonly suffer from cognitive decline and inflammation throughout their bodies. Smoking and alcohol use are two well-known causes of cirrhosis as well as gum disease, so it is unsurprising that the diseases would often occur in the same people. But gum disease is also unusually common in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which prompted scientists to investigate how one disease impacts the other.

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University divided people with cirrhosis and gum disease into a control group and a group that got periodontal treatment. They found that in the treated group, cognitive skills improved and bacteria that combat inflammation became more common. Scientists speculated the difference could be caused by people without gum disease being less likely to inhale harmful bacteria. In any case, we’re glad to see more people recognizing the importance of oral health.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit Fullerton Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

National Dental Hygiene Month

We know that patients at Dr. Eric Meyer’s Fullerton dental practice understand the importance of oral hygiene. But are you sure you’re up to speed on your technique? Since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, we thought it would be a good idea to remind patients of brushing and flossing protocol so they will be less likely to develop tooth decay during the holiday season.

Parents should begin brushing their babies’ teeth from the moment the first tooth emerges. With proper care, teeth can last a lifetime, and dentures need to be brushed twice a day, as well. Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be used to prevent tooth decay, but hard bristled toothbrushes are likely to damage the gums and should be avoided. Brushing sessions with a manual toothbrush should last for two minutes each. It is of vital importance to cover every tooth surface and to get close to the gum lines, where calculus accumulates.

Flossing has to be done properly to have any effect. Slide the strand all the way along the side of each tooth and use it to catch plaque with a shoeshine motion. Simply moving floss through the gap between teeth won’t accomplish anything. Another mistake is to not floss the backs of the back molars. Mouthwash can be used in combination with other hygiene products to combat bad breath, but people should brush their tongues and use a tongue scraper every day.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit Fullerton Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Stop Smoking for Healthier Gums

It’s no secret that smoking is a bad habit for your overall health. Smoking is also one of the leading causes of periodontal disease. If a smoker doesn’t practice proper oral care habits, he or she risks tooth loss in the long run. Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS can give you the tools to stop smoking and improve your oral and periodontal health in the long run.

If you are a tobacco user, the symptoms of periodontal disease will increase. You may notice bleeding gums while brushing, red, swollen, or tender gums, as well as persistent bad breath. Periodontal disease is a serious infection and smokers have twice the risk of developing this condition as nonsmokers. The more cigarettes a person smokes, the greater his or her risk for developing periodontal disease. If you stop smoking, your gums will begin to heal, and you can improve periodontal health with good dental habits.

If you have questions or concerns regarding smoking and periodontal health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, in Fullerton CA, call 714-879-7943.