Dictionary.com defines inflammation as  “Pathology. redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, heat, and disturbed function of an area of the body, esp. as a reaction of tissues to injurious agents.”  I pretty much agree with this simple definition, but would clarify and emphasize that  when your body receives an insult of some sort, it tries to heal itself, and  it does this by causing inflammation.  So, inflammation is not normal and healthy, even though it is common. 

Beyond this, inflammation is pretty complicated.  Scientists in almost every health-related field study it because it is so prevalent and involved in so many diseases.  They have shown that inflammation can be as simple as a swollen and sore thumb that was just hit with a hammer (OUCH!), to as complex as AIDS.  One thing is certain—people need healthy immune systems (lymphatic tissue, glands and organs) to successfully carry out the healing involved with an inflammatory response. 

On the one hand, inflammation is a good thing—it sends healing cells to injury-sites to get the job of healing done.  On the other hand, it can be harmful. Inflammation secretes body chemicals that can be destructive to some tissues, even tissues not originally involved in the injury.  Scary.

Periodontal disease is a kind of inflammation – an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth – and it often leads to a loss of bone and gum tissue. Periodontal disease (including fully reversible gingivitis) is the most common bacterial infection in humans—affecting 75% of adults.  Medical scientists have discovered a connection between periodontal disease and heart disease (also inflammation?  It looks that way…) 

So, simply stated: resolve your gingival inflammation and lower the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.

1. Not sure if you have gingival inflammation?  Check with your dentist, or take advantage of the low-cost periodontal exams that we will be offering during the last week of this month (Feb. 24-27).  The reduced, $25 cost, will be donated to the American Heart Association, for research on preventing heart attacks and strokes (#1 killer in the US). Call 425-788-1551 to schedule and exam, or find out more about periodontal disease.

Keep smiling!

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Caron Nelson Glickman, DDS has been helping her patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles in Duvall since 1992.

          For more information, contact 425-788-1551.

          Caron Nelson Glickman,DDS
          26425 NE Allen Street, #102 • Duvall
          425-788-1551 • caronnelson@comcast.net
          www.great-smile.com