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Posts for tag: Bleeding Gums

By Reno Laser Dentistry
February 15, 2012
Category: Gum Disease

Ever heard of Treponema denticola? It’s an oral bacterium along with other bacteria that produce plaque. The difference is that Treponema denticola is the main bacterium that can lead to periodontal disease if teeth are not properly cared for. Prevention is the key!

According to an article at medicalnewstoday.com,” The Bacterium Treponema denticola falls In with the wrong crowd.”

“Stripping some mouth bacteria of their access key to gangs of other pathogenic oral bacteria could help prevent gum disease and tooth loss. The study, published in the journal Microbiology suggests that this bacterial access key could be a drug target for people who are at high risk of developing gum disease.

Oral bacteria called Treponema denticola frequently gang up in communities with other pathogenic oral bacteria to produce destructive dental plaque. This plaque, made up of bacteria, saliva and food debris, is a major cause of bleeding gums and gum disease. Later in life this can lead to periodontitis and loss of teeth. It is this interaction between different oral pathogens that is thought to be crucial to the development of periodontal disease.

Researchers from the University of Bristol have discovered that a molecule on the surface of Treponema called CTLP acts as the key pass that grants the bacterium access to the community, by allowing it to latch onto other oral bacteria. Once incorporated, CTLP in conjunction with other bacterial molecules can start to wreak havoc by inhibiting blood clotting (leading to continued bleeding of the gums) and causing tissue destruction.”

Professor Howard Jenkinson, who led the study, said that periodontal disease and bleeding gums are common ailments, affecting many groups of people, including the elderly, pregnant women and diabetics. “Devising new means to control these infections requires deeper understanding of the microbes involved, their interactions, and how they are able to become incorporated into dental plaque,” he said. “

Click here to read more of the article from medicalnewstoday.com

If you have any questions about the best ways to fight periodontal disease, click here to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno.

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By Reno Laser Dentistry
January 18, 2012
Category: Gum Disease

The normal morning routine but this time you notice something different, bleeding gums. Do you know what to do? Do you understand that bleeding gums is an important clue to your overall oral health?

According to Crest Pro-Health, “First –Aid for Bleeding Gums”

“First-Aid for Bleeding Gums

  • While caring for your teeth is important, many forget the value of caring for your gums as part of an important oral hygiene regimen. Problems such as bleeding gums can be a sign that your gums are not being properly cared for and need attention. Since gums provide important support for your teeth, take good care of them and take action if you notice bleeding gums.

The Most Common Cause of Bleeding Gums

  • Bleeding gums are most often caused by gum disease. Gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, is very common and may require treatment and improved oral hygiene to help eliminate it. If you have bleeding gums, you certainly aren’t the only one. It’s estimated that more than three quarters of adults in America over the age of 35 have gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. (1) If left untreated, bleeding gums and gingivitis can lead to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.

Take Bleeding Gums Seriously

  • While you don’t need to panic if you notice bleeding gums, you do need to take action to help prevent the progression to more advance form of gum disease. Since so many people have gingivitis and bleeding gums, people often don’t take it seriously enough.
  • In fact, while research shows that one of two Americans have some form of gum disease, approximately only three percent seek professional treatment. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), this discrepancy between the prevalence of gum disease and the low levels of professional treatment can likely be blamed on a lack of understanding of the effect periodontal disease can have on overall health. Some studies suggest that periodontitis may be associated with other health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly”

You can read the full article at http://www.crestprohealth.com/dental-hygiene-topics/gum-disease/bleeding-gums.aspx

If you have this issue please contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno to set-up an appointment.

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