At Bryant Aesthetic Dentistry, we are dedicated to assisting you in maintaining a healthy mouth. But we are also here to educate you on how dentistry relates to your overall health. Here are some facts that you must know:

Mercury & Fillings

An often overlooked, but extremely important source of toxic material is the mercury from silver [mercury] amalgam fillings.

Studies have linked mercury exposure from the environment with a number and variety of illnesses including allergies, chronic fatigue, depression, GI disorders, immune systems suppression, periodontal disease, neurological problems, reproductive disorders, birth defects, kidney disease, heart problems, hypertension, respiratory disorders and skin disease. Mercury can interfere with any process or organ in the body, since it is poisonous to all cells, but it has a marked effect on the immune system. This has been shown by research indicating the presence of mercury amalgam fillings in the mouth reducing the immune system efficiency by one-third to one-half. If a person has a chronic health problem for which a cause has not be found and mercury fillings are present in the mouth, mercury toxicity may be a contributing factor.

Not everyone experiences acute toxicity effects from the mercury in amalgam fillings. However, virtually everyone does have mercury build up in their bodies from implantation of such fillings. There are safer and more cosmetic options available today.   Ask Dr. Bryant.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Many pregnant women show some signs of gingivitis during pregnancy. Gingivitis is defined as the inflammation or swelling of the gum tissues. Most cases of gingivitis are the result of poor oral hygiene. 
  
During pregnancy there is a special need for good oral hygiene because pregnancy may exaggerate the body's normal response to dental plaque. This is because four basic hormones vital to the continuation of pregnancy are produced in large quantities during the gestation period. This hormonal increase exaggerates the way the gum tissues react to the bacteria in plaque, resulting in an increased likelihood that a pregnant women will develop gum disease if her daily plaque control is not adequate. It is important to note, that it is the plaque, and not the increased hormone levels that is the major cause of pregnancy gingivitis. Flossing daily is essential for oral health during pregnancy. 
  
Mothers-to-be, if you are experiencing excessive bleeding, bad breath, or gingival irritation, consult with Dr. Bryant to avoid experiencing Pregnancy Gingivitis

Gum Disease and Pregnancy Problems

Evidence is mounting that suggests periodontal disease contributes to mothers having babies that are born prematurely at a low birth weight. Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.

More research is needed to confirm how periodontal disease may affect pregnancy outcomes. It appears that periodontal disease triggers increased levels of biological fluids that induce labor. Furthermore, data suggests that women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy have an even higher risk of having a premature baby.

If you are pregnant or planning your pregnancy, see Dr. Bryant today for a periodontal evaluation.

Periodontal Disease and Heart Health

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease (also called heart disease). And one study found that the presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease (gingivitis), cavities, and missing teeth, were as good at predicting heart disease as cholesterol levels. Researchers found diseased gums released significantly higher levels of bacterial pro-inflammatory components, such as endotoxins, into the bloodstream in patients with severe periodontal disease compared to healthy patients. As a result, these harmful bacterial components in the blood could travel to other organs in the body, such as the heart, and cause harm. It's found that the mouth can be a major source of chronic or permanent release of toxic bacterial components in the bloodstream during normal oral functions.

Diabetes and Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Diabetes that is not properly controlled can lead to periodontal (gum) diseases in both young and old people. Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place.

Because of blood vessel changes that occur with diabetes, the thickened blood vessels can impair the efficiency of the flow of nutrients and removal of wastes from body tissues. This impaired blood flow can weaken the gums and bone, making them more susceptible to infection.

In addition, if diabetes is poorly controlled, higher glucose levels in the mouth fluids will encourage the growth of bacteria that can cause gum disease.

If you are a diabetic, contact Dr. Bryant today to discuss prevention and treatment of Gum Disease

Oral Health and Cancer Treatment

Severity of oral complications in cancer patients can be reduced significantly when an aggressive approach to stabilizing oral care is initiated prior to treatment. Primary preventive measures, such as appropriate nutritional intake, effective oral hygiene practices , and early detection of oral lesions are important pretreatment interventions.

Dr. Bryant will work with your oncologist and recommend an evaluation to determine what procedures need to be completed prior to starting chemotherapy and/or radiation.   The evaluation should occur as early as possible prior to treatment. The examination allows the dentist to determine status of the oral cavity prior to cancer therapy, and to initiate necessary interventions that may reduce oral complications during and after that therapy. Ideally, this examination should be performed at least 1 month prior to cancer treatment to permit adequate healing from any required invasive oral procedures. A program of oral hygiene should be initiated sometimes with a home fluoride treatment with emphasis on prevention of future problems.

If you are preparing to undergo cancer treatments, see Dr. Bryant for your pre-treatment oral care.

Early Oral Cancer Detection

Dentists and hygenists are the best overall defense against oral cancer -- we are, in fact, a lifesaver. No other medical professionals are as well positioned to address this potentially deadly disease at its earliest stage. The key is to identify oral abnormalities at their most easily treated stage of development.

Fortunately, there's a simple technology to help in your fight against oral cancer. ViziLite Plus aids in the early identification of oral abnormalities that can lead to cancer. Cleared by the FDA, ViziLite Plus allows dentists to offer superior care to patients. 

Patients with a history of oral cancer should receive at least semi-annual ViziLite Plus exams.

Smokers, or any adult who has noticed unexplained sores, masses, lumps, or discolorations should make an appointment with Dr Bryant's team today to get screened for Oral Cancer.