healthbriefs


Article on Gum Disease and Breast Cancer Highlights Importance of Maintaining Oral Health A


ccording to an article published February 25 in Dallas County News, a new study indicates that women with gum disease may have a significantly higher incidence of breast cancer than women with no oral health concerns. Natural Awakenings Long Island spoke with Dr. Johnathan Richter about this news. Richter, DDS, FAGD, of Cardiodontal, in Great Neck, was emphatic that breast cancer is only one of the many health concerns that may be related to gum disease; it is a reminder of how intertwined oral health is with the well-being of the body as a whole.


Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD


Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the mouth, which is caused by microorganisms contained in dental plaque. Richter has been focused on the whole body systemic effect of oral health for years and has written numerous articles on the link to other inflammatory diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. The reason Richter believes there is a connection? “Bacteria from infected gums may enter the bloodstream and attach itself to blood vessels or even be transported to various areas of the body,” explains Richter. While there is still much left to be learned about the interaction between gum disease and other illnesses, it is still worth noting that good oral care at home and with one’s dentist will impact one’s overall health and wellness.


Richter notes that when it comes to oral health, preventive care is the most


important option for patients. “when patients come to our office, they not only get the thorough in-office care that they would expect, they also get strict instructions on the best homecare routines for themselves and their families. Maintaining ef- fective oral hygiene routines, including visiting your dentist for regularly scheduled cleanings; brushing after meals; chewing gum with xylitol; flossing; and the use of a water irrigator, like Waterpik, will reduce cavities, reduce periodontal disease and it seems now if this study is an accurate indicator, these good oral hygiene habits may even reduce the risk of breast cancer.”


Source: Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, of Cardiodontal (310 E. Shore Rd., Ste. 101, Great Neck). For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 516-282-0310. See ad on back cover.


I


Fracking Fluids Found Toxic to Health


n analyzing 1,021 chemicals con- tained in fluids and wastewater used in


hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for oil or natural gas, a Yale University study found that at least 157 of the chemicals—in- cluding arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde and mercury—are associated with either developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity or both. Of the total identified chemicals, 925 were used in the hydraulic fracturing process, 132 in fracking wastewater and 36 were present in both. The scientists utilized the rEPrOTOX database in the Chemical Abstract Service registry and then reviewed the available research, including human and animal studies. Toxicity data wasn’t available for


781 of the chemicals used in fracking. Among the other 240 chemicals, 103 were reproductive toxins. An additional 95 were developmental toxins. Another 41 have been found to be both repro- ductive and developmental toxins. The researchers further suggested that at least 67 of the chemicals be prioritized in drinking water testing.


There is nothing on this Earth


more to be prized than true friendship. ~Thomas Aquinas


20 Long Island Edition www.NaturalAwakeningsLI.com


Senior author and Professor of Public Health Nicole Deziel, Ph.D., adds, “This evaluation is a first step to prioritize the vast array of potential envi- ronmental contaminants from hydraulic fracturing for future exposure and health studies. Quantification of the potential exposure to these chemicals, such as by monitoring drinking water in people’s homes, is vital for understanding the [as- sociated] public health impact.”


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