Dentistry by Dr. David: Microscopy, Mouth Bacteria and Heart Health
Jan 31, 2023 09:31AM ● By Wendy Nadherny Fachon
Microscopy—the
use of a microscope in dentistry—is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help
prevent serious illness. At Dentistry by Dr. David, samples of plaque from a
patient’s mouth are collected and the bacteria contained in it analyzed, as
this can explain why many people suffer from bleeding gums. While a high
bacteria count found in a plaque sample can be a risk factor for periodontal
disease, it can also be a risk factor for heart disease. People can acquire a
bacterial infection in their gums at any time from various sources. This dental
screening is imperative to diagnose and treat a bacterial infection as early as
possible and prevent further damage that may be caused by infection.
Although
a proper dental cleaning cannot get rid of all the bacteria in the mouth, it
can keep the amount to a minimum, especially unfavorable species. A person
suffering from active gum disease will present with many bacteria that move
very quickly. The bacteria shaped like cork screws are known as spirochetes,
and they are a clear indicator of too many bacteria in the mouth that have
traveled deep under the gums. Floss, an electric toothbrush or even a Waterpik
are unable to reach down far enough to disrupt the colony of this type of
bacteria. The situation requires a professional scaling and root planning
procedure, which involves the dental hygienist performing a “full detail”
cleaning under the gum line to remove the bacteria. In doing this, the intent
is to reverse the body’s inflammatory response to recognizing a bacterial
infection. If an infection remains for too long, the inflammatory response will
remain and cause additional problems.
An ongoing inflammatory
response is directly linked to systemic illness. This means a person with
untreated gum disease is more likely to acquire heart disease, dementia,
gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and many more preventable illnesses. When a
high number of bacteria continue to colonize under the gum line, they will
cross into the bloodstream. The same bacteria invading the gums will travel
through the blood stream to all areas of the body, including the heart. Over
time, bacteria will start to colonize in the heart and its valves. When the
body senses the bacteria in the blood vessels, the inflammatory response will
start. If the high level of bacteria continues to linger and grow in the heart
and vessels, the inflammatory response will continue. An ongoing inflammatory
response is what slowly destroys the vessels and tissue in the heart, leading
to impairment.
Having dental cleanings every six months is insufficient for
maintaining the gum health of the population that have active infection in the
gums. If someone has been treated for gum disease, it is imperative that they
visit the dental hygienist every three months to remove bacteria. This will
keep bacteria to a minimum and discourage the inflammatory response from
causing further damage of healthy tissues in the mouth and throughout the body.
Microscopy and deep cleanings are important components of Dentistry by Dr.
David’s holistic approach to preventive care.
Dentistry by Dr.
David is located at 563 Main St., Bolton, MA. For more information, call
978-634-6580 or visit BoltonDental.com.
Wendy Nadherny Fachon is a frequent writer for Natural
Awakenings. She hosts the environmental and
sustainable living podcast The Story Walking
Radio Hour on the Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network website, under
the Sustainable Living tab.
