The Link Between Breast Cancer and Gum Disease

Periodontal disease has been linked to many health issues such as diabetes,  heart disease, strokes, respiratory disease, pregnancy complications, and more.  In a recent study of over 3,000 patients, they found that breast cancer was statistically linked with periodontal disease and missing molars. 

Of 3,273 patients with periodontal disease/any missing molars, 5.5% had breast cancer versus 0.5% of the patients who had periodontal disease but no missing molars in the mandible. They concluded, based on their findings, that women may be over 11 times more likely to suffer from breast cancer if they have periodontal disease and missing teeth. 

Periodontal disease is a serious issue, and if it goes untreated it can become difficult to treat.  Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman at Periodontal Associates are experts at treating periodontal disease and placing implants for missing teeth.  If you are worried you have gum disease or need an implant, don't hesitate to call us at 303-755-4500 or schedule an appointment online. 

How to Manage Bad Breath

 

Today is Valentine's Day and on this special holiday, kissing is the universal symbol for romance and love.  What if you're ashamed and embarrassed you have bad breath?  Here are some quick fixes to help you smooch away without the worry:

• Brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes; brushing regularly helps keep the mouth clean
• When you brush, don't forget to lightly brush your tongue to get all the bacteria
• Chew sugar-less gum; gum helps stimulate saliva production
• Floss once a day; flossing helps get old, stale pieces of food that can get stuck between your teeth
• Eat an apple; apple freshen and act as a natural flosser
• Don't smoke; smoking; it dries out your mouth and leaves harsh chemicals in your mouth
• Drink lots of water; bad breath can be caused from can be caused from a dry mouth
• Drink green tea; it contains antibacterial compounds that fight germs in your mouth

These are a few ways to help with bad breath, if you notice that you have persistent bad breath, call Periodontal Associates today - 303-755-4500.  Bad breath can be a sign of periodontal (gum) disease and should be addressed as soon as possible.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman are experts at treating periodontal disease and can help you.

Link Between Middle-Aged Men and Gum Disease

Middle-Aged Men and Gum Disease

There are a lot of risk-factors when it comes to getting gum disease.  Some can be genetic and some can be situational (smoking, bad oral health, etc).  When considering some of the causes, according to a new study, age and gender are a part of the list of influences.

More specifically, it could be possible that middle-aged men could be at a higher risk to have gum disease.  They found a higher rate of gum disease with men 45 to 65, who were not active and mostly worked sitting throughout the day, than their younger, more active counterparts.  To be exact, "lazy" middle-aged men are 40% more likely to develop problems with their gum health.

If you think you might have gum disease, check out these 7 signs.  If you have any of the above symptoms, call Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman as soon as possible at 303-755-4500 to schedule an appointment or use our easy online contact form.

Remember, the earlier you treat periodontal disease, the easier it is to control.

A Candy Good for Teeth

A Candy That Is Good For Your Teeth

What would you do if you were told that scientists have created a candy that is actually good for your teeth?



At Periodontal Associates, we warn to not eat too many sweets because of what the sugar does to your teeth; bad bacteria feeds on sugar which can hurt your enamel, cause plaque, and give you cavities!

 In a recent blog, we had mentioned that there are different types of bacteria in your mouth; some bacteria is good for your mouth while other bacteria is bad for your mouth.  A new sugar-free candy, developed in Germany, has been tested and proven to decrease the amount of bad bacteria in mouths.  This new candy is designed to allow the good  bacteria to bind to the cavity-causing Mutans streptococci. Upon binding with M. streptococci, the good bacteria prevents the bad bacteria (Mutans streptococci) from firmly reattaching to teeth, causing it to be washed away by saliva. 

With less Mutans streptococci sticking to teeth there is less damage to enamel, less chance of plaque, and even a smaller chance of getting cavities!  Eating candy guilt free; what could be better?

Until this candy is released, we urge that you be mindful of your sugar intake, brush and floss regularly, and keep up with your teeth cleanings!  Visit our great doctors (Ken Versman, Doug Heller, and Eric Beckman) along with our specially trained hygienists for bi-annual cleanings and check-ups.  By developing these great habits, Periodontal Associates can help treat and prevent periodontal disease (gum disease) and keep your teeth healthy!

Periodontal Associates is located in Aurora, CO, but we happily serve patients in Denver, CO and all surrounding areas like Centennial, Parker, Lone Tree, Thorton, etc.  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman are specialists in gum disease, dental implants, gum grafts, bone grafts, sinus lifts, and other dental needs.  Please give us a call at (303) 755-4500 to schedule your dental implant consultation or hygiene cleaning today! To learn a little more about us, please visit our website www.periodontalhealth.com or visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/periodontalhealth. We look forward to getting to know you and helping you keep a health mouth!
 

"Smart" Toothbrush

Today, it is all about the latest technology but, did you ever think that your toothbrush would become apart of the fad?  A French company has invented a toothbrush that can sync wirelessly with a smartphone and track all of your brushing habits. 

The "smart" toothbrush works like any other electric toothbrush but stores your brushing data so that you can see how often you brush as well as how well you brush (your brushing techniques and habits).  If you feel the need, you can even link it to your social media and post your information for friends and family to see!

Think your kids are lying about how often they brush and if they are brushing appropriately?  Well that is exactly why the inventor created the brush; he wanted to create something that could monitor his children's habits.

At Periodontal Associates in Aurora, Dr. Versman, Dr. Heller, and Dr. Beckman believe that brushing regularly and correctly is very important to maintain healthy gums and teeth.  Gum disease is a sneaky disease and, often, people do not realize they have it until it reaches a severe state.  Whether you use a non-mechanical brush, a mechanical brush, or the new fancy "smart" toothbrush it doesn't matter as long as you are successfully taking care of your teeth!

If you are fighting gum disease or an un-even, painful smile, Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Doug Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman can help you.  Click here to schedule an exam or call (303) 755-4500 to answer all your questions.

Happy Thanksgiving from Periodontal Associates

Happy Holidays from Periodontal Associates!

Periodontal Associates would like to take a moment to share a few words about what we are thankful for, news about our practice, and even a couple of yummy recipes!

 

Giving Thanks!

As the year ends, we think about all for which we are grateful.   First and foremost, Periodontal Associates is thankful and honored to work with such amazing patients.  Our relationship with you is one thing we truly treasure and we are thankful for the opportunity to serve you.  We strive to give each and every one of our patients the highest quality care, and in return we often find sincere gratitude and affection given right back!  In addition, each of our team members has many wonderful things to be thankful for this year.  Here are a few of their responses:

I am thankful for the health and well-being of my friends and family.  – Dr. Versman

I am thankful for my healthy family, and am fortunate to work at a place with such a great team and terrific patients.  - Dr. Heller

I am thankful for all the wonderful people in my life including friends, family, co-workers, referring doctors and of course amazing patients.  – Dr. Beckman

I am thankful for my family, friends, and good health. – Barb, Office Manager

I am always thankful for my family, good health and a warm house to celebrate Thanksgiving in!!  - Erin, Assistant

I am thankful that we have a wonderful, new daughter in the family as well as a daughter who is moving home next week!  - CeCe, Hygiene Coordinator

I am so thankful for the support my family and friends have given me through this difficult journey of losing a child.  - Ilene, Assistant

I am thankful for life! And all that it has to offer.   – Michelle, hygienist

I am thankful for my puppy, my friends and being an independent person.  –Kristi, Assistant
 

I am thankful for working with such a great team of people and the very best doctors in town!!  -Diane, Patient Coordinator

I am thankful for my family and friends, for the opportunity to work at such a great office, and for the Broncos great season this year.   – Stephanie, Front Desk

I am thankful for all my wonderful friends, family and co-workers who have supported me during and through this wonderful new adventure I have taken on!  - Ashley, Patient Coordinator

I am thankful for my Higher Power who has gifted me with a supportive husband, a daughter who is making the way for women in the automotive industry and for my two amazing boys (my man children). Life is a blessing and everyday an adventure.  –Carolyn, Hygienist

I’m thankful for my family, my friends, and my health.  – Paul, Insurance Coordinator

I am thankful to have a year of wonderful opportunities, having amazing people in my life, and for my adorable and sweet puppy!  - Ariel, Patient Accounts Coordinator

I am thankful for my sense of humor that gets me through the day, my family, and great friends.  –Amelia, Assistant

 

 

What’s New!!

2013 has been a very exciting year for each of our doctors:



Dr. Versman dancing with Allison at her wedding

 

 

Dr. Versman was a proud and over-joyous father as he and his wife, Linda, walked his beautiful daughter Allison down the aisle on November 9^th, 2013.  They held the wedding at the Grand Hyatt in Denver and they said, “It was one of the happiest days of our lives!”    He was also busy with his trip to South Africa in September.   He spent the month going on adventures and exploring the wildlife.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Dr. Heller and Rigley

 

 

Dr. Heller is proud to announce he had his first parent-teacher conference for his son Rigley and the teacher says that he is a “model student”.  His ability to play well with others, as well as his expert ability to color in the lines, has been a good example for all the other kids in the class.  His daughter, Teagan, is now almost a year and a half and is growing every day! 

 

 

 

 



Dr. Beckman and his wife, Lauren



As you may remember, Dr. Beckman joined our practice over a year and a half ago and is doing great!  He and his wife, Lauren, have truly loved living in Colorado and spend their free time enjoying all the beautiful activities this state has to offer.   When asked about the previous year at Periodontal Associates, he said, “It has been such a pleasure getting to know my patients and I am inspired by the fact that they are referring friends and family to see me!”

Yummy Recipes!

Old-Fashioned Roasted Pecans

“Oven-toasted pecans made Southern-style with a light coating of sugar, cinnamon and a bit of salt, are a treat at Christmas or any time of the year.”

Ingredients:

·         1 egg white

·         1 tablespoon water

·         ½ cup white sugar

·         2 ¼ cups pecan halves

·         ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1.       Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (105 degrees C). Lightly grease a rimmed backing pan.

2.       Combine the egg white and water in a mixing bowl; beat until fluffy.  Fold in the pecans to coat evenly.  Combine the sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon in a shaker or cup with a lid.  Dust the pecans evenly with the sugar mixture.  Spread the nuts over the prepared pan.

3.       Bake in preheated oven until toasted and fragrant, stirring every 15 minutes, about 1 hour.  Cool on pain, and store in an airtight container.

 

Not Your Mama’s Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

For the topping:

 

• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Nonstick spray

For beans:

 

• 1 pound fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
• 1 gallon water
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

For sauce:

 

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 12 ounces mushrooms, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half

Directions:

1.       Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.

2.       Combine the onions, flour, panko and salt in a large mixing bowl and toss to combine. Coat a sheet pan with nonstick spray and evenly spread the onions on the pan. Bake in the oven until golden brown, tossing every 10 minutes, for approximately 30 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside until ready to use.

3.       Turn the oven down to 400 degrees F.

4.       While the onions are cooking, prepare the beans. Bring a gallon of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil in an 8-quart saucepan. Blanch for 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately plunge the beans into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.

5.       Melt the butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms begin to give up some of their liquid, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and nutmeg and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute. Add the broth and simmer for 1 minute. Add the half-and-half and cook until the mixture thickens, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

6.       Remove from the heat and stir in 1/4 of the onions and all of the green beans. Top with the remaining onions. Place into the oven and bake until bubbly, approximately 15 minutes. Remove and serve immediately.

We hope you enjoy these yummy recipes as your home fills with great smells and better company.  As you enjoy the holiday treats, be sure to brush and floss away that sugar!

As a friendly reminder, we will be closed to spend time with our family and friends from December 25^th, 2013 until the New Year on January 2^nd, 2013.  We wish you abundance, happiness, and peace in a new year filled with hope. Happy holidays! 

 

Warmest wishes,

 

Drs. Versman, Heller, Beckman and Periodontal Associates’ Staff

Bacteria in your Mouth

How Much Bacteria is in Your Mouth?

Bacteria can be found everywhere: on your hands, when you touch a doorknob, at a restaurant, in the bathroom, etc.  We sometimes get so caught up worrying about not touching things that carry bacteria that we forget that more than a large cup of bacteria can be found inside you!



More specifically, at any one time there can be up to 6 million bacteria found in your mouth; your mouth is a huge carries for bacteria.  GROSS!  The presence of bacteria in your mouth can cause bad breath and, more importantly, can eat away at your teeth causing cavities, dental infections, and gingivitis.  Even worse, some mouth bacteria can cause heart disease and kidney disease.

Here at Periodontal Associates, we stress the importance of controlling how much bacteria is in you mouth and not letting it get out of hand.  While we understand that bacteria can always be found in your mouth, and some bacteria is even good for you, it is important to maintain a strict hygiene regimen so that you don't have painful and potentially costly dental issues.   Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Douglas Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman  can teach you the proper techniques so that you are knowledgeable.  In addition, it is important to schedule routine dental check-ups with your dentist so that any serious damage can be noticed and prevented. 



Dr. Ken Versman, Dr. Douglas Heller, and Dr. Eric Beckman can help you keep your mouth healthy before bacteria does any serious harm.  To schedule your appointment, do not hesitate to call us at (303) 755-4500, click here for an appointment, or visit our website at www.periodontalhealth.com.