You need consistently superior dental care. State College dentist, Dr. Chris Devlin, and his team would love to provide it for you. They are accepting new patients right now. While this experienced dentist in State College provides an amazing array of restorative and cosmetic dental services, his primary emphasis is prevention. It’s the mainstay of a healthy, good-looking smile you can enjoy for a lifetime.
Periodontal disease affects more Americans each year. Some estimates suggest as much as 80% of the population of US adults are afflicted. Most people don’t consider periodontal (gum) disease to be a cause for grave concern because it’s treatable and it isn’t deadly. However, research has indicated that there may be a significant link between periodontal disease and numerous systemic or chronic illnesses. Dr. Chris Devlin and his State College, PA dental team recommend twice annual dental checkups and teeth cleanings to help prevent gum disease and its potential medical complications. If you’re suffering from gum disease or haven’t had a teeth cleaning and exam recently, call to schedule a checkup with us today.
Periodontal Disease and Systemic IllnessPeriodontal disease generally begins as a mild irritation of gum tissue caused by bacterial growth below the gum line. This is frequently referred to as gingivitis and is easily treated with a thorough teeth cleaning from your dental hygienist. Left untreated or not properly cared for, gingivitis can develop into the more severe periodontitis. This form of gum disease can be quite painful, and is the leading cause of tooth loss in US adults. Periodontitis results when bacteria beneath the gums buildup creating pockets of plaque and tartar that separate the tooth from the gums. Over time, the fibers that connect the tooth to the gums and jawbone breakdown entirely. Indicators of periodontitis include redness or irritation, bleeding gums, loose feeling teeth, severe bad breath, and painful sores along gums. If you have any of these symptoms, call Dr. Devlin to schedule an appointment right away.
Periodontal disease can be unpleasant on its own, but recent studies have shown clear links between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease like strokes and arrhythmia. Additionally, periodontal disease has been linked to blood clots, liver disease, and is believed to adversely affect the insulin production and usage in patients with diabetes.
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a cognitive disorder that affects a patient’s short term memory, concentration, and spatial orientation. AD affects an increasing number of US adults each year. Reports indicate the possibility of AD affecting more than 10 million people in the US before 2050. AD is a chronic inflammatory disease. Inflammation and infection in the body causes neurological synapses to work differently, and can lead to AD or other cognitive disorders.
A recent study showed that a high percentage of patients with AD also had periodontal disease when compared to a comparable group of patients who did not suffer from AD. While a direct correlation has not as of yet been established, the findings are significant enough to prompt further research. Results indicate that the connection between AD and periodontal disease may be bi-directional much like the correlation between diabetes and gum disease. Diabetes results when the body is unable to utilize insulin properly, gum disease interferes with the body’s ability to use insulin when sugary plaque deposits enter the blood stream. Thus, as periodontal disease worsens, so do diabetic symptoms
AD and periodontal disease appear to have a similar relationship. Though it’s difficult to create a distinction between whether periodontal disease leads to AD or vice versa, it is easy to observe the cyclical relationship between the two. Patients who suffer from AD loose cognitive function as inflammation increases and causes more damage to brain tissues. When bacteria from the mouth travel to the brain via the blood stream, they can damage brain tissue leading to late-onset or periodic AD, or lead to inflammation which damages brain tissue and worsens AD. Further research has shown that as the body attempts to repair the chronic inflammation from AD, it is unable to repair the inflammation from periodontal disease or vice versa meaning that both worsen over time.
Whether periodontal disease can be said to cause Alzheimer’s is still a matter for further discussion, but it is clear that inflammation and infection from periodontal disease makes it more difficult for our bodies to defend against the chronic inflammation caused by AD. A consistent, effective at-home dental care routine and twice annual dental examinations and cleanings are your first steps in preventing periodontal disease and avoiding its adverse effects on your body. Call Dr. Devlin to find out more about periodontal disease or schedule an appointment today. Our State College, PA office welcomes patients from surrounding areas including Centre Hall, Bellefonte, and Altoona.
Choosing the perfect family dentist in State College, PA may seem like a daunting task. After all, it can be difficult to narrow down your list when you aren’t sure which dentist offers the services you and your children need. At the office of Chris J. Devlin, we understand that you have a multitude of choices when it comes to family dentistry in 16801 and the surrounding areas. That’s why we’d like to take this opportunity to provide you with a clear and concise description of precisely what we offer. Our goal is to make the process of choosing the right dentist for your family as easy and as convenient as possible.
A Family Dentist State College Patients Trust
For more than 25 years, Dr. Devlin has served as the premier dental provider for families in State College and its nearby communities. Families return to us year after year for a number of reasons, chief of which are our genuine commitment to exceptional service and our friendly, welcoming atmosphere. You should never feel as if you are rushed in and out of a dental office; our entire purpose is to treat you well from the moment you walk through our doors. From routine cleanings and cosmetic dentistry solutions to in-depth restorative care and full-mouth reconstruction, you’ll find everything the members of your family need to enjoy healthy, happy smiles for life. Our general family dentistry services include:
As your State College family dentist, Dr. Devlin offers everything you and your loved ones need to achieve and maintain beautiful smiles and optimal oral health now and in the years to come.
Reserve Your Family Dentistry Appointment Today
Whether you are looking to improve the appearance of your smile with cosmetic dentistry solutions or you simply need a trusted dentist to provide routine checkups and cleanings, we are always here to help. Contact us today to schedule your next visit, and experience for yourself the amazing difference our dedication and cutting-edge technology can make in your smile. Our state-of-the-art dental practice in State College, PA is privileged to serve the complete dental needs of families from throughout the surrounding areas, including Altoona, Bellefonte, Centre Hall, and beyond.