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Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can happen earlier or later. During this time, many women experience common symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain. However, menopause can also lead to a number of less-discussed health problems. By being aware of these risks and taking proactive steps, you can better manage your health as you age.

1. Increased risk of diabetes

After menopause, women face a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Research from the Women’s Health Initiative shows that those who experience menopause before age 46 or after age 55 are at an even greater risk. However, all women who go through menopause are more likely to develop diabetes. This is partly due to changes in hormones that affect insulin sensitivity. It’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels and adopt a balanced diet to keep this risk in check.

2. Autoimmune diseases

Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases, conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroiditis are more common in women after menopause. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, researchers believe that reduced estrogen levels may play a role in increasing susceptibility. Autoimmune diseases are already more prevalent in women, and menopause may exacerbate this trend.

3. Liver disease

As women age and estrogen levels decrease, their risk for liver disease increases. The liver becomes less efficient at recovering from damage caused by infections, alcohol consumption, or excess fat. Women are particularly vulnerable to alcohol-related liver diseases, including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Low estrogen levels can also make the liver more susceptible to damage. To help protect your liver, it’s important to limit alcohol intake and maintain a healthy diet.

4. Periodontal disease

The decline in estrogen levels after menopause can affect your oral health. Estrogen helps maintain the tissues in your mouth, and without it, you may be more prone to gum disease, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Postmenopausal women have a higher risk of periodontal disease. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and a diet rich in calcium can help reduce the risk of these issues.

5. Breast cancer

While breast cancer is more common in older women, the risk increases after menopause. This is largely due to aging rather than hormonal changes, though some studies suggest that lower estrogen levels may contribute. Another major factor for breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women is weight gain. Women who gain weight after menopause have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

6. Osteoporosis

Estrogen is crucial for maintaining bone density, and after menopause, a drop in estrogen levels can lead to significant bone loss. In the first few years after menopause, women can lose up to 30 percent of their bone mass. This increases the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones fragile and more prone to fractures. To protect your bones, it’s important to include calcium and vitamin D-rich foods in your diet, engage in weight-bearing exercises, and limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.

7. Urinary issues

Urinary incontinence and frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common problems after menopause. As estrogen levels decrease, the tissues in the urethra and bladder become thinner and weaker, which can lead to incontinence. Additionally, women may be more prone to UTIs due to changes in the urinary tract. Pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and help manage these issues. Staying hydrated and avoiding irritants such as caffeine and alcohol can also help prevent UTIs.

8. Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is another condition that becomes more common in postmenopausal women. Unlike men, women with sleep apnea may not show the typical signs such as loud snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness. Instead, they may experience symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, headaches, and anxiety. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s important to consult your doctor for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a prevalent oral health issue affecting millions worldwide. This condition can lead to various problems, from gum inflammation to tooth loss, impacting overall well-being. Fortunately, advancements in dental science have introduced innovative solutions for managing and preventing progression of periodontal disease, one of which is Periogen. In this article, we will explore the significance of Periogen in maintaining healthy gums and managing periodontal disease.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Conditions

Periodontal disease refers to a range of inflammatory conditions that affect the supporting structures of teeth. It typically manifests in two primary forms:

1. Gingivitis: This is the mildest form of gum disease and is characterized by redness, inflammation, and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis is often a precursor to more severe forms of gum disease.
2. Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. This condition involves the breakdown of the bone and tissues that support the teeth. It can result in gum recession, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss.

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Gum bleeding: Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
• Swollen or red gums: Inflammation and/or discoloration of the gums.
• Bad breath (Halitosis): Persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene.
• Gum recession: Gums pulling away from the teeth.
• Tooth sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods/liquids.
• Tooth mobility: Loose teeth due to loss of bone support.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, it is essential to seek professional dental care promptly. Early intervention can prevent the progression of gum disease and more severe complications like tooth loss.

Causes and Risk Factors

The development of gum disease is typically influenced by various factors, including:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the accumulation of plaque and tartar, contributing to gum disease.
2. Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease and can hinder the success of treatment.
3. Genetics: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to gum disease.
4. Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of gum disease.
5. Medications: Some medications can affect oral health, contributing to gum problems.
6. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can increase susceptibility to gum disease.
7. Stress: High-stress levels can weaken the body's immune system, making it harder to fight off gum infections.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing periodontal disease. A dentist or periodontist can diagnose gum disease through a thorough examination. Common treatments may include:

• Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure to remove tartar and bacteria from below the gumline.
• Medications: Antibiotics or antimicrobial mouthwashes to control infection.
• Surgical Procedures: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair damaged tissues and bones and give you best chance for sucess.

Prevention

Preventing periodontal disease is the most effective approach to maintaining healthy gums. Key preventive measures include:

1. Oral Hygiene: Brushing teeth at least twice daily and flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles.
2. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine dental visits for professional cleanings and early detection of gum issues.
3. Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for gum health.
4. Tobacco Cessation: Significantly reducing gum disease risk is possible by quitting smoking and tobacco use.

Periogen: An Innovative Solution

Periogen is a unique oral health product designed to enhance gum health and prevent the development of periodontal disease. This innovative solution offers an alternative or complementary approach to traditional gum disease prevention and management.

Periogen - An Innovative Approach

Purpose

Periogen is formulated to address a key contributing factor to gum disease: the accumulation of tartar and calculus on tooth surfaces. When you don't remove plaque through proper oral hygiene, it hardens into tartar, and only professional dental cleanings can remove it. If left untreated, tartar can irritate gums and contribute to gum disease.

Periogen primarily aims to reduce tartar formation on teeth, thus preventing gum disease. By effectively breaking down tartar, it helps maintain healthier gums and a more vibrant smile.

Are You a Candidate?

Periogen is a suitable option for individuals looking to enhance their gum health and prevent periodontal disease. Whether you're seeking to improve your current oral care routine or require additional support in preventing tartar buildup, Periogen can be a valuable addition to your dental care.

How to Prepare

Incorporating Periogen into your oral care routine is straightforward. Replace your regular mouthwash with Periogen's oral rinse and follow the instructions. It's a convenient and effective way to promote gum health.

Risk Factors

Periogen is safe to use, and adverse reactions are rare. However, if you have any concerns about potential allergies or sensitivities, consult your dentist or healthcare provider before using Periogen.

Before and After Procedure

After using Periogen as part of your oral hygiene routine, you can expect a reduction in tartar buildup on your teeth. Your gums are likely to appear healthier, with less redness and inflammation. Periogen contributes to preventing the development of periodontal disease, ensuring that your oral health remains in optimal condition.

Conclusion

Periodontal disease is a common oral health issue with potentially severe consequences. Preventing and managing gum disease is paramount in maintaining healthy gums and overall well-being. Periogen offers an innovative solution for individuals seeking to enhance their gum health and reduce the risk of periodontal disease. By addressing tartar buildup, Periogen helps promote healthier gums and a brighter smile. Consider incorporating Periogen into your oral care routine to take proactive steps in preserving your gum health and preventing gum disease. Consult with your dentist to determine if Periogen is the right choice for you.

About Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS, is a distinguished dental professional dedicated to enhancing smiles and transforming lives. With over two decades of expertise, she has become a beacon of oral health excellence in the field of dentistry. Dr. Perrone is a proud graduate of Stony Brook University School Of Dental Medicine and has completed advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, and orthodontics.

Her unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of dental advancements ensures that her patients receive the highest quality of care. Dr. Perrone is known for her personalized treatment plans, crafted with a gentle and compassionate approach, tailored to meet each individual's unique needs and preferences.

Outside the dental clinic, Dr. Perrone passionately explores the world, enjoys quality time with her family, and indulges in her love for cooking. Her altruistic nature extends beyond her professional realm, as she generously donates her time and expertise to various charitable organizations in her community.

Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS, is not just a dentist; she is a dedicated smile architect committed to bringing joy, confidence, and lasting oral health to her patients.

Having a healthy mouth is very important. It benefits your physical and mental health, as well as your smile. Fortunately, it is quite easy to maintain a healthy mouth. All you need to do is to stick to healthy dental hygiene.

Dental care extends beyond our smile. It needs to extend to your gums as well. Gum disease is a serious, progressive, and common dental health issue. Because gum disease tends to be pain-free in the beginning, most people are not even aware they have it. 

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease), is a progressive dental disease caused by plaque and bacteria. The disease of left untreated will destroy your teeth and gums and damage the bones of the jaws.

In its earliest stages (gingivitis), gum disease will present as swollen and reddish gums along with bleeding upon brushing and flossing. Gingivitis is reversible with proper care, the next stage is not. As the disease progresses further, it leads to increased destruction and is called periodontitis..

Periodontitis leads to gum tissue recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.

Gum Disease Prevention Tips

Maintain  A Good Oral Hygiene Regimen

Brush at least two times a day. Try to get in the habit, when possible, to brush after every meal. It is important to brush your tongue as well because it can harbor harmful bacteria. You should choose a soft-bristled brush to gently brush the oral tissues. You should also floss at least once per day to reach areas your toothbrush alone cannot reach.

Use Fluoride

Use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth. Fluoride is the most significant toothpaste ingredient. Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth's enamel.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking is extremely harmful to your oral health. Smoking will help the development of periodontalndisease by weakening your immune system. Smoking can also lead to oral cancer.

Avoid Sugary Food And Drink

Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Sugar is the food that allows the harmful bacteria to wreak havoc on your dental health.

Maintain Regular Dental Visits

Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings are vital to the health of your smile. Your dentist can detect any issues before they become an extensive problem and can also monitor how you are maintaining your smile at home

Are You Looking For The Top Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentist?

Dr.  Marielaina Perrone DDS is a highly educated and experienced cosmetic dentist specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. Her attention to detail and continued training are second to none.

In her Las Vegas practice, Dr. Perrone is a well-known and trusted general and cosmetic dentist practicing cosmetic dentistry for over 20 years. She frequently performs her advanced art of cosmetic dental procedures on patients that have been with her from the start.

Every patient is valued equally, as well as the professional standard of care Dr. Perrone and her cosmetic dentistry team provide is waiting for you at the Top Las Vegas Cosmetic Dentists Office. Contact us for a consultation or browse our website for those critical before and after photos, patient testimonials, and more about the possibilities that await your own stunning, dream smile.

Sometimes, even if you follow thorough dental hygiene, you still may be at risk of developing gum disease, a severe gum infection that can potentially damage your jawbone if untreated. If gum disease persists for a long time, it can develop into a more serious periodontal disease. Learning more about its different culprits can help you prevent the onset of this condition and start immediate treatment when necessary. 

Keep on reading to discover some of the causes of gum disease that go beyond dental hygiene. 

1. Genetics
Gum disease can be hereditary. You can be more vulnerable to this mouth bacterial infection due to your family health history. If you suspect you’re genetically predisposed, meticulous dental hygiene should be your main priority. 

2. Aggressive bacteria
Many people get virulent bacteria that are more harmful to their gum lines and jawbones that support their teeth. Such bacteria can result in bleeding gums, jawbone deterioration, and shifting teeth, without you even experiencing a characteristic pain. If you have this kind of gum disease, consult a periodontist ASAP because hygiene alone is inefficient. 

3. Medications
A wide range of medications can trigger swelling or bleeding in your gums. Certain medications can decrease the amount of saliva in your mouth, allowing bacteria to spread quicker. If you’re using liquid medicines, antacids, and cough drops that are laced with sugar, practicing good dental hygiene is even more important.   

4. Smoking
When it comes to your dental health, it’s not just cigarettes that are a problem. Any type of tobacco product, including electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vape, and snus, can increase your risk of developing gum disease by 20% to 30%. Tobacco use hampers the natural tissue healing process in your mouth and makes it more susceptible to bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is more common in men (57%) than in women (39%) and even more so in those who smoke (65%). 

5. Pregnancy and hormone fluctuations
Expectant mothers and women on their periods should follow thorough dental hygiene. That’s because hormonal changes that occur during these processes can make your gum line more susceptible to oral bacteria. Persistent gum disease in pregnant women can lead to complications like preterm birth and low birth weight. 

6. Malnutrition
If your gums are pouring blood, it can be a sign of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. However, bleeding gums can also signal nutritional deficiencies. For example, low levels of vitamin C in the bloodstream are linked to increased gum leading, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Try eating more healthy foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and peppers to resolve this problem. Unhealthy eating, in general, can impact your body’s immune system. 

7. Age
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 64 million middle-aged Americans are affected by some form of gum disease. Your risk for gum disease and other health problems becomes higher as you age. The risk for periodontitis, the most severe stage of gum disease, increases to nearly 80% in people over 65, reports the American Academy of Periodontology.

8. Overall health issues
Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis are the three major systemic diseases that can lead to inflammation and worsen the condition of your gums. According to various studies conducted over the last 30 years, gum disease is commonly linked to an increase in those types of diseases. That’s because mouth bacteria can spread to other parts of your body through small wounds and openings in your gums and other oral tissues. 

Periodontal Disease – is a progressive inflammatory disease, that affects the tissues that support and anchor the teeth. These support tissues include, gums, bone, cementum, and ligament attachments.

The main area in which periodontal disease is diagnosed and treated is in “the pocket”. The pocket is the unattached tissue between the tooth and gum, measured with a tiny ruler-like instrument called a periodontal probe. A healthy tooth generally has pocket measurements of 0-3 mm, whereas diseased tissue can be 4-15 mm deep, ( The deeper the pocket, the more difficult to fully clean). The measurements vary in what they measure, for example, in Gingivitis measurements indicate how swollen the tissue is, while in Periodontitis, the measurements indicate the loss of bone and gum tissue. If  left untreated,periodontal disease results in the destruction of the support structure, bacteria growth down into pockets, toxin release (to breakdown attachments),  loosening of teeth, and subsequent tooth loss.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is said to affect over 50% of all Americans. Periodontal disease advances in 4 stages:

1. Gingivitis- Swollen, red, inflamed gum tissue. There has not been loss of attachment at this stage. Reversible with proper hygiene.

2. Early Periodontitis- Less than 25% attachment loss, as determined by x-ray and measurement with a probe.

3. Moderate Periodontitis-25-50% attachment loss as determined above.

4. Advanced Periodontitis-50% or more attachment loss.

Periodontal disease can be reversible in its earliest form. This form of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. But if the periodontal disease progresses to periodontitis then the damage is not reversible by the body on its own. Patients and dentists alike are always looking for ways to combat periodontal disease with newer and better ways to treat the disease and maintain good oral hygiene at home. The tried and true home methods have generally consisted of varying types and techniques with  tooth brushing, flossing, and antibacterial rinses. All of these methods have the same limiting factor, none of the at home methods could target the deeper pockets of 5 mm and above, until a new product was formulated in conjunction with the waterpik utilizing a special tip which places a tartar dissolving liquid  directly where it is needed. This new rinse is called Periogen.

What Does Periogen Do to Fight Against Periodontal Disease?

Periogen is a patented oral rinse that has been proven capable of dissolving tartar buildup between professional cleanings and dentist visits. Periogen works by exploiting a weakness (discovered by the research team at the Periogen Company) in the fundamental structure  of oral tartar, and its adhesive nature.

Tartar (or calculus as it is sometimes called) can be found above and below the gum line. Tartar above the gum line is referred to as supra gingival tartar and tartar below the gum line is referred to as sub gingival tartar. Dental Tartar is comprised almost entirely of Calcium Phosphate Salt. Calcium Phosphate is the basic component of tooth material. Calcium phosphate salt differs from calcium phosphate in its electron structure. The calcium phosphate salt has two less electrons than the calcium phosphate which makes it electrically unstable. This process of losing electrons happens in nature all the time. The best comparison is the buildup of lime deposits in water pipes and faucets. Microscopically, tartar is layer upon layer (can be in the tens of thousands layers) of fossilized bacteria trapped between the calcium salts.

The tartar causes periodontal disease by toxins released by the bacteria in plaque and tartar on teeth. The toxins cause the body to react by starting the inflammatory

Periogen Oral rinse for Dissolving Tartar Between Professional Cleanings

process thereby destroying healthy gum tissue and supporting bone structures. Periodontal disease is progressive and without periodontal disease treatment will lead to tooth loss and infections throughout the mouth.

Periogen is used as an oral rinse 1-2 times per day between professional cleanings to reduce the level of tartar buildup and stain. This will in turn make for an easier dental visit but also maintain a healthier state in your mouth for your teeth and gums to heal. Periogen should in no way replace brushing and flossing, or visits to the dentist but just works as an accessory between professional dental cleanings to give you a more effective way to reduce tartar and fight periodontal disease .

Periogen Conclusion

As you know, there are many methods and products on the market to aide you in your dental hygiene and combat periodontal disease. Remember this, “The best  offense is a good defense!”.   It is up to you to find and decide what works best for you to prevent periodontal.disease. Visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and professional cleanings to ward off dental problems and stay healthy.

© 2014, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist