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Thursday, October 25, 2018

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.


 

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