Gary P Tobin, DDS

Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of death in America. It is responsible for one out of every five deaths. Annually, it killed approximately 443,000 Americans from 2000-20004.

Periodontal disease is the most common chronic inflammatory condition worldwide, with prevalence among American adults estimated at approximately 50%. Periodontal pathogens are essential for the initiation of the disease process, yet insufficient by themselves to cause significant disease. The patient with these bacteria may develop gingivitis, the reversible form of the disease, while the susceptible patient may progress from gingivitis to periodontitis, which is character...ized by the loss of connective tissue attachment and bone. In one study, investigators concluded that chronic inflammation is a new risk factor for type 2 diabetes. They are both diseases of chronic inflammation and frequently asymptomatic for extending periods. Chronic periodontal inflammation can spill over into the systemic system. It has the potential to exacerbate insulin resistance and worsen glycemic control. Periodontal treatment that decrease inflammation may help reduce insulin resistance. See more

Evidence shows that breastfeeding provides a host of systemic health benefits-from helping prevent childhood lymphoma and leukemia to increased cognitive development and disease immunity. Some studies have suggested that prolonged breastfeeding may affect caries risk, quality of masticatory function, orofacial growth and development, and occlusion. Poor oral hygiene, low socioeconomic status, and negative parental behaviors-rather than breastfeeding-may be greater risk fact...ors for caries formation. In vitro studies indicate that compounds found in breast milk may have the ability to inhibit the adhesion and proliferation of Streptococci mutans on tooth surfaces, although there is no epidemiological evidence to suggest breastfeeding reduces the risk for caries in infants. There is no right time to stop breastfeeding and mothers should be encouraged to continue as long as they wish. See more

According to the International Journal of Cardiology, there is a relationship between periodontal health and cardiac dysrythmia. Authors of the study believe that one way to lower the risk of developing atrial fibrillation is to receive a dental scaling at least once a year. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). The electrical activity of the heart is disorganized, which causes an irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation causes... incomplete emptying of the atrium that leads to higher risk for clots, strokes, and heart failure. Symptoms include irregular or rapid heartbeat, palpitations, lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Other studies have indicated that inflammation might play a significant role in the initiation, maintenance, and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation. Inflammatory markers are elevated and correlate to longer duration of Atrial Fibrillation, success of cardioversion, and thrombogenesis. Researchers are continuing to explore this data. See more

Over the past 16years, the amount of sugar in American diets has increased by 28%, with about a third of it coming from soft drinks. To decrease sugar intake, some individuals are turning to diet soft drinks containing artificial sweeteners and synthetic chemicals. The FDA has approved five artificial sweeteners: Aspartame (Equal) which is 180 times sweeter than sugar, Neotame (NutraSweet) which is between 7,000 and 13,000 times sweeter than sugar, Saccharin (Sweet N Low) w...hich is 300 times sweeter than sugar, Sucralose (Splenda) 600 times sweeter than sugar, and Acesulfame potassium (Stevia) a plant derived noncaloric sweetner. Both Aspartame and saccharin are toxic and cause many health problems and chronic disease. Many people drink diet soda to help maintain or lose weight, but the opposite is actually true. When drinking diet soft drinks, your body experiences a sweet taste and expects calories, but when nourishment is not met you become hungrier and your body starts craving more sugar and starchy carbohydrates to satiate your hungry. The long term result is weight gain. Aspartame will turn body cells into into a fat storing machine, especially in hips and thighs. All sodas are acidic and play a role in eroding tooth enamel. Diet soda has a pH of only 3.2. Consider using a straw to keep soda away from tooth enamel. The evidence is strong that cutting back on sugary drinks or eliminating them altogether is ideal. See more