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Jean E. Barthman, DDS
801 Brewster Ave Ste 255
Redwood City, CA 94063
Ph: (650) 367-4967

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Meet Dr. Barthman

Dr. BarthmanBeauty, Health and Comfort. These words best describe the office of Dr. Barthman. Because of her years of experience and education, she possesses the latest knowledge and techniques in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve optimal results.

Dr. Barthman is a Member of

  • American Dental Association
  • Las Vegas Institute for
  • Advanced Dental Studies

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Did You Know?

Above all else, Dr. Barthman wants for you to have a beautiful, new smile. Prevention is the key to staying healthy and so we recommend the following tips to get you on your way:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Chew sugarless gum instead of sugary varieties.
  • Floss daily and if possible, after every meal.
  • Prevent plaque and cavities by reducing your daily intake of sweet snacks.
  • Schedule a cleaning and oral examination with Dr. Barthman once a year.

 

Restorative Dentistry Can Protect Your Healthy Heart

June 01, 2015 @ 10:00 AM -- by Dr. Jean Barthman

Smiling woman against a blue-grey wallWhen you consider your cardiovascular health, you probably think about exercising and eating a healthy, low-cholesterol diet. You probably don’t think about brushing your teeth. However, many cardiovascular experts believe that there is a connection between heart disease and gum disease. They are unsure about the nature of the correlation, but many agree that maintaining good oral hygiene is an important step toward preventing heart attack and stroke. Dr. Barthman offers a full selection of restorative dentistry procedures to protect both your smile and your cardiovascular health. Her first goal is to prevent gum disease and decay, but she also offers various treatments if you are already suffering from periodontitis. To learn more about dental care and heart health, contact our Redwood City practice today.

It’s all about the Head and the Heart

There is no definitive proof that gum disease causes heart attacks. Nevertheless, there is enough evidence to suggest that periodontitis can increase your risk for heart disease. Some experts speculate that bacteria from your mouth can enter your blood stream and travel throughout your body. Once inside your blood, the bacteria will adhere to fat cells, forming clots. In fact, scientists have discovered the same bacteria in blood clots and in diseased gum tissue. Other cardiovascular experts believe that the microbes cause inflammation and hardening of the blood vessels. This process greatly increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.

How to Maintain Your Healthy Gums

Although the connection between periodontal and cardiovascular health is still open to debate, there is no doubt that healthy gums are essential. Therefore, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene to protect your smile, appearance, and, most likely, your heart health. Brushing and flossing is fundamental. You should brush every day, at least twice a day. For optimal gum protection, brush after meals but wait at least 30 minutes. This will allow food particles and bacteria to dissipate. You should also floss at least once a day. Remember to address each one of your teeth, as well as the spaces between your teeth and gum line. Additionally, be sure to drink plenty of water, especially with meals, and use antibacterial mouthwash daily.

Although your personal care at home is essential for oral health, it is important to receive professional care, as well. Only a dentist or hygienist can remove the stubborn plaque and tartar that lead to gum disease. Plus, Dr. Barthman can identify gum inflammation and other early signs of gingivitis. Then she can address the condition before it progresses to full gum disease. For optimal oral wellness, you should visit our office at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.

Already Suffering from Gum Disease?

If you have already been diagnosed with periodontitis, proper care can prevent the progression of the condition. It can also keep bacteria from spreading throughout your body, compromising your heart health. Gingivitis is a precursor to gum disease, and it results in mild gum inflammation. Dr. Barthman can typically treat this condition with a routine dental cleaning. Once gingivitis progresses to gum disease, she may perform a deep cleaning. This treatment is also known as scaling and root planing. Dr. Barthman will remove bacterial pockets from your gums, and she will smooth rough spots on your tooth roots. Bacteria can easily accumulate in these uneven patches, so the process will prevent a flare-up of gum disease. Antibiotics and topical medications can also be good options.

Schedule an Appointment to Protect Your Overall Health

When you care for your smile, you may also safeguard your heart health and extend your life. Contact us today to schedule an exam and cleaning or to find out how we can treat your existing gum disease.