Lakefront Family Dentistry Blog

Fusobacterium Nucleatum

Understanding Its Impact on Human and Oral Health

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a type of bacteria commonly found in the human oral cavity. It plays a significant role in dental plaque formation and is associated with various periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. However, its impact extends beyond oral health.

The Harmful Potential of Fusobacterium Nucleatum

While Fusobacterium nucleatum is a normal part of the mouth’s microbial community, it can become harmful under certain conditions. If it proliferates unchecked, it can lead to severe gum disease and tooth decay. But its effects are not limited to the mouth; research has linked it to more systemic health issues.

Systemic Effects and Risks

Recent studies have identified a connection between Fusobacterium nucleatum and colorectal cancer, suggesting that this bacterium can escape the oral cavity and contribute to tumor formation in the colon. It is mentioned that transient bacteremia promotes a pro-inflammatory environment conducive to cancer development.

The Body's Colon and How Fusobacterium Nucleatum Might be Connected to Colon Cancer.
The Body’s Colon and How Fusobacterium Nucleatum Might be Connected to Colon Cancer.

Mechanism of Harm

Fusobacterium nucleatum can adhere to and invade colon cells, promoting an inflammatory response that may aid in the progression of colorectal cancer. It can also interact with other elements of the body’s microbiome and immune system, further contributing to disease processes.

Importance of Oral Health

The link between Fusobacterium nucleatum and systemic health issues underscores the critical importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleanings can help control the levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth, potentially reducing the risk of its negative effects on overall health.

Fusobacterium Nucleatum is a Common Type of Bacteria in the Mouth that Can Be Harmful Under Certain Conditions if Left Unchecked.
Fusobacterium Nucleatum is a Common Type of Bacteria in the Mouth that Can Be Harmful Under Certain Conditions if Left Unchecked.

Best Dentists in Riverside County

Considering the detrimental health effects Fusobacterium Nucleatum can have on a person’s health, requesting an appointment with Dr. Mark Phillipe or Dr. Derek Hauser at Lakefront Family Dentistry is important for your well-being.

As the most referred dentists in the Inland Empire, they will complete a thorough exam, which includes digital x-rays during your first visit. Patients receive personalized dental care and expertise on how to manage oral bacteria effectively, contributing to better overall health and well-being.

Based on your exam, if a course of treatment is necessary, the dentists will discuss it with each patient. For example, professional teeth cleaning with one of the registered dental hygienists is recommended two times per year. This saves patients money by preventing additional procedures later such as decay, cavities, periodontitis, and gum disease.

Dr. Mark Phillipe and Dr. Derek Hauser with our Beautiful Dental Therapy Dogs
Dr. Mark Phillipe and Dr. Derek Hauser with our Beautiful Dental Therapy Dogs

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No Dental Insurance? No Problem with Our Plan for Health Packages.

We also accept Care Credit and Lending Club Financing, if Qualified.

42 Reasons Why You Need to See the Best Dentists for Your Health

1. Routine Dental Check-ups

Regular check-ups can identify early signs of periodontal disease caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum, allowing for prompt treatment.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Early detection of periodontal issues can prevent more serious conditions, including those linked to systemic health problems like colorectal cancer.

family dentist
Nilla Loves Sitting with Patients Who Want that Extra Comfort During their Dental Treatment.

2. Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of gum disease and the proliferation of harmful bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria that can lead to gum disease and potentially influence systemic conditions like colon cancer, decay, cavities, gum disease, periodontal disease and improve overall hygiene.

Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease Treatment
Gum Disease and Periodontal Disease Treatment

3. Cavity Fillings

Decay often results from bacterial action in plaque.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Restore tooth structure and prevent further decay caused by bacterial activity using in-house CEREC dental technology.

Dental Cavity Before and After Treatment
Dental Cavity Before and After Treatment

4. Root Canal Treatment

Infections in the root canal could be due to periodontal pathogens.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Treat infections and save teeth from extraction.

after crowns are seated on both teeth and are abscess and pain free for life
After porcelain crowns are seated on both teeth with a root canal, removing the abscess and sealing the teeth.

5. Crowns

Damaged or decayed teeth might result from bacterial infections.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Protect and restore the tooth’s structure and function with new porcelain crowns made the same day with Lakefront Family Dentistry’s in-house CEREC milling machines and CAD/CAM Systems.

Professional Teeth Cleaning, Tooth Extraction, Dental Implant, CEREC Porcelain Crowns at Lakefront Family Dentistry
Professional Teeth Cleaning, Tooth Extraction, Dental Implant, CEREC Porcelain Crowns at Lakefront Family Dentistry

6. Dental Veneers

Aesthetic issues may stem from bacterial damage to enamel.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Improve the appearance of teeth affected by decay or erosion using the in-house CEREC lab to make beautiful veneers in two to three minutes and porcelain crowns in just one visit.

bruxism before and after treatment with porcelain veneers using CEREC in our office
bruxism teeth grinding treatment

7. Dental Bridges

Tooth loss from periodontal disease needs restoration.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Replace missing teeth and restore function with a custom made dental bridge. Enjoy eating your favorite foods again.

8. Tooth Extractions

Advanced periodontal disease may necessitate extractions.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: To remove severely damaged or infected teeth that cannot be saved through other dental treatments.

9. Dentures

Tooth loss, often due to periodontal diseases.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Provide functional replacements for missing teeth. Be confident in your smile and ability to eat the things you love!

10. Dental Implants

Loss of teeth from bacterial infections.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Offer a permanent solution for tooth replacement with titanium dental implants and CEREC porcelain crowns.

Titanium Dental Implant with CEREC Porcelain Crowns and Veneers
Titanium Dental Implant with CEREC Porcelain Crown and Teeth Cleaning

11. Orthodontics

Misaligned teeth can harbor more bacteria and lead to periodontal issues.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Correct alignment, facilitating better oral hygiene and reducing disease risk with Invisalign treatment.

Invisalign Treatment for Malocclusions
Invisalign Treatment for Malocclusions

12. Teeth Whitening

Discoloration may be due to plaque and bacterial action.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Enhance aesthetic appearance and remove stains caused by bacteria.

13. Periodontal Treatment

Targeted treatments address the effects of periodontal diseases, which are often associated with bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Manage and treat gum disease and prevent further oral health decline. The best registered dental hygienists at Lakefront Family Dentistry frequently treat patients with periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease Treatment Patient at Lakefront Family Dentistry (Before and After)
Periodontal Disease Treatment Patient at Lakefront Family Dentistry (Before and After)

14. Dental Bonding

Restoration for minor decay and damage due to bacterial action.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Repair and restore aesthetics and function to damaged teeth.

15. TMJ/TMD Treatment

Periodontal disease can impact overall oral structure and function.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: To alleviate jaw pain and correct dysfunction possibly related to oral health issues. Dr. Mark Phillipe and Dr. Derek Hauser often use Botox treatment to alleviate TMJ / TMD pain with great success.

TMJ Pain Treatment with Botox
TMJ Pain Treatment with Botox

16. Sealants

Protective barrier against bacteria causing decay.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Prevent cavities in molars and premolars.

17. Wisdom Teeth Management

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to bacterial buildup and infection.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: To prevent or address complications from wisdom teeth, including periodontal issues.

18. Dental X-rays and Imaging

Identifies hidden periodontal disease and effects of bacterial infections with Lakefront Family Dentistry’s Panoramic digital x-ray in the office.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: To diagnose internal issues not visible during a regular exam. Did you know 70 per cent of a person’s tooth is below the actual gumline?

Orthophos SL 3D Dentist Xray Images
Orthophos SL 3D Dentist Xray Images

19. Oral Cancer Screenings

Some oral cancers are linked to chronic bacterial infections.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Detect early signs of oral cancer, potentially related to long-term bacterial presence. Often, the dentist is the very first doctor to notice oral cancer in patients. Early detection during bi-annual exams can save lives.

oral cancer
Dentists are Usually the First Doctors to See Signs of Oral Cancer. Request Your Annual Checkup Today.

20. Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride combats tooth decay caused by bacteria.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.

21. Inlays and Onlays

Restorations for damage due to decay from bacterial action.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: To restore teeth with significant decay while maintaining tooth structure.

22. Cosmetic Dentistry

Addresses aesthetic concerns that may arise from bacterial damage.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Improve the appearance of teeth affected by bacterial decay, extractions, gum disease, cavities, and periodontal disease.

Same-Day CEREC Crowns
Same-Day CEREC Crowns Patient at Lakefront Family Dentistry

23. Pediatric Dentistry

Early dental visits help identify and manage oral bacteria that could affect children’s long-term dental health, preventing early childhood caries and other bacterial complications.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Ensuring a healthy oral environment for children and educating them on preventive care.

pediatric dentistry
Dr. Mark Phillipe, DDS, and Nilla, Our Dental Therapy Dog and a Happy Patient!

24. Emergency Dental Services

Dental emergencies can often stem from untreated periodontal disease or bacterial infections leading to acute pain or abscesses.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Immediate care to address urgent symptoms and underlying bacterial issues. Call to see if we have an available opening the same day for a dental emergency.

25. Custom Mouthguards

Custom-fitted mouthguards protect against teeth grinding that can exacerbate periodontal disease and protect against trauma and fractures / cracks that could introduce or worsen bacterial infections.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Prevent damage and bacterial ingress into damaged tissues.

26. Occlusal Adjustments

Misaligned bites can contribute to uneven plaque accumulation and stress on certain teeth, potentially worsening periodontal conditions.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Correct bite issues and reduce risk of plaque-related diseases using Invisalign clear aligners.

27. Gingivectomy

Overgrown or infected gum tissue often harbors harmful bacteria, necessitating removal to maintain periodontal health.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Remove diseased tissue and reduce bacterial load.

28. Frenectomy

Abnormal frenum attachments can interfere with oral hygiene, leading to plaque accumulation and bacterial growth.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Improve oral hygiene accessibility and control bacterial proliferation with our pain-free Solea laser by removing the frenum in minutes.

Solea Laser for Tooth Fillings and Frenectomy
Solea Laser for Tooth Fillings and Frenectomy

29. Biopsy of Tissue

Investigating suspicious lesions or growths in the mouth can lead to early detection of conditions exacerbated by bacterial infections.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Diagnose potential issues early and prevent disease progression.

30. Sinus Tooth Pain

Oral bacteria can spread to sinus areas, especially if dental health is compromised. This can also cause migraines and severe toothaches.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Meet with Dr. Hauser or Dr. Phillipe to determine the cause of sinus tooth pain and provide prescription and/or necessary dental treatment based on an examination.

sinus infection tooth pain
Sinus Infections Can be Caused by Tooth Pain and Possible Infection.

31. Bone Grafting

Ensuring that the bone structure is free of bacterial infection is crucial for successful grafting and implant placement.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Augment bone for dental implants while preventing bacterial related complications.

32. Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea can be exacerbated by oral health issues, and there is growing interest in how oral health, particularly gum health, affects overall health.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Treat sleep apnea which, if left unchecked, can lead to more significant health problems, as well as maintaining good oral health that supports overall well-being.

33. Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Comprehensive treatment plans address extensive dental issues, often related to chronic bacterial infections and periodontal disease.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Restore oral health and function while managing bacterial infections.

dr hauser making a cerec crown
Dr. Hauser Creating a Beautiful Smile with CEREC

34. Scaling and Root Planing

Deep cleaning procedures remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, directly combating periodontal pathogens.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: The best registered dental hygienists at Lakefront Family Dentistry will treat periodontal disease and reduce bacterial loads.

35. Laser Dentistry

Solea Laser treatments at the private dental practice will target and eliminate periodontal bacteria, promoting healing and reducing infection rates. The Solea laser is used in our private dental practice for filling a cavity, gingivectomy, frenectomy, and gummy smile.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Minimally invasive treatment of bacterial infections and periodontal disease.

Solea Laser Treatment
Solea Laser Treatment

36. Snoring Prevention Devices

Snoring can be linked to oral infections and bacteria, affecting the airway and oral health.

Reason for Dentist Appointment: Manage snoring related to oral health issues and prevent complications from oral bacteria.

37. Digital Smile Design Using CEREC

Comprehensive smile design considers the health implications of oral bacteria, ensuring restorative work is both aesthetic and functional in a bacterially managed environment.

Reason for Appointment: To design a smile that is not only beautiful but also resistant to bacterial complications.

sirona cerec mc xl primescan cosmetic dentist lake elsinore ca
One of Two CEREC Milling Machines in Our Office that Make Your New Crowns and Veneers.

38. Gum Contouring / Gummy Smile Treatment

Reshaping the gum line with our Solea laser can help eliminate niches where harmful bacteria may accumulate, improving periodontal health.

Reason for Appointment: To enhance the gum line’s appearance and health by reducing bacterial traps.

gummy smile botox
Gummy Smile Treatment Using Botox and Solea Laser

39. Oral Pathology

Oral pathology services diagnose conditions that may be caused or worsened by bacterial infections, providing a basis for targeted treatment.

Reason for Appointment: To investigate and manage oral diseases linked to bacterial infections.

40. Dental Anxiety Management

Overcoming dental anxiety is crucial for regular dental visits, which are essential for monitoring and controlling oral bacterial levels.

Reason for Appointment: To receive care necessary for preventing and treating bacterial-related dental issues without fear.

pediatric dentistry
Another Happy Patient’s First Visit to Lakefront Family Dentistry!

41. Orthodontic Retainers

Retainers can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly, emphasizing the need for professional guidance and regular dental check-ups.

Reason for Appointment: To ensure retainers are effective and hygienic, preventing bacterial buildup and periodontal complications.

42. Oral Bacteria and Colon Cancer

Recent studies have highlighted the potential link between Fusobacterium nucleatum, found in dental plaque, and colorectal cancer.

Understanding these connections emphasizes the importance of oral health in overall wellness.

Reason for Appointment: Patients concerned about the implications of oral bacteria on systemic health may seek comprehensive dental care to mitigate these risks.

Request a Dental Appointment Today for Your Oral Health

Each of these dental services and their correlation with periodontal disease and systemic health underline the importance of regular dental care. For residents in Riverside and San Diego counties, visiting Lakefront Family Dentistry for regular check-ups, cleanings, and specialized treatments ensures not only good oral health but may also play a crucial role in the overall health landscape, particularly concerning emerging research on links like that between Fusobacterium nucleatum and colon cancer.

Dr. Mark Phillipe and Dr. Derek Hauser, with their comprehensive approach to dental care, are well-equipped to address these concerns and provide top-notch dental care to their patients.

Call (951) 244-9495 during business hours to Request an Appointment or fill out the secure, confidential HIPAA compliant form through the website any time.