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NEW STUDY LINKS GUM DISEASE AND COVID‐19 COMPLICATIONS

A team of international researchers published their findings in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology this month stating that patients with Gum Disease are more likely to have severe complications from COVID-19. 568 patients were studied and those with periodontitis – the most severe form of gum disease – were more likely to experience COVID‐19 complications. These complications included including death, ICU admission, and the need for assisted ventilation.

Dr. Todd Britten, a periodontist in Clearwater, Florida says that this study reinforces what he tells his patients every day – Oral health is extremely important for overall health. “This study, showing that patients with gum disease are at least three times more likely to have severe complications from the COVID-19 virus, shows us that treating and controlling periodontal disease remains extremely important, even in a pandemic.”

Dr. Britten stressed this study shows patients should still continue to see their periodontist or dentist. “Depending on your needs, your dentist or periodontist can treat gum disease infection through surgical or non-surgical therapy.” Dr. Todd Britten also said it is crucial that patients also keep dental hygiene cleaning visits to prevent gum disease and for those who have been treated for gum disease in the past stay on a 3 or 4 month schedule with their dental hygienist to avoid periodontal reinfection.

The findings also show the importance of good oral hygiene care at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Dr. Britten. According to the Academy of Periodontics, the nation’s leading organization of periodontists, “systemic inflammation is not only linked with periodontal disease, but to several other respiratory diseases as well.” Dr. James G. Wilson, President of the AAP states that this study linking periodontitis and COVID-19 complications, “Therefore, maintaining healthy teeth and gums in an effort to avoid developing or worsening periodontal disease is absolutely crucial in the midst of a global pandemic like COVID-19, which is also known to trigger an inflammatory response.” Dr. Britten states he emphatically agrees with the AAP.

Netflix and… Floss?

We encourage our patients to find ways to incorporate taking care of your teeth into your day, however you can! Even while watching Netflix, if that is what works for you!

“Interdental cleansing (cleaning between the teeth) is necessary for … optimal oral health. Since most toothbrushes have limited access to proximal (in between) surfaces of teeth… interdental cleansing must be included in dental hygiene care plans. Interdental spaces are areas where bacteria can accumulate, multiply and remain undisturbed.
Undisturbed plaque biofilm can cause gingival inflammation and bleeding and increase the risk for and progression of periodontal disease.” Source: “Interdental Cleansing” by Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS
Actually, cleaning between your teeth with floss, proxabrushes, softpicks, rubber tip stimulators and watching Netflix at the same time is just fine with us. Dr. Britten and his hygiene team encourage patients to find ways to incorporate taking care of your teeth into your day, however you can!

Can children be at risk for developing periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is rarely found in children, and only sometimes found in adolescents. However, children should still learn the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy to prevent periodontal disease in the future. Children should brush their teeth twice a day and learn how to floss properly- if children learn how to floss at an early age, they will be more likely to make it a lifetime habit. These two simple acts will help protect their teeth and gums from periodontal disease.

As a parent, you should also be aware of the warning signs of periodontal disease, which include red, swollen, bleeding gums or bad breath that won’t go away. If your child develops any of these symptoms, tell your dental professional right away. It’s also a good idea to ensure your dental professional knows your complete family history, as genetics can play an important role in the early development of periodontal disease.

–Perio.org

What is the difference between plaque and calculus?

Plaque is the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Bacteria live in plaque and secrete acids that cause tooth decay and irritate gum tissue. This irritation causes an inflammatory reaction by your body that can eventually lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. If plaque is not removed regularly by tooth brushing and flossing, it hardens to create calculus (also known as tartar). Calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush; only a dental professional can remove it during an oral cleaning. To keep plaque and calculus under control, it is essential to brush your teeth twice every day, floss at least once every day, and see your dental professional for regular cleanings.

From Perio.org

Are periodontal treatments generally covered under Medicare or Medicaid?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover any dental treatments at this time; only medical treatments are coverered. Medicaid programs are run by each individual state, so coverage is going to vary depending on which state you live in. Check with your dental care provider to determine if the periodontal treatment you need is covered by your plan.

-Perio.org

Here at Britten Perio, we strive to work together with our patients, Excellent periodontal care should never be hindered by financial concerns. We strive to work together with our patients, informing them of our financial options.

Our office accepts cash, checks, and all major credit cards. Care Credit, a financial program that extends 12­ months interest­ free payments to the patient is also accepted. Unless payment arrangements have been approved in advance payment is due at the time services are rendered. We are pleased to process your insurance claim for your reimbursement. Dr. Britten’s relationship is with you, not your insurance company. Filing insurance claims for reimbursement to the patient is a courtesy that we extend to our patients.

Our financial coordinator will be happy to file a complimentary benefit analysis for treatment that has been proposed.

How is gum disease linked to cardiovascular disease?

Research has shown that periodontal disease may increase the risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are chronic inflammatory diseases, so researchers believe that inflammation may account for the association between the two. Untreated periodontal disease can increase inflammation in the body, which may increase the risk for development of more severe health complications, including cardiovascular disease. However, more research is needed to determine the exact relationship between the two conditions.

–Perio.Org

Your Safety is Our # 1 Priority!

We appreciate the cooperation of all our patients, team members and colleagues since we returned in May of this year after the temporary shut-down of non-emergency dental services back in March because of COVID-19! We have to say, thanks to everyone’s diligence and cooperation, our dental office is truly a safe place to be!

We continue to the guidance of the American Dental Association and also the American Academy of Periodontology (APA). The APA has been diligently monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), the American Dental Association (ADA), and state and local agencies.

The AAP recommended that periodontists refer to all appropriate state and federal recommendations and mandates and regularly consult state dental boards or other regulating agencies for information and rules specific to their jurisdictions. The CDC has provided guidance specifically for dental professionals, interim infection prevention and control guidance for dental settings, and a framework for healthcare systems to be followed. We are diligently following this advice here at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Clearwater, Florida.

At Britten Periodontics, we continue to use evidence-based decision making in our practice to ensure our team and our patients remain healthy. We are keeping with the most up-to-date global and national information regarding the virus.

We know that it hasn’t been easy for everyone, but the outstanding cooperation and kindness of our extraordinary patients and team has made it so easy to continue doing what we love – which is to deliver comfortable care and ethical treatment in a welcoming and SAFE environment.

Homecare Products We Love & Quick Links to Buy!

Dental Floss:

Tight spaces/Good for those spaces that other floss shreds easily https://www.listerine.com/toothpaste-floss/listerine-ultraclean-floss

A great, thin, unwaxed floss, POH dental floss: https://buypoh.com/oral-hygiene/

GUM expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gum+expanding+floss

INTERDENTAL BRUSHES AND SOFTPICKS

SOFTPICKS (Original, Advanced, or Wider Spaces):  https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning.html

GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618):  https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html

TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!):  https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original

GUM Brand rubbertip stimulator:  https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-stimulator.html

Oral B end tufted brush:  https://www.safcodental.com/catalog/preventives/end-tuft-toothbrushes/oral-b-end-tufted-toothbrush

TEPE compact end tufted brush:  https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-compact-tuft

GUM brand tongue scraper:  https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-dual-action-tongue-cleaner.html

Proxysoft Bridge & Implant Floss:  https://proxysoft.com/product/proxysoft-bridge-implant-cleaners/

TEPE Universal Care Brush:  https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-universal-care

Thinner floss with threader attached for tight spaces:  https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-easythread-floss.html

GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618):  https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html

TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!):  https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original

How Cleaning Between Your Teeth Can Change Your Life & Other Dental Hygiene Tips :)

Here at Britten Periodontics, Dr. Britten and his dental hygiene team work together with our patients to tailor home oral care recommendations, focusing on a very personalized approach to treatment and prevention.

Home oral care is such an important contributor to oral health, and can help lessen the need for extensive dental problems. Here are some of our top tips to good oral hygiene!

Our last Blog Article Covered the Importance of Proper Toothbrushing.  Now, let’s talk about how and why to clean well between your teeth – daily!

The areas in between the teeth cannot be reached with a toothbrush. This is the primary cause for most gum disease and dental decay!!  This is why it is so important to clean between your teeth every day.  Traditionally, floss has been used to remove this disease producing bacteria, but softpicks and interdental brushes (also known as proxabrushes) are available in sizes and gaining in popularity because they are easy to use, and for some patients, even more effective than flossing alone!

Softpicks are also a great tool for daily use between the teeth, for tighter spaces. They come in Original, Advanced (With a curved, longer handle) and a bigger size for Wider Spaces


LINK FOR PRODUCTS WE LOVE:  https://mailchi.mp/85b2a6a889d6/britten-perio-homecare-products-we-love

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