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.

Use of Fluoridated Toothpaste

We highly value preventive care at Riverwalk Dental in Calgary, particularly for our pediatric patients. Fluoridated toothpaste can be a powerful tool for preventing tooth decay, but there are some rules about how to use it properly which people should be aware of.

Fluoride has dramatically improved the general public’s dental health. Dental problems are not nearly as severe in areas with fluoridated water and the topical fluoride treatments given to children reduce how badly their teeth are damaged by the acid secreted by bacteria. This is important because pain from tooth decay causes children to lose sleep and avoid eating. Often, their behavior and academic performance suffer as a result.

Brushing their teeth is one of the first things children learn about self-care. It should be done for two minutes at a time. Only soft-bristled toothbrushes should be used, and fluoridated toothpaste should not be used on mouthguards or other oral appliances. People should brush on every tooth surface and on their tongue. Fluoridated toothpaste should not be swallowed or the teeth may become discolored. Gums should not bleed during regular toothbrushing; if they do, something is wrong.

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.

 

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.