Oak Hills Periodontics
is pleased to be a sponsor,
for the second
year, of the American
Heart Association’s Go
Red campaign. The efforts to
educate the women of South
Texas about the risk factors of cardiovascular
disease are a priority
for our practice!
How many people reading this article
are aware that periodontal disease,
more commonly called “gum
disease,” has been linked to
increased risk of heart attack and
stroke? Many women know that
exercise, diet, and genetics all play
a role in managing their risk when
it comes to heart attack and stroke.
We now need to add another must
do to our list of self-care: seeing
the dentist.
First, what is periodontal disease?
Simply put, periodontal disease is
an infection of the gum tissue and
bone around the teeth caused by
bacterial biofilm. Biofilm, more
commonly known as dental plaque,
is a soft sticky accumulation of bacteria
that grows constantly on our
teeth, gums and tongue. The
good news is that biofilm can be
reduced by brushing, flossing, and
the use of a tongue scraper. This
alone, unfortunately, is not
enough. Each person’s risk factors
for gum disease will differ. This is
why professional dental care is an
important component of overall
oral health.
It is always best to go to dental
appointments prepared to ask
important questions and armed
with the information dental
providers will need to adequately
assess risk for periodontal disease.
Dr. Berlanga received her bachelor
of science degree from Texas A&M
University and received her doctor
of dental surgery degree from the
Dental School at the University of
Texas Health Science Center in
San Antonio. In 1991 Dr. Berlanga
completed her Periodontics training
in San Antonio and has maintained
a private practice in San
Antonio since that time. Dr.
Berlanga is a Diplomate of the
American Board of Periodontology,
the highest academic achievement
to be obtained in periodontics. Dr.
Berlanga is committed to delivering
the best, most advanced care
possible to each of her patients
and attends numerous continuingeducation
courses throughout the
year to achieve this goal.
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