PERIOREPORTER

THE

Quarterly newsletter for the patients of Dr. Ari Rosenblatt and Dr. Ziv Simon >> Spring 2011

CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB AT: WWW.PERIO90210.COM

Gum disease and cavities are contagious!

Everyone knows you can catch a cold or the fl u. But can you “catch” gum disease

or a cavity? Researchers have found that not only is it possible, but it occurs all the time.

While candy and sugar get all the blame, gum disease and cavities are caused primarily by bacteria that cling to teeth and feast on particles of food from your last meal. One of the by-products they create is acid, which destroys teeth.

Just as a cold virus can be passed from one person to the next, so can gum disease and cavity-causing bacteria. One of the most common is Streptococcus mutans. Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to it, and studies have shown that most pick it up from their caregivers — for example, when a mother tastes a child’s food to make sure it’s not too hot.

DOCTOR’S ADVICE: Replace your toothbrush

every 3 months to ensure oral hygiene.

A number of studies have also shown that transmission can occur between couples, too.

The New York Times recently reported that in one instance, a

dental patient in her 40s who had never had a cavity suddenly developed two cavities and was starting to get some gum disease. The woman had started dating a man who hadn’t been to a dentist in 18 years and had gum disease.

Therefore, Dr. Rosenblatt and Dr. Simon recommend for you and your signifi cant other, frequent clean-ings, fl ossing, brushing, and chewing sugar-free gum, which promotes saliva, washing away plaque and bacteria. n

To reduce these risks, we recommend frequent cleanings, fl ossing and brushing

The Periodontal and Implant Specialists of Beverly Hills offer Arestin as a treatment

to our patients. Arestin is an antibiotic

powder of microspheres that are administered locally into the periodontal pocket. One of the advantages of Arestin is that patients do not have to go on systemic antibiotics in order to help

a localized periodontal pocket. The Arestin remains in the pocket for up to 21 days. The goal is to reduce bacteria which in turn improves the periodontal condition. n

Ask us about Arestin for your periodontal pockets

Dr. Rosenblatt, Dr. Simon and our staff of hygienists frequently tell patients

that poor oral health may result in periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. But individuals who do not heed their warnings also may be increasing their risk of developing serious cardio-vascular conditions. According to the American Academy of Periodontology gum disease and cardiovascular disease often are seen together and have been mentioned in the scientifi c journals for quite some time. The public has been educated by TV commercials to watch out for

No need to feardental X-Rays

In light of the recent earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan resulting in nuclear power plants releasing radiation, we

provide information below that concerns and affects all of us. n

their cholesterol and triglycerides, specifi cally the “bad” LDL because it affects their heart. But do you know that high levels of LDL are observed in people with gum disease before they have any signs of heart disease? While more research is needed

to confi rm how periodontal bacteria may affect your heart, one possibility is that periodontal bacteria enter the blood through infl amed gums and cause small blood clots that contribute to clogged arteries.

One out of every fi ve Americans has one or more types of heart disease. If you are one of these Americans,

Healthy gums lower risk of heart disease

0.01 MREM Backscatter Whole-Body Scan at Airport0.1 MREM X-Ray of Extremity0.5 MREM DENTAL X-RAY24 MREM/YR. Cosmic Radiation at Sea Level28 MREM/YR. Terrestrial Radioactivity40 MREM Mammogram50 MREM/YR. Cosmic Radiation in Denver200 MREM/YR. Radon in Average Home1,500 MREM CT Scan of Abdomen and Pelvis100,000 MREM Exposure Required to Get Radiation Sickness

SOURCES: NEWSWEEK.COM, EPA, HEALTH PHYSICS SOCIETY, RADIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA

Diabetes &PeriodontaldiseaseThe two-way relationship between Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

For years we’ve known that people with diabetes are more likely to have

periodontal disease than people without diabetes.

Recently, research has emerged suggesting that the relationship goes both ways — periodontal disease may make it more diffi cult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

More research is needed to understand the relationship between the two diseases.

What we do know is that periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when your body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetic patients at increased risk for complications.In other words, controlling your periodontal disease may help you control your diabetes, because healthy gums may lead to a healthier body!

See “Five tips for managing Diabetes” on the next page. n

or if you are at risk for periodontal disease, make sure you brush, fl oss and have your gums thoroughly inspected by Dr. Rosenblatt and Dr. Simon. n

NEW IN THE OFFICE:WARM WATER

We have just installed special water heating units in

each room for our patients. The water in our hand pieces has always been purifi ed, but now it is also warm!

What causes chronic bad breath, and what’s the best cure?

While everyone can expect some unpleasant odor after polishing off

a meal laden with garlic or spices, bad breath from food should disap-pear within about 24 hours, once your body has fully processed the meal. When bad breath keepsreturning, it’s usually because of lin-gering bacteria in the mouth, says James Hanley, periodontist and an associate dean at Tufts School of Dental Medicine.Food and bacteria to blame The mouth is home to a com-plex mix of bacteria, which form communities on surfaces and in crevices of teeth, gums, and the tongue. The bacteria feed on par-ticles of leftover food, and produce chemical by-products that leave an odor. In 90% of cases of bad breath, the problem is because of food and bacteria that are allowed to collect in the mouth for too

Keep your breath fresh by brushing and fl ossing daily, and by visiting your hygienist every three months

long. There is also some evidence that the specifi c type of bacteria living in a person’s mouth may also contribute to its smell. Over time, bacteria can form pockets of plaque between the teeth and gums, lead-

ing to periodontal disease; chronicbad breath can be an indicator of this disease process, Hanley says.The simplest way to keep your breath fresh is to practice good oral

hygiene, which includes brushing and fl ossing daily. Although many people fi nd fl ossing time-consum-ing, Hanley says it’s the only way to clean out the spaces between teeth that brushing can’t reach.

Don’t skimp on brushing Most people also tend to skimp on brushing. Rather than brush-ing quickly several times a day, he says, “take the effort to thoroughly clean your mouth once a day,’’ fl ossing between teeth and making sure to brush all tooth surfaces and the tongue. Dental rinses can be an adjunct, but don’t rely on them; Hanley says it takes the physical force of brushing to remove more than a superfi cial layer of plaque. The major source of bad breath is post-nasal drip that ends up on the tongue. Remember to brush your tongue, and ideally use a specialized tongue cleaner. n

PERIOREPORTER

THE

When you call to make a teeth cleaning appointment, let us know you are reading

and receive $10 off your visit!This is a one-time offer and extends thru July 31, 2011.

1. Brush and fl oss regularly.Continue to schedule regular appointments with us here at the Periodontal and Implant Specialists of Beverly Hills and see your hygienist four times a year to maintain your oral health. By maintaining and improving your oral health, you will improve your diabetic condition — as there is a direct correlation.2. Monitor your blood-glucose levels every day.

Five tips for managing Diabetes

Some people resist checking their blood-sugar levels, but daily monitoring really is the only way to know if they are under control.

3. Take diabetes medication as directed.Take medications or insulin as directed by your physician. 4. Exercise.Next to weight control and medical treatment, exercise is the most important thing you can do to take control over diabetes.5. If you smoke, quit.Don’t add insult to injury. Smoking adds signifi cant risk for developing diabetes and gum disease. n

PERIOREPORTER

THE

9400 Brighton Way n Suite 311Beverly Hills, California 90210www.perio90210.com310.273.1900

Address correction requested.

Our hygiene team has nearly 70 years of experience caring for periodontal patients

PERSONALPERSONNEL

Testimonial time!

“Over 30 years ago I was treated by Dr. Rosenblatt for a periodontal problem. Since that fi rst visit, I have been regularly examined by Dr. Rosenblatt who has put me on a maintenance program with their hygienist, Stacey Barnett. From day one, I have been impressed by Dr. Rosenblatt’s professionalism and the quality of service and friendliness of the entire staff. I am happy to say that I am still able to eat and enjoy the same things I ate and enjoyed 30 years ago!” n

— Ed HakimWe would love to publish your testimonial online and in the PerioReporter. Please call the offi ce anytime for more details. Thanks!

Read why they love their jobs (hint: it’s YOU!) at www.perio90210

Stacey Barnett Deann Chan Alison Goad

Diane Jonkey Maryam Mehanian Veronica Peraza

We are pleased to have six dedicated Registered Dental Hygienists in our Periodontal Practice. Our hygienists have all graduated from the University of Southern California

with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. They have all had the opportunity to teach as part-time clinical instructors at USC. Our hygienists have high expectations of each other and all truly care about you, their patients’ well being. n