by Gregory R. Bowen, DDS
On a recent Friday I attended the Hollers Memorial Lecture sponsored by the UTSA Dental School alumni. This lecture is held annually and features distinguished practitioners from around the world. I try to attend this lecture every year for this reason.
The topic of discussion involved a topic that has received some attention over the last few years, namely, the effect of inflammation and infection of one part of the body having destructive effects on other organ systems that may be far removed from the source of the infection. Inflammation we're concerned about as dentists, is inflammation of the gums.
As you may know, inflammation is the bodies reaction, biochemically, to injury, bacterial, or viral assault. Every day, our bodies fight off multiple attacks by microorganisms, and are constantly repairing small injuries we may not even be aware of.
One of the primary battlegrounds in this microscopic war is the oral cavity. It is normal for millions of bacteria to be found in just a drop of saliva. Most of these bacteria are harmless and even do some good by preventing other more harmful organisms to proliferate. The harmful bacteria which live in the gums and on the teeth in the plaque they form, are “crowded” out and so don’t overpopulate.
However in the form of periodontal disease, which is the inflammation of the gums, harmful bacteria that live in the small space between the gum and tooth- the “pocket” overgrow and begin to cause inflammation.
Most of us, are genetically equipped to fight off these organisms and maintain health even with poor oral hygiene. About 35% of the population are genetically unable to control these organisms. We inherit this from our parents.
When periodontal disease occurs, most of the teeth and surrounding gums are infected, producing a large cross section of irritated tissue. The toxins from the bacteria and biochemicals produced by our bodies during the course of fighting this infection find their way into the blood stream and have a negative effect on blood vessels. The linings of these vessels become irritated and cause white blood cells to migrate into the linings of the vessels. LDL Cholesterol sticks to the lining and the result is a gradual closing of the vessel. If this vessel is in the heart or brain, stroke and heart attacks result.
People with periodontal disease are 4 times more likely to have this happen. Those who smoke increase the likelihood of periodontal disease 4 more fold. Diabetics are even more prone and there is definite link between periodontal disease exacerbating diabetes and vice versa. Our bodies produce biochemicals that actually damage our own tissues in order to get at the harmful bacteria which can migrate into the cells, between the cells, and even into the bone. Sort of like a person taking a sledgehammer to a wall to get at a water leak.
Fortunately, we have a new treatment for periodontal disease. The Periolase Laser! In my next article, we’ll take a closer look at the laser that is revolutionizing the treatment of periodontal disease in San Antonio.
On a recent Friday I attended the Hollers Memorial Lecture sponsored by the UTSA Dental School alumni. This lecture is held annually and features distinguished practitioners from around the world. I try to attend this lecture every year for this reason.
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| Inflammation of the Gums |
As you may know, inflammation is the bodies reaction, biochemically, to injury, bacterial, or viral assault. Every day, our bodies fight off multiple attacks by microorganisms, and are constantly repairing small injuries we may not even be aware of.
One of the primary battlegrounds in this microscopic war is the oral cavity. It is normal for millions of bacteria to be found in just a drop of saliva. Most of these bacteria are harmless and even do some good by preventing other more harmful organisms to proliferate. The harmful bacteria which live in the gums and on the teeth in the plaque they form, are “crowded” out and so don’t overpopulate.
However in the form of periodontal disease, which is the inflammation of the gums, harmful bacteria that live in the small space between the gum and tooth- the “pocket” overgrow and begin to cause inflammation.
Most of us, are genetically equipped to fight off these organisms and maintain health even with poor oral hygiene. About 35% of the population are genetically unable to control these organisms. We inherit this from our parents.
When periodontal disease occurs, most of the teeth and surrounding gums are infected, producing a large cross section of irritated tissue. The toxins from the bacteria and biochemicals produced by our bodies during the course of fighting this infection find their way into the blood stream and have a negative effect on blood vessels. The linings of these vessels become irritated and cause white blood cells to migrate into the linings of the vessels. LDL Cholesterol sticks to the lining and the result is a gradual closing of the vessel. If this vessel is in the heart or brain, stroke and heart attacks result.
People with periodontal disease are 4 times more likely to have this happen. Those who smoke increase the likelihood of periodontal disease 4 more fold. Diabetics are even more prone and there is definite link between periodontal disease exacerbating diabetes and vice versa. Our bodies produce biochemicals that actually damage our own tissues in order to get at the harmful bacteria which can migrate into the cells, between the cells, and even into the bone. Sort of like a person taking a sledgehammer to a wall to get at a water leak.
Fortunately, we have a new treatment for periodontal disease. The Periolase Laser! In my next article, we’ll take a closer look at the laser that is revolutionizing the treatment of periodontal disease in San Antonio.
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