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
Losing Teeth Linked To Losing Memory
There are many contributing factors associated with Alzheimer's disease, the chief among which is genetics. Now researchers found another possible link to Alzheimer's when they inadvertently found a correlation between tooth loss and the onset of Alzheimer's, through studies on identical twins.
Prior studies have shown that, when a twin is diagnosed for Alzheimer's or dementia, the unaffected twin has 60% chance of developing the same. In a retrospective study of the background history of 109 pairs of twins where one twin has been diagnosed for Alzheimer's, Dr. Margaret Gatz, a professor at the University of California, discovered that a larger number of the twins had missing or loose teeth at an early age. Since the most prevalent cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease, and loose teeth is a primary sign of gum disease, Dr. Gatz believes that gum disease is a "solid risk factor" for Alzheimer's. Presumably further studies are pending.
Gum disease has already been implicated as a risk factor in such diseases as arteriosclerosis, premature child birth, low-weight babies and pneumonia. Population studies have indicated shortened lifespan for those with severe gum disease. It appears that, increasingly, scientific research points to oral infection and inflammation as a significant risk factor in the development of serious ailments.
In recognition of the impact of uncontrolled oral infection upon the rest of the body, more and more surgeons are requiring their patients to have gum infections and dental abscesses treated before major surgeries are performed.
For all the above reasons it is becoming clear that regular dental checkups are not only good for your oral health, but also for your general well-being. Saving your teeth just might help save your memory!
