Academics:
Faculty, USC School of Dentistry
Graduate, USC School of Dentistry
Special Qualifications:
Fellow,
Academy of General Dentistry
Fellow, International College of
Cranio- Mandibular Orthopaedics
Fellow, International Academy of
Mini Dental Implants
Fellow, International Congress of
Oral Implantologists
Fellow, Institute for Advanced
Laser Dentistry
Conscious Sedation Permit,
Dental Board of California
Member:
Member, American Dental Association
Member, California Dental Association
Associate Member, American
Academy of Periodontology
Associate Member, Western Society
Academy of Periodontology
Member, American Academy of
Dental Sleep Medicine
Member, American Academy of
Implant Dentistry
Member, American Dental Society
of Anesthesiology
Member, American Academy of
Pain Management
Member, American Academy of
Sleep Medicine
Member, Academy of Microscope
Enhanced Dentistry
Member, Special Care Dentistry
Association
Lectures & Presentations:
San Gabriel Valley Dental Society
San Gabriel Valley Dental
Assistants Society
San Fernando Valley Dental Society
Western Dental Society
Indian Dental Society
Chinese Dental Society
Punjabi Dental Society
Academy for Excellence in Dentistry
University of Texas, Department
of Periodontics
Community Service:
SMILE TALK, KRLA
Radio Talk Show Host, KDAR
KSPA
Columnist, Around Alhambra
Columnist, Cascades
Operation Gratitude
Honors & Recognition:
Doctor of Divinity, Chinese for
Christ Theological Seminary
Lifetime Member, ADA, CDA
USC Dentistry Associates, Dean’s
Member
Recognition for Outstanding Service,
USC School of Dentistry
Articles
John C. Chao, D.D.S., F.A.G.D
Anxiety Management,
Behavior Science,
Faculty, USC School of Dentistry
Exercise Can Save Your Teeth
Regular exercise has been shown by recent studies to be beneficial in reducing inflammatory processes in the body. For this reason, inflammatory protein markers, such as C-reactive protein, have been used to assess risk of heart disease. Now, it has been suggested by new dental research that a regular regimen of exercise, which decreases inflammation in the body, is associated with decreased risk of gum disease. Hence, exercise may be the universally recognized factor that will promote both physical and dental health. Exercise can indeed lower your risk of periodontal (gum) disease that is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults.
Gum disease is an inflammatory process that is triggered by the presence of higher than normal numbers of periodontal pathogens (bacteria that cause gum disease.) This inflammatory process leads to the migration of certain bone-destroying cells (osteoclasts and polymorphocytes, e.g.) to the support structures of the teeth. Over time, bone loss around the roots of the teeth leads to spaces around the roots, called "pockets." Deepening of the pockets can eventually lead to loss of teeth. Periodontitis (gum disease) is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
It is not generally known that infected gum tissue has as much surface area as that of the skin of the forehead. You can imagine why a person would feel better when gum disease is treated. It has been my experience that patients will often report a dramatic change in their physical well-being after undergoing a program of root planing. They report sleeping better, feeling generally better and more energetic. Obviously, removing a major source of infection and inflammation in the body unburdens the immune system and results in all-around improvement Therefore, if you have signs of gum disease, such as painless swelling and bleeding of the gum, see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment. You will be glad you did.
To prevent gum disease, you should brush and floss at least two to three times per day, and see your dentist every six months. You should also engage in an exercise regimen approved by your physician. Remember, when your body is healthy, your teeth are more likely to be healthy. When your teeth and gums become healthier, your body will also.
