Cirrhosis and Gum Disease

We hope patients at Riverwalk Dental see the dentists’ office as a hopeful place. There are a growing number of studies that show dental health is vital to overall health, and that regular cleanings can lead to unexpected improvements in other areas. Recently, researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found evidence of a causative effect between treating gum disease and cirrhosis symptoms.

Cirrhosis, which results from scarring of the liver, is seriously detrimental to the body. It results in increased inflammation and decreased cognitive function. Both cirrhosis and periodontal disease can result from abuse of alcohol and tobacco, so it’s unsurprising that people with one would be at increased risk for the other. But periodontal disease is also unusually common in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which prompted researchers to experiment.

They found that when people with cirrhosis were treated for gum disease, the number of bacteria in their gut that combat inflammation increased, as did their cognitive function. No significant change was found in the control group. Researchers are unsure what the connection is, but it demonstrates why it’s wrong for people to think that regular dental cleanings aren’t important.

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.

 

Sleep Apnea and Floppy Eyelids

When people are aware that they suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dentists such as our team at Riverwalk Dental in Calgary can make night guards for them that will help keep their airways open. But people often do not know why they are fatigued unless there is someone who can tell them whether they snore. Now, scientists have found a new indicator of sleep apnea: floppy eyelids.

The study was small in size, but it found that 53% of people with sleep apnea also had eyelids that were rubbery or misshapen. These people’s eyelids flipped inside-out more easily, putting them at greater risk for dryness and corneal abrasions.

Scientists are unsure of why OSA is linked to floppy eyelids, although they hypothesize that inflammation is damaging the proteins that allow skin to regain its shape after stretching. For people with lax eyelids, a night guard may be a better option than a CPAP machine, since the dry air it emits can further harm their eyes. People who suspect they have sleep apnea should get assessed in a sleep center so they can determine if it is the kind a dentist can assist with.

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.

 

Oral Cancer linked to Alcohol

Oral cancer screenings are one of the many services we provide our patients at Riverwalk Dental in Calgary. A dentist is often the first health professional to detect a case of oral cancer and remains important throughout the care process. As part of our goal of combatting this disease, we wanted to share the findings of a study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology that found a relationship between oral cancer and alcohol use.

The new study found that about 5% of new cancer cases globally are due to alcohol. This statistic included oral and throat cancers. While it has long been known that smoking and alcohol combined presented an oral cancer risk, the new study examined alcohol in isolation. The exact cause-and-effect remains unclear, but scientists suppose that alcohol may break down oral tissues and there is a chance for a DNA copy error to occur every time they regrow.

The study found that the type of alcohol consumed appeared to be irrelevant and that, while heavy drinking presented the greatest risk, moderate and light drinking could also lead to cancer. However, it also found that the risk of cancer in the mouth and the rest of the aerodigestive tract declined if the subject stopped drinking.

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.