TTC_05_29_19_Vol.15-No.31.p1-12

May 29 - June 4, 2019 www.TheTownCommon.com Page 9
Health & Wellness
BY J. PETER ST. CLAIR, DMD
If you missed Part 1 of this
series, you can find it at www.
thetowncommon.com.
I ended last week with a
statement that I have used
numerous times before – just
because it doesn’t hurt doesn’t
mean there isn’t a problem.
We keep learning more and
more about the link between
the mouth and the rest of
the body. It is essential that
dentists and physicians do
a better job at co-managing
patients, and learn more about
the relationship between oral
and systemic disease.
It is clear that if you want
to take better care of yourself,
you need to take better care of
your mouth. Familial history
is very important. If you know
of any family history of dental
problems, you are at higher
risk. Higher risk individuals
need to be treated differently
and may need a more aggressive
preventive protocol to help
ward off progression of disease.
In addition, an otherwise
healthy person who presents
with a sudden increase in gum
inflammation should possibly
be evaluated by their physician
Brighter Smiles...
to rule out any systemic
causes if there is not a simple
explanation for the change.
The connection between
oral health and systemic health
is well-established and everevolving.
One thing we know
for certain - we are living
longer, but with more chronic
diseases and medication than
ever before. It is exciting that
there are so many things on
the horizon when it comes
to detection, prevention, and
treatment.
Among the tools being
researched to help determine
the particular disease path
that a person is on are salivary
biomarkers. Although not
routinely available yet, this
precision approach to the
prevention and treatment of
periodontal disease accounts
for variability in a person’s
genes, environment, and
lifestyle. Because it is more
personalized to the individual,
it results in more accurate
treatment planning as well as
improved outcomes for the
patient.
Considering the aging
population, periodontal (gum)
disease has the potential to
become the most prevalent
dental disease in the near
future. It is more important
than ever for dentists to take
the time to develop and
incorporate a comprehensive
periodontal examination and
might have a chance of using
one at the gym without waiting
for a turn.
Rowers might turn out to be
one of the best pieces of workout
equipment for seniors, for a
number of reasons. Rowing is
done indoors, so it can be done
all year. The rowing action uses
the major muscle groups -Ð
arms, legs, shoulders and back.
The rower has easy-to-difficult
settings. But best of all, it’s low
to the floor.
To see what an excellent rower
looks like, go online and look
up the Concept 2. This is not
something you want to rush out
and buy. First, these pieces of
equipment are expensive, even
THE LINK – PART 2/3
Senior Scene
treatment protocol for adults.
As with most diseases,
delaying the treatment of
periodontal disease until
the advanced stages results
in treatment that is more
expensive, more complex, and
less predictable. Most early
to moderate stage disease can
be treated in a general dental
office if the inflammation
is easy to control and the
patient doesn’t have numerous
systemic issues. Otherwise, it
may be in the patient’s best
interest to be referred to a likeminded
periodontist.
When half of the US
population is still affected
with periodontal disease,
despite decades of research
and treatments, something
is still missing. That missing
key is a more collaborative
approach involving, dentists,
periodontists and physicians.
….and remember, just
because it doesn’t hurt doesn’t
mean there isn’t a problem. To
be continued.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a
private dental practice in Rowley
and Newburyport dedicated to
health-centered family dentistry.
If there are certain topics you
would like to see written about
or questions you have please
email them to him at jpstclair@
stclairdmd.com. You can view
all previously written columns
at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.
com/blog.
Rowing Machines Are Ideal for Workout
If you’ve been going to the
gym to work out, or have at least
wandered through one to look
at the facility and equipment,
you might have seen a slightly
strange-looking piece of gear.
Chances are that no one was
using it. It was probably a rowing
machine.
Rowing machines, or rowers,
are still a niche item among
those who work out, and that’s
good news for us. It means you
used. Second, they take up a lot
of room -- an area nearly 9 feet
in length.
If you plan on using a rower at
the gym, look first at some online
videos to see how it’s done. Note
the angle of how you sit -- don’t
lean too far forward or backward.
Then, ask for help in learning the
pattern of pulling the chain and
bending your knees. Within a
few minutes you’ll have it right,
and chances are you’ll have the
machine all to yourself.
Before you start, ask your
doctor about rowing. Chances
are you’ll get a big thumbs up,
especially if you combine it with
a walking routine.
(c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
Dr. Laura anne Potvin, P.C.
oPtoMetriStS
EYE CARE
FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!
Dr. DR. nYLa NYLA LAMBERT LaMBert
Dr. DR. KatHLeen SAMANTHA Horn MEIN
Dr. DR. CATHLEEN CatHLeen DOUCETTE DouCette
NOw LOCATED AT
939 SALEM ST., GROvELAND
978-374-8991
What does your
smile say about you?
Whether you are missing teeth or are unhappy with the
ones you have, it may be time to explore your options.
All Phases of Dental Care Including:
• Grinding/Clenching/TMJ Therapy
• Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment
Learn More: www.stclairdmd.com
Please call our office to schedule
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