Flossing in combination with toothbrushing can prevent gum disease, halitosis (bad breath), and dental caries (cavities). Flossing is also linked to reduced incidence of heart disease and diabetes. Make flossing a regular part of your daily routine and benefit from the healthy long term gains it brings.
Mother’s gum disease linked to infant’s death
January 25, 2010 — pannuddsMother’s gum disease linked to infant’s death.
Pregnant woman’s gingivitis caused baby to be stillborn, scientists say
By Linda Carroll msnbc.com contributor updated 5:43 a.m. PT, Fri., Jan. 22, 2010
Pregnant women with untreated gum disease may have more at stake than just their teeth. They may also be risking the lives of their babies, a new study shows. Expectant mothers have long been warned that gum disease can cause a baby to be born prematurely or too small. But for the first time scientists have linked bacteria from a mother’s gums to an infection in a baby that was full-term but stillborn, according to the study which was published Thursday in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Scientists from Case Western University made the discovery after a 35-year-old California woman contacted them to help investigate the death of her baby. Earlier studies by the same researchers showed that an oral bacteria called Fusobacterium nucleatum could spread from the bloodstream to the placenta in mice. The woman wanted to know if it was possible in humans.
Bacteria from the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream once a woman’s gums are bleeding, explains the study’s lead author Yiping Han, an associate professor of periodontics and pathology at Case Western University. Generally, this type of bacteria can be easily combated by the immune system of the mom-to-be, whether mouse or human. But because of special conditions that exist in the womb, the fetus can be more susceptible, Han suspects.
“Once the bacteria are in the blood, they can go almost anywhere,” Han says. “The placenta is an immuno-suppressed organ, compared to other organs like the liver and the spleen. And that makes it easy for the bacteria to colonize the placenta.”
The California woman told researchers that she had experienced heavy bleeding from her gums — a sign of gum disease — during her pregnancy. Bleeding gums aren’t unusual in pregnant women, with about 75 percent developing the condition due to normal hormonal changes. Mild gum disease can be treated simply by brushing and flossing more often. Pregnant women with more serious cases may need dental surgery.
Usually women’s uterine infections, which can harm a fetus, are caused by bacteria that work their way up from the vaginal canal, says Han. But the researchers detected a bacteria in the baby not typically found in the vaginal region. Plaque samples from the woman’s teeth were found to be positive for the exact same strain of the oral bacteria found in the dead baby’s stomach and lungs.
Women shouldn’t be overly alarmed by the new study, says Dr. Richard H. Beigi, an obstetric infectious disease specialist and an assistant professor of reproductive science at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
“This is just one case,” he explained. “Most pregnant women have bleeding gums and most don’t have dead babies. This can happen, but it’s rare. And this finding doesn’t mean that it’s increasing.”
Still, Beigi says, it should serve as a reminder that pregnant women with bleeding gums should see a dentist to treat their gingivitis. Gingivitis can increase the risk of preterm birth anywhere from twice to seven times, studies indicate.
The new study underscores the importance of oral hygiene not only for pregnant women, but also for those contemplating pregnancy, says Dr. Michael Lu, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and public health at the University of California Los Angeles Medical Center.
“We know that gingivitis doesn’t happen overnight and that it’s important for women to enter pregnancy in good health,” Lu says. “I would love to see every woman who is contemplating pregnancy get pre-conception care that includes an oral-health check-up.”
Linda Carroll is a health and science writer living in New Jersey. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Newsday, Health magazine and SmartMoney.
Extreme Smile Makeover
November 2, 2009 — pannuddsThis patient had large spaces in the front teeth [Pathologic migration of teeth due to moderate periodontitis] Osseous Surgery and bone grafting was done by our staff Periodontist- Dr. Obiechina, followed by cosmetic treatment by Dr.Pannu.
After
Before
“Dr.Pannu is a wonderful dentist who always gives personal care to his patients. He changed my awful smile into a pleasant one that suits my personality.” TS, San Jose.
Congrats Sonya- The Dental Hygienist
October 21, 2008 — pannuddsWe are very proud of Sonya who is now an offical Dental Hygienist . She has been working with our team for more than four years. Now What does a Dental Hygienist do? The response to the query, what does a dental hygienist do?, is multifaceted. The dental hygienist job description is indeed quite complex given that any dental hygienist’s duty falls into various spheres including pre-procedure care, in-office treatment of dental patients and post-procedure care.
During a dental appointment, a hygienist typically removes soft and hard deposits from a patient’s teeth; examines the gums and teeth to discern the presence of disease or oral abnormality; and strips the teeth of calculus (tartar), stains and plaque. A dental hygienist often performs as well root planing (a type of periodontal therapy), takes x-rays and applies cavity-deterring agents (fluoride or sealants).
 |
How (and why) to take care of a Toothbrush?
October 19, 2008 — pannuddsOne of the most common questions asked to a dentist is- Which toothpaste should i use? We surveyed few patients at our office, and found that most of the patients are unaware of the importance of a toothbrush. So we shall take care of the toothbrush answer in this blog today. The toothpaste answer will be posted in couple weeks. Stay tuned.
The mouth is home to millions of microorganisms (germs). In removing plaque and other soft debris from the teeth, toothbrushes become contaminated with bacteria, blood, saliva, oral debris, and toothpaste. Because of this contamination, a common recommendation is to rinse one’s toothbrush thoroughly with tap water following brushing. Limited research has suggested that even after being rinsed visibly clean, toothbrushes can remain contaminated with potentially pathogenic organisms. In response to this, various means of cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing toothbrushes between uses have been developed.
Recommended Toothbrush Care
· Do not share toothbrushes. The exchange of body fluids that such sharing would foster places toothbrush sharers at an increased risk for infections, a particularly important consideration for persons with compromised immune systems or infectious diseases.
· After brushing, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water to ensure the removal of toothpaste and debris, allow it to air-dry, and store it in an upright position. If multiple brushes are stored in the same holder, do not allow them to contact each other.
· It is not necessary to soak toothbrushes in disinfecting solutions or mouthwash. This practice actually may lead to cross-contamination of toothbrushes if the same disinfectant solution is used over a period of time or by multiple users.
· It is also unnecessary to use dishwashers, microwaves, or ultraviolet devices to disinfect toothbrushes. These measures may damage the toothbrush.
· Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. Such conditions (a humid environment) are more conducive to bacterial growth than the open air.
· Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles appear worn or splayed. This recommendation of the American Dental Association is based on the expected wear of the toothbrush and its subsequent loss of mechanical effectiveness, not on its bacterial contamination.
A decision to purchase or use products for toothbrush disinfection requires careful consideration, as the scientific literature does not support this practice at the present time.
Should pregnant women visit the dentist?.. Answers by Dalvir Pannu DDS
October 16, 2008 — pannudds
Dalvir Pannu- Yes! Research suggests that a simple dental treatment may reduce a woman’s risk of giving birth prematurely.
According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology it was found that treating severe gum disease with scaling and root care cut premature births by 84%.
Tens of thousands of babies are born prematurely, before 37 weeks gestation, in the United States each year. Premature birth increases the risk of conditions such as cerebral palsy, vision and hearing loss, lung and gastrointestinal problems, and even death.
It has already been established that severe gum infections cause an increase in the production of prostaglandin and tumour necrosis factor, chemicals which induce labor, to be produced.
In light of these findings, it is recommended that all women who are thinking of becoming pregnant or who are pregnant receive a full periodontal exam and diagnosis.
Those women who are already pregnant when periodontal disease is detected are ideally treated with scaling and root planing in the second trimester.
Regular dental visits are a cost effective way to prevent many future health complications and when addressing women who are considering childbirth or are pregnant, it is highly recommended for the health and well being of both mother and child.
Congratulations- We are so proud of your strong Teeth (and gums)
October 4, 2008 — pannuddsLakhwinder Singh showcases the magnificent strength of his teeth (and gums). Do you want to have such a strong dentition?
Healthy Teeth (and gums)
Feel free to contact us for the secret to strengthen those pearly whites. And we can even ask Lakhwinder to give you one on one advise (If his busy schedule allows…..)
Gum Disease in Children?….Answers by Dr Dalvir Singh Pannu.
September 18, 2008 — pannuddsWhat is the most common disease in the world among kids? Polio? AIDS?Cancer? Malnutrition?
Dr. Pannu- No, it’s gingivitis which, is inflammation of the gums. An estimated 98 percent of all young people have some degree of gum inflammation.
Although gingivitis in children rarely causes a serious problem such as permanent tooth loss, it has a tendency to peak in severity at the time of puberty. Existing gingivitis is intensified during the period of hormonal changes, although it is gradually reduced throughout the remainder of the teen years.
What is the main cause of gingivitis?
Dr. Pannu -Gingivitis results form the buildup of bacterial plaque on the tooth. The plaque serves as a breeding ground for multiplication of bacteria and their destructive byproducts, which eventually, through some complex changes, cause the gums to bleed.
When gums bleed on brushing, it is a clear sign the gums are inflamed and that gingivitis is present.
If your child’s gums bleed, don’t be alarmed; regular correct brushing should eventually remove the plaque, stop the bleeding, and cure gingivitis.
How about handicapped children?
Dr. Pannu-For children who have physical or mental handicaps that make up regular brushing difficult, assistance at home as well as power operated toothbrushes and antibacterial mouth rinses can be used to prevent or treat gingivitis.
How to prevent and treat gum disease?
Dr. Pannu- Fortunately, gingivitis has a simple solution: good oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing not only prevents gingivitis, but more importantly, also controls tooth decay and more long-term dental problems.
Use of dental floss at least two or three times a week should be introduced when the child is old enough to use it. Like tooth brushing, flossing is essential for good oral health, and should become a matter of habit. Dental visits for checkups and tooth cleaning should take place at least every six months, regardless of the presence or absence of bleeding and gingivitis.
It is also important for the child to know to brush every tooth – not just the ones in the front.
