Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gum Disease

There are a number of health conditions which can make it harder for patients to avoid gum disease. Among them is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but recent studies have found that it may not be for the reasons people have long assumed.

RA is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own synovium, which is the soft tissue that lines joints. This results in painful swelling. In a recent study by Johns Hopkins, 70% of people with RA were found to have gingivitis or periodontal disease, which is a much higher rate than in the general population.

It makes sense that people with arthritis wouldn’t be able to brush or floss as well, but gingivitis was also found in people whose RA had not yet progressed very far. Other new research indicates that gum tissue shares a lot of its genetic and protein structure with synovium. In that case, it is especially important for people with RA to integrate dental care into a regular part of their maintenance team. Home items such as water picks and electric toothbrushes can help them reduce gum inflammation.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

Why do We Floss?

Many people hate flossing and will use every excuse in the book to avoid it. If you avoid flossing, you are only doing yourself a disservice as flossing has countless benefits. When you don’t floss, you increase your risk of developing periodontal disease and cavities. In addition, your mouth won’t feel as clean as it should. If you are looking for a reason to floss, our doctors at Riverwalk Dental are here to give you several.

By flossing thoroughly at least once a day, you may notice a little less pink in the sink. This is because flossing removes food particles from in between the teeth that cause gingivitis. Flossing keeps the gums and teeth strong and eliminates dental plaque that contributes to tooth decay. Flossing will help you prevent cavities and by maintaining your gum health, you will improve your overall health.

If you have questions or concerns about oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located in Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, 403-456-4994.

Cleaning a Fixed Bridge

When Riverwalk Dental patients undergo tooth restorations, they can be assured of receiving instructions on how to maintain their oral hygiene with their new teeth. Patients who get bridges have to learn a few new tricks, but they mostly just need to know how to floss when there’s a gap under a tooth instead of to either side.

There are some floss manufacturers who make specialty floss with stiffened ends which can be pushed through the gap separating the bridge from the gum line. However, it is more common for patients to use normal floss with a threader, which is a piece of soft plastic shaped like a sewing needle. With a threader, patients can draw floss through the bridge gap and loop it around, in the same way patients with braces slip floss past their orthodontic wires. If a patient’s bridge is supported by implants, they may have a larger gap for food debris can get lodged in, but such debris can be dislodged with another tool orthodontic patients are familiar with: the proxy brush. Also known as Christmas tree brushes because of their conical shape, proxy brushes can be mounted on normal-sized toothbrush handles and used in combination with flossing to keep bridges free of plaque.

Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.