Glen Ellyn, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/12/2016 -- Oral health is connected to overall health, ranging from diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is by far the most widespread disease in the world and more ubiquitous than the common cold. Dr. Workman provides a periodontal therapy that can be easily followed and helps to get rid of this sly, cunning infection.
This disease starts right after a person finishes brushing and flossing. It adds another dose of bio-film or plaque, which is the sticky stuff that can be felt with the tongue and be seen on the teeth. This biofilm together with other factors can dissolve the bone that supports the teeth. If not properly removed with daily brushing and flossing professional help from your dentist or hygienist is necessary to help you keep the disease under control. It is not curable disease but can be maintained with professional help.
Dr. Workman explains, "Layer upon layer of plaque (biofilm) which becomes as hard as cement starts to push the gum away from the tooth enamel, causing a pocket to form.. The bacteria in the mouth easily find its way into the pockets and then proceed to leave their excrement in them. The enamel trapped by the plaque begins to soften and the gum tissue at the base of the tooth becomes red and sore. This allows the bacteria to access your bloodstream. From there, things go downhill".
This sounds like an episode of Monsters Inside Me, but the bacteria from periodontal disease is capable of traveling inside the body and getting in important organs such as the heart, kidneys, lungs as well as digestive organs. A toothbrush can remove the plaque from teeth but not from the organs.
Dr. Workman explains, "Yesterday, dentists were focused on saving your teeth through regular dental care. Today, we have to enlarge our focus of care. If you suffer from an inflammatory condition such as periodontal disease, you risk facing more severe systemic problems, whether it's rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or heart problems. Today, as we care for our patient's teeth, we're not just saving the tooth, which in itself is an admirable goal; we could also be extending that person's quality of life as well."
About Dr. Workman
Dr. Workman has served as a visiting faculty member at the world renowned Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education (http://www.Pankeydentist.org) for over five years where he taught other dentists how to treat TMJ and bite problems making it possible for teeth and dental restorations to last a lifetime.
To make an appointment with Dr. Workman, call 630-469-3558.