Dr Ari Rosenblatt and Dr Mi(hele Sa(kheim

PERIO REPORTER News from ollr oHitl ond the worid of periodonticl 2DOO

Womens Oral Health Issues a closer look

T odays women are well thcir oral health also 30-54 have periodontal disease aware of the unique Women have special oral health and that pcrccnta~ jumps to 44 health issues they fa ce needs and considerations that men of women aged 5-90 who stil1

For many staying informed do not have Honnonal fluctuashy have their 0 teeth and fully undershy tions in a woman s body have a ldcnt i ~ng risk factors that a pshy

FROM standing those surprisingly strong influence on ply to wo~en along with regular PUB ERTY TO issues is a top the orol cavity Many of the horshy checkups with a denlislnnd perioshy

MENOPAUSE priority What monal changes a woman faces at dontist can hopefully help women STAYING IN they may not cenain stages in her life can arrect keep their teeth and gums heal thy

CONTROL OF realize howshy her gum tissue and it is imponant for a lifetime Thanks to many YOUR SMILE ever is that to take special care of her teeth sources including dentists and the

mnny of these and gums al these times Studi es internet it is easy for women to conditions may directly affect show that 23 of women aged (continued 01 page 2) bull

ANewDecade inHERBS Periodontal Health

Helpful or

Placing your health in hands seems T he year 2000 and the new decade to fo llow are taki ng

sa fe enough bUI it could spell trouble when us into an informa tion age that will

mixed with what science has to offer Someshyallow us to be more educated than

times the simplest of herbs can become dangerous ever when it comes to our health- when taken with medication that has similar effects Not oruy is medical and dental

of the body research opening many new doors Surgical patients who take herbal supplements and and making patients more educated do not tell their physicians or dentists may experience on how to lead the most rich and complications said researehcrs at the American Soc ishyhealthy life possible tie that in with the ety of Anesthesiologists annual meeting in October internet and the resources for currentSome herbals can interact with anesthetics and have cutting edge information is seemingly adverse effects while others pose potential separate endless risks

We have done a little bit ofinvestigashySome of the more commonly used herbal suppleshytive work for you and win be listingments include ginkgo biloba ginger ginseng SI some web sites to help you get additional Johns Won and kava-kava Some heroals such as information regarding subjects gingko biloba interfere with blood cloning Kavashyaddressed in this edition of1lle Periokava which is an herbal relaxant may have an add ishyReponef Let us help guide you into tive cffect when combined with the sedatives often the 2 1 century of periodontal health (continlled on page 3)

The Perlo Reporter bull Dn t1I Sethl 1310) 213-1900

Womens Oral Health Issues (confillliedfrom page I) stay infomled and in control of their own oral hcallh

Puberty During puberty increased levshy

els of certain honnones such as progcsterone and estrogen can raise thc levc l ofscnsitivity in the gums As a result irri tants such as food panicles and plaque are morc likely to cause gingivitis The condit ion may lessen as a young woman grows older however during this time in her life it is very important to brush and floss rcgularly as well as visi t her dentist

Pregnancy and lactat ion Yest you can add your teeth

and gums to the list or things in a womans body that are orshyfeeted by pregnancy Bccause high honnone levels during prcgnancy can cause gingivitis and in some cases lead to periodontal disease and since periodontal infcctions also have a proven relationship to preshytenn low birth weight babics a trip to thc dentist should beshycome part or every pregnant womans prenatal care

Thcre used to be an old wives tale that said A tooth lost ror every child While it may seem rar-fetched it actually was based loosely on fact The teeth and gums arc aITccted by pregshynancy just as are othcr tissues in the body Most commonly women experience increased gingivitis beginning in the secshyond or third month that inshy

creases in severity Inmugbout the eighth month and begins to decrease in the nimh month This condition called pregnancy ginshygivitis is marked by an increased amount of swelling bleeding and redness in the gum tissue in reshysponse to a very small amount of plaque or calculus This is caused by an increased level of progesterone in the system

When a woman becomes preg-

There used to be an old wives tale that

said A tooth lost for every child While it may seem far-fetched it actually was based

loosely in fact

nant in order to reduce the amount of gingival problems it is importam to seek a professhysional cleaning to move irrishytants She should also kcep up a diligent daily home care routine including brushing and flossing Now more than ever regular periodontal examinations are very important If your dcntal checkup is due dont skip it In fact more frequent prortssional cleanings during the second trishymestcr or early third trimester might be beneficial

Menopause Mcnopause can cause certain

oral discomforts including dry mouth pain burning and a change in the way food tastes Some women going through

menopause also experience dry shiny bleeding gums A trip to a dentist or periodontist can hel p in diagnosing and treating any of these condishytions It should also be noted Ihnt smrlics II rc suggesting the estrogen laken by many postshymenopausal women can help reduce thc risk of tooth loss

Osteoporosis Research is still being done

to dctcnnine the connection between osteoporosis and periodontal disease It is known however that osteoposhyrosis ean affcct the jaw bone resul ting in tooth Iosi Thereshyrore it may be an important additional variable in causing diagnosing and treating perioshydontal disease Women considshyering homlOne replacement therapy to fighl osteoporosis should remember they may also bc protecting their teeth

Bulimia Research shows that 85 of

those suITering from bulimia arc women Many bulimia su fshyferers may not realize that their condition is taking a scrious toll on their teeth as well The vomiting that chnmcterizes the di seasc causes the erosion or 100lh enamcl and evcntually to tooth loss Any woman suITershying rrom bul imia should conshysider a trip to her dcntist as a part of her recovery treatment

Women who experience any (continued on poge 4)

(lIO 273middot1900 bull Drs Rosenhlalt and Sackhm bull The Perto Reporter pagt J

Ask the Bottor Q Why do [ need to use fluoride Isn t it just for kids

A Fluoride aids in protecting your teeth by actually incorporating itself into thc outer surface of the tooth which can prevent decay (cavities) Fluoridc has also been shown to reduce sensitivity in tccth as well as fight bacteria that cause gum disease It is recommended to use toothpaste with fluoride (one with thc ADA Seal of Approval) In somc cases additional fluoridc is recommended ask one of the doctors at your next visit

Q Can 1 get cavities even though I have crowns

A Absolutely Just because you have crowns does not mean you are exempt from cavities Decay can dcvclop on the root surface or under the1crowris and eausc cavities You need to continue to visit your dentist regularlyJand keep your x-rays current so that any potential problems ca(l be caught as soon as possible

Q Should [ brush more or less if my gums bleed

A When your gums bleed it means that plaque has caused inflammation It is imshyportant to brush and floss the area well even if it continues to bleed The bleeding should decrease however the area should be checked by your doctor or hygienshyist at your next cleaning appointment

00 YOU HAVE A QUESTION If yon hae any questions you would like to see answered in Ask the Doctor please feel fn-e to let us know at your nu t appolntmeDt Yon can also call us at

(310) 273- 1900 or fax us at (310) 247-2332

Herbal supplements (continued jiom page I) given to patients before and during surgery

Many herbals may also have interaclions with the medications given to patients fol1owing dental or periodontal procedures For example ginkgo which is used for memory enhancement inlershyferes with blood clotting and should not be comshybined with aspirin Coumadin Advi l MOlrin or Aleve The combination could cause excessive bleeding or even internal bleeding

Many practitioners recommend that their pashytients stop taking any herbal medications two to

three weeks before surgery If thai is not possible patients should bring al1 of their medications and supplements in the original containcrs with them to their doctor before a procedure is scheduled This is important because herbals can contain sevshyeral ingredients and many patients may not even be aware of what they are taking

For more infonnation on herbs check the webshysite listed below And remember jusl because something is natural doesn t necessarily mean it is healthy After al1 arsenic and hemlock are both herbs

herbalgramorg

The Perlo Reporter bull Dn t1I Sethl 1310) 213-1900

Womens Oral Health Issues (confillliedfrom page I) stay infomled and in control of their own oral hcallh

Puberty During puberty increased levshy

els of certain honnones such as progcsterone and estrogen can raise thc levc l ofscnsitivity in the gums As a result irri tants such as food panicles and plaque are morc likely to cause gingivitis The condit ion may lessen as a young woman grows older however during this time in her life it is very important to brush and floss rcgularly as well as visi t her dentist

Pregnancy and lactat ion Yest you can add your teeth

and gums to the list or things in a womans body that are orshyfeeted by pregnancy Bccause high honnone levels during prcgnancy can cause gingivitis and in some cases lead to periodontal disease and since periodontal infcctions also have a proven relationship to preshytenn low birth weight babics a trip to thc dentist should beshycome part or every pregnant womans prenatal care

Thcre used to be an old wives tale that said A tooth lost ror every child While it may seem rar-fetched it actually was based loosely on fact The teeth and gums arc aITccted by pregshynancy just as are othcr tissues in the body Most commonly women experience increased gingivitis beginning in the secshyond or third month that inshy

creases in severity Inmugbout the eighth month and begins to decrease in the nimh month This condition called pregnancy ginshygivitis is marked by an increased amount of swelling bleeding and redness in the gum tissue in reshysponse to a very small amount of plaque or calculus This is caused by an increased level of progesterone in the system

When a woman becomes preg-

There used to be an old wives tale that

said A tooth lost for every child While it may seem far-fetched it actually was based

loosely in fact

nant in order to reduce the amount of gingival problems it is importam to seek a professhysional cleaning to move irrishytants She should also kcep up a diligent daily home care routine including brushing and flossing Now more than ever regular periodontal examinations are very important If your dcntal checkup is due dont skip it In fact more frequent prortssional cleanings during the second trishymestcr or early third trimester might be beneficial

Menopause Mcnopause can cause certain

oral discomforts including dry mouth pain burning and a change in the way food tastes Some women going through

menopause also experience dry shiny bleeding gums A trip to a dentist or periodontist can hel p in diagnosing and treating any of these condishytions It should also be noted Ihnt smrlics II rc suggesting the estrogen laken by many postshymenopausal women can help reduce thc risk of tooth loss

Osteoporosis Research is still being done

to dctcnnine the connection between osteoporosis and periodontal disease It is known however that osteoposhyrosis ean affcct the jaw bone resul ting in tooth Iosi Thereshyrore it may be an important additional variable in causing diagnosing and treating perioshydontal disease Women considshyering homlOne replacement therapy to fighl osteoporosis should remember they may also bc protecting their teeth

Bulimia Research shows that 85 of

those suITering from bulimia arc women Many bulimia su fshyferers may not realize that their condition is taking a scrious toll on their teeth as well The vomiting that chnmcterizes the di seasc causes the erosion or 100lh enamcl and evcntually to tooth loss Any woman suITershying rrom bul imia should conshysider a trip to her dcntist as a part of her recovery treatment

Women who experience any (continued on poge 4)

(lIO 273middot1900 bull Drs Rosenhlalt and Sackhm bull The Perto Reporter pagt J

Ask the Bottor Q Why do [ need to use fluoride Isn t it just for kids

A Fluoride aids in protecting your teeth by actually incorporating itself into thc outer surface of the tooth which can prevent decay (cavities) Fluoridc has also been shown to reduce sensitivity in tccth as well as fight bacteria that cause gum disease It is recommended to use toothpaste with fluoride (one with thc ADA Seal of Approval) In somc cases additional fluoridc is recommended ask one of the doctors at your next visit

Q Can 1 get cavities even though I have crowns

A Absolutely Just because you have crowns does not mean you are exempt from cavities Decay can dcvclop on the root surface or under the1crowris and eausc cavities You need to continue to visit your dentist regularlyJand keep your x-rays current so that any potential problems ca(l be caught as soon as possible

Q Should [ brush more or less if my gums bleed

A When your gums bleed it means that plaque has caused inflammation It is imshyportant to brush and floss the area well even if it continues to bleed The bleeding should decrease however the area should be checked by your doctor or hygienshyist at your next cleaning appointment

00 YOU HAVE A QUESTION If yon hae any questions you would like to see answered in Ask the Doctor please feel fn-e to let us know at your nu t appolntmeDt Yon can also call us at

(310) 273- 1900 or fax us at (310) 247-2332

Herbal supplements (continued jiom page I) given to patients before and during surgery

Many herbals may also have interaclions with the medications given to patients fol1owing dental or periodontal procedures For example ginkgo which is used for memory enhancement inlershyferes with blood clotting and should not be comshybined with aspirin Coumadin Advi l MOlrin or Aleve The combination could cause excessive bleeding or even internal bleeding

Many practitioners recommend that their pashytients stop taking any herbal medications two to

three weeks before surgery If thai is not possible patients should bring al1 of their medications and supplements in the original containcrs with them to their doctor before a procedure is scheduled This is important because herbals can contain sevshyeral ingredients and many patients may not even be aware of what they are taking

For more infonnation on herbs check the webshysite listed below And remember jusl because something is natural doesn t necessarily mean it is healthy After al1 arsenic and hemlock are both herbs

herbalgramorg

(lIO 273middot1900 bull Drs Rosenhlalt and Sackhm bull The Perto Reporter pagt J

Ask the Bottor Q Why do [ need to use fluoride Isn t it just for kids

A Fluoride aids in protecting your teeth by actually incorporating itself into thc outer surface of the tooth which can prevent decay (cavities) Fluoridc has also been shown to reduce sensitivity in tccth as well as fight bacteria that cause gum disease It is recommended to use toothpaste with fluoride (one with thc ADA Seal of Approval) In somc cases additional fluoridc is recommended ask one of the doctors at your next visit

Q Can 1 get cavities even though I have crowns

A Absolutely Just because you have crowns does not mean you are exempt from cavities Decay can dcvclop on the root surface or under the1crowris and eausc cavities You need to continue to visit your dentist regularlyJand keep your x-rays current so that any potential problems ca(l be caught as soon as possible

Q Should [ brush more or less if my gums bleed

A When your gums bleed it means that plaque has caused inflammation It is imshyportant to brush and floss the area well even if it continues to bleed The bleeding should decrease however the area should be checked by your doctor or hygienshyist at your next cleaning appointment

00 YOU HAVE A QUESTION If yon hae any questions you would like to see answered in Ask the Doctor please feel fn-e to let us know at your nu t appolntmeDt Yon can also call us at

(310) 273- 1900 or fax us at (310) 247-2332

Herbal supplements (continued jiom page I) given to patients before and during surgery

Many herbals may also have interaclions with the medications given to patients fol1owing dental or periodontal procedures For example ginkgo which is used for memory enhancement inlershyferes with blood clotting and should not be comshybined with aspirin Coumadin Advi l MOlrin or Aleve The combination could cause excessive bleeding or even internal bleeding

Many practitioners recommend that their pashytients stop taking any herbal medications two to

three weeks before surgery If thai is not possible patients should bring al1 of their medications and supplements in the original containcrs with them to their doctor before a procedure is scheduled This is important because herbals can contain sevshyeral ingredients and many patients may not even be aware of what they are taking

For more infonnation on herbs check the webshysite listed below And remember jusl because something is natural doesn t necessarily mean it is healthy After al1 arsenic and hemlock are both herbs

herbalgramorg

~ ~_ _______________Th bull Dn IOMblatt 011 Sockhi bull (31027)1900 ~ ~erio RetOrt

Womens Oral Health (continlled from page 2) of Ihe above conditions or who are at certain stages of their lives need to pay careful allention 10 the ir oral hygiene habits and report any problems to their dentist or periodontist immediately Some problems can inshyclude bleeding gums red or swollen gums bad breath loose tccth or gums thaI have moved away from the teeth Women should also keep their dentist infonncd about current medications and changes in health hisshytory

Every phase ora woman s life brings with it many changes As always her oral health at these times CO Ilshytinue1gt to be of great importance to her overall health and well-being Nothing helps in greeting each new day and each of lifes new changes like a bright healthy smile

V omens-health com 4healthywomencom

As you may be learning from conversations with

our doctors and hygieniStltW WW from past ncwsleuers man the general health issues y bull bull face from heart disease to can perloorg cer to pregnancy can have a ADAora direct effect on your teeth and aUhealthcom gums Try visiting some of onhealthcom these websites to learn more

k ldshealthorgabout your oral and general heal th healthAtoZcom

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Your periodontal health and Heart Dlsease If you are at risk for heart disease you may want to make a visil lo your periodontist RlXenl studies show a possible link between heart disease and the bacteria that cause periodontal disease All tbe mort reason 10 keep your teeth and gums healthy

wwwheartsourceorg womenamericanheartorg

Your General Dentist Some patients may think that since they come to the peshyriodontist 3-4 lirT1e$ R yellr for II cleaning ttlnt thert i noi--~ need to visit their genernl dentist This could nOt be fll ther from the truth A yearly checkup wi th your general dentist is always crucial to make sure all areas of your oral health not just periodonlal disease are addressed

_kine Was giving up a smoking uddiclion on your list of milshylennium resolutions You mny not realizc tha t k(Cping thnl resolution is good for your smile as well In addishytion to puuing you at risk for cancer heart disease and respiratory disease smoking also makes you 5-10 more times likely to sutTer from gum disease So keep thai resolution and enjoy a smoke-free 21 5t century

wwwlungusaorg

Oral cancer Did you know that every lime you come to OU T office for an Cl[am and cleaning you nrc also receiving an exam for oral cancer Our specially truined staff o f dental hygimshyists always perfonns a head lind nlaquok oral cancer screenshying al every one of your dental clellning appointments