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
A Mile A Day Keeps The Dentist Away
It is well accepted that regular physical exercise reduces the risk of getting heart disease, colon cancer, osteoporosis, hypertension, high cholesterol, and a range of other disorders. Now Dentistry News has published a study by researchers from Case Western Reserve University showing that physical activity may also reduce the risk of getting periodontitis, an inflammatory gum condition that afflicts over one-third of the population in the U.S. and is considered to be the chief cause of adult tooth loss.
Data from 12,110 individuals found that individuals who exercised, had healthy eating habits and maintained a normal weight were 40 percent less likely to develop periodontitis. Another similar study reported in the Journal of Dentistry, showed that non-smokers who exercise regularly have 54% less risk of having periodontitis than those who smoke and don't exercise.
The standard which the Case Western study used was that a healthy exercise regimen should include at least one of the following: walking a mile without stopping, jogging or running, bike riding, aerobic dancing or exercise, dancing, swimming, calisthenics, garden or yard work and weight lifting. If individuals reported five or more moderate physical activities or three intensive activity sessions a week, it was considered a healthy regimen.
Researchers concluded that such exercise programs offer such a wide range of benefits because, at least in part, it reduces C-reactive protein which is associated with inflammatory processes that lead to periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the gums.
Regular brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist reduce the bacterial burden that spreads inflammation of the gums. Regular, healthy exercise apparently reduces the degree of inflammatory response in the gums in the presence of bacterial activity and thus reduces the risk of periodontitis.
The appropriate exercise for an individual should be determined in consultation with a health professional.
Walking a mile a day just might keep the dentist away, at least between regular check-ups.
