The Main Street Dental Team, Unionville’s Most Innovative Dental Clinic, Responds to Study Showing Good Dental Health May Reduce Risk of Arthritis
Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) March 27, 2014 -- The Main Street Dental Team (MainStreetDentalTeam.com), Unionville’s first full-time dental clinic, is responding to a study showing that proper dental hygiene may help those suffering from arthritis.
“Regular brushing and flossing is an important step in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Doing so not only removes the bacteria that promotes tooth decay, but also gets rid of the plaque that can cause gum disease,” says Dr. Harvey Schwartz, owner of the Main Street Dental Team. “Good dental hygiene can do more than brighten smiles; there’s evidence to suggest good dental hygiene may help those suffering from arthritis.”
According to a recent study out of the University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry, poor oral health may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes the small joints in the hands and feet to become painful and swollen. Researchers believe they have found a link between the bacterium responsible for gum disease and an earlier onset of rheumatoid arthritis. The bacterium may also be related to a faster progression and greater severity of the condition. (Source: “Good dental health could reduce risk of arthritis: study,” 660 News web site, February 24, 2014; http://www.660news.com/2014/02/24/good-dental-health-could-reduce-risk-of-arthritis-study.)
Dr. Schwartz explains that while rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, it usually begins after the age of 40. It affects more women than men, and compared to the general population, people with periodontal (gum) disease are more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis. At the same time, periodontal disease is at least two times more prevalent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
“While further, more conclusive evidence needs to be conducted on the link between rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease, there is already a body of evidence showing a connection between gum disease and an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and complications during pregnancy,” Dr. Schwartz adds. (Source: “Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments,” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research web site, August 2012; http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm.)
“With today’s aging baby boomer population, rheumatoid arthritis could become more and more prevalent over the coming years,” Dr. Schwartz concludes. “When it comes to combating rheumatoid arthritis, brushing and flossing regularly is an excellent first step. People should brush their teeth twice a day, floss regularly to prevent bacterial plaque, and visit their dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning.”
The Main Street Dental Team was established in 1967 and became the first full-time dental practice in the community. The Main Street Dental Team provides a full range of dental services for all ages, including preventive dentistry, restorative/cosmetic dentistry, providing clients with the ultimate smile makeovers, dental Implants, surgery, full and partial dentures, and treatment for gum disease. To better serve the needs of Unionville’s growing population, our staff also speaks Mandarin and Cantonese. To learn more about Main Street Dental Team, visit the web site at http://www.MainStreetDentalTeam.com.
Dr. Harvey Schwartz, Main Street Dental team, http://www.mainstreetdentalteam.com/, +1 905-266-0350, [email protected]
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