WESTMONT, Ill., March 6, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- By going to the dentist, you can find out if you have high cholesterol or high C-Reactive Protein (two major heart markers), colon cancer, diabetes, gout, or a variety of other health issues. Could this be the future for dentistry?
Local dentist Dr. Ron Schefdore of Westmont, IL, is the first dentist in the U.S. to become certified to perform simple, in-office, finger stick blood tests on patients who have bleeding gums. Research shows that bleeding gums elevate cholesterol, blood sugar, and C-Reactive Protein levels. According to the ADA, as many as 72% of adults have bleeding gums when getting their teeth cleaned. "Many times, the gums will become inflamed before the rest of the body has a chance to show any signs of a disease," says Dr. Schefdore. He also states that by combining a unique blend of plant extracts called nutraceuticals, as an adjunct to traditional periodontal treatment, the inflammation and bleeding were reduced and patients' blood chemistries showed significant improvement. "If things do not improve after treatment, then we suspect an underlying medical condition and refer the patient to their physician. The physicians appreciate the referral and the patients are appreciative of our thoroughness with their total health."
Dr. Schefdore adds, "A couple of months ago, we had referred our patient to their physician because their post-treatment blood test, C-Reactive Protein (caused by inflammation (bleeding gums)), had increased instead of decreased after treating their gum disease." *According to the New England Journal of Medicine, C-Reactive Protein is a better indicator of a heart attack or stroke than high cholesterol. John Hopkins research shows that high C-Reactive Protein is related to colon cancer. "Upon seeing their physician, our patient was diagnosed with early colon cancer! Additionally, when a patient's blood sugar levels are elevated, we refer them to their physician for diagnosis and treatment. Several patients we referred to their physicians were diagnosed with diabetes. Patients we have tested are available by phone for interviews. Imagine how much healthier the world would be if all dentists did these pin prick blood tests and incorporated natural anti-inflammatories in treatment?"
Dr. Schefdore is teaching dentists throughout the country on this new unique Healthy Heart Dentistry(tm) Program. This is a great time for dentistry, since there have been many advancements made to effectively treat periodontal disease, using no antibiotics and no surgery (in most cases surgery is not needed if caught early enough). Dr. Schefdore encourages the public to start taking more initiative and self-responsibility on becoming more informed about their health risks and the options they have to treat periodontal disease, so it will not negatively affect their overall health. Go to www.yourcelebritysmile.com for more information or contact our office at (630) 971-0682.