SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
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SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
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Medical Care You Can Count On At AFC Urgent Care Brentwood, getting care is simple. You can walk in or Get In Line to see a licensed provider, no referral needed. We help your family live life uninterrupted by providing prompt, high-quality medical care right in your neighborhood.
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MEDICAL & DENTAL PROFESSIONALS
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SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
Does poor oral health cause heart problems? SEAN TONGSON
H
eart disease remains the Poor oral health can lead to potential issues with cardiovascular health.
leading cause of death in the United States and
around the world, with about half of all U.S. adults having some form of cardiovascular disease, according to Heart. org. Primary causes of heart disease include aging, genetics, kidney disease,
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thyroid disease, or use of addictive substances, according to data from The Cleveland Clinic. However, there are a lot of connections between oral hygiene and heart health. Often viewed in isolation and not always connected, research has shown that gum disease along with other oral health issues could contribute to heart problems, ranging from inflammation to potentially life-threatening conditions. Risk factors such as smoking, stress, and an unhealthy diet could explain the correlation between poor oral hygiene and heart problems. “It is a very important topic,” said local cardiology nurse Ken Quach. “Our gums are very vascular, tiny blood vessels and capillaries run through our mouth. If we have gum disease which cause bleeding, bacteria can
easily get into our blood stream via our gums, then to our heart and cause infections such as endocarditis.” Endocarditis is an infection of the heart lining, according to oral health website Carequest.org. Additionally, oral bacteria can lead to clogged arteries and heart attacks, as people with gum disease are 28 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack than people without dental problems. Poor oral health also represents a risk factor for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common virus with over 100 types that affect different parts of the body. If people have poor oral hygiene and have to get dental procedures done, that can also increase the risk of bacteria getting into the blood. Substance misuse can also harm multiple systems of the body, including the cardiovascular system, while causing oral and dental
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issues associated with substances ranging from cocaine and methamphetamine to alcohol and marijuana. Methamphetamine, for example, is linked to a significant decline in the saliva’s ability to neutralize acids in the mouth. This, in turn, can lead to an increased risk of dental erosion, according to the American Addiction Center. Data from Heart. org shows that people who use meth also face a 32 percent increased risk for cardiovascular disease. “Methamphetamine usage causes tooth decay and oral tissue damage,” Quach said. “It reduces the amount of saliva production in our mouths, which, in turn, promotes bacteria growth causing tooth decay and gum disease. You have heard of people who are on marijuana have ‘munchies’. Meth addicts have the munchies too, due to increased food and lack of proper oral hygiene.”
Some general tips for improving oral and heart health, according to Heart.org, include: • Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day: This removes plaque-forming bacteria, helps prevent cavities, and fights gum disease. • Healthy eating: Eating a diet rich in essential nutrients instead of refined carbohydrates like added sugars and processed foods such as chips, cookies, instant noodles, and breakfast cereals, can weaken teeth and gums and cause an increase in harmful bacteria. • Avoid tobacco use: These include dipping and chewing tobacco, cigarettes, and vaping, since these can affect gums while increasing the risk of heart disease. • Talk to your total health care team (dentists, doctors, or other health care professionals): Discuss the connection between oral health and the health of your body along with medical history, changes in oral health care, and medications. “I think everyone should take care of their teeth and practice good oral hygiene, not just people with heart problems,” Quach said. “Do what dentists recommend: brush twice a day, use floss and mouthwash. Also, see your dentist regularly. Avoid hard toothbrushes, especially if you are on blood thinner medications. Avoid sweets like sticky candies that are hard to brush off.” For details, visit https://carequest.org/ blog/the-relationship-between-oral-healthand-heart-disease/.
MEDICAL & DENTAL PROFESSIONALS
SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
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At AFC Urgent Care in Brentwood, community is part of its DNA
F
or Derrick Shelton, owner of American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care, the idea behind opening a health clinic began with a problem
all too familiar to parents: a child becomes sick, their primary care doctor isn’t available, and an emergency room visit can be more than the situation requires. “I have frequented many urgent care clinics with my children and have had some tough experiences,” he said. “Not to mention, I have always had great health insurance and was still unable to see a primary doctor.” Shelton saw an opportunity to offer families another option, and that was accessible medical care close to home. That vision became AFC, located at 2455 Sand Creek Road in The Streets of Brentwood at the opposite end of AMC movie theatre. The clinic provides care for a broad range of nonemergency illnesses and injuries, including cold and flu treatments, minor wound care, on-site X-rays, vaccinations, sports physicals, occupational health services, and other diagnostic and wellness services. This allows patients to address many of their health care needs conveniently in one location. “We can basically provide any service that is not emergency based,” Shelton said. “We make it easy on patients by not having to make an appointment.” The convenience of the location played a key role in his decision to open the clinic in Brentwood. Its large commuter population also made it an ideal location to provide care to residents of Brentwood and the surrounding communities. “If I can help folks stay local and not have to travel
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The friendly staff at AFC Urgent Care Brentwood. outside of Brentwood or the surrounding area for care, that would be the best outcome.” Many of the employees are local residents as well which is central to the community aspect of the clinic. Shelton said his goal is to build strong relationships in Brentwood and become a clinic families recognize, trust and return to when they need care. “I love Brentwood, I love the people and I love the small-town feel,” he said. “We’re trying to be a community-based clinic. When
I grew up, we all went to the same doctor. We all went to the same dentist,” Shelton said. “It was generational.” AFC Brentwood is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Patients can walk in or reserve a spot online. They accept a wide range of insurance plans. For more information or to reserve a spot, visit AFC Urgent Care Brentwood online at www.afcurgentcare. com/brentwood/ or call the center at (925) 679-4876.
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Whitening your teeth – what to know SEAN TONGSON
M
any people are proud to In-office whitening is one of the quickest way to achieve brighter teeth.
showcase their smiles and their desire for whiter,
brighter teeth. Recent social media trends have also resulted in an increase in teeth whitening, with studies also showing that teeth whitening has become one of the most requested dental procedures by the public,
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according to the National Library of Medicine. Many “do it yourself” options such as toothpastes, films, and gels are also available for use at home. Tooth staining can occur from a variety of different ways, such as tobacco use (either smoking or chewing), food stains from highly acidic or processed foods, staining from dark colored beverages such as coffee or tea, aging due to enamel wearing away, and poor oral hygiene. According to the National Library of Medicine, there are several types of teeth-whitening systems. Toothpastes: Whitening toothpastes typically can lighten tooth color by about
one or two shades using low concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that help lighten tooth color instead of bleach. However, toothpastes typically contain higher amounts of abrasives and detergents than standard toothpastes in order to remove tougher stains. Over-the-counter strips and gels: Introduced in the late 1980s, plastic strips featuring a thin layer of peroxide gel are shaped to fit onto the outer surfaces of the teeth facing the cheeks. Strips are typically applied twice a day for 30 minutes at a time for 14 days, with lightening results visible in several days. Gels are peroxide-based and applied by using a small brush directly to
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the tooth’s surface, usually applied twice a day for 14 days. Whitening strips and gels brighten teeth by one or two shades. Rinses: Whitening rinses or mouthwashes contain oxygen sources such as hydrogen peroxide that brighten teeth, with instructions to rinse twice a day for 60 seconds at a time. This method could take up to three months for a one- or two-shade improvement of teeth whitening. Tray-based tooth whiteners: This method involves using a fitted tray containing carbamide peroxide bleaching gel to be worn for two to four hours a day or overnight. Teeth may be brightened by one or two shades and be noticeable in a few days, and are available professionally and over the counter. In-office whitening: By far the quickest way to achieve brighter teeth, this method entails using higher concentrations of peroxide than over the counter options. Tooth lightening results are seen after one 30- to 60-minute treatment, with more dramatic results possible with several applications.
However, teeth whitening has certain risks, including tooth sensitivity, mild irritation of the gums, gingivital irritation, along with tooth surface roughening and softening. These risks have been brought to the attention of dental professionals as well as the public. The concentration of the peroxide bleach component, duration of the treatment, and the non-bleach composition of the product used can directly affect the severity of these side effects, according to the National Library of Medicine. Tooth sensitivity can occur at the time of treatment and can last several days, while gum irritation can begin within a day of the treatment and can also last for several days. Other risks, including tooth erosion, tooth mineral degradation, increased susceptibility to demineralization, and tooth pulp damage may also occur, in addition to translucent teeth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). For these reasons, the ADA recommends that if you want whiter, brighter teeth, to visit their dentists and undergo what is considered to be the most effective, safe, and professional teeth whitening treatment once or twice a year. For details, visit www.ada.org/resources/ ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening. BrentCourt Dental Group 925-634-3503 1140 2nd St., Brentwood www.brentcourtdentalgroup.com Brentwood Dental Excellence 925-420-5030 5611 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood www.brentwooddentalexcellence.net Marsh Creek Dental 925-516-2988 7760 Brentwood Blvd., Brentwood www.marshcreekdental.com
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