Did you know that one of the most frequent complaints bringing patients to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care Center is dental pain? Good oral health and proper oral hygiene can enhance your overall general health. The August 2014 issue of The American Journal of Preventive Medicine finds treating periodontal disease (gum disease) may lesson adverse consequences of chronic systemic illness. Good oral hygiene also improves post surgical outcomes.

Periodontal disease begins when the sticky bacteria laden film known as plaque accumulates around your teeth. If this plaque build-up is left untreated, gums pull back (recede) from the roots of teeth creating a small pocket that gradually widens and deepens. Over time this pocket fills with bacteria and becomes infected. The body’s natural response to infection and injury is inflammation. This infection and inflammation is what erodes the soft tissue and bone around teeth , and is the link between periodontal disease and chronic health conditions.

Current thinking is bacteria and inflammatory substances from the oral cavity spread throughout the body worsening other chronic inflammatory conditions such heart disease, coronary artery disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cerebrovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Eliminating periodontal disease can reduce these harmful inflammatory responses from spreading throughout the body.

Maintaining good oral health can be accomplished by :

1) Brushing and flossing regularly. Brush for at least two minutes twice a day, preferably after every meal and floss daily. Replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months

2) Choose a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients especially vitamins A,C and D. Reduce or eliminate sugars and starches

3) Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

4) Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings

Because good oral health is a key component of overall good health, the plans for the Boothbay Region Health Center include affordable and accessible dental care.

Dr Christopher Evola resides at Ocean Point and believes good oral health, diet, proper nutrition and exercise are essential in preventing disease and promoting a good quality life.

We need your help. We cannot launch a community health center without the support of the community. If you have questions or comments, come to The Community Center on Mondays from 2 to 4 p.m. for a drop-in conversation with a board member of Boothbay Region Health Care, Inc. We encourage all input, as we want this to be a health center by and for this community.

You may also contact us at info@boothbayhealthcare.org if you prefer, find more information at our website, www.boothbayhealthcare.org.

Please “like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/boothbayhealthcare.org/

For more information contact Elizabeth Lussier, 633-1162, or go to: http://boothbayhealthcare.org/contact-us-2/