For years it has been said that the mouth is the gateway to the body. We rely on it for daily nutrition, communication and even expressing our love. Because it is part of the digestive system, the mouth is filled with over 500 different micro-organisms, which is more than any other part of the body except for the intestine. The majority of these are useful, but some, especially the anaerobic bacteria that avoid air and live in deep crevices, can cause harm if allowed to penetrate the gums and enter the bloodstream.
Therefore, that little "bit of bleeding" that occurs when you brush or floss your teeth, or the "bad breath" that you may experience upon waking, can be a sign that you are being attacked by harmful bacteria.
It is estimated that during their lifetime 80 to 90% of the population in the United States will develop some form of gum disease. The initial stage of gum disease is called Gingivitis.
Many children have "puffy gums" because they do not floss and brush properly. This may be due to the fact that they do have not developed the dexterity to be able to take care of their teeth properly. Until a child reaches the age of about 10 they need parental help at least once a day. Your hygienist will be able to help you with techniques.
Once it starts, it does usually does not usually reverse itself without specialized care. Therefore, if you are told that you or your child has inflamed gums, ask what you can do to reverse this process at your next wellness visit!
As a Center for Dental Medicine, we are very concerned about this link between Periodontal Disease and the health of your entire body. Until recently, the only periodontal therapy consisted of "deep cleanings" and, in more advanced stages, surgery. Sometimes antibiotics are added to kill the bacteria. This treatment helped for a while, but quite often, the disease would return.
Today, with lasers, treatment can be accomplished quickly and with relatively no discomfort.
Periodontal disease usually begins because of inadequate home care. With different home care procedures and neutraceuticals to assist healing, some now feel periodontal disease can be cured. With your cooperation, this disease can now be kept in remission.
Diagnosis includes testing to determine your C-Reactive Protein (CRP, for short) and A1C levels. CRP is more predictive of heart attacks than your cholesterol level. A CRP value of under one milligram per liter is considered normal, but a value of two to three triples your risk of heart attack and higher values can increase your risk up to seven and a half times!
Centers for Dental Medicine throughout the country have found that by following the newest periodontal therapy program, periodontal inflammation can be eliminated, thus significantly reducing the CRP level to a non-harmful range, unless there is another systemic factor contributing to the elevation. If your CRP level remains high after periodontal health has been established, your physician will be contacted to make sure you do not have other problems as well.
Four years ago, I took an exciting step in my life and became the new owner of the Omni Fitness Club. I pursued this career venture because I want to help others become more physically active, to enjoy the freedom of movement, of feeling physically fit, of having boundless energy and, best of all, feeling strong and confident both physically and mentally.
Several months into my new position, I felt (key word here) that I was working longer hours, that the work was never ending. I had time constraints that were pressing down on me, I felt I was spread too thin, I wasn't sleeping through the night and my energy was not the endless supply I thought it was.
I've never experienced this before, and the more out of control I felt, the more I gave up on my personal and recreational activities so I could devote even more time and energy to work.
I'm embarrassed to say that it took me a year and 10 pounds to realize that I had stopped doing something very important - regular exercise! I would get a quick workout in here and there, a run every now and then, but nothing that was consistent or could be considered a quality investment in myself.
I could not believe what I allowed to happen! The workloads had not really changed and the hours were the same, but I was not in the physical condition I was before. That's why I felt overwhelmed. I was allowing myself to become physically deconditioned - unfit! I had become my own worse nightmare: the excuse maker! I remember thinking that if I fell prey to one excuse after another (I don't have the time, I don't have the energy, I have so many other things that need to be done first) than what hope do others have with no frame of reference? Many people have no idea what it feels like to be physically fit and soar through their day. They just get through feeling sore, because they don't exercise, and they are none the wiser.
As much as I'd like to beat myself up over my physical complacency, I believe that I now have an even greater empathy for people who have a tough time committing to exercise. Life happens! We're busy, people count on us and we can be pulled in every direction, we have work and family commitments that are important - I get it.
However, after my personal experience with being sporadic with exercise, I realize the most important thing I can do for myself, my marriage, my business and everyone who counts on me is to take care of myself. Regular exercise is the only thing that can combat every single obstacle we face throughout the day. It provides more energy, which means more time (because you have more energy you find more time!), it reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep patterns, improves mental clarity and increases productivity.
I know it's tough committing to one more thing, especially exercise. But life's a lot tougher when you don't!
A leg wound (ulcer or open sore) is often times a symptom. The cause may be due to abnormal blood circulation within the leg. Treating the symptom, without identifying and treating the cause may be why the wound will not heal, is slow to heal or keeps returning.
Common types of leg/foot ulcers include the following.
Venous stasis ulcers - A significant number of leg wounds are venous stasis ulcers. They are most common in individuals with chronic leg swelling, varicose veins, or a history of deep vein thrombosis. It is usually located just above the inside of the ankle.
Arterial ulcers (ischemic) - This type of wound is usually located on the heel of the foot, tips of the toes or between the toes. It may worsen from extensive toenail trimming and ingrown toenail removal. These wounds can be very painful.
Neuropathic ulcers (diabetic) - This type of wound is usually located on the bottom of the foot in areas of increased pressure. Peripheral arterial disease and diabetic ulcers often occur together.
How do I diagnose the cause of the leg ulcer? The Vascular Lab of West Michigan provides diagnostic services specifically designed to identify the cause of leg wounds. We combine quality ultrasound technology and experienced vascular technologists to assess the venous and arterial circulation in the legs.
Lower extremity venous insufficiency duplex - This study is designed to determine if the valves in the deep and superficial veins are functioning properly. If they are not, then there will be pooling of venous blood in the lower legs, which would be causing the venous stasis ulcer to develop, heal slowly and keep returning.
Lower extremity arterial duplex - This study is designed to determine if there are significant blockages in the various arteries of the lower leg. The extent of the blockage, location, and type of plaque is very important in assessing the amount of arterial perfusion in the lower leg and whether or not there is adequate healing potential. This study is beneficial for both arterial and neuropathic ulcers.