TREATING PERIODONTAL DISEASE REDUCES PROSTATE DISEASEPrevious studies have determined that there is a connection between periodontal disease and prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland. Research at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine discovered that treating patient's periodontal disease resulted in improvement of the prostate gland.All 27 subjects of the study had needle biopsies of the prostate that showed inflammation, as well as PSA (prostate specific antigen) tests that usually indicate inflammation and/or cancer.All 27 subjects had at least 18 teeth and had at least moderate periodontal disease and were treated for it. They were all tested for periodontal disease four to eight weeks later, and all showed major improvements.During the treatment phase none of the men received treatment for prostate problems, and 21 of the 27 showed lower PSA levels as a result of the periodontal treatment.The researchers are hoping for more studies to confirm their findings. Their hope is that all prostate patients will have periodontal treatment incorporated in their regimen when needed.An article on this study in Dentistry Today online can be read by clicking here.Prostate problems are being added to the disease connections with periodontal disease, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, senile dementia, chronic kidney disease, pancreatic cancer, coronary heart disease and strokes.At Clark Family Dental we continue to remind our patients about the serious consequences of periodontal disease, and treat the disease when it is presented. We care about your halth.