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.