The importance of dairy, from Zammitti Orthodontics

Dr. Sal Zammitti wants to know: is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Our team at Zammitti Orthodontics will tell you that that gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected in studies to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite and every sip you're preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call at 704.947.9991.

Ask Dr. Zammitti: How do my gums affect my heart?

Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, infection leads to chronic inflammation—gums are swollen, red, and sometimes bleeding. In the worst of cases, teeth are lost.

We know that gum disease is a threat to your oral health. But new research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. Recently, our staff at Zammitti Orthodontics read an article that reported a study that indicated an association between gum disease and heart disease.

In a recent report published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, researchers found that the more severe the gum disease, the thicker and harder the walls of your arteries. We encourage you to check out the article for tips on how to improve your overall oral health. If you have any questions, please give us a call and we'll answer any concerns you may have!