SL_Bryn Mawr Periodontics Profile_FINAL_0122 . qxp_Layout 1 2 / 1 / 22 3 : 21 PM Page 1 by Jenny Graham photography by Jody Robinson AIN LINE BOARD ? CERTIFIED PERIODONTIST HANH BUI KEATING , D.M.D . , has long Mchampioned routine periodontal care as a way to maintain overall health and wellness . Despite the efforts of the dental community , periodontal disease has reached epidemic proportions in the United States . Approximately 50 percent of Americans over the age of 30 , as well as 70 percent of Americans ages 70 and older , have some form of gum disease , according to estimates from the American Dental Association and Ameri - can Academy of Periodontology ( AAP ) . Most of these cases go undiagnosed or untreated . Dr . Keating says the stakes have never been higher . She cites a recent AAP article , which found a startling link between peri - odontitis — the most severe form of gum dis - ease — and poorer outcomes among patients with COVID - 19 . Of the nearly 570 patients studied , those with periodontitis were at least three times more likely to experience COVID - 19 complications such as death , admission to the intensive care unit , and the need for as - sisted ventilation . Additionally , the study re - vealed that COVID - 19 patients with periodon - AnOunce titis showed “ increased levels of biomarkers associated with worsened disease outcomes . ” “ It’s more important than ever to be of aware of your overall dental health , specifi - Prevention callyyour periodontal status , ” says Dr . Keating of Bryn Mawr Periodontal Associates . “ I have met many patients who had no idea they have been living with this silent condition for Inthe age of COVID - 19 , Dr . Hanh Bui Keating of Bryn solong . By the time they would come to me , either because their teeth feel loose or painful , MawrPeriodontal Associates suggests routine periodontal they had bad breath , their gums are bleeding , caremay not only save teeth but also help protect lives . orthey could visibly see their gums receding , their gum disease is usually in the more ad - vanced stage . ” doctor wouldn’t just send a diabetic home thattoday’s patients want options , ” she adds . Dr . Keating says these patients come from withmedication and not coach them on mak - “ They don’t want to be told there’s only one all walks of life , from stay - at - home caregivers ing lifestyle changes , we believe in providing way to do things . If the patient is a candidate to scientists to CEOs . Many either regret not a realistic approach to managing periodontal for laser surgery , we’re proud to be able to knowing about their condition sooner or wish disease . We are here to help . Treating peri - offer them that option . ” they were more informed about less invasive odontaldisease is what we are the best at do - With COVID - 19 infections running ram - options to treat their condition because the ing , and we do it with love and care . ” pantthroughout the United States , Dr . Keating traditional “ cut and sew ” option sounds For example , she added the “ No Cut , No suggestsmaintaining proper oral hygiene re - frightening to them . Dr . Keating takes a “ holis - Sew , No Fear ” minimally invasive LANAP ® mains as important than ever . She and her tic approach to fighting periodontal disease , ” procedure to her repertoire in 2013 . Featuring colleagues at Bryn Mawr Periodontal Associ - meaning her practice offers multiple treat - the PerioLase MVP - 7 ® Dental Laser , which is ateshave created a safe and comfortable en - ment options and believes strongly in patient FDAapproved to treat gum disease , this treat - vironmentdesigned to reassure patients . For education . mentoffers an alternative to more invasive sur - example , the office boasts a HEPA air - filtration “ Periodontal disease is a lifelong condi - gery.She is quick to note , however , that some system and UV lights for enhanced steriliza - tion , ” she adds . “ The treatments we offer will patientsare not a good fit for a laser procedure . tion . provide pain relief and help slow progress of Forthese cases , she would perform the proce - “ The risk of doing nothing far outweighs the disease . That’s why we believe it’s so im - dureusing a more traditional approach . the risk of coming in for treatment , ” she says . portant to educate the patient and help them “ With such a large portion of the popu - “ There are already inflammatory cytokines manage the disease . In the same way that a lation suffering from gum disease , we find in the patient’s body in response to the peri - odontal disease . Adding in - flammation from COVID , per BrynMawr Periodontal Associates D se , and the scale tips towards 1201County Line Road , Suite 201 | Bryn Mawr , PA 19010 | ( 610 ) 525 - 8485 | brynmawrperio.com ? apooreroutcome . ” SUBURBANLIFEMAGAZINE.COM VOLUME 13 ISSUE 5 46 |