healthbriefs
Obesity and Periodontal Disease
by Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD A
Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD
mong dental pathologies, periodon- titis is a very common, primarily bacterial inflammatory disease, which destroys teeth surrounding soft tissues and bone. It leads to pocket formation and ultimately to loss of teeth if no ef- fective treatment is applied. Periodonti- tis is no longer considered only an oral health issue but also a public health problem, as it constitutes a risk fac- tor for cardiovascular conditions, poor glycemic control in diabetics, and even
adverse outcome of pregnancy. Obesity and periodontitis are important chronic health
problems. Obesity is associated with an increased prevalence of periodontitis. Whether obesity also affects the outcome of nonsurgical periodontal therapy is still unclear. Recently, however, a meta-analysis was performed evaluating the results of eight studies looking to determine the correlation between the two. While three of eight studies failed to show any influence of obesity on pocket-depth reduction after nonsurgical therapy, the remaining five studies documented a clear negative effect on the outcome of nonsurgical peri- odontal therapy. The importance is significant and offers yet another pervasive argument for maintaining a healthy weight. The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide and is becoming one of the most important health hazards. The biological mechanism by which obesity predisposes to periodontitis is not fully understood, but it is believed that adipose tissue contains up to 60 percent more macrophage infiltration. Macrophage infiltration can send signals to modify or trigger inflammation. Some say adipose tissue can be considered its own metabolically active endocrine organ because of this. Periodontists and patients alike should consider a weight-reduction diet as an additional treatment for peri- odontal health.
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.
uring a yoga class, the teacher will often advise the stu- dents to rest in child’s pose when needed. This pose is usually offered as an alternative to another more challenging pose or as an option for students seeking a gentle practice. When students are new to a class, they are also often told that if there is any pose that they are uncomfortable with they should sit back in child’s pose. Yet for many students, this pose can be extremely challenging. Child’s pose has many benefits: it rounds and stretches
Why Child’s Pose Is Not Always a Resting Pose D
the entire back; it stimulates the third eye chakra; it is a good counter pose to a back bend; and for some, it can be very restful. Yet for many students, child’s pose is very difficult. For students with knee pain, scoliosis, foot pain, tight quadriceps or certain autoimmune diseases, child’s pose can feel like torture. Even for the most practiced and advanced students, staying in child’s pose for a long period of time can irritate the tops of the feet and constrict circulation in the legs.
Offering modifications for students can be helpful.
Some options include a bolster or block placed between the ankles for the student to sit back on and then another block or bolster under the forehead, or a bolster under the torso can help create the support needed to really be able to relax and release into the pose. For sore feet, placing a blanket under the tops of the feet can help create cushions for the bones. For those students that get foot cramps, simply curling under the toes while in child’s pose can help with cramping. For sore knees, a blanket under the knees or doubling up the yoga mat can create cushioning. For these students, child’s pose will become more avail-
able over time with a consistent yoga practice. Their flexibility will increase, making all poses, including child’s pose, more comfortable. Yoga, in general, will help all students with their overall range of motion, circulation, flexibility and mood.
Source: Devon Giordano, is a certified yoga instructor, RYT 200 and host of an online yoga class. To gain access to her online class, email
DevonGiordano@gmail.com or reach her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DevonGiordan- oYoga/
16 Long Island Edition
www.NaturalAwakeningsLI.com
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