Happy Independence Day from Dr. Pannu, Jennifer, Deanna and Karen.

We hope you're going to spend time with your family this holiday weekend.

Committed to your dental health,
Dr. Pannu

Rheumatoid Arthritis: How Your Dentist Can Help

It is possible that rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease are related to each other.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disease in which the body doesn't recognize its own cells and attacks certain cells.

RA causes debilitating bone deformity and inflammation. Periodontal disease (perio) is a chronic inflammation that destroys oral tissues, especially teeth and the jawbones. [image shows normal bone height and bone loss caused by perio]

RA and perio share several characteristics, but the most striking is that they are chronic inflammatory diseases that destroy hard and soft tissues.

Studies show that someone who has RA is likely to have perio. The severity of someone's RA is equal to the severity of their perio.

It is very encouraging that patients who underwent perio treatment reported that the severity of their RA decreased after the treatment!

RA and perio patients can greatly benefit from a home oral care routine that consists of regular brushing and flossing to remove harmful bacteria and plaque from their teeth.

They need to also keep their regular appointments for professional dental cleanings. Your hygienist uses special instruments to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar from places that you cannot reach at home.

Call today and schedule your regular cleaning appointment. Be sure and let us know if you have RA or any other medical condition. We can take better care of you when we have all the information.

Have You Made a 20 Thousand Dollar Mistake?

Sports-related dental injuries don't happen to only boys and guys. Rapidly increasing numbers of girls and adult women are participating in a wide range of sports and activities.

To protect your beautiful smile, an inexpensive piece of sports equipment everyone—men, women, boys and girls—should think first about when they put on their game face is a mouthguard.

The choice is simple: a $75–100 dollar custom-fitted mouthguard or a $20,000 dental injury.

Because girls and women usually don't play contact sports like football, they may not think a mouthguard is necessary.

But, anytime your face can come in contact with a hard object or surface, your teeth are at risk, and shelling out 20 grand over your lifetime for a dental injury is not a pleasant thought.

If you SCUBA dive, play volleyball, climb rock walls, water ski or toboggan down a snowy slope, for example, you are in contention for a dental injury or a fractured jaw.

When you compare mouthguards side-by-side, a custom-fitted mouthguard is your best choice.

Custom fitted: offers the most protection. Protects the teeth and jaws. Doesn't strain breathing. Adjustable. Fits comfortably in your mouth. We may be able to make one in your favorite color!

Boil-and-bite, over-the-counter: fits better than ready-to-wear but not as well as a custom-fitted mouthguard. May be uncomfortable.

Ready-to-wear: can't be tested for fit or comfort. Have to keep mouth closed, which interferes with breathing. Offers the least protection. Uncomfortable to wear.

Call us today; we can fit you for a custom-made mouthguard. Consider it your retirement money in the bank!

Manbir Pannu, DDS
8523 Ridge Rd.
North Royalton, OH 44133
(440) 237-7730
www.northroyaltondentist.com