Periodontal Treatment Reverses Heart Disease Pathology
We recognize that another aspect of our "new heights" pledge involves keeping up-to-date with medical research. We have been educating for years about the association of periodontal disease with increased incidence of heart disease and stroke, but recent findings have gone beyond a correlation - it is now being shown that treatment of gum disease can reverse pathology related to atherosclerosis.
Researchers have been investigating endothelial dysfunction - a condition recognized as an early stage of atherosclerosis. The endothelium is the cellular lining of blood vessels and forms the barrier between circulating blood and the wall of the blood vessel. It works to regulate vascular tone, promoting a healthy physiological state. Endothelial dysfunction occurs when endothelial protective factors are impaired, resulting in a change that promotes atherosclerosis. It is believed that periodontal bacteria that enter the blood stream may contribute to inflammation that can cause these impairments, which in turn lead to endothelial dysfunction. One study that measured endothelial function before and after periodontal therapy in patients with severe periodontitis showed that treatment led to significant improvement in endothelial function; a comparison group that did not receive treatment showed no improvement.
We continue to promote periodontal health to protect overall health, and encourage anyone who is at risk for heart disease to be sure to include dental care as part of his or her heart health program. If any patients would like to pass this information on to their physicians, we are happy to provide our references to share with other medical professionals.
Stress, Dental Problems, and Massage
Knowing that stress is related to many dental conditions from TMJ to dry mouth, we are happy to inform that therapeutic massage, one of the most relaxing ways to relieve stress, is now available at our office. Greg Kayes, a business graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and a licensed massage therapist, is opening a massage practice in our office, with availability of Swedish and deep tissue massage, as well as convenient chair massage. We are excited about being able to offer this service to patients and feel it is going to be an important adjunctive treatment. If you would like to make an appointment for massage therapy, you can contact Greg at (540) 454-0066, or you can schedule through the office.
