Periodontics
Immunotherapy for Gum Disease?
Gum disease affects millions worldwide, often leading to severe gum inflammation and bone loss around the teeth. Traditional treatments target bacterial infections, but a new approach may focus on modulating the immune system. Research from the University of Pittsburgh shows promise in using immune-modulating compounds like CCL2 (immune-modulating compound) to treat and prevent gum disease…
Read MoreEnamel Erosion to Gum Disease: 5 Hidden Dangers
Oral health is often taken for granted until we experience some type of pain or discomfort. However, some dental issues can develop silently, presenting few or no symptoms until they reach a more advanced stage. From enamel erosion to gum disease, these hidden dangers can significantly impact your overall health and quality of life if…
Read MoreMenopause and Your Smile: Protecting Your Oral Health Through Every Stage of Life
Menopause is a natural part of aging, but its effects extend far beyond hot flashes and hormonal changes. Declining estrogen levels can influence nearly every system in the body including your mouth. Many women are surprised to learn that menopause may increase the risk of gum disease, dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, bone loss, and…
Read MoreBleeding Gums Aren’t Normal: What Your Smile May Be Trying to Tell You
Have you noticed blood in the sink after brushing or flossing your teeth? Many people dismiss bleeding gums as something minor or assume they’re brushing too hard. In reality, healthy gums should not bleed during normal brushing or flossing. Bleeding gums are often one of the earliest warning signs of gum disease, a common condition…
Read MoreScaling and Root Planing: The First Step Toward Healthier Gums and a Healthier Smile
Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth are often warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease can quietly destroy the bone and tissues supporting your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss and potentially affecting your overall health. Fortunately, early and moderate periodontal disease can often be successfully managed with…
Read MoreMore Than a Smile Makeover: One Patient’s Journey to Natural, Personalized Aesthetics
A Patient Experience with Marielaina Perrone, DDS Cosmetic treatment is often described by the procedures involved: porcelain veneers, Botox, dermal fillers, whitening, bonding. But from a patient’s perspective, that isn’t necessarily how the experience feels. The real journey can begin much earlier, with years of noticing something in the mirror that doesn’t quite reflect how…
Read MoreDoes Oil Pulling Help Gum Disease? What the Research Really Says
Oil pulling has become one of the most widely discussed natural oral-health trends on social media. The practice involves swishing an edible oil—usually coconut, sesame, sunflower, or olive oil—around the mouth for several minutes before spitting it out. Supporters claim oil pulling can reduce harmful bacteria, improve bad breath, whiten teeth, and even reverse gum…
Read MoreCould Rapamycin Help Treat Age-Related Gum Disease? What the RAPID Clinical Trial May Reveal
Aging affects nearly every tissue in the body—including the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontitis becomes more common with age, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 60% of adults aged 65 and older had periodontitis in national data collected from 2009 through 2014. Traditional periodontal treatment focuses on controlling…
Read MoreCan Matcha Help Fight Gum Disease? What New Research Says About Green Tea and Periodontal Health
Matcha has become popular for its potential health benefits, but researchers are now exploring whether this finely ground green tea powder could also support periodontal health. A 2024 study published in Microbiology Spectrum found that matcha extract inhibited Porphyromonas gingivalis, an important bacterial species associated with periodontitis. In a small clinical trial involving 45 patients…
Read MoreCan Metformin Help Protect Your Gums? New Research Explores Its Potential Benefits for Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
Metformin has been prescribed for decades as one of the most effective medications for managing type 2 diabetes. However, exciting new research suggests its benefits may extend well beyond blood sugar control. Researchers at King’s College London have investigated whether metformin may also help reduce inflammation, preserve bone, and improve periodontal (gum) health. While more…
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