Oral-Systemic Link & Wellness
The term “the oral-systemic link” refers to the connections between periodontal disease and systemic diseases. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease process resulting from the interaction between bacterial attack and the host inflammatory response. Periodontal disease has been shown to result in inflammation in parts of the body beyond the oral cavity. It is this inflammation and the causative periodontal pathogens that have been implicated as contributing factors, in many systemic diseases and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, hypertension, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy complications, and a variety of cancers.
Wellness Dentistry Exam
Thorough gathering of assessments and physical examination allows your dental team to determine if you have any problem areas in your mouth, with an oral cancer exam. Dental hygiene therapy removes all of the decay-causing plaque and calculus/tartar from your teeth and under the gums. Since calculus/tartar on the teeth cannot be brushed or flossed away, this process gives you the clean slate you need to keep your teeth healthy and clean during your daily oral care routine between wellness dentistry appointments.
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a type of sweetener called a sugar alcohol and is found in some plants, fruits and vegetables therefore considered natural. An industrial process transforms a plant fiber called xylan into xylitol. Humans even produce small amounts via metabolism. It looks and tastes like sugar, but has 40% fewer calories. Xylitol starves the harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing plaque buildup and tooth decay. This can help prevent dental caries and inflammatory gum diseases. Xylitol-sweetened gum can help reduce ear infections in children and help fight infection by the yeast Candida albicans. Xylitol can help to increase collagen production and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It also appears to have prebiotic effects, feeding the friendly bacteria in the gut.
Request an appointment with Dr. Powers
About John Powers, DMD
Contact Dr. Powers (https://johnpowersdmd.com) to make an appointment to receive your consultation on your oral health. Dr. Powers and his staff are dedicated to educating our patients and helping them make the best decisions for their overall health. Visit our patient education page to learn more about any tooth pain or dental treatment and procedure.
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