Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gum Disease

Patients should feel confident that their dentist is sensitive to their unique circumstances. We run a non-judgmental practice at Bear Creek Dental in Grande Prairie. When patients present with bleeding gums, we think it’s important for them to know of a possible factor: rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

While about 35% of the population has gum disease, nearly 70% of people with RA do. That statistic comes from a Johns Hopkins study that examined the relationship between RA and gingivitis. While it is true that people with difficulty moving their hands have a harder time maintaining their oral hygiene, gingivitis also was more common in people with RA who are still able to brush normally. Another study examined similarities between gum tissue and synovium, the joint tissue that RA causes the immune system to attack. It found that synovium shares genetic markers and the structure of key proteins with gum tissue.

Scientists are still unsure whether RA and gum disease fuel each other or result from the same thing. But they do know that people can reduce their chance of developing RA and gingivitis by not smoking. We also know that oral hygiene is still important regardless and can help patients with limited dexterity to pick dental hygiene products they can use.

Bear Creek Dental is located at Unit 201 10015 102 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8v 0z8, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 780-539-0404 or visit Bear Creek Dental.

 

Fight Bad Breath

Bad breath is embarrassing. It may leave you feeling afraid to speak, smile, and address the problem. Bad breath is caused by leftover food particles that aren’t washed away by proper brushing and flossing. Our doctors at Bear Creek Dental preach proper oral hygiene to patients not only to prevent bad breath but to fight against periodontal problems and other dental diseases.

If you eat foods like garlic, coffee, or onions, the odor will linger and mouthwash will only be a temporary solution. If you don’t practice proper oral hygiene habits, bad breath will likely be caused by gum disease. It’s important to keep the mouth clean at all times to keep it healthy. Persistent bad breath is a symptom of gingivitis, therefore it’s important to visit our doctors at Bear Creek Dental twice a year for a routine checkup to ensure optimal oral health.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit www.bearcreekdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.

Prevent Periodontal Disease

When you visit our team at Bear Creek Dental, how often do our hygienists tell you to brush and floss, more than you already are?  How often do you listen?  Our mouths are full of bacteria that along with mucus and other particles are constantly forming plaque on the teeth. Plaque is the leading culprit of periodontal (gum) disease which can be prevented by the simple action of brushing and flossing.

Periodontal disease can range from mild inflammation to a serious disease that can cause major damage to tooth structure, eventually resulting in tooth loss. Gum disease can also be painless, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms. If you have gums that are swollen, red, or bleed easily when you brush or floss, you should address the problem immediately. The longer plaque sits on the teeth, the more dangerous it becomes. In addition to visiting us twice a year for routine cleanings, we encourage patients to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to prevent periodontal disease.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your oral hygiene status, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as services we provide here at the practice, visit http://www.bearcreekdental.ca/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors in Grand Prairie AB, call 1-780-539-0404.