Alzheimer's and Gum Disease

We frequently see the effect gum disease has on dental stability at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group. Weakened gum tissue makes it easier for teeth to fall out and implants to fail. But teeth aren’t the only things imperiled by gum disease. New research has shown a link between Alzheimer’s disease and oral bacteria, drawing new attention to how closely tied oral health is to the rest of the body.

Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the bacteria species that causes gum disease, defends itself against white blood cells by secreting toxic enzymes called gingipains. Although gingipains are common, scientists found them at elevated levels in the brains and spinal fluid of people who displayed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Further research determined that gingipains trigger the creation of neural plaque, which disrupts brain function and leads to Alzheimer’s.

In the past few months, new research was published on the movement of P. gingivalis in living humans. Scientists found evidence that P. gingivalis can travel from the mouth to the brain and that it likely speeds the development of Alzheimer’s. Although they do not believe the gum disease is the sole cause of neural plaque formation, it does seem to be a significant contributor. People with Alzheimer’s are also less able to care for their gum health, creating a vicious circle. We encourage all our patients to maintain regular dental appointments so they can get deep cleanings and to carefully monitor themselves for signs of gingivitis. Their teeth aren’t all that’s on the line.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit Frederick Shaw DDS and fill out a contact form.

 

Arestin to Treat Periodontitis

When the body develops a bacterial infection, we use an antibiotic to treat it. The same applies to infections in the mouth.  Doctors at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group utilize arestin for patients with periodontitis who need a scaling and root planing procedure performed. Periodontitis is a chronic bacterial infection, caused by plaque, which has settled underneath the tooth’s surface below the gum line.

Arestin has the ability to reduce the severity of periodontal disease.  After a scaling and root planning procedure, the medicine in powder form is applied to the gums.  In a clinical study, when used in addition to scaling and root planing, arestin reduced harmful bacteria by nearly 2 times as much as scaling and root planing alone. This is because adding arestin to the mix disrupts the progression of periodontitis by specifically targeting the active infection.

If you have questions or concerns about the status of your periodontal health, please give us a call. To learn about the treatments we offer, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw,DDS in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Diabetes and Tooth Loss

Our mission at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin is to restore the teeth of people who have lost them. But we also care about prevention, and we don’t want to see our patients have relapses of gum disease. People with diabetes are particularly at risk for gum disease-related tooth loss, so it’s important for them to understand how closely oral health and the rest of the body are linked.

Gingivitis is inflammation of gum tissue. It occurs when there is an infection in a gum pocket, which triggers the immune system’s inflammatory response. Inflammation limits the spread of disease and makes cells more permeable to chemicals that white blood cells rely on, but it is painful and can damage tissues if it is prolonged. People with diabetes get inflammation more often and have more difficulty fighting infections. It is unknown exactly why this is, but high blood sugar is known to cause arteries to thicken.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into periodontal disease. At this point, the gum and jaw bone tissues are receding, leaving teeth vulnerable to coming loose. While we can replace teeth, implants need jaw bone tissue to fuse with. It is important for people with diabetes to get regular cleanings and periodontal therapy for tissue loss they have incurred. Fortunately, there is evidence that following treatment for gum disease, people with diabetes have an easier time regulating blood sugar.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit Frederick Shaw DDS and fill out a contact form.

 

Scaling and Root Planing

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease and is fortunately easy to treat.  However, when left untreated it progresses into periodontitis, which causes permanent damage.  Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group offers scaling and root planing, two parts of a deep-cleaning procedure meant to stop gum disease in its tracks.

Scaling and root planing is a simple and non-invasive procedure done in the office.  It begins with scaling, the term for the dentist removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the tooth all the way down to the gums. Depending on the case, a dentist may recommend completing this process over two appointments, and a patient may request local anesthetic.  This is followed by root planing, which means minor contouring to the surface of the tooth near the root.  When gums have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to, new growth of tissue is encouraged and gums heal giving the patient a clean slate against gum disease.

 

To learn more about scaling root planing, and all the services we provide at the practice, visit FrederickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Gum Disease and Stomach Cancer

We hope that all of our patients at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin are taking good care of their oral hygiene, but in case they aren’t, researchers have given them a new reason. According to a recent study, people with periodontal disease are at increased risk for stomach cancer.

There are many factors which raise the likelihood of gum disease and stomach cancer, with smoking being one of the most obvious. We also know that factors in the stomach, such as acid reflux, can have a negative effect on oral health. But this study provides evidence of a causative relationship between oral pathogens and precancerous stomach lesions. Research subjects who had stomach lesions also had higher rates of gingivitis and harmful bacteria and were frequently people who didn’t floss. Scientists believe that gum disease may help to explain the presence of stomach cancer in some people who don’t exhibit other known risk factors.  Given how deadly stomach cancer is, maintaining regular oral hygiene is a small price to pay to reduce the odds of contracting it. If you need help with gum inflammation, contact our office so we can help restore the health of your mouth, and hopefully, your stomach.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit Frederick Shaw DDS and fill out a contact form.

 

Periodontitis Prevention

If you’ve been told you have gingivitis, you better get to brushing. When gingivitis is left untreated it can turn into a more aggressive form of periodontal disease called periodontitis. Gingivitis is reversible, but periodontitis is not. If you’ve reached this level of gum disease, Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS may suggest scaling and root planing which is a deep cleaning below the gum line to improve your periodontal health status.

When plaque and tartar buildup isn't removed by adequate brushing and flossing, periodontal disease will develop. We encourage you to practice proper oral hygiene habits so that you never reach this level of neglect. Periodontitis cannot be completely reversed like gingivitis can. Mild periodontitis will be treated with scaling and root planing, while moderate to severe periodontitis may require surgery. If you have gums that are tender to touch or bleed easily when brushing, visit us immediately for a professional cleaning and dental exam.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491. 

Scaling and Root Planing

In its most advanced stages, gum disease can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss.  Dr. Frederick Shaw, DDS and the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group want to help you make sure it never gets to that stage.  When sticky bacteria called plaque builds up on a tooth, the gum starts to pull away from the tooth and form a pocket around the buildup.  This only leads to more gum recession.  Scaling and root planing are used to treat this buildup and prevent the later stages of gum disease.

Scaling and root planning are two parts of a deep cleaning procedure your dentist can perform to help repair gums. The procedure begins with scaling, the process of removing plaque from the surface of your teeth all the way down to your gums. This is followed by root planing, which involves minor contouring to smooth the surface of a tooth near the root.  Once the plaque has been removed and the tooth root has been smoothed, the gums that have pulled away have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to.   Local anesthetic is used during this procedure, and your dentist may recommend completing the treatment over a series of appointments. 

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.

Gingivitis Symptoms

Gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums – is the initial stage of gum disease and is the easiest to treat. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. Dr. Fredrick Shaw recommends scheduling professional dental checkups every six months to prevent gingivitis from occurring, however, proper oral hygiene starts at home. Be aware of these symptoms and risk factors if you notice a bit of blood in the sink when you brush.

Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. If your gums are puffy, dusky red and bleed easily, you may have gingivitis. Because gingivitis is rarely painful, it is possible to have it without even knowing it. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include: swollen, soft, puffy, receding, or occasionally tender gums, gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss, a change in color of your gums, as well as bad breath.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms above, give us a call so we can help you stop gingivitis in its tracks. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491. 

Three Stages of Gum Disease

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you need to practice a proper oral hygiene routine on a daily basis. If you don’t, you’re already headed down the road toward gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with Dr. Fredrick Shaw at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group twice a year to avoid this condition.

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If you experience gum inflammation, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about other services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.